Sleep Apnea

[mountain]

I have struggled with snoring and gasping for air when I sleep for the last 5-7 years or so. It has slowly gotten worse over the years. My family has been on me about seeing a doctor about it because of the health concerns involved. I decided to finally do something about it. Last night I went to a sleep lab and had my sleep monitored. The tech said that when a patient struggles with breathing and their oxygen drops to unsafe levels, they like to get a jump on the diagnosis and put on a CPAP device to help with breathing as soon as they determine how bad the problem is. Apparently I have such severe sleep apnea that they woke me up after 1 1/2 hours to put the CPAP machine on me. It is a device that forces air down your airway you keep it open, sort of like an air stint. After getting used to it, I fell asleep and was able to actually fall into a deep sleep for the first time in years. It looks like after I see my sleep specialist again I will be coming home with one of these machines. It kind of sucks that I will have to use one every night for the rest of my life but at least my quality of life should drastically improve.

Has anyone here been diagnosed with this condition?

[hatrick]

I have sleep apnea as well and have been using a CPAP machine for almost 2 years now. Mine has made a huge improvement in my quality of life, but I still have a long way to go. I have my pressure adjusted as high as my body will tolerate, and it's not enough.
For me, that means I still get tired and fall asleep during the day. The only option I had left was to use the CPAP at night to get a decent amount of sleep, then take a perscription drug everyday to keep me awake. Not an ideal situation, by far, as the sleep apnea, and associated lack of sleep, is still killing my brain cells and hurting my heart, etc.
I'm hoping to one day find a real solution that does not involve drugs 
It is a challenge to get used to wearing a mask all night, but at least you can pretend you are Darth Vader or something! It's worth it in the end.
.

[shardian]

My mother-in-law uses a CPAP. My wife has went thru 2 sleep studies, but she is considered 'borderline', so she never got a CPAP.

[ChadTower]

I have had sleep apnea issues for years.  Keep in mind sleep apnea itself is not a condition - it is a symptom of a condition.  Think of it like a cold and sneezing.  You don't have sneezes, you have a cold that causes you to sneeze, and ideally you will treat the cold rather than the sneezes.

First thing you want to find out is what type of sleep apnea you are experiencing.  The two basic types are Obstructive and Central.  Obstructive is much easier to treat as it is a mechanical condition - your airway closes off when you fall asleep, you stop breathing, and your fight/flight reflex kicks in.  Central is much harder to deal with because the issue isn't your airway it is that your nervous system is sending inconsistent breathing signals while you're asleep.

Depending on which type you have you may not have to spend the rest of your life on CPAP.

[protokatie]

I wake up once or twice a week unable to breathe. I have to punch my chest. It isnt a fun experience. It feels like I am being drowned.

Too bad I can't afford such things like medical care.... (Or even an examination)

[ChadTower]

Sleep apnea isn't intermittent like that.  It is pretty much an every time you sleep proposition.

[shardian]

Unfortunately, sleep studies usually aren't covered for us insurance folk either. Back then, my wife was covered under her mom's PEIA insurance. Her mom had to pay like $2k both times!

[ChadTower]

I had to get my doctor to prescribe the sleep study and also have the sleep center, sleep technician, and the doctor evaluating the study all cleared by my insurance before they would cover it.  Took quite a while.

[ChadTower]

1 - lose weight

Not all sleep apnea folks are huge fat people like some would have you believe.  Some are, of course, but there are a lot of folks ~22% and under bodyfat who have this problem. 

Weight is actually not a factor at all in Central Sleep Apnea.

It would be a lot more useful to ask this guy for a reasonable bodyfat % before assuming he's just a fatass with a fat throat.

[hatrick]

Sleep apnea isn't intermittent like that.  It is pretty much an every time you sleep proposition.

I'm not disagreeing with you Chad, however, it can SEEM intermittent like that. You don't always awaken fully to where you are aware of the issue. I have severe sleep apnea and for years before I was diagnosed, I would occasionally wake up in the middle of the night and be fully aware that I couldn't breathe and be gasping for air. Most nights, I would be oblivious to the problem, although I would be exhausted when I woke up.

Sleep studies are expensive, however, I went through LOTS of money trying to solve "problems" that were caused by the sleep apnea. I have heart issues, I was put on anti-depresent drugs, high blood pressure, heart tests, lung tests, I even had a sever jaw issue that went away when i treated the sleep apnea.

In conclusion....although a sleep study is expensive, it may save you a TON of money in the long run if you are chasing medaical issues that are all a side effect of sleep apnea. If you think about it, if you never get a full night's rest, and you are starving your body of oxygen all night long, it will lead to MANY health issues.

[protokatie]

Yep, I am so fat that I have sleep apnea....

