I'm new. I think I have apnea. Advice?

After the sleep test ...

Well, I took a sleep test and hardly slept at all. The doctor asked me to do it again. I did, but I hardly slept again. The doctor seemed to think the data was rather limited to conclude that I don't have sleep apnea, but he didn't ask me to take the test again.

Besides having a coughing sensation that wakes me up a couple of times as I'm drifting off, I don't notice much of a problem unless I accidentally roll over onto my back. Then I might wake up in perspiration, or with a racing heart beat. I think I could learn to stay off my back if that's all I need to do.

I thought maybe my next step should be to purchase an OX meter to keep tabs on things. I think someone said my readings shouldn't fall below 90%. If readings fall below 90%, I'll call the doctor again. If not, I'll just go on. Does that sound like a good plan?

Hey Will, I'm still concerned about the symptoms you describe because they really do sound telltale for sleep apnea. I think the recording oximeter is a good idea. You said your doctor didn't suggest another sleep study -- did the whole thing just come to a standstill as far as your doc is concerned?

Thanks for your reply kaiasgram. My doctor's conclusion is kinda confusing to me. I did sleep some. I think he said I was asleep around 30% of the study. He seemed to think that was a limited amount of time for concluding that I didn't have sleep apnea, but then seemed to scratch sleep apnea off as a concern. He said I could come back if I got worse. For now, he suggested I get a general check up, don't drive when I'm sleepy, etc.

BarnhartWill wrote:Thanks for your reply kaiasgram. My doctor's conclusion is kinda confusing to me. I did sleep some. I think he said I was asleep around 30% of the study. He seemed to think that was a limited amount of time for concluding that I didn't have sleep apnea, but then seemed to scratch sleep apnea off as a concern. He said I could come back if I got worse. For now, he suggested I get a general check up, don't drive when I'm sleepy, etc.

Wow, that's confusing to me too. What about a home sleep study?

It's odd because 30% is actually not bad for a lab test, if not a home one. I'd want a proper lab and/or a good home test... but in the meantime, get a long foam wedge - they come in all shapes and sizes - to keep you on your side.

The doctor said (I think he said if I get worse) I could come back and he mentioned a home sleep study as a possibility then. He sent me out without another appointment but gave me his card and said I could come back if I needed to. I'm thinking maybe the pulse ox would be something I could do on my own and then make a decision about going back.

I still have concerns, and I think I experience apnea some of the time, but I'm hoping it's just when I'm on my back. If that's it, I think/hope I can find a way to deal with it.

My symptoms over the years were pretty extreme daytime sleepiness, even falling asleep at the wheel. Snoring bad enough my parrot mocked me when I sat down in my TV chair, Waking all sweaty with a racing heartbeat. Irritability. High blood pressure. Fast resting pulse. I'd say ask your partner if you snore with that "stop" and gasp thing. If you have any 2 of these symptoms I'd bet like heck you have apnea

Will, I think the oximeter is probably the next best step. While it doesn't always tell the whole story (you could have sleep-disruptive events that don't necessarily involve oxygen desaturations), it could be informative, especially if you're using it to test different sleeping positions.

I still have concerns, and I think I experience apnea some of the time, but I'm hoping it's just when I'm on my back. If that's it, I think/hope I can find a way to deal with it.

Sorry, I haven't read all the thread, but how do you feel the next day? What's your energy level? Any sleepiness during the day? Excess hunger? What is your BMI?

If I were in your position, at this point I would make certain I never sleep a minute on my back. Some people say they trained themselves by wearing a small backpack with an object in it to keep them from rolling onto the back.

You can sleep on your sides or stomach. Here is the position for stomach (ignore the hose and mask) - wiki/index.php/Sleep_Positions

Thanks kaiasgram for your feedback. I appreciate being able to double check my plans with someone more experienced than I.

ChicagoGranny, I struggle with excessive fatigue sometimes, but it's not consistent. I have good days and bad days. I feel the temptation to eat when I'm tired, but I try to be careful. I'm 6' 3" and around 195 lbs. I was a little over 200 lbs, but I'm aiming for 190 lbs.

Thanks for the stomach sleeping position picture. I think I stayed off my back last night, and I think it's something I can be consistent with if I take it seriously and work at it.

Thank you to everyone who has taken the time to give me advice in this post.

"The doctor seemed pretty sure I had a problem when he looked down my throat."

Hmmm, I've never had my sleep doc actual look in my mouth .... Others?

Jeannh wrote:"The doctor seemed pretty sure I had a problem when he looked down my throat."

Hmmm, I've never had my sleep doc actual look in my mouth .... Others?

Yep -- mine did. Then he showed me this graphic and what he was looking for -- apparently this is one (only one) clue to potential for obstruction:

My doctor also looked down my throat and said I was a four.

My sleep doctor did look at my throat, and didn't see anything obvious. I think I am a 1, judging by what I see in the mirror. But I fail all asthma lung capacity tests. At 19, the doctor who diagnosed asthma said my throat was 30% blocked or smaller than normal for my size. My last doctor never tested my airflow. My new doctor does, and I have shown no improvement in the test results even though I *feel* better with the new medication. So, I suspect I will always have a limited airflow.

Jeannh wrote:I've never had my sleep doc actual look in my mouth .... Others?

That's the first thing my doc did...and I am a One. It's a general screening and might point to a problem but no guarantee.
Diagnosed severe OSA with 53 events per hour in REM stage sleep. Minimal to Moderate in non REM sleep.