Looking for advice

[Visitor]

I've been diagnosed with mild apnea. I've been through years of using nose sprays, none of which helped. My first specialist did not prescribe cpap. I am going for a second opinion, but wonder if I can simply start using one if that does not work out. My life has been affected quite badly and without improvement in sight, I am thinking of self medicating if needed. Can anyone share advice? I'd prefer to work with a specialist, but so also am determined to reach a solution on this.

[HerbM]

Talk to the sleep doctor.

Don't try to talk you way out of, and don't try to deny the need for, CPAP therapy is that is the diagnosis and prescription.

You can make up a thousand reason not to do the therapy but it isn't that bad once you get used to it and almost everybody sees some immediate or near term improvement with a chance for a much healthier and longer life.

Do it for yourself and do it for those who love you and who you love.

Just do it (if you need it.)

[avi123]

Who has diagnosed you with mild sleep apnea, was it a physician and what is a "specialist"?

[Visitor]

Thanks, but I *do* want to use cpap. It is just that the prior specialist did not want to prescribe it. I am seeking a second opinion. Failing that, I'm considering to use cpap without an expert if needed. I'm reluctant to do so, but I don't see why I am not offered the possibility to try it out to see if it alleviates the symptoms. It does not seem like a harmful method.

The diagnosis was from a physician after I did a sleep test at a hospital.

[kaiasgram]

Visitor, I understood your message. People have successfully done what you're thinking of, it just requires some guidance and some software so that you can get set up properly. The best first step would be to post your sleep study report here (name hidden of course) if you have it. If you don't, it would be worth getting a copy. Was your diagnosis simple obstructive apnea?

[Visitor]

Thanks Kaiasgram, I will have another test done soon. If that does not lead to progress, I'll post the results here. And I'll ask for the old test results if needed. I don't recall the exact diagnosis from the prior test.

[Janknitz]

You might look up "Upper Airway Resistance Syndrome" (UARS) and ask the new specialist about that. Some people don't have much apnea, but still benefit from a CPAP machine because of UARS.

[CapnCPAPn]

Get the second opinion if you feel it is necessary. If you have that hunch, then do it. don't second guess or take chances with your health.

I was diagnosed with mild sleep apnea about 3 years ago but I didn't do anything about it, just figured I would try to sleep on my side because it wasn't as bad.

I went back a few months ago and got tested again and it had gotten worse so I went through with CPAP this time. Wishing I had done it in the first place but it's never too late to make healthy changes I suppose.

You could go it your own but you'd be better off seeing a sleep doctor and getting the proper tests and prescription. Plus I don't know how your insurance works, if they would cover any cost without a prescription.
Fortunately for me between Ontario and private insurance mine was completely covered.

[Visitor]

Thanks, I'll check out the UARS.

And indeed, insurance would be out in case I don't go through a specialist.

[Julie]

Just to make sure you understand - it's not at all a 'nasal' issue, but an airway one (that goes to your lungs). Yours closes up when asleep and Cpap air pressure keeps it open... whether or not your nose is clogged, deviated or anything else.

[Visitor]

Thanks Julie, now I'm more mystified as to why the sprays were prescribed. It is true that my nasal passages are rarely clear, but then again, I was diagnosed with mild apnea. This feedback gives me lots of questions to ask when I go back in. Thanks.

[kteague]

If it has been a few years, having another test is a good idea. If it's been more recent, getting a copy of that report may be enough for you to get a better understanding what you're up against. Couple things about the studies - they really need to see you get some deep and REM sleep, preferably while supine, to get the best idea of the extent of your problem. If that doesn't happen, the results may not be a full picture. I've had 2 studies where the doctor classified my apnea but added that because of the above the test was technically suboptimal. Without you seeing every word and number in your report you don't have much to go on. If your test was recent, a second opinion on those same results may suffice.

[Visitor]

Thanks, the test dates several years back, so I will have one redone.