Photo Credit: Houston MethodistHealth
After 10 years of sleepless nights, Houston Methodist Sleep Apnea Patient finds rest
Sleep is a critical pillar of health, yet an estimated 30 million Americans live with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) — many without knowing it. For Houston Methodist The Woodlands Hospital patient Lisa Pflug, OSA was a decade-long battle that left her exhausted, struggling with chronic headaches and depleting her ability to care for her aging mother. All this changed with one outpatient procedure: the implantation of an upper airway stimulation device.
“I was waking up 30 times an hour,” Pflug said. “I’d wake up gasping for air, suffer from sleep paralysis and never felt rested. It was affecting every part of my life.”
Many people with OSA look to traditional continuous positive airway pressure, also known as CPAP, to bring more restful sleep. For Pflug, CPAP wasn’t an option due to the device’s mask not fitting properly and the noise interfering with her ability to care for her mother.
As her caregiving responsibilities grew, Pflug sought an alternative solution, which led to the implantation of an upper airway stimulation device. After a short recovery and gradual activation process, Pflug says the results were immediate and profound.
The implant works by delivering gentle pulses to your airway muscles to keep your airway open allowing for regular breathing and sound sleep.
“By stimulating muscles of the upper airway in a precise, targeted way, the implant allows us to support the patient’s natural physiology and keep the airway open, the way it’s supposed to,” Dr. Daniel Strigenz, head and neck surgeon and otolaryngologist (ENT) said. “The implant really works with the body, not against it, to help patients achieve deep, restorative sleep.”
“I finally feel well rested,” Pflug said. “My headaches are gone; I’m gardening and walking again – and my husband and I are back sleeping in the same room for the first time in 10 years. It’s truly life changing.”
The benefits extended beyond better sleep: Pflug reduced her mental health medication dosage and regained energy to care for her mother. She encourages others struggling with OSA to explore their options.
“Don’t be afraid of technology, because it can make all the difference,” Pflug said. “I wish I had done this sooner.”
For more information about sleep apnea treatment options at Houston Methodist, visit their website.
Houston Methodist The Woodlands Hospital is committed to leading medicine in Montgomery County and the North Houston region by delivering exceptional safety, quality, service and innovation. The growing campus offers 293 beds and access to the most innovative care.
Source: Houston Methodist
