Recently diagnosed with OSA - sleep lab says 77 AHI - but that's sleeping on my back which I do not do at home. Had a study in 2000 with an AHI of 44 - doc said lose weight and it will be better. Had no signs of OSA other than snoring and was sent for a sleep test 3 weeks ago. I have no symptoms of OSA - overweight but working on it daily - no tiredness all day, no problems falling alseep - not "typical" OSA from what I hear. I can't even consider CPAP - I am very claustrophobic and have chronic sinusitus - (tonsils/adenoids removed at age 5 - I'm male and 41). I would considre a OSA dental device but they tell me my apnea is too severe and it won't matter. I say it's better than nothing - especially CPAP - I've had friends who cannot use it!
My question to you folks is this: if it's so severe, why don't I have any problems? Evidently this has been going on at least 6 years with no problems. I'm not looking for an excuse - just trying to be a realist. I feel as though they are trying to make money on me with all these studies.
Am I wrong? Please help! Thanks and God Bless!
Recently diagnosed and scared
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Maybe its because you're only 41, and the lack of oxygen + fighting for breath hasn't done so much harm yet.... here's a video about what happens when you're asleep, and stop breathing.My question to you folks is this: if it's so severe, why don't I have any problems?
Understanding sleep disordered breathing.
In the long run, these nightly struggles are very detrimental to your health.
By the way, are you aware that chronic congestion can be both a cause and a result of snoring?
Have you been checked by an ENT? Has anyone attempted to treat your sinus problems?
On this forum, you'll find lots of friends who had trouble with CPAP and now use it. Some of them were claustrophobic, others had sinus problems - don't let your unsuccessful friends scare you off from therapy you might really need. Be a good friend to them, and tell them to come here as well - they can browse without writing. Use the search button on top. Look for claustrophobia or claustrophobic.especially CPAP - I've had friends who cannot use it!
And, while I agree that something is better that nothing, sometimes one does have to make the effort for the little bit more.
The people who diagnosed you will not necessarily make any money off your CPAP purchase.
Welcome!
O.
_________________
| Mask: AirFit™ P10 Nasal Pillow CPAP Mask with Headgear |
| Additional Comments: Machine: Resmed AirSense10 for Her with Climateline heated hose ; alternating masks. |
Don't rule out cpap yet! I had my tonsils out at 5 and experienced some complications resulting in a 2 weed hospital stay. Several years later I had lung surgery - trust me I understand claustrophobia. Fortunately, the lab where my sleep study was done (and my doctor) took all of this into consideration. I have used my bipap machine every night since it was delivered. I did see a ENT to work on helping me be compliant. Nasal rinse and the right mask have made all the difference. While I HATED wearing the oxygen hookup the last time I had surgery, I have a similar nasal mask and find it comforting - really.
I understand that it can all be overwhelming. You may not be able to tolerate a straight cpap, but there are options. When my doctor first suggested the sleep study I thought he was crazy.
One question: how's your blood pressure? We sometimes trick ourselves into believing we feel okay because it's all we know; the numbers don't lie. Mine has gone from 160/100 to 110/70 with little change other than the bipap. I don't want to sound like an evangelist preacher but your long term help may depend upon it.
Good luck and don't give up,
A former napper
I understand that it can all be overwhelming. You may not be able to tolerate a straight cpap, but there are options. When my doctor first suggested the sleep study I thought he was crazy.
One question: how's your blood pressure? We sometimes trick ourselves into believing we feel okay because it's all we know; the numbers don't lie. Mine has gone from 160/100 to 110/70 with little change other than the bipap. I don't want to sound like an evangelist preacher but your long term help may depend upon it.
Good luck and don't give up,
A former napper
Hi Freden99,
By the way, great responses, Ozij and Napper. Interesting.
I now run a local support group for sleep apnea.
We had a fellow come to our meetings begrudgingly. He's about your age, maybe a bit younger, not sure, but certainly close. Like you he doesn't have the classic symptoms -- has plenty of energy during the day, overweight but nothing substantial, a most energetic and, well, chatty and humorous fellow. The only danger signals was once dozing off at the wheel of his car. That scared him enough to get a sleep study. But he also reported feeling crankier, with some minor memory loss, but nothing to speak of.