The problem has been with me since I was a teen, but I cannot justify spending the $$ on getting it "diagnosed" and "treated". I just deal with it.

On another note: I am not as quick minded as I used to be... Prolly just due to aging. But it IS a PANIC inducing thing to wake up unable to breathe... (IE NOT FUN!)

[mountain]

1 - lose weight

Not all sleep apnea folks are huge fat people like some would have you believe.  Some are, of course, but there are a lot of folks ~22% and under bodyfat who have this problem. 

Weight is actually not a factor at all in Central Sleep Apnea.

It would be a lot more useful to ask this guy for a reasonable bodyfat % before assuming he's just a fatass with a fat throat.

Mine is obstructive. I am 6'3" and 205, hardly obese but I could stand to lose a few pounds.

[shardian]

You're a chick! You wimmins need to post a warning or something in your avatar/title. 

Anyways, my wife is a size 4. Definitely think weight is a non-issue for her too.

[protokatie]

You're a chick! You wimmins need to post a warning or something in your avatar/title. 

Anyways, my wife is a size 4. Definitely think weight is a non-issue for her too.

I DO try to be insulting and horrible to my fellow Terran

Is anyone here a member of team retard?

--- Yes I AM doing this on purpose, and yes I DO realize it is pissing you off.


Is that enough for you?

I am woman, hear be ---smurfette---! (Oh, and your shoes tell me you are poor and dont like to cuddle)

[shardian]

...I don't get it...

[ChadTower]

She doesn't have sleep apnea.  That bear is choking her.

FWIW, I've had sleep anpea issues as low as ~15% bodyfat.

[protokatie]

...I don't get it...

Your wife must be as keen as apple pie then  

Lucky you.

Thank Darwin that I am not her.

edit: I was basically saying that my title, avatar, and sig are lines a woman would say, and thus are already a warning to you)

[patrickl]

My dad had sleep apnea and he underwent surgery for it and the problem is gone. Or at least it has been gone for several years now.

[ChadTower]

My dad had sleep apnea and he underwent surgery for it and the problem is gone. Or at least it has been gone for several years now.

Yeah, there is a tissue removal option in the airway... last I looked into that was a few years ago and the results back then were a very mixed bag.  Don't know if they have higher success rates now.

[shardian]

My dad had sleep apnea and he underwent surgery for it and the problem is gone. Or at least it has been gone for several years now.

I've heard that tonsil/adenoids being removed can help. What kind of surgery did he have?

[ChadTower]

Note that's only an option for OSA.  It won't do anything for CSA.

[protokatie]

Note that's only an option for OSA.  It won't do anything for CSA.

OSA = Obstructive Sleep Apnea

CSA = Chronic Sleep Apnea

Just chiming in.


edit: CSA = Central Sleep apnea

[polaris]

Note that's only an option for OSA.  It won't do anything for CSA.

OSA = Obstructive Sleep Apnea

CSA = Chronic Sleep Apnea

Just chiming in.


edit: CSA = Central Sleep apnea

thanks for explaining that in the third reply chad.

[ChadTower]

No problem.  When I was diagnosed I did a ton of research into the topic.  Ironically, I never did become any good at using my CPAP, and don't use it now.  My sleep apnea is mild to moderate so while it does affect how I feel it doesn't affect my abilities.  There is definitely a weight threshhold for me, though, that if I get to a certain bodyfat % the apnea gets worse fast.  It seems to be around 23-24%.  I don't get any better if I go well below it but I do get worse if I reach those levels.

[ark_ader]

I used to have a similar problem when i was really fat.

Now I'm  thinner than I was,  I can breathe better and no more snoring.

I still have the problem about getting out of bed after the alarm clock goes off, but that is a side effect of having such a comfy bed.   

ProtoKatie:

Nice Pic.

[protokatie]

I used to have a similar problem when i was really fat.

Now I'm  thinner than I was,  I can breathe better and no more snoring.

I still have the problem about getting out of bed after the alarm clock goes off, but that is a side effect of having such a comfy bed.   

ProtoKatie:

Nice Pic.

Don't get too thin, otherwise your wife will leave you for someone who has meat on his bones.

And thanks. Old pic... But the most recent I have.




@Polaris: ass

[FrizzleFried]

I've used a CPAP machine for 11,800+ hours thus far (according to the machine)....or about uh,  4 years or so?  The difference between pre-CPAP and post-CPAP is startling.   It saved my life.

[protokatie]

I've used a CPAP machine for 11,800+ hours thus far (according to the machine)....or about uh,  4 years or so?  The difference between pre-CPAP and post-CPAP is startling.   It saved my life.

I looked at the machine and didnt feel comfy with it. If I do have this problem, is it something worthwhile? (Beware, I have no insurance nor disposable income.) I have had "this kind of problem" since I can remember.

