Sleep Study

FYI - this could be a very long post, but I suppose since its been a while since I've written anything you deserve a lengthy, full detailed account of whats going on lately. Honestly, we've been busy outside enjoying the nice weather, and since today is crummy out and doesn't show signs of clearing up, I thought it would be a good day for some typing therapy (that and both of my kids are sleeping like angels at the moment). :)

So, the deal with the sleep study started a few weeks ago when I mentioned Avah's bear-like snoring habits to her pediatrician. We have a history of sleep apnea in our family (including our 170lb St Bernard - whom I diagnosed myself!) and I was curious if this is how it starts or if there was anything we could do about it. One quick look at her tonsils and she referred us to an ENT. So, we went hoping for some explanation, remedy, advice on snoring and if there's anything that can, or should be done. The ENT was nice enough, very patient, easy to talk to, etc. He said her tonsils are 75% blocking her airway and that he was positive that they were what was causing her to snore. While snoring is a symptom of large tonsils, it isn't considered a medical reason to remove them. In order for them to medically be deemed worthy of removal, a child needs to have recurring tonsillitis (4 to 5 times per year for 3 years-so the earliest Avah could have her tonsils removed would be 6 yrs old) or a sleep study can be done to determine if the snoring is in deed interfering with getting a good night sleep. He went on to say that if she isn't getting a good night sleep (which I know she's not bc she gets up almost every night and is constantly tossing and turning) that she could develop issues later in life including migraines, ADHD, gaining weight, irritability, etc. So, now I'm thinking great! What do we do now? I obviously don't want her to have any of the above mentioned problems.

I asked the ENT for his advice, but when it came to making decisions or what the next steps should be, he left that up to me. Hello?! I have an accounting degree, by no means am I fit to make this decision. I had a million questions, will a sleep study be worth it, should I put her through what I was convinced would be torture for her just so someone else could vouch for me that she does in fact snore? Long story short, after talking with some friends and family, Russ and I decided she should have the study done. That way we would know and wouldn't wonder what if. So the ENT scheduled the appt, we filled out a ton of paperwork, and tried to prepare a 3 yr old to be hooked up and monitored for 6+ hours.

The study was last night and I cannot say enough nice things about the clinic. They were welcoming, so sweet to Avah, and it was very comfortable. Avah was a champ and didn't mind having wires stuck to her head and tubes taped to her face. She fell asleep shortly after we read a few stories. I got to sleep right next to her. Although I didn't sleep much with all the tossing and turning and oh yeah, did I mention snoring that she did. But in the morning (well, at around 4:40am) they came in and said the test was over. We unhooked her which was the worst part. She cried a bit because the tape was stuck to some pretty sensitive skin, but stopped crying as soon as she was offered some apple juice and a sucker. Even though she had just been through a lot, without hesitation, she asked if she could have a sucker to take home to Benny. It was precious. So, we gathered our stuff and were on our way home at 5am.

So, in about 2 weeks, we should hear from the ENT on his reading of her test and see if he has any recommendations for us.

Here's what she looked like all hooked up. :( Poor babes.