But this man was running on all cylinders. It was obvious. His doctor warned him that while he might be doing fine now, one day he's going to "hit a brick wall" meaning his health will snap and suddenly the symptoms will kick in big time. He's running on adrenalin, and it appears to be a kind of over compensation. He was diagnosed with pretty severe OSA. He's not yet been tested for cpap but will soon. The doctors did not adequately (or at all) explain the ramifications of untreated apnea. It may be that at first he didn't care to listen. But we explained in plain terms what the effects could be and how it can be progressive. I think he finally believed it, enough to give cpap a try.
Give cpap a try. It's always best to try the proven and least risky treatment first. And as the others have said, people with claustrophobia have been known to adjust well, with just the right mask and other equipment and advice. Like Napper said, don't rule out cpap yet. See how it works for you. Don't let the negative comments of others persuade you, because only you can know for sure if it will work and only by trying.
Linda
By the way, great responses, Ozij and Napper. Interesting.
I now run a local support group for sleep apnea.
We had a fellow come to our meetings begrudgingly. He's about your age, maybe a bit younger, not sure, but certainly close. Like you he doesn't have the classic symptoms -- has plenty of energy during the day, overweight but nothing substantial, a most energetic and, well, chatty and humorous fellow. The only danger signals was once dozing off at the wheel of his car. That scared him enough to get a sleep study. But he also reported feeling crankier, with some minor memory loss, but nothing to speak of.
But this man was running on all cylinders. It was obvious. His doctor warned him that while he might be doing fine now, one day he's going to "hit a brick wall" meaning his health will snap and suddenly the symptoms will kick in big time. He's running on adrenalin, and it appears to be a kind of over compensation. He was diagnosed with pretty severe OSA. He's not yet been tested for cpap but will soon. The doctors did not adequately (or at all) explain the ramifications of untreated apnea. It may be that at first he didn't care to listen. But we explained in plain terms what the effects could be and how it can be progressive. I think he finally believed it, enough to give cpap a try.
Give cpap a try. It's always best to try the proven and least risky treatment first. And as the others have said, people with claustrophobia have been known to adjust well, with just the right mask and other equipment and advice. Like Napper said, don't rule out cpap yet. See how it works for you. Don't let the negative comments of others persuade you, because only you can know for sure if it will work and only by trying.
Linda
Right now you are swimming in De-Nile, (Stage 1) of the many stages we all go through. Except me, I had a quad-by-pass, so I got to skip stage 1, although I wouldn't recommend it.
Damage is being done to your body daily by not getting treatment. Treatment wont succeed until you make up your mind it will succeed.
Even if you don't feel the problem, it is taking its toll, but it's up to you how hard you fall before treatment. If I had known my condition before damage was done, I would have been much better off. You're lucky you've had your warning early. It's not easy but with the right help (that can be found here), you can make your life better and longer lasting.
Damage is being done to your body daily by not getting treatment. Treatment wont succeed until you make up your mind it will succeed.
Even if you don't feel the problem, it is taking its toll, but it's up to you how hard you fall before treatment. If I had known my condition before damage was done, I would have been much better off. You're lucky you've had your warning early. It's not easy but with the right help (that can be found here), you can make your life better and longer lasting.
Use data to optimize your xPAP treatment!
"The art of medicine consists in amusing the patient while nature cures the disease." Voltaire
"The art of medicine consists in amusing the patient while nature cures the disease." Voltaire
Hi Fredden, I'm sorry you feel scared, but I guess all of us did at the beginning. And I understand your denial, I was there. I had no symptoms of Sleep Apnea other than snoring and a slight morning headache. I was never tired. I didn't believe I had sleep apnea.
I have severe sleep apnea and also have chronic sinus problems. Actually, I think the humidification with the CPAP helps my stuffy nose - after a few minutes of breathing the moist air.
I understand this is hard to accept and you worry about what your loved ones will think - we all look weird in our "outfits". But, if it makes you healthier, that's all you should be considering.
You've come to the right place for support; both technical and moral.
Good Luck,
Linda
I have severe sleep apnea and also have chronic sinus problems. Actually, I think the humidification with the CPAP helps my stuffy nose - after a few minutes of breathing the moist air.
