My implant has been activated for 10 days. Bumped up to level 2 three days ago. Healing after surgery was not a problem. My chest is still a little bit sore, and my neck scar gets in the way of shaving. No big deal. I think I'm sleeping better, but have never been a sound sleeper. I am 68 years old, and get up two to three times an evening to use the restroom. I don't notice the Inspire zapping my tongue during those times. Maybe, once I bump it up another level I will feel that. So far so good. I was on a CPAP since 2015, and had gotten to the point of where I would wear it for 3 hours, still be wide awake, and end up throwing it on the floor. I am so glad that I was qualified for using this device. They are very thorough in who they decide is a candidate.
Thank you for sharing. I had my surgery yesterday. Neck, chest jaw sore are sore. They are packed nice and tight. Taking it easy. I will continue to watch your updates
@@SherriRussellSounds like you are happy with your inspire. How was your experience with surgery, recovery/healing and getting the device activated? I’m scheduled for 4/11/24 and want to hear from others who have the inspire.
I had my implant on 1/4/24 and am curious how long it took to heal under your chin. I was supposed to see my doctor for a follow-up and have the stitches removed 1 week after the surgery. But they couldn't get me into his office until 2 and a 1/2 weeks. So I haven't had a chance to ask him about it. So it's 10 days post surgery and the wound and swelling is still pretty big and hard. What was your experience healing?
How are you doing now? I’m scheduled for 4/11/24 and still a bit nervous. How has recovery been? I’m hoping to hear from more people who have had the inspire put in.
@@lisachambers6230 I'm doing much better. My scars have healed and the part under my neck is almost completely healed. Still just a tiny that swollen. I'm already on level 7 out of 10 levels of intensity. I don't notice it at all but I am sleeping better. I'm told I'm not snoring.
@@carltexas thank you so much for replying to my question. I need reassurance that it is worth it. Any tips or suggestions you can pass on to help with recovery?
@@lisachambers6230 not really. It was all pretty simple for me. I just went along with my regular routine. Of course , I followed doctors instructions about not showering for the first few days and not lifting anything heavy. But those are just kind of common sense things that we would do anyway Don't worry, it's going to go fine for you. Just don't freak out about the swelling under the neck taking so long to go down like I did. Good luck, and here's to better sleeping.
Cpap works but the problem I had with it was I just could not sleep with it on. Felt claustrophobic, would wake up with it off in the floor without realizing I had taken it off in my sleep, would toss and turn and get wrapped up in tubing. So, because of all this I ended up just never wearing it.
@@AdamHeard I am having the same issues with CPAP - I am thinking about this option, but am nervous. There is a sleep doc, lefty blabla, I couldnt tell you his name here, but he doesnt like Inspire bec of questionable research. I am thinking to give it a try bec at this point my CPAP is a paperweight. What kind of doctor installed your device? How much did it cost? Ins cover some or all of it? Thanks for sharing your journey !!
@@plannermann I think it has helped me. I didn’t use my cpap because I couldn’t get comfortable with it on my face, felt claustrophobic. An ENT doctor trained in Inspire placement would put it in and then you would see the sleep/pulmonologist for management. I think the total cost was around $40,000+ but my insurance covered all of it except my $250 deductible. I have not had any real issues with it and my wife says it has helped my snoring some.
Adam, Does the green light stay on after you put the device down on your bedside table? Mine went off but apparently the device was still active. I am perplexed, I thought it stopped working. Is this normal?
My lights on my remote, only show when it senses movement. I fall asleep within the 60 minutes before my device starts working, so in the middle of the night I'm sure if I picked it up the green light would be steady. It flashes until you start getting the impulses.