[Malenko]

Ironically, I never did become any good at using my CPAP, and don't use it now.

I looked at the machine and didnt feel comfy with it. If I do have this problem, is it something worthwhile? (Beware, I have no insurance nor disposable income.) I have had "this kind of problem" since I can remember.

get chads old machine, hes not using it anyway

EDIT: fixed poor QuoteFU

[ChadTower]

Heh, mine has less than 1000 hours of use... and is self regulating, meaning it is probably one of the better units to use if you don't have a prescribed PSI.  My doctor may not be great at diagnostics but he wields a mean prescription pad.

[shardian]

Honestly, I expected there to be some of these used machines on ebay - there were none. Are they a controlled piece of medical equipment or something?

[mountain]

I've used a CPAP machine for 11,800+ hours thus far (according to the machine)....or about uh,  4 years or so?  The difference between pre-CPAP and post-CPAP is startling.   It saved my life.

Thanks for that Frizzle... gives me something to look forward to!

BTW, I recall reading something in the paperwork last night that said that most insurance companies will agree to a new machine every 3-4 months and that one should change them no less than once per year. It was pretty vague and didn't list a reason. Have you been on the same machine for 4 years?

[ChadTower]

Honestly, I expected there to be some of these used machines on ebay - there were none. Are they a controlled piece of medical equipment or something?

Depends on what you mean by control but most vendors do want you to have an Rx for them.  They have configurations that need to be determined by the doctor performing the analysis (most often the PSI the compressor puts out but there are a couple other things as well).

You also really don't want a used one unless you know it's going to be clean.  You do not not not not not want the sinus or respiratory infections that result in using a dirty CPAP.  They are nasty.

[ChadTower]

BTW, I recall reading something in the paperwork last night that said that most insurance companies will agree to a new machine every 3-4 months and that one should change them no less than once per year. It was pretty vague and didn't list a reason. Have you been on the same machine for 4 years?

Not a new machine, new headgear every 3-4 months and a new hoses a little more often.  The masks, hoses, and machine are separate pieces of equipment.  The reason you replace the mask is that the latex that makes up the air seal around your mouth/nose dries up and fatigues atfter about 3 months.  The result is loss of air pressure and the whole concept becomes ineffective.

[shardian]

Well of course I figured the hose/mask assembly would need replaced. I just figured the actual machine was a sealed unit, kind of like industrial breast pumps.

[ChadTower]

Well of course I figured the hose/mask assembly would need replaced. I just figured the actual machine was a sealed unit, kind of like industrial breast pumps.

I think they still fall in a medical grey area.  Unregulated but requiring a prescription to buy from a licensed vendor.  The whole scenario is still fairly immature both medically and at retail.

Industrial breast pumps don't have individual configurations determined by a doctor.  CPAPs do.  They don't just drop it on a random PSI and hope it works.

[mountain]

Well of course I figured the hose/mask assembly would need replaced. I just figured the actual machine was a sealed unit, kind of like industrial breast pumps.

I think they still fall in a medical grey area.  Unregulated but requiring a prescription to buy from a licensed vendor.  The whole scenario is still fairly immature both medically and at retail.

Industrial breast pumps don't have individual configurations determined by a doctor.  CPAPs do.  They don't just drop it on a random PSI and hope it works.

This is true, I have to go back for another sleep study once I get the equipment. They will find the correct PSI during this visit.

[ChadTower]

I believe they also sell them under the brand name Taser.  Give it a shot.

[polaris]

I believe they also sell them under the brand name Taser.  Give it a shot.

now that, is funny. 

[Xiaou2]

 My Grandmother was recently diagnosed with  Apnea as well.   Shes been using
one of those machines regularly now.

 
 I do not know if this will help...  and most people probably will not be willing to
put in the effort to even try this...  but here goes...


 You guys and gals may want to try a few alternative exercises.   One is
meditative breathing exercises.   By doing these specific exercises... your lung
capacity will increase... and your breath will be much deeper and powerful.
Its kinda hard to describe.

 I used to meditate every day,  2 times a day.    However, Ive taught only the
specialized breathing method to one of my private Kungfu students, and he
showed incredible results in only 2-3 months time (at 3 days a week, each
session lasting at least 5 min duration).
 
 As well as the breath exercise... Meditation may also help play a role... in that
it helps sync the brains left and right hemisphere.   It also works with the
subconscious mind,  as well as more attention and focus in the waking world.
(and possible side effects such as Intuition, Premonitions..etc)  It also
calms you and helps to greatly improve your moods.


 I will post the methods here a bit later.


 Give them a try.  Cant really lose/hurt  anything.

 
 Protokatie,  Nice Pic.