I understand this is hard to accept and you worry about what your loved ones will think - we all look weird in our "outfits". But, if it makes you healthier, that's all you should be considering.
You've come to the right place for support; both technical and moral.
Good Luck,
Linda
_________________
| Machine: DreamStation Auto CPAP Machine |
| Humidifier: DreamStation Heated Humidifier |
| Additional Comments: Compliant since April 2003. (De-cap-itated Aura). |
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Mile High Sleeper
- Posts: 275
- Joined: Sun Dec 18, 2005 5:48 pm
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APAP, BP, heart failure and stroke
Hi Freden99. You are lucky your OSA was found at such a "young" age. But just detecting it won't help the untreated potential consequences. I too was claustrophobic - actually, it was more a fear of suffocation. The ENT said about one of my nostrils: if there was a contest of 100 people with the most deviated septum, I'd win 1st, 2nd, or 3rd place. And I have a chronically stuffy nose. But by pacing myself, and taking the health consequences seriously, I'm adjusting to APAP. It works for me even with a semi-blocked nose. (And I'm working on making my nose work.)
How's your blood pressure now? How's your heart? If you had an echo-cardiogram now, or in 10 or 15 years, with untreated OSA, it might show the beginnings of heart failure due to OSA. Your heart has to work so hard if you can't breathe properly. It can get thick and muscle-bound which leads to heart failure. It's easier to adjust to CPAP than a stroke. See
http://www.myresmed.com Good web site for quick, basic information. Requires login but it’s worth it. See the pie charts under Health and Lifestyle, Health Concerns, Cardiovascular Disease.
Here are some of my Tips for Newcomers to Sleep Apnea (see "tips for newbies on this forum"), drawn from my own experience. I was on overwhelm at first, and had to match the speed of getting more information with my acceptance level.
2. Whether in the sleep lab or at home with an xPAP machine, no one is used to sleeping as a masked hose-head with a vacuum cleaner blowing air up their nose. Managing resistance and fear is a big part of the process. Direct your power of control inward, to manage your thoughts and feelings as well as outward, to manage treatment. Be kind and gentle with yourself, disciplined and determined when necessary. Humor helps. Get support from others.
4. Control information flow to avoid being overwhelmed. Seek and absorb the information at your own pace so you can make informed choices.
First step: find out about sleep apnea, its health implications, and the sleep lab process and results. Accepting your diagnosis takes some emotional energy and wisdom.
Second step: find out about the various treatment options, based on the type and severity of your apnea. For Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA), treatment may include dental appliances, pillar technique, xPAP and the various machines, or surgery. Talk with your doctor about options. Internet websites have easily readable descriptions of the treatments and their effectiveness. The most usual option is an xPAP machine. If you have OSA and your physician prescribes xPAP, explore the various types and brands of xPAP machines through your physician, sleep center, Internet, books, and DME. Partner with your physician to select a machine.
Third step: Only when you are ready, get more details. If you are getting a machine, find out about the various types of interfaces – nasal masks, full face masks, nasal pillows, and prongs. Some users rotate between a nasal mask and nasal pillows, using a full face mask when they have a stuffy nose from a cold. Internet sites from manufacturers, sellers, and user groups have a lot of information and opinions on interfaces and related equipment. Be discerning when reading user opinions. Most people try several interfaces over time before they find the ones that work for them.
How's your blood pressure now? How's your heart? If you had an echo-cardiogram now, or in 10 or 15 years, with untreated OSA, it might show the beginnings of heart failure due to OSA. Your heart has to work so hard if you can't breathe properly. It can get thick and muscle-bound which leads to heart failure. It's easier to adjust to CPAP than a stroke. See
http://www.myresmed.com Good web site for quick, basic information. Requires login but it’s worth it. See the pie charts under Health and Lifestyle, Health Concerns, Cardiovascular Disease.
Here are some of my Tips for Newcomers to Sleep Apnea (see "tips for newbies on this forum"), drawn from my own experience. I was on overwhelm at first, and had to match the speed of getting more information with my acceptance level.
