3 months, all going well, now everything has gone to...

Wistful · Post by **Wistful** » Wed Jun 13, 2007 3:12 pm

I am so frustrated.

After a really hard time getting everything sorted out, I was in my 3rd month of compliance and then everything started going wrong.

It started two weeks ago with a tummy bug, I couldn't keep the mask on and add air in my stomach to the equation. As I recovered I was sensitive to aerophagia (which has been under control with a pressure from 7-9).

Then I had a bit of head congestion (not in my nose), which caused post nasal drip, which made me swallow more, causing more aerophagia. Then it gave me pressure in my ears, which hurt. I took decongestants which helped moderately.

Then my mask started leaking and it took a few nights with various nasal pillows and adjustments before that got sorted out.

Now I am congested, again. I am taking decongestants. Two mornings ago, I woke up with a mouth so full of saliva, that as soon as I opened it... You get the idea.

Last night, after only one hour, I woke up with my stomach so distended with air that I thought moving might cause it to rupture.

I have read every post on aerophagia and have adjusted accordingly. I may try setting things at straight 7 or 6 until this congestion, which is causing me to swallow, passes.

Just incase you are wondering, I don't have Gerd.

All that to ask, has anyone else started having problems again, after a few months of everything being fine?

Thanks,
W

tangents · Post by **tangents** » Wed Jun 13, 2007 6:30 pm

Wistful,

So sorry to hear that you've hit a rough spot. We joined the forum on the same day! That was the very day I got my machine, too. I'll be honest, the last two weeks I have been swallowing air myself. I thought it was wierd that it started all of a sudden, and I'm not sure what to do about it either.

For your congestion, have you tried rinsing your nose with salt water, like Sinu-Cleanse? When I get sinus infections, it saves my life. (I haven't been sick since CPAP, knock on wood.) For your post nasal drip, have you tried allergy medications like OTC Claritin? That might help too. Not trying to replace your doctor, just offering suggestions that have helped me.

Let us know how you're doing. We share a birthday, of sorts

Take Care,
Cathy

Wistful · Post by **Wistful** » Wed Jun 13, 2007 7:41 pm

Thanks Cathy!

It is good to hear from someone who gets it, and shares a birthday of sorts

I do appreciate your suggestions. I use salinex, a saline nasal rinse, and sudafed. I may give an antihistamine a try, I don't think this is an allergic reaction, but I'll try almost anything. Both my kids have a cold, which is just wrong when the weather is so hot, but what can you do? Anyhow, Mommy was bound to get it, as she is the sleep deprived one.

Thanks for your support, I needed to hear from a friendly 'voice,' makes it easier to suit up tonight.

I hope you have an aerophagic-free night!

W

DeltaSeeker · Post by **DeltaSeeker** » Wed Jun 13, 2007 8:25 pm

Wistful,

I'm sorry to hear of the problems you are currently having. I've had lots of problems with aerophagia myself but more of the gaseous variety. Quite embarrassing at work

I think it's all a process. Some days are bad, some are good. But on the whole, I wouldn't trade even a bad night on CPAP for the "best" night without anymore.

My sinuses are ALWAYS congested - one of the reasons I'm stuck with a FFM. Even after going thru the pain of sinus surgery (boy did *I* feel sorry for myself when I really didn't notice any difference!). And, of course, CPAP doesn't help uncongest. Even with sinus sprays, sinus rinses, etc. I won't take Sudaphed because it makes my RLS act up terribly, but there are nights where I would have LOVED to! I did try Afrin spray one day and that was a mistake! My heart was racing and my head was itching just as badly as if I had taken a Sudaphed

Sorry I can't really offer any advice. Just "tea and sympathy." I sure know how it is - kids get sick, mom invariably gets whatever it is too. I hear you - there should be no such thing as a summer cold! Whas up with that???

Hope everyone is back to feeling better soon and your sinuses get back in line!

Linda

Wistful · Post by **Wistful** » Thu Jun 14, 2007 5:32 am

Your tea and sympathy is much appreciated Linda, thank you.
W

tangents · Post by **tangents** » Thu Jun 14, 2007 8:45 am

I hope you have an aerophagic-free night!

Ah, no such luck. Plus I had to put the open Vick's Vapo Rub jar by my air intake to mask "unwanted miscellaneous" odors, if you get my drift.

The allergy medicine in Claritin behaves a little differently than a regular anti-histamine, so if I were you I'd still give it a try. It really helps me. I have to be very careful with sudafed, so I hardly ever take it.

How'd you make out last night, any better? Hope so.

Take care,
Cathy

puffing billy · Post by **puffing billy** » Thu Jun 14, 2007 12:59 pm

Sounds like you might have taken to mouth breathing,
Symptoms are dry mouth in the morning, swallowing air, using lots of water in your humidifier.
Normally the CPAP machine will blast your nose clear.
A few ways you can stop mouth breathing are:-
1. Chin strap
2. Tape your lips up
3. use a gum shield
If you have a hunt in FAQ you may come up with a suitable solution.

Wistful · Post by **Wistful** » Thu Jun 14, 2007 6:16 pm

Hey Cathy,
last night was better but I still wasn't able to make it the whole way through - I feel like I'm starting all over again!
You sound like you are going through a rough spot. Do you know what is causing the aerophagia? If you want someone to bounce ideas off of, feel free.

billy,
At first I did open my mouth as soon as I fell asleep, so fixed that problem with poligrip-strips, they work great. The CPAP blasting my nose clear is part of the problem. Any congestion is getting blown down my throat, making me swallow. I appreciate the suggestion, though

Thanks!!!
W