My BMI is 23. I have never been overweight in my entire life, although I've probably always had OSA.
Also, for an "old guy", I don't have an old guy belly, either!
Calling slim people with OSA
5' 10"
140
BMI - 20.1
Skinny neck. I have Upper Airway Resistance Syndrome (UARS) and doc's ignored me for 20 years because "you are not over weight." "you don't fit in to the sleep apnea "profile" " Ha!
Cpap has literally changed my life!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Sleepyred
who is not the sleepyhead anymore!
140
BMI - 20.1
Skinny neck. I have Upper Airway Resistance Syndrome (UARS) and doc's ignored me for 20 years because "you are not over weight." "you don't fit in to the sleep apnea "profile" " Ha!
Cpap has literally changed my life!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Sleepyred
who is not the sleepyhead anymore!
_________________
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| Additional Comments: Aussie Heated hose for rain out/PapCap Headgear and chin strap | ||||
My BMI was and is 21.5 (5' 10", 150 lbs.).
My wife nagged me into seeing an ENT because of snoring. The ENT sent me to a sleep doc "to rule out" apnea since I don't fit the profile. The sleep doc (whom I have no respect for) didn't take me seriously, thought my only problem was not allocating enough time to sleep (which is a problem), but scheduled me for a sleep test anyway.
I've had days of extreme fatigue for several years, but I thought it was due to lack of time in bed. I'm still not sleeping long enough and am not as rested as I'd like, but if I sleep without the hose, then I'm reminded what fatigue REALLY feels like.
My biggest issue with the treatment is aerophagia, but I'm still making adjustments to try to reduce/eliminate it.
My wife nagged me into seeing an ENT because of snoring. The ENT sent me to a sleep doc "to rule out" apnea since I don't fit the profile. The sleep doc (whom I have no respect for) didn't take me seriously, thought my only problem was not allocating enough time to sleep (which is a problem), but scheduled me for a sleep test anyway.
I've had days of extreme fatigue for several years, but I thought it was due to lack of time in bed. I'm still not sleeping long enough and am not as rested as I'd like, but if I sleep without the hose, then I'm reminded what fatigue REALLY feels like.
My biggest issue with the treatment is aerophagia, but I'm still making adjustments to try to reduce/eliminate it.
I'm not a doctor, my highest degree is a Master's.
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Guest
body mass index
Hi:
I have a bmi of 21.9 - most likely same when i started. My OSA has turned into mixed with central sleep apnea and i have graduated to a bipap machine.
I have a bmi of 21.9 - most likely same when i started. My OSA has turned into mixed with central sleep apnea and i have graduated to a bipap machine.
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sharon1965
- Posts: 1232
- Joined: Thu Jan 18, 2007 4:59 pm
- Location: Windsor, Ontario, Canada
socknitster said:
sharon1965
i don't qualify either, anymore , but i know i've had sleep apnea my whole life and have only been overweight the last 3 years...i've topped out at a 40lb gain (in six short months; in a way, i guess it was a fortuitous thing since it was part of my motivation to aggressively seek a dx) though, so maybe there's hope for me to qualify for this thread again one dayCool thread, Rooster, very interesting! I don't qualify for posting though! I might have if I had been diagnosed when it actually started!
sharon1965
If you always do what you've always done, you'll always get what you've always got...
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socknitster
- Posts: 1740
- Joined: Fri Jun 01, 2007 11:55 am
- Location: Pennsylvania
- Contact:
Sharon, keep in touch and revive this thread when you get there--I will too! My weight gain was dramatic in the early days, but has been hovering at 70 lbs. overall gain for many years. Last summer when my husband dropped 70+ lbs, I managed to drop 20 even with undiagnosed osa. It stuns me now that I was able to do that. Actually I am amazed at a lot of things I was able to do including producing a healthy child! I managed to keep that 20 lbs off for almost a year until I got this diagnosis and something in me snapped and I gained it all back from the stress in just a couple of weeks. I'm back at the gym, though, sweating it out. And I'm trying to be more active--less time spent looking at this board would help!sharon1965 wrote:socknitster said:i don't qualify either, anymore , but i know i've had sleep apnea my whole life and have only been overweight the last 3 years...i've topped out at a 40lb gain (in six short months; in a way, i guess it was a fortuitous thing since it was part of my motivation to aggressively seek a dx) though, so maybe there's hope for me to qualify for this thread again one dayCool thread, Rooster, very interesting! I don't qualify for posting though! I might have if I had been diagnosed when it actually started!
sharon1965
Jen
_________________
| Machine: ResMed AirSense™ 10 AutoSet™ CPAP Machine with HumidAir™ Heated Humidifier |
| Mask: ResMed AirFit™ F30 Full Face CPAP Mask with Headgear |
When I was diagnosed I was 5'8" and weighed 142, for a BMI of 21.6. I'm about the same now.
