New to Forum and Thanks to all for the Help

[LadyWolf79]

I am new to this forum, and want to let all newly diagnosed apnea patients that this is a great forum to learn from. I received my CPAP and mask about one week ago, and used this forum to conduct my own research prior to beginning therapy. (Unfortunately, some have to wait for authorizations from Insurance before being set up with equipment). I was diagnosed with Moderate sleep apnea (AHI 17.8/RERA's 15, Sleep Maintenance Insomnia). I was tested after developing unexplained aFib. My cardiologist asked if I had sleep apnea, and my response was "no". He then asked if I snore and again, my response was "no". He ordered a screening test called a nocturnal oximeter, which indicated that my SpO2 was dropping below 60% and immediately referred me to pulmonology, which set up and interpreted the results of a PSG (polysomnogram). I was initially shocked, as I never realized that sleep apnea was causing virtually all of my health problems. I have probably had this condition for many years, but assumed it was insomnia. My chief complaint when visiting doctors is 1) Getting no Sleep, and 2) inability to lose weight. I would also wake up with the worst hangover headache every morning (drink no alcohol), and associated these headaches with insomnia. Having visited this forum, prior to starting therapy prepared me for the unexpected. I have read and reviewed many comments associated with comfort, problems with equipment, leaks, data, etc. When I visited my DME to pick up my equipment, I new all about the term "rain-out", non-compliance, and various styles of masks. Since I have started my therapy, I understand that it does take some patience, but since starting over a week ago, I have complied with the treatment for 6-7 hours each evening. (It also didn't hurt to get a serious talk from the cardiologist, as well).

[Sheriff Buford]

Welcome to the forum! Make sure your DME doesn't stick you with any machine that is not data-capable. Dealing with the DME's and insurance can be half the battle. Also know that you may go thru many masks before you find one that is comfortable to you and doesn't leak. I've been thru maybe 10 masks. Work all your issues here and good luck!

Sheriff

[LadyWolf79]

Actually, I believe I have picked up a pretty good machine. I was given the ResMed AirSense 10 Auto Set CPAP with HumidAir. For a mask, I chose the AirFit F10 for Her full face mask with headgear. What is nice, I receive daily reports regarding my sleep, mask leaks, events, total hours of therapy per night, and whether I needed to remask. This set up is much more comfortable than the equipment they used during my titration. Eventually, I would like to download the "sleepyhead" software offered on this site so I can conduct a more thorough analysis of my treatment. As it stands, the ResMed CPAP provided, uses wireless technology to communicate my compliance with my DME, Physician, and myself along with storing this information on an SD card.

LadyWolf79

[TangledHose]

Welcome to the forum, and keep up the good work.

I developed afib as well, and it sucks, it really amazes me how many posts I read on here where people have both afib and apnea! It is readily apparent that there is a strong correlation between afib and apnea, and evidence for many more adverse health issues associated with untreated OSA. Patients really need to take the CPAP therapy seriously, and this forum is a great place to find answers and help.

My afib got so debilitating that after trying every drug in the book unsuccessfully I finally committed to a surgical solution that has been working for me since 2010 when I had the operation. Knowing what I know now I will never sleep without PAP again - I never want to go through all the problems I had in the past.

Good luck on everything and stick with the CPAP, hope your afib subsides.

[Therapist]

it really amazes me how many posts I read on here where people have both afib and apnea! It is readily apparent that there is a strong correlation between afib and apnea

Roughly half of those who have obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) also have atrial fibrillation (AF).

Research has also shown that afib improves when sleep apnea is treated using Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) machines.

http://www.stopafib.org/newsitem.cfm/NE ... recurrence

[surf_rower]

Thanks so much for this thread and the link to the articles. My husband is at his wit's end with both "insomnia" (at 4 AM usually) and a-fib, plus garden variety palpitations almost every day. Sounds like a sleep study is a good idea for him! If I had an extra CPAP, he could try mine and we might learn something, but I just have the one machine. Maybe the home sleep studies are advanced enough we could do that...?

[ChicagoGranny]

"insomnia" (at 4 AM usually)

That is a classic symptom of untreated sleep apnea. It's sometimes called "premature awakening".

Apneas during the night cause a buildup of adrenaline in the bloodstream and this makes it very difficult to sleep.

Maybe the home sleep studies are advanced enough we could do that...?

Sure, they can diagnose OSA. But since he has heart problems, a more thorough in-lab study might show some additional things (Although I doubt it.).

Is he under the care of a cardiologist?

[surf_rower]

"insomnia" (at 4 AM usually)

That is a classic symptom of untreated sleep apnea. It's sometimes called "premature awakening".

Apneas during the night cause a buildup of adrenaline in the bloodstream and this makes it very difficult to sleep.

Maybe the home sleep studies are advanced enough we could do that...?

Sure, they can diagnose OSA. But since he has heart problems, a more thorough in-lab study might show some additional things (Although I doubt it.).

Is he under the care of a cardiologist?

Yes, he is seeing a cardiologist, who didn't mention sleep problems. Thanks so much for your insight above - I had no idea premature awakening could a buildup of apnea problems. He doesn't wake up a zillion times like I did before CPAP, but no matter how late he goes to bed, he still wakes up around 4 and can't get back to sleep. That makes it seem circadian, but it sure doesn't get light at that time around here, so nothing else but the apnea/adrenaline buildup makes much sense. (Could be adrenal imbalance???) He read this thread and is convinced he needs a sleep study. Thank you again, could be a lifesaver.

[HoseCrusher]

For some reason many people end up deficient in magnesium. This results in many issues but inability to sleep and heart irregularities seem to top the list.

Many times a dietary change that includes more magnesium rich foods can help or if that is not possible you can supplement with magnesium.

Sleep disorders add to the problem but if you stent your airway open so you can breathe while sleeping you may find that some additional magnesium affords a very restful nights sleep and your heart irregularities may settle down.