Sleep Apnea makes quick comeback when treatment stops

[idamtnboy]

These quotes are from a story on NPR All Things Considered today, 8/15/11, http://www.npr.org/blogs/health/2011/08 ... ment-stops

In a small study, researchers at the University Hospital in Zurich, Switzerland report that when patients stopped using the continuous positive airway pressure machines (C-PAP), even for one night, not only were they really sleepy the next day, but a flood of related health problems returned.

What was surprising in the study was just how quickly problems returned when patients went off the machine. Researchers divided patients into two groups. One used their breathing machines as usual. The other was taken off their regular machine and given another one that pumped less air, making it ineffective. After two weeks, the group on the ineffective breathing machine was experienced a return of a number of health problems related to apnea.

This story is about the same Swiss study referred to in Slinky's post at viewtopic/t67207/Sleep-Apnea-Returns-Ra ... opped.html

[ameriken]

That's something I'm sure this crowd knows all too well.

[Tre-C]

I received my machine about 7 weeks ago, used it for a month straight before I had my septoplasty and turbinate reduction done two weeks ago. My doctor wanted me to stop using it for two weeks after my surgery fearing the air pressure would dry out my sinuses. I tried using it for one night 9 days after surgery but it made my nose bleed so I suppose he was right.

I waited the full two weeks and began using it again about 6 days ago. I feel like I'm back to square one. Last Friday I did not get anything done at work; I was exhausted all day. Slept 11 1/2 hours Friday night, 10 1/2 hours Saturday night, and 8 1/2 last night and I was still tired today.

That two weeks without my APAP absolutely seemed to nullify all the positive effects I began to feel after my initial month of compliance. I'm bumming a bit right now because I still have to go to work every day and try to focus enough to do the work I'm responsible for and it's sort of a bummer because I take pride in my work and my ability to do a good job with minimal errors.

So yeah, going without your machine can set you back like crazy.

[soundersfootballclub]

I received my machine about 7 weeks ago, used it for a month straight before I had my septoplasty and turbinate reduction done two weeks ago. My doctor wanted me to stop using it for two weeks after my surgery fearing the air pressure would dry out my sinuses. I tried using it for one night 9 days after surgery but it made my nose bleed so I suppose he was right.

I waited the full two weeks and began using it again about 6 days ago. I feel like I'm back to square one. Last Friday I did not get anything done at work; I was exhausted all day. Slept 11 1/2 hours Friday night, 10 1/2 hours Saturday night, and 8 1/2 last night and I was still tired today.

That two weeks without my APAP absolutely seemed to nullify all the positive effects I began to feel after my initial month of compliance. I'm bumming a bit right now because I still have to go to work every day and try to focus enough to do the work I'm responsible for and it's sort of a bummer because I take pride in my work and my ability to do a good job with minimal errors.

So yeah, going without your machine can set you back like crazy.

Wow, interesting post. It sounds like you are only as good as your last CPAP usage. Hope you feel back to good as new soon. I am still trying to get over the hump of feeling normal using this thing!

[BlackSpinner]

Well duh! It is like asking someone using an artificial leg to walk around without it. Surprised when they can't walk "But you did so well before we took it off!"

Xpap keeps you breathing, take away the breathing and you have problems. A cast keeps you walking when your leg is broken, take of the cast and your leg is still broken and you can't walk.

[Tre-C]

So yeah, going without your machine can set you back like crazy.

Wow, interesting post. It sounds like you are only as good as your last CPAP usage. Hope you feel back to good as new soon. I am still trying to get over the hump of feeling normal using this thing!

It seems like I went back to square one but worse! So frustrating as I was finally getting used to it.

I think as long as you stick with it, you will get better. That's what I keep telling myself so I extend the same pep talk to you! Good luck!

Well duh! It is like asking someone using an artificial leg to walk around without it. Surprised when they can't walk "But you did so well before we took it off!"

A cast keeps you walking when your leg is broken, take of the cast and your leg is still broken and you can't walk.

Great analogy! My ENT didn't seem too terribly worried when he asked me to stop using it. I wanted to yell at him, "But I've just gotten used to it!!!"

So I've taken a (big) step backward. Hopefully it won't take much longer to start feeling better again. So yes, I agree. I took my cast off prior to my leg being healed and may have damaged it a bit more but I'm optimistic that it will improve.

I need a good night's rest like nobody's business!

[Uncle_Bob]

My ENT said it can take 2-3 months for a full recovery. It may seem great at first but swelling can developed and last for weeks