Treatment recommendations on my sleep study were as follows:
1. Weight loss.
2. Nasal CPAP titration.
3. Avoid driving if sleepy.
Does this mean that the weight loss is more important than the CPAP? (AHI of 21.5) I think they don't expect anyone to read these reports.
Treatment recommendations on my sleep study were as follows:
1. Weight loss.
2. Nasal CPAP titration.
3. Avoid driving if sleepy.
Does this mean that the weight loss is more important than the CPAP? (AHI of 21.5) I think they don't expect anyone to read these reports.
- Rose
Thread on how I overcame aerophagia
http://www.cpaptalk.com/viewtopic/t3383 ... hagia.html
Thread on my TAP III experience
http://www.cpaptalk.com/viewtopic/t3705 ... ges--.html
Thread on how I overcame aerophagia
http://www.cpaptalk.com/viewtopic/t3383 ... hagia.html
Thread on my TAP III experience
http://www.cpaptalk.com/viewtopic/t3705 ... ges--.html
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split_city
- Posts: 465
- Joined: Mon Apr 23, 2007 2:46 am
- Location: Adelaide, Australia
You are correct. The current belief by many "experts" is that weight loss is the key. It's obvious that it's not for a healthy-weight individual, nor is it always correct for someone who is overweight!RosemaryB wrote:When I was diagnosed I was 5'8" and weighed 142, for a BMI of 21.6. I'm about the same now.
Treatment recommendations on my sleep study were as follows:
1. Weight loss.
2. Nasal CPAP titration.
3. Avoid driving if sleepy.
Does this mean that the weight loss is more important than the CPAP? (AHI of 21.5) I think they don't expect anyone to read these reports.
In terms of the part I highlighted. This is just my opinion. CPAP is only a form of treatment, not a cure. Being overweight is a risk factor for many other conditions other than OSA. Therefore, the CPAP may treat the OSA but may not treat these other conditions (if present in the individual). Therefore, weight loss is perhaps emphasised more so in someone who is overweight. Does this make sense?
Nevertheless, it would seem a bit strange to suggest that weight loss is the key to cure OSA is someone who is in the healthy-weight range.
_________________
CPAPopedia Keywords Contained In This Post (Click For Definition): Titration, CPAP
The problem is no study has ever documented successful weight loss, maintained over the years - except for bariatic surgery.
Weight loss is the cheapest prescription around, and when it fails - for physiological reasons, nothing is easier than blaming the patient.
Suppose there was a weight loss solution that cost the insurance companies ten time as much as cpap -- does anyone think it would still have been considered the treatment of choice?
Suppose any "weight loss" prescription were accompanied by a mandatory, insurance paid, membership in a gym + two hours less at work so you could do that physical activity -- how many doctors would prescribe that as treatment of choice?
Weight (and blood pressure) are the easiest things to measure and to focus on.
Theoretically, SDB could be far far more important for people's health and safety than either their weight or their BP. Maybe a yearly sleep test should be the rule for everyone. But sleep testing is expensive, so doctors avoid sending thinner people to PSGs - just because as a group they have less OSA.
It's purely financial thinking. Nothing to do with quality of life.
Here are official guidelines from http://www.guideline.gov
My hair stood on end when I read this - and I had to read it three times before I believed I understood it correctly.
This is neither about health, nor quality of life, nor therapy. It's about dividing limited resources.
O.
Weight loss is the cheapest prescription around, and when it fails - for physiological reasons, nothing is easier than blaming the patient.
Suppose there was a weight loss solution that cost the insurance companies ten time as much as cpap -- does anyone think it would still have been considered the treatment of choice?
