The last patient I saw before taking a few days off for the 4th of July was one of my Sleep Apnea patients. When I first met this patient, she was an extremely tired individual.
During our Sleep Apnea examination, we review sleepiness as well as signs and symptoms of Sleep Apnea; she was very sleepy, and had virtually every sign and symptom of Sleep Apnea.
Here are some links for you to evaluate your own quality of sleep:
Do you have a sleep disorder – Do you snore?
What are the side effects of Sleep Apnea?
How does your bed partner rate your sleep quality?
How does a dentist use an appliance to treat Sleep Apnea?
We inserted and adjusted this lady’s custom made Sleep Apnea appliance, and saw her for a follow up visit 2 weeks later.
When I walked into the room, she was a different person. Her eyes were wide open and bright. Her face looked relaxed. She had a big smile on her face. Her granddaughter was visiting her, and she was able to keep up with her, doing all the things the granddaughter wanted to do. You could hear the excitement in my patient’s voice.
We reviewed her signs and symptoms of Sleep Apnea (as we do on all follow up appointments), and she reported 100% improvement in most all signs and symptoms. Even the Signs and Symptoms that were still present were improved in ONLY TWO WEEKS!
At the conclusion of our appointment she said, “Dr. Hair, thank you for giving me back my life.” Wow! Talk about making you feel good about what you do for patients….
As she was leaving, she said she was getting me a really nice Christmas present this year, and she asked if she could give me a hug. That was one of the best hugs I have ever received; I had tears in my eyes.
What a great way to get ready for a few days off.
