Issue link: http://viewer.e-digitaledition.com/i/64869
continued from page 1 Don't give up on your health care. There is always someone in the healthcare system who can help. HRMC is here to provide the health services our community needs – right in our own backyard.'' – Joan Wangsness The Silver Lining Recovery from a tonsillectomy is often more difficult for adults, lasting up to 14 days. During the six weeks of her illness, surgery and recovery, Wangsness' sleep apnea eased, allowing her to sleep through the night. As her sleeping habits improved, Wangsness noticed a significant change in her dietary habits and no longer overate to make up for sleepless nights. More restful nights also improved her energy level and Wangsness began walking and getting active. Overall, her renewed health and lifestyle resulted in the loss of 20 pounds. "Most people with obstructive sleep apnea are overweight, so weight loss is an important tool to treat the problem," says Dr. Brenner. "In Mrs. Wangsness' case, her petite stature increased the role of tonsils obstructing her airway – similar to pediatric cases of obstructive sleep apnea. The tonsillectomy was not performed to address her sleep apnea, but the resolution of her sleep apnea was a bonus for her." Thanks to the care she and Jaron received from Dr. Brenner, they are both feeling better than ever. "I feel like I have visited every physician in the state and never found the relief I desperately needed," explains Wangsness. "I am so thankful for Dr. Brenner – I haven't slept this well in years." Is sleep apnea or chronic snoring robbing you of valuable rest? Call the HRMC Ear, Nose & Throat Clinic at (605) 353-6575 to find the help you need. Snoring or Something More? Excessive snoring can be a sign of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), which affects millions of Americans. People with OSA wake up as many as 30 times each hour as the muscles in their throat relax and breathing is obstructed. OSA often goes undiagnosed. Talk with your healthcare provider if you experience: • depression, irritability or mood swings • difficulty concentrating or remembering • morning headaches • urge to urinate at night Treatment of OSA Most children with OSA benefit from the removal of tonsils or adenoids to clear smaller airways. While some adults require surgery, most find their symptoms improve with continuous positive air pressure (CPAP) therapy that forces air through the airway during sleep, maintaining oxygenation of the blood and allowing people with OSA to stay asleep. A Minimally Invasive Option Chronic sinusitis is often diagnosed among people who have recurring sinus infections or require multiple courses of antibiotics to clear infections. Surgical approaches remove infected sinus tissue, but can lead to other issues. During Balloon Sinuplasty™, physicians insert a balloon via catheter into the sinus and inflate it to gently enlarge the sinus cavity. "Balloon Sinuplasty is a good alternative to the repetitive use of antibiotics for patients with chronic sinusitis," says Alan Brenner, MD, board-certified otolaryngologist at the HRMC Ear, Nose & Throat Clinic. "This less invasive outpatient procedure offers patients a rapid recovery and a success rate of about 85 percent." To determine if you might be a candidate for Balloon Sinuplasty, complete the SNOT-20 (Sino-Nasal Outcome Test) questionnaire online at www.huronregional.org/ent or call (605) 353-6575. Scan the QR code to view an animation of the Balloon Sinuplasty™ procedure. wellone connection www.huronregional.org