Suppose any "weight loss" prescription were accompanied by a mandatory, insurance paid, membership in a gym + two hours less at work so you could do that physical activity -- how many doctors would prescribe that as treatment of choice?
Weight (and blood pressure) are the easiest things to measure and to focus on.
Theoretically, SDB could be far far more important for people's health and safety than either their weight or their BP. Maybe a yearly sleep test should be the rule for everyone. But sleep testing is expensive, so doctors avoid sending thinner people to PSGs - just because as a group they have less OSA.
It's purely financial thinking. Nothing to do with quality of life.
Here are official guidelines from http://www.guideline.gov
My emphasis.Because of the significant percentage of the general adult population at risk for OSAHS, there is a need to identify which patients are at highest risk. The limited availability and cost of sleep laboratories to establish the diagnosis and to implement treatment heightens the importance of accurately predicting patients who have a high probability of OSAHS.
My hair stood on end when I read this - and I had to read it three times before I believed I understood it correctly.
This is neither about health, nor quality of life, nor therapy. It's about dividing limited resources.
O.
_________________
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And now here is my secret, a very simple secret; it is only with the heart that one can see rightly, what is essential is invisible to the eye.
Antoine de Saint-Exupery
Good advice is compromised by missing data
Forum member Dog Slobber Nov. 2023
Antoine de Saint-Exupery
Good advice is compromised by missing data
Forum member Dog Slobber Nov. 2023
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sharon1965
- Posts: 1232
- Joined: Thu Jan 18, 2007 4:59 pm
- Location: Windsor, Ontario, Canada
socknitster said:
it boggles the mind how many things one can actually manage under these circumstances...my best friend tells me that i must be one helluva strong woman to have achieved what i have, to be as healthy (emotionally) as i am and to have created the family, home life and professional life that i have under such trying conditions...
with both of my incredible children i conceived twins...i lost my daughter's twin at 12 weeks and my son's twin at 11 weeks...thank goodness both were fraternal, otherwise i would've ended up with neither...(apparently i don't ovulate, i spawn!) lol ) but all joking aside, i've been curious about the effects of osa on pregnancy, but haven't really found much info
i guess, as strong women, we do what we have to do...just like the strong men on these boards who have held down jobs and raised families under these unbelievably difficult conditions...only those who suffer from the debilitating fatigue and mental and physical exhaustion--not to mention all the other physical manifestations of this disorder--could understand what that really means, how profoundly significant that really is... and you know what? ...good for us!
i knowActually I am amazed at a lot of things I was able to do including producing a healthy child!
it boggles the mind how many things one can actually manage under these circumstances...my best friend tells me that i must be one helluva strong woman to have achieved what i have, to be as healthy (emotionally) as i am and to have created the family, home life and professional life that i have under such trying conditions...
with both of my incredible children i conceived twins...i lost my daughter's twin at 12 weeks and my son's twin at 11 weeks...thank goodness both were fraternal, otherwise i would've ended up with neither...(apparently i don't ovulate, i spawn!) lol ) but all joking aside, i've been curious about the effects of osa on pregnancy, but haven't really found much info
i guess, as strong women, we do what we have to do...just like the strong men on these boards who have held down jobs and raised families under these unbelievably difficult conditions...only those who suffer from the debilitating fatigue and mental and physical exhaustion--not to mention all the other physical manifestations of this disorder--could understand what that really means, how profoundly significant that really is... and you know what? ...good for us!
If you always do what you've always done, you'll always get what you've always got...
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Guest
Well here is my story about the BMI tables.
I was sent to the Sleep Dr. as a sortof "lets just cover the bases" sortof type of thing from my general Dr. when I went in for a physical. My symptoms were EXCESSIVE daytime sleepyness (Yes I would fall asleep at stop lights/signs while driving), snoring according to my wife, and then finally high blood pressure which manifested about 2 weeks before my physical.
I went in to see the sleep Dr., filled out his little forms and had my BP taken. Dr. came and got me and the first thing out of his mouth in his office was, when do you want to come in for a study? I looked at him dumbfounded and he said, based on your symptoms, answers to questions, high blood pressure (135/101 that day), and BMI of 31.4 (I was 5'11" 225 at the time), you are a perfect candidate for sleep apnea. He went on to say, based on your BMI alone I would give you a diagnostic study, you really need to try to loose some of that weight, even if you don't have sleep apnea being that overweight can cause you serious health problems in the future!!!