Shave two days prior to procedure then not again till a week or so after. Don’t apply any lotions, colognes or anything other than soap and water the morning of. Be sure to use any cleansers they have provided for the night before and morning of, I was given hibiclens to shower with the night before and day of. The procedure was fairly easy on me despite the surgeon having difficulty with a lot of scar tissue I didn’t know I had. After procedure, do not wash around suture sites vigorously, use a wash cloth and lightly wash around them but not directly over them, let the soap and water just to run over them when you rinse. They will make you wait a month before activation of device. After surgery if you note any discharge at all from laceration sites contact doc immediately, I had some infection to appear and caused laceration on jawline to open and this caused a delay with my activation. Once activated, expect that their will be an adjustment period and follow the instructions for increasing intensity. Even when you might think you could tolerate bigger jumps, only increase one level each week. You might find that when you get to level 4,5 or 6 that it may be uncomfortable, if so, let your doc know because there are adjustments that can be made to the intensity levels as well as which electrodes are stimulating and they can help you find what works best for you. All adjustments can be made in the office. I am doing well. Had several changes made and am working my way up the levels again. On level 6 now. Hoping to be at 7 before getting follow up sleep study done. Good luck and God Bless!
I’m not sure but I would say very likely they would. That said, it’s the VA so probably a crazy process to get approved. Inspire and your doctor can help navigate that.
I'm in Houston, and I have an endoscopy tomorrow to see if I qualify for the Inspire implant. I'm a Veteran, and the VA Hospital is going to do the procedure. My name is Adam as well, and I've been watching THIS Adam's videos for inspiration. I'm nervous, but im just like him as far as having trouble with my CPAP machine and trying to wear the mask, etc.
Just a quick update. I had a procedure done yesterday at my VA, and I was told that I actually qualify for the Inspire implant! I'm so Grateful, Thankful and Blessed! Now, it's the waiting game as I wait for the ENT doctors to call me and to set up an appointment everything and to set a date for the surgery. Hopefully soon, but with the VA, it's always different.
My implant has been activated for 10 days. Bumped up to level 2 three days ago. Healing after surgery was not a problem. My chest is still a little bit sore, and my neck scar gets in the way of shaving. No big deal.
I think I'm sleeping better, but have never been a sound sleeper. I am 68 years old, and get up two to three times an evening to use the restroom. I don't notice the Inspire zapping my tongue during those times. Maybe, once I bump it up another level I will feel that.
So far so good. I was on a CPAP since 2015, and had gotten to the point of where I would wear it for 3 hours, still be wide awake, and end up throwing it on the floor.
I am so glad that I was qualified for using this device. They are very thorough in who they decide is a candidate.
Thank you for sharing. I had my surgery yesterday. Neck, chest jaw sore are sore. They are packed nice and tight. Taking it easy. I will continue to watch your updates
Thank you for sharing your experience. It helps people like me who are trying to figure out if we should go through with it.
My RT just suggested this. What are your thoughts?
Nope, I've already got enough junk implanted in my body, no room for more junk, never mind yet another surgery, recovery, and outstanding expenses.
Thank you for sharing your first-hand experience!
Again appreciate your sharing your thoughts and opinions.
I get activated tomorrow... I am so excited for the next steps! Glad it has worked well for you.
How’s it going so far? Best of luck to you!
@@AdamHeard going really well actually. I had not anticipated that. No doubt the best decision I have ever made. Love your videos, keep’em coming !
@@SherriRussellSounds like you are happy with your inspire. How was your experience with surgery, recovery/healing and getting the device activated? I’m scheduled for 4/11/24 and want to hear from others who have the inspire.
Please keep making your videos!!!
Just posted an update!
So how did everything turn out for all of you here?
I had my implant on 1/4/24 and am curious how long it took to heal under your chin. I was supposed to see my doctor for a follow-up and have the stitches removed 1 week after the surgery. But they couldn't get me into his office until 2 and a 1/2 weeks. So I haven't had a chance to ask him about it. So it's 10 days post surgery and the wound and swelling is still pretty big and hard. What was your experience healing?
How are you doing now? I’m scheduled for 4/11/24 and still a bit nervous. How has recovery been? I’m hoping to hear from more people who have had the inspire put in.
@@lisachambers6230 I'm doing much better. My scars have healed and the part under my neck is almost completely healed. Still just a tiny that swollen. I'm already on level 7 out of 10 levels of intensity. I don't notice it at all but I am sleeping better. I'm told I'm not snoring.
@@carltexas thank you so much for replying to my question. I need reassurance that it is worth it. Any tips or suggestions you can pass on to help with recovery?
