James' Story

They helped me get a good night’s sleep.

James Garman will tell you that he used to “snore like a freight train.” However, that all changed thanks to the Inspire implant, which works inside the body to help keep the airways open in people with obstructive sleep apnea.

“With my job, sometimes I would work seven days a week which doesn’t allow for regular or restful sleep. I developed sleep apnea. I had been seeing Dr. Kara Kimberly for about 14 years for sinus issues. After I watched a television commercial for Inspire, I asked her if it could possibly work on my sleep apnea,” said the Martinsburg, PA resident.

He continued, “Dr. Kimberly became certified to install Inspire and I was looking forward to the procedure. And when help was needed with insurance authorization, Dr. Kimberly was there to assist.”

Inspire, which sends pulses to the tongue to push it forward to open the airways, was implanted in James at Penn Highlands State College. The outpatient procedure took less than two hours.

“My wife, children and grandchildren are tickled that I do not snore anymore. They know when I am sleeping with the Inspire. It is a relief for everyone!” “On the other hand, I was tickled to death with the care Dr. Kimberly and the staff at Penn Highlands State College provided to me. Everyone was friendly, polite and caring. The nurses treated me as if I was their only patient,” added James.

“Not only did I like Dr. Kimberly and the staff, I liked the hospital -- Penn Highlands State College. It was amazing – futuristic. I felt like I was going into the 24th Century.”