Newbie with strange symptoms

I just got my machine and tried it for the first time last night. Including the titration study, this was my second time on one.

My machine is a Resmed Spirit Autopap. Humidity and heat are turned off. At both the titration test and last night, I slept about three hours. I then woke up really energetic. I figure this is a good thing probably due to the fact that I'm not used to getting deep sleep.

Last night I was so wide awake, I spent an hour on the Internet wide awake and feeling pretty good. I was so stoked both times that I couldn't get back to sleep easily. I finally removed the mask to help get me back to sleep which I did.

Both times I woke up a few hours later feeling very foggy. It feels like someone is pressing down on my temples. It's an uncomfortable feeling. The first time it lasted the entire day. Today seems to be no different.

Has anyone else had this?

Now the good news. I threw my back out about six weeks ago and it has been very bad ever since. It definitely felt better after the titration test and stayed better. Today it feels even better than that. After just two nights on the AutoPAP and just a few hours each time, my back is feeling better. I may be able to avoid those cortisone shots that I thought I would need.

I've been doing some reading and I'll bet that I have an inner ear infection that the machine is aggravating.

I got my first clue by reading the AutoPAP manual. It simply said not to use if you have an inner ear infection. I started reading up on those and think I have the symptoms. I think I've had mild symptoms of this for aboout six weeks, but the machine really inflamed them. The symptoms are dizziness, mild nausea, and fatigue.

I'll contact my sleep apnea doctor's office tomorrow. (He's out for two weeks so I'll see who's covering for him.) I also have an appointment with my regular doctor this week for something else, so I'll discuss it with him too.

It's never easy is it? It's always two steps forward and one step back. Sigh.

Good detective work and good idea to check with your Doc.

Your regular Doc will be able to tell if you have an ear infection for sure.

If that's not it your sleep Doc may have some ideas.