CPAP Dependency

BigA1959 · Post by **BigA1959** » Sun Sep 07, 2014 7:19 am

Hi all. Grateful to find this forum. I recently had sinus surgery to remove a polyp. Funnily enough, I have been able to use the CPAP even though one nostril was completely blocked. Was so looking forward to getting it cleared for totally unobstructed breathing. During the recovery, my attempt to use the CPAP was not only uncomfortable, but turned out to be a huge mistake as it is like one of the contributing factors to a major bleeding episode a couple of days ago. I've been told to stay off the CPAP for a few days. In the meantime, I CANNOT SLEEP WITHOUT IT!!! My throat gets so dry from my mouth hanging open that it not only wakes me but makes me feel like I swallowed sandpaper. I have been sleeping sitting up for the last 3 days and quite frankly, have had no sleep. I a starting to get desperate. I bought a room humidifier in the hopes that it might help some but it really did nothing. Does anybody else have experience with having to suspend CPAP usage? How the heck did you get by? Is there such a thing as CPAP addiction? I don't know how I did it before I was diagnosed with sleep apnea. I know that I didn't sleep well, but it was never this bad. The CPAP usage, while a blessing, is a disaster if for some reason I have to suspend it for a few days. PLEASE - does anybody have any suggestions? Thank you so much!!!!

Julie · Post by **Julie** » Sun Sep 07, 2014 7:29 am

I guess you can be addicted to feeling good , but in the meantime, why don't you get yourself a chin strap?

palerider · Post by **palerider** » Sun Sep 07, 2014 8:27 am

BigA1959 wrote:I don't know how I did it before I was diagnosed with sleep apnea. I know that I didn't sleep well, but it was never this bad. The CPAP usage, while a blessing, is a disaster if for some reason I have to suspend it for a few days.

ah, isn't it wonderful how the mind has a way of glossing over things, and not remembering how bad you really did feel before? and what had been done to cope.

stay off your back, for one thing.

BigA1959 · Post by **BigA1959** » Sun Sep 07, 2014 9:31 am

Hi, I guess i wasn't explicit enough in my original post, but the main question is, in cases where you simply are not allowed to use the CPAP, how does one cope? I am hoping to get clearance in the next 1-2 days, but I have gone through 3 days of no sleep. I may actually sleep tonight out of sheer exhaustion, but I am afraid that I will suffer greatly. I assume I will just have to tough it out, but just looking for any tips, if there is such a thing. Thanks.

LSAT · Post by **LSAT** » Sun Sep 07, 2014 9:32 am

When I had the surgery I slept in a recliner for 5 days..then went back on CPAP at a slightly lower pressure for a few days.

daytona · Post by **daytona** » Sun Sep 07, 2014 4:17 pm

When I was waiting for my cpap I did the usual stuff like sleeping in a chair, using a nasal rinse, then I doubled up on my breathe right strips using both the outer strips and the internal nasal appliance. Beyond that it is just hell being without. I hope you heal soon.

Goofproof · Post by **Goofproof** » Sun Sep 07, 2014 4:56 pm

Glad to see you didn't waste any time, blaming the cause if your problem, having surgery, and not asking the Bucher how to recover from his work. It may have been necessary surgery or he may have needed a faster car. I hope it was needed and not hype. Jim

archangle · Post by **archangle** » Sun Sep 07, 2014 6:09 pm

You probably can't get it in time, but an Oracle Oral mask doesn't put any pressure in your nasal passages if used properly. If the surgery was not at the back of the nose, it might help.

The Oracle mask is a bit hard to learn to use properly. It also tends to dry out your mouth and throat, and may be uncomfortable.

A Full Face Mask might be easier to use with nose problems.

As for CPAP addiction, with untreated apnea, your body adapts to being strangled during the night. You learn to sleep through it, and some other adaptations take place. If you use CPAP and stop being strangled during the night, these adaptations go away. When you stop CPAP, you get the full level of suffering from your apnea until you adapt to apnea again.

Sleeping in a recliner or sleeping on your stomach or side may help a bit. Sometimes, pain meds can make your apnea worse.

MIKE IN NERK · Post by **MIKE IN NERK** » Sat Oct 10, 2015 9:48 pm

I've been using the C-PAP every night for 3 years. I feel like I am not only addicted (can't sleep without it) but am short of breath during the day when I don't use. Almost as if I rely on positive pressure of air blowing in.

DO others feel this way?

chunkyfrog · Post by **chunkyfrog** » Sat Oct 10, 2015 10:08 pm

If you are short of breath at any time, see a doctor.
Please! I am serious!

Wulfman... · Post by **Wulfman...** » Sat Oct 10, 2015 11:10 pm

MIKE IN NERK wrote:I've been using the C-PAP every night for 3 years. I feel like I am not only addicted (can't sleep without it) but am short of breath during the day when I don't use. Almost as if I rely on positive pressure of air blowing in.

DO others feel this way?

Why on earth would you NOT use it?

Den

.

SleepyCarey · Post by **SleepyCarey** » Sun Oct 11, 2015 8:33 am

Wulfman... wrote:
MIKE IN NERK wrote:I've been using the C-PAP every night for 3 years. I feel like I am not only addicted (can't sleep without it) but am short of breath during the day when I don't use. Almost as if I rely on positive pressure of air blowing in.

DO others feel this way?
Why on earth would you NOT use it?
.

By "when I don't use" I'm pretty sure he's referring to during the day when he's not hooked up to the machine.

BlackSpinner · Post by **BlackSpinner** » Sun Oct 11, 2015 9:10 am

MIKE IN NERK wrote:I've been using the C-PAP every night for 3 years. I feel like I am not only addicted (can't sleep without it) but am short of breath during the day when I don't use. Almost as if I rely on positive pressure of air blowing in.

DO others feel this way?

Go see a doctor NOW!

And never sleep without your cpap machine. It is like wondering if you would get dependent on your leg brace if you need it to walk!

chunkyfrog · Post by **chunkyfrog** » Sun Oct 11, 2015 9:43 am

Shortness of breath is a serious health issue!
Go to the emergency room, if you are still alive.
We are not kidding!

lindalrc · Post by **lindalrc** » Sun Oct 11, 2015 11:25 am

My GUESS is that the air in your xPAP rate is/was drying out the area where the surgery occurred. This then led to cracks and reopening in the healing area. This then lead to the bleeding and the suggestion to stop using the xPAP for a few days so more stable tissue has a chance to develop. I also would suggest that as you go forward, you be SURE to use your machine's humidifier at a high setting until healing is further along. You may wind up with some rainout. A personal story - before I started CPAP at age 66 (now 74), I used to have a bad time with nosebleeds and my nose feeling all stiff and dry inside. A good blow to stop itching would get one started. I have not had one in years with careful use of the humidifier. So, try to work thru this with a recliner, perhaps one of those steam inhalers, and a bit of time.

Just had a thought - perhaps you could put a small cotton plug in the surgery side to modify the flow there for a few days. Of course, your machine may complain if it is one of those that knows EVERYTHING you do.
Lindalrc

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