Hypoxia Induced Osteoarthritis?

[SW 2.0]

Hello fellow CPAPers!

I recently had a titration study done, and although my BIBAP machine says my sleep apnea is under control with less than 1 event per hour, my o2 level dipped down to 84 during the study. So I was put on supplemental 02 at 2L.

When I last did the titration study 5 years ago, this was not an issue. And over the last 2 years, I have noticed I have started getting osteoarthritis arthritis in my hands and feet (I have had it formally diagnosed, this isn't me guessing). And then over the last couple of months, out of nowhere, I noticed my knees started hurting. First the left, then the right, then both together. So I had my primary care physician make an appointment with an orthopedic Dr. , and the x-rays showed that I have osteoarthritis and OA-related bone spurs. WHERE THE HECK DID ALL OF THIS COME FROM, I wondered???

So I began to wonder what's different, and I thought about the hypoxia issue that has happened. Granted, I turned 57 last month, but this seemed to come on pretty quick. That caused me to see if there is a correlation with anything and the only thing I could come up with is a potential hypoxia relationship. Why? Because arthritis happens from inflammation, and hypoxia can cause inflammation. Here's an example article on that: https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2 ... 132317.htm

I asked my cpap doctor, and really didn't get any good answers. I also did some Google searches and found articles like this: https://www.researchgate.net/publicatio ... vironments
But they are a little deep.

I wondered if anyone else has thought of this on this forum, and has perhaps talked with their CPAP doctors. Anyone?

Also, I got the new Apple Watch 6, and even though I'm on 2L of supplemental O2, it shows my levels still going down as low as 86 on some nights. However, my CPAP doctor does not believe it. I tested my watch against my pulse oximeter and it got the same readings, so I'm not sure who to believe here. Anyone else try the Apple Watch 02 sensor?

[Julie]

Have you had an ANA test done? It could show possible rheumatoid arthritis if you have it - and that's something that is affected by cardiac/02 issues, and can develop in middle age. same as osteo. It is certainly more 'inflammatory' than osteo is.