Weight loss vs. cpap

[suntan]

Good morning everyone! History:- I had a sleep study last May, and was diagnosed in June with what the respirologist said was severe sleep apnea. I was completely ignorant of what that meant, and therefore was in a state of mild shock when he waved a paper under my nose and said, "You stopped breathing 23 times in an hour!!" I missed the next few things he said as it felt like I had a swarm of bees buzzing in my head. Next, he gave me a form to read, at the same time saying" give this to my receptionist and she will arrange for the technician to fit you for a mask!" Mask? What was he talking about? He then said, "Do not under any circumstances get a low-grade mask, opt for the high-end, it will be worth it!" As I was being ushered out of the door in a daze, he added "It would help if you lost some weight!" All I could think about right then was the dollar amount I had seen on the form he gave me. Over and above the government assistance, it would cost me $1200.00 for cpap! I could barely function the rest of the day. Inspiration hit me the following morning! I searched the Internet for info., and found my salvation, this site!!! Mind you, when I read some of the stories, I freaked out! But I gained so much insight into what apnea was all about, as when I left the doctor's office, I was almost as ignorant as when I went in. Having read that obesity is a major factor in some cases, I decided, with my GP's approval, to sign up with a Diet and Health Clinic, as at 315lbs, and only 5'3" I was definitely morbidly obese. So far, I have lost 87lbs, and haven't felt this fit and healthy in 20 years (I'm 66). I have benefitted in so many other areas from this weight loss, that the cost seems unimportant. Because I am a senior on a fixed income, I could not afford both treatments, and it made more sense to me to fix my overall health, with a view to possibly curing my apnea. My husband says I make NO noise at night now, and breathe very evenly and quietly. I still have about 90lbs to lose, and know I can achieve it with no problem. I shall be having another sleep study at the end of March, so we'll see what the result is then. I realize that I still might have to go on cpap. Anyway, another hiccup in this story is that just before Xmas, I received a letter from the Ministry of Transport stating that they had received notification from the respirologist that I could be a danger on the road, and therefore would be suspending my licence on Jan.5, unless I could convince them otherwise. I had no idea what that was all about, so I went to see the *%^$@*(@!!!!! He said because I hadn't followed his recommendation to use cpap, he was obligated to inform the MOT. Now, I fully understand that this is a legal requirement if a person is in danger of falling asleep at the wheel, but this was something not even remotely associated with my experience. When I asked him to fully explain all the graphs and figures etc., he brushed me off, but I did get him to promise to send a fax to the MOT asking for a postponement of suspension, which he did. He then insisted that I repeat the sleep study through him as before, which I agreed to do. However, I was just stalling, there is no way in heck I will trust him again! So I'm going for an independent study through my GP. Hopefully, the weight loss will have greatly reduced or even cured the apnea. Wish me Luck! As I mentioned before, he has kept me in the dark regarding the interpretation of the 1st study, and it was only yesterday, Feb.1, that I was able to get a copy of his report. I don't know what any of it means, so may I please ask any of you to help me understand it? It says:- Total sleep time was 230min. with a sleep efficiency that was reduced at 65% The latency to sleep onset was prolonged at 63min. with a REM latency of 125min. Some arousals were seen with respiratory events during sleep. I exhibited moderate snoring. There were 2 obstructive apneas with 86 hypopneas for a respiratory disturbance index of 23 events/hour. REM desaturations seen with a nadir 02 sat of 71%. A baseline sinus rhythm was observed. I might add that he also said significant leg movements during sleep were seen for an index of 2 events/hour. If he had bothered to discuss this with me, I could have told him I was attempting to adjust a pillow I use under my knees, and as my head was attached to a 2 ton weight (which had fallen to the floor), I had to use my legs and feet to make the adjustment. Anyway folks, any comments or suggestions will be most welcome and appreciated. Thanks in anticipation!

[Guest]

Anyway, another hiccup in this story is that just before Xmas, I received a letter from the Ministry of Transport stating that they had received notification from the respirologist that I could be a danger on the road, and therefore would be suspending my licence on Jan.5, unless I could convince them otherwise. I had no idea what that was all about, so I went to see the *%^$@*(@!!!!! He said because I hadn't followed his recommendation to use cpap, he was obligated to inform the MOT.

I didn't know they could do this. Now I'm scared.

[Guest]

Suntan, Don't give up and get that independent study. I'm sure that there are more unqualified drivers on the road than you. I don't know much about details, but I had 7 central events, 77 obstructive events, 1 mixed event, and 68 hypopneas. My apnea is considered moderate. I was tired a lot, but it didn't interfere with my daily life. I was tested due to severe headaches. It sounds like you are making good progress and congratulations on the weight loss! As far as the leg movements, they know whether you are sleeping or not, and it would be my bet that the periodic leg movements were recorded while you were sleeping. Most people aren't aware that this is happening, but it contributes to being tired. Kind of like running a marathon in your sleep. I found out that's why my heart rate was high during sleep. (My doc had me purchase a blood pressure cuff) and although my pressure wasn't high, it recorded my heart rate as going up very high. Good luck to you!

[Snoozie-guested]

Above post was me. Having a lot of problems with this thing today and can't stay logged on.

[Julie]

Hi - They CAN pull your license at the recommendation of MD's, because the MD would be in trouble if he didn't report someone he thought was a risk to others (and themselves) out there. It's done all the time for people with seizures, narcolepsy (of course!) and various other conditions that might cause you to lose control in any way, or if you are simply incapable even of turning your head enough to check on traffic, etc. etc. etc. I have no idea what the rules are in the U.S., but up here they're strict! You can be evaluated on the road in certain situations (by medical people designated to do so by the Ministry) to see how you perform and they'll either recommend that you quit altogether (so you lose your license), or send you for new lessons (most such people are elderly), or ???

[Bella]

I have to second Julie on this. It's in my report that I shouldn't drive without treatment. I have epilepsy as well, and my neuro has asked me not to drive when I've changed medications. If I wasn't compliant they would report me. I checked the MOT website. They can do it.

Regarding the cost of the machine - there are two provincial programs that can help you out and they are available to anyone with OHIP. One is the Adaptive Devices Program (ADP) and it will pay 75% of the cost of the machine and mask. The other program is the ventilator equipment program (VEP). Under certain conditions (which I'm not clear about) they will loan you a machine at no charge for as long as it is needed. I'm getting mine through the VEP. You can check them out on the internet.