2. Whether in the sleep lab or at home with an xPAP machine, no one is used to sleeping as a masked hose-head with a vacuum cleaner blowing air up their nose. Managing resistance and fear is a big part of the process. Direct your power of control inward, to manage your thoughts and feelings as well as outward, to manage treatment. Be kind and gentle with yourself, disciplined and determined when necessary. Humor helps. Get support from others.
4. Control information flow to avoid being overwhelmed. Seek and absorb the information at your own pace so you can make informed choices.
First step: find out about sleep apnea, its health implications, and the sleep lab process and results. Accepting your diagnosis takes some emotional energy and wisdom.
Second step: find out about the various treatment options, based on the type and severity of your apnea. For Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA), treatment may include dental appliances, pillar technique, xPAP and the various machines, or surgery. Talk with your doctor about options. Internet websites have easily readable descriptions of the treatments and their effectiveness. The most usual option is an xPAP machine. If you have OSA and your physician prescribes xPAP, explore the various types and brands of xPAP machines through your physician, sleep center, Internet, books, and DME. Partner with your physician to select a machine.
Third step: Only when you are ready, get more details. If you are getting a machine, find out about the various types of interfaces – nasal masks, full face masks, nasal pillows, and prongs. Some users rotate between a nasal mask and nasal pillows, using a full face mask when they have a stuffy nose from a cold. Internet sites from manufacturers, sellers, and user groups have a lot of information and opinions on interfaces and related equipment. Be discerning when reading user opinions. Most people try several interfaces over time before they find the ones that work for them.
_________________
| Mask: Ultra Mirage™ Full Face CPAP Mask with Headgear |
| Additional Comments: SleepZone heated hose, PAPillow, bed wedge, Grossan Hydro-Mate, SnuggleHose, AIEOMed Everest w/ hh, battery pack, DC cord, PadACheek, Headrest pillows |
Mile High Sleeper Gal
Problems cannot be solved at the same level of awareness that created them. - Albert Einstein
Do not wait for leaders; do it alone, person to person. - Mother Teresa
Problems cannot be solved at the same level of awareness that created them. - Albert Einstein
Do not wait for leaders; do it alone, person to person. - Mother Teresa
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Erick72122
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Resolution
"other" is wrong!Linda3032 wrote: I had no symptoms of Sleep Apnea other than snoring and a slight morning headache.
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Severeena
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Fredden, you are claustrophobic? You need either a CPAP, APAP or Bi-PAP, there are alternaties to a mask, like nasal pillows. This is where you are free in the face and the air and moisture from the machine goes directly to the nose. You will not have the feeling of being closed in.
I hope this helps and I do hope you get on a machine soon. You need it.
I hope this helps and I do hope you get on a machine soon. You need it.
_________________
| Mask | |
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Sharon
Trust in the Lord with all thine heart and lean not until thine own understanding ..... Proverbs 3:5-
Not all Masks work for everyone. Each Person is Different.
Trust in the Lord with all thine heart and lean not until thine own understanding ..... Proverbs 3:5-
Not all Masks work for everyone. Each Person is Different.
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bikeopener
- Posts: 7
- Joined: Fri Jan 20, 2006 4:49 pm
I hear your skepticism about this whol thing. I too am (was) wary of the sleep labs intentions and also the supplier of my equipments intentions. I continually question why I'm using the CPAP machine (started using it in September). My blood pressure is still sky high. I'm not loosing weight. I don't feel that rested during the day.
Last Thursday night my mask broke just after I put it on. I had the longes night of my life, I couldn't breath, I couldn't get any 02 into my lungs. I used my asthma inhaler and that didn't help. The next day at work was horrible - I couldn't concentrate and made several mistakes. Not good when you work in the medical field.
Although I do believe that sleep labs and suppliers are making a killing off of this, after last Thursday and Friday I see the error of my thinking. I got a new mask on Friday and slept very well last night. Obviously this thing is doing something good for me. Force yourself to use the machine, keep looking for a comfortable mask, give it some time and I think you will slowly, like me, see some positive chanages in your health.
Mike
Last Thursday night my mask broke just after I put it on. I had the longes night of my life, I couldn't breath, I couldn't get any 02 into my lungs. I used my asthma inhaler and that didn't help. The next day at work was horrible - I couldn't concentrate and made several mistakes. Not good when you work in the medical field.