@@lisachambers6230 not really. It was all pretty simple for me. I just went along with my regular routine. Of course , I followed doctors instructions about not showering for the first few days and not lifting anything heavy. But those are just kind of common sense things that we would do anyway Don't worry, it's going to go fine for you. Just don't freak out about the swelling under the neck taking so long to go down like I did. Good luck, and here's to better sleeping.
I'm very happy for you
Thanks!
Good stuff! What was story with CPAP for you? Why did it not work?
Cpap works but the problem I had with it was I just could not sleep with it on. Felt claustrophobic, would wake up with it off in the floor without realizing I had taken it off in my sleep, would toss and turn and get wrapped up in tubing. So, because of all this I ended up just never wearing it.
@@AdamHeard I am having the same issues with CPAP - I am thinking about this option, but am nervous. There is a sleep doc, lefty blabla, I couldnt tell you his name here, but he doesnt like Inspire bec of questionable research. I am thinking to give it a try bec at this point my CPAP is a paperweight. What kind of doctor installed your device? How much did it cost? Ins cover some or all of it? Thanks for sharing your journey !!
@@plannermann I think it has helped me. I didn’t use my cpap because I couldn’t get comfortable with it on my face, felt claustrophobic. An ENT doctor trained in Inspire placement would put it in and then you would see the sleep/pulmonologist for management. I think the total cost was around $40,000+ but my insurance covered all of it except my $250 deductible. I have not had any real issues with it and my wife says it has helped my snoring some.
Adam, Does the green light stay on after you put the device down on your bedside table? Mine went off but apparently the device was still active. I am perplexed, I thought it stopped working. Is this normal?
My lights on my remote, only show when it senses movement. I fall asleep within the 60 minutes before my device starts working, so in the middle of the night I'm sure if I picked it up the green light would be steady. It flashes until you start getting the impulses.
Hello,
Im schedule for implant surgery July 25…. Any advise? Are you doing ok?
Shave two days prior to procedure then not again till a week or so after. Don’t apply any lotions, colognes or anything other than soap and water the morning of. Be sure to use any cleansers they have provided for the night before and morning of, I was given hibiclens to shower with the night before and day of. The procedure was fairly easy on me despite the surgeon having difficulty with a lot of scar tissue I didn’t know I had. After procedure, do not wash around suture sites vigorously, use a wash cloth and lightly wash around them but not directly over them, let the soap and water just to run over them when you rinse. They will make you wait a month before activation of device. After surgery if you note any discharge at all from laceration sites contact doc immediately, I had some infection to appear and caused laceration on jawline to open and this caused a delay with my activation. Once activated, expect that their will be an adjustment period and follow the instructions for increasing intensity. Even when you might think you could tolerate bigger jumps, only increase one level each week. You might find that when you get to level 4,5 or 6 that it may be uncomfortable, if so, let your doc know because there are adjustments that can be made to the intensity levels as well as which electrodes are stimulating and they can help you find what works best for you. All adjustments can be made in the office. I am doing well. Had several changes made and am working my way up the levels again. On level 6 now. Hoping to be at 7 before getting follow up sleep study done. Good luck and God Bless!
I wonder if the VA would pay for this
I’m not sure but I would say very likely they would. That said, it’s the VA so probably a crazy process to get approved. Inspire and your doctor can help navigate that.
Yes they will approve. It is a process though. 😇
According to various new the va in Houston has been doing
I'm in Houston, and I have an endoscopy tomorrow to see if I qualify for the Inspire implant. I'm a Veteran, and the VA Hospital is going to do the procedure. My name is Adam as well, and I've been watching THIS Adam's videos for inspiration. I'm nervous, but im just like him as far as having trouble with my CPAP machine and trying to wear the mask, etc.
Just a quick update. I had a procedure done yesterday at my VA, and I was told that I actually qualify for the Inspire implant! I'm so Grateful, Thankful and Blessed! Now, it's the waiting game as I wait for the ENT doctors to call me and to set up an appointment everything and to set a date for the surgery. Hopefully soon, but with the VA, it's always different.