Me: I don't really consider myself overweight.
Dr: Well the numbers don't lie, you are clearly carrying too much body fat, which may be causing your high blood pressure, contributing to possible sleep apnea, and further health problems!!
Me: Honestly Dr. this is as slim as I get, I can't loose much more weight!!
Dr.: Well son you need to work harder on loosing that weight, it's causing you problems, I can recommend some very good diet counselors to you.
Me: But i'm already on a great diet, I watch what i eat and count my calories very carefully!
Dr.: Approx. how many calories do you consume daily?
Me: Well right now, about 6000-7000.
Dr.: <blink> <silence> <blink> No wonder you can't loose any weight, that's WAY to many calories to be consuming daily!!
At this point I decided to let him off the hook with the weight issue. I stood up and took off the sweatshirt and 2 shirts I had on under it (my standard lifting wear).
Me: So what did you say about the "numbers didn't lie"?
This all happened in the summer, during which time I am fairly lean. Like I said though I'm 5'11" 225 BMI 31.4, however I had around 12% body fat. I ate 6000-7000 calories to keep my mass, not loose it.
So like a previous poster said, BMI is a very poor way to gague a persons actual body and make assumptions about their health, without a detailed physical exam. I have skipped my lean months this summer in favor of putting on muscle mass, so right now my BMI is around 34-35 since i'm weighing around 250.
However with all that said, I did end up having a sleep study, which resulted in a diagnosis of severe sleep apnea (AHI 48), and CPAP. Like many of you I have resigned that I will be on this for the rest of my life, and believe that my quality of life has improved.
I was sent to the Sleep Dr. as a sortof "lets just cover the bases" sortof type of thing from my general Dr. when I went in for a physical. My symptoms were EXCESSIVE daytime sleepyness (Yes I would fall asleep at stop lights/signs while driving), snoring according to my wife, and then finally high blood pressure which manifested about 2 weeks before my physical.
I went in to see the sleep Dr., filled out his little forms and had my BP taken. Dr. came and got me and the first thing out of his mouth in his office was, when do you want to come in for a study? I looked at him dumbfounded and he said, based on your symptoms, answers to questions, high blood pressure (135/101 that day), and BMI of 31.4 (I was 5'11" 225 at the time), you are a perfect candidate for sleep apnea. He went on to say, based on your BMI alone I would give you a diagnostic study, you really need to try to loose some of that weight, even if you don't have sleep apnea being that overweight can cause you serious health problems in the future!!!
Me: I don't really consider myself overweight.
Dr: Well the numbers don't lie, you are clearly carrying too much body fat, which may be causing your high blood pressure, contributing to possible sleep apnea, and further health problems!!
Me: Honestly Dr. this is as slim as I get, I can't loose much more weight!!
Dr.: Well son you need to work harder on loosing that weight, it's causing you problems, I can recommend some very good diet counselors to you.
Me: But i'm already on a great diet, I watch what i eat and count my calories very carefully!
Dr.: Approx. how many calories do you consume daily?
Me: Well right now, about 6000-7000.
Dr.: <blink> <silence> <blink> No wonder you can't loose any weight, that's WAY to many calories to be consuming daily!!
At this point I decided to let him off the hook with the weight issue. I stood up and took off the sweatshirt and 2 shirts I had on under it (my standard lifting wear).
Me: So what did you say about the "numbers didn't lie"?
This all happened in the summer, during which time I am fairly lean. Like I said though I'm 5'11" 225 BMI 31.4, however I had around 12% body fat. I ate 6000-7000 calories to keep my mass, not loose it.
So like a previous poster said, BMI is a very poor way to gague a persons actual body and make assumptions about their health, without a detailed physical exam. I have skipped my lean months this summer in favor of putting on muscle mass, so right now my BMI is around 34-35 since i'm weighing around 250.
However with all that said, I did end up having a sleep study, which resulted in a diagnosis of severe sleep apnea (AHI 48), and CPAP. Like many of you I have resigned that I will be on this for the rest of my life, and believe that my quality of life has improved.