Although I do believe that sleep labs and suppliers are making a killing off of this, after last Thursday and Friday I see the error of my thinking. I got a new mask on Friday and slept very well last night. Obviously this thing is doing something good for me. Force yourself to use the machine, keep looking for a comfortable mask, give it some time and I think you will slowly, like me, see some positive chanages in your health.
Mike
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DEROODEJ
SINUSITIS
Freden: I too had chronic sinusitis and since using my CPAP it has not bothered me one day. I used to take Claritin every day and have not used it for 8 mo! I had a few nights at the beginning when I felt a little claustrophobic with my mask, but since I switched to the nasal pillos this has vastly improved. Your face is not covered with these, just a little pillow under your nose ( I think of it as harmonica-sized). Don't discount CPAP until you've tried it, but try the pillow-type first.
Just use it!!!
I didn't want to be on it either and hated the idea of a mask. Howver, the first night, once I got the mask tight enough, I slept like a baby and woke up feeling more rested than I had in 4 or 5 years. I also got rid of the problem of my armd going numb on my during the night(I have been told that was oxygen deprivation). I switched to a swift after 6 months and it's like a whole new game for me! Love the Swift! Nwo if my outer ose itches I can just scratch it!
I have fallen aspleep in the bed before I put my mask on when just resting and soon woke up struggling for breath. SO, there is NO WAY I am giving up my equipment or leaving it behind on a trip. If my Swift break, I can order a replacment online and have it here by the next morning fro cpap.com. I also keep a backup Comfort Gelmask just in case I need an alternative. I may not love wearing this stuff, but man, the benefits are tremendous to me, not to mention avoiding failure to regain breat in the night and never waking up.....
I have fallen aspleep in the bed before I put my mask on when just resting and soon woke up struggling for breath. SO, there is NO WAY I am giving up my equipment or leaving it behind on a trip. If my Swift break, I can order a replacment online and have it here by the next morning fro cpap.com. I also keep a backup Comfort Gelmask just in case I need an alternative. I may not love wearing this stuff, but man, the benefits are tremendous to me, not to mention avoiding failure to regain breat in the night and never waking up.....
Us humans are so very adaptive. I had OSA for years, from my early twenties, and the only symptom was snoring. Okay maybe a little tiredness in the afternoon, but not disruptive. Around forty nine it soon hit harder. I couldn't function unless I had a power nap at lunch time. The ride home was filled with mental gaps and I just stopped caring about things.
So you can function without treatment up to a point. For myself I am still assessing the impact on my health from such avoidance. I know my weight gain was not helped by OSA. Whenever I got the opportunity to rest I did. Ofcourse that particular opportunity seemed to be knocking all the time.
After being on therapy I found another drawback to delaying it for so long. The benficial changes took a long time to kick in. Because I had adapted to so little good sleep, once I started therpy I was wide awake after a few hours. It has taken time for me to work up to 6 hours of good sleep a night. I am still trying to get to 8 hours.
I hope you can overcome your fears. Since starting therapy I have more motivation to be active, actually reduced the use of my bifocals and rediscovered the sense of humor I had burried under depression. Who knew you could get this by a little air up your nose? You might just find a few of the things you forgot were part of your life before OSA.
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CPAPopedia Keywords Contained In This Post (Click For Definition): Power
So you can function without treatment up to a point. For myself I am still assessing the impact on my health from such avoidance. I know my weight gain was not helped by OSA. Whenever I got the opportunity to rest I did. Ofcourse that particular opportunity seemed to be knocking all the time.
After being on therapy I found another drawback to delaying it for so long. The benficial changes took a long time to kick in. Because I had adapted to so little good sleep, once I started therpy I was wide awake after a few hours. It has taken time for me to work up to 6 hours of good sleep a night. I am still trying to get to 8 hours.
I hope you can overcome your fears. Since starting therapy I have more motivation to be active, actually reduced the use of my bifocals and rediscovered the sense of humor I had burried under depression. Who knew you could get this by a little air up your nose? You might just find a few of the things you forgot were part of your life before OSA.
_________________
CPAPopedia Keywords Contained In This Post (Click For Definition): Power
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