I thinkI have Sleep Apnea

T-Rolls · Post by **T-Rolls** » Sat Jan 08, 2005 2:22 pm

Help, I haven't slept in years. I fall asleep when I drive. I keep jumping up out of bed gasping for air. I have no energy to do anything. I went to my Dr. and he said I have reflux and gave me the purple pill. I still cant sleep. Sometimes I lay in bed just thinking about the day and all of a sudden I realize I cant breath. My husband says I snoor very loud and wake up. Sometimes I stop breathing or choke he says.

Is this sleep apnea? My friend says she knows somebody with it and they had the same problems as me.

Can anybody help me ?

Theresa

rested gal · Post by **rested gal** » Sat Jan 08, 2005 2:33 pm

Theresa, I'm not a doctor, nor am I involved in the health care field in any way (except taking care of my own sleep apnea!) But it sure sounds like you've got it... Obstructive Sleep Apnea.

As fast as you can, get a doctor (any doctor) to refer you to a sleep clinic for an overnight sleep study. And keep posting any questions you have. Lots of people here who've been through what you're going through will be very supportive.

T-Rolls · Post by **T-Rolls** » Sat Jan 08, 2005 2:42 pm

I don't have insurance. Does it cost alot ? I can barely afford a Dr. visit. The last one cost me $85. Then the Rx cost over $100. Where do I go for a sleep study ? Is there another way ? What kind of Dr. does this.
Thanks for the advice.

Theresa

Irving · Post by **Irving** » Sat Jan 08, 2005 4:56 pm

Theresa,
Ask a Dr. to give you a Rx for a auto titrating cpap. You can use it for a month and he can look at the data to see if you are having apneas. If you cant do a sleep study this is the alternative. Saw a post on this forum linking to sleep magazine explaining this. Perhaps Rested Gal or Wading Thru The Muck can give more/ better info . They're the best.

Good Luck,

Irving

rested gal · Post by **rested gal** » Sat Jan 08, 2005 5:22 pm

Theresa, if you don't have insurance and if money to buy a cpap machine is going to be a problem, contact every sleep clinic, hospital, home medical supply store, and community services organization near you. Tell them you are certain you have sleep apnea and need a cpap machine. Explain your financial situation. Ask them to please, please help you find treatment.

If no organization is willing to help you get tested and treated... as a last resort try to find someone in your town who has an autopap machine they are not using anymore. Ask everyone you come in contact with - store clerks, anyone - "Do you know someone who is using a machine to treat sleep apnea? I need to get some advice." Go to a hospital. Go to the nurses' station on any floor and ask nurses that question. Eventually you'll come across a kind soul who will understand both your problems (health/financial) and will help you find the treatment you need.

Spanky · Post by **Spanky** » Sat Jan 08, 2005 7:07 pm

Theresa: Go to http://www.awakeinamerica.org to find some help obtaining cpap equipment. Sleep apnea is a very dangerous disorder, especially falling asleep while driving, so you really do need to get some medical attention asap. Stay tuned to this site as there are some really informed people here to help you. AL

T-Rolls · Post by **T-Rolls** » Sat Jan 08, 2005 8:14 pm

Thank You everyone for the advice and suggetions. I hope I can find some help. Can someone tel me again how I can do a sleep study at home using a auto type unit.

Theresa

I thinkI have Sleep Apnea

I thinkI have Sleep Apnea

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