I'm amazed!!!

odawa · Post by **odawa** » Tue Dec 18, 2007 2:07 pm

I havent been sleeping well with the cpap. I almost gave up, but I didn't. I kept trying the treatment and nagging at my Dr. Well it turns out. I have anemia. Not horrible where I need transfusions, but bad enough to effect my sleep. How do I know? I started taking Iron Tabs as prescribed by my Dr. and I am feeling so much better. I'm not as groggy, I'm more alert. I'm almost me again. Yes, I'm still using the CPAP, that problem hasnt gone away, I just have another piece to the puzzle as to why I am unable to wake up rested.
This is just a word of encouragement to everyone, Dont give up on treatment or finding someway to help. Stay persistent and compliant with the CPAP, but seriously, let the Dr. know what is going on.
I still have not received the results of the MSLT sleep study. Hopefully that will be soon. I'm curious to see what that shows.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Tue Dec 18, 2007 2:10 pm

YAY!!!!!!!! I'm so happy for you! I've been so sad that you've kept posting how tired you are!!!!!

For me, I think the trick is exercise. I'm getting a little more, and feeling a little better.

Cheers,
B.

Perchancetodream · Post by **Perchancetodream** » Tue Dec 18, 2007 2:14 pm

Glad you persisted and got a diagnosis and treatment. It really is easy to credit apnea for all of our ills, but sometimes other forces are at work.

Susan

odawa · Post by **odawa** » Tue Dec 18, 2007 2:24 pm

I've been doing some exercise now too. I did 30 mins at a run on the gazelle on Sunday. I had class last nite so no exercise!! I had a FINAL!!!! YIKES!!!

My Dr. was really puzzled that I was still so tired even with the CPAP. I'm so glad that she thought to do the blood work again.

ozij · Post by **ozij** » Tue Dec 18, 2007 3:45 pm

WTG odawa! Good you got the iron in time for the final. I hope it turned out well.

O.

odawa · Post by **odawa** » Tue Dec 18, 2007 9:39 pm

Oh!! This was a monster final!! I hope I did well. Fingers are crossed. lol toes and eyes too.

odawa · Post by **odawa** » Wed Dec 19, 2007 10:44 am

I got a B for the class!!! NOt bad. I prefer A's but considering I went through the class in a sleepy fog not bad!!

clanrat · Post by **clanrat** » Wed Dec 19, 2007 11:05 am

Congrats!

I think I've been apnic my entire adult life. People always told me I snored, even back in high school. I didn't get diagnosed until I was well out of college and I'm amazed that I made it through at all.

I distinctly remember being so frustrated in lectures because I kept falling asleep, no matter what I did. Studying was so hard as I just couldn't focus on anything for a long period of time without nodding off.

best,

-C.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Wed Dec 19, 2007 11:05 am

Way to go!! A job well done -- especially half asleep!!

sleepycarol

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Wed Dec 19, 2007 12:37 pm

Thank you SleepyCarol

Clanrat,
its almost impossibe to stay focused during the lecture. The voice starts to drone on and on and on. Plus I have to keep rereading the chapters as the material does not stick. It's been quite a trial.

I'm just glad the Dr found out what else was bothering me. Who would have thought Iron would cause such a difference!!! WOW

ozij · Post by **ozij** » Wed Dec 19, 2007 12:52 pm

Not bad at all!!!

And no wonder you felt cpap wasn't working:

http://www.cfpc.ca/English/cfpc/program ... lt.asp?s=1

Anemia occurs when your blood doesn't have enough hemoglobin. Hemoglobin is a protein in your red blood cells that carries oxygen from your lungs to the rest of your body. All parts of your body need oxygen. Anemia can starve your body of the oxygen it needs to survive
<snip>
Many things can lead to anemia. Your body may not make enough blood or you may lose too much blood from bleeding. Possible causes include low vitamin B12 or folic acid intake and some chronic illnesses. But the most common cause is not having enough iron in your blood. Iron is a mineral the body needs to make hemoglobin. Anemia due to low iron levels is called iron deficiency anemia.

My emphasis

If your cpap treats you breathing perfectly, and your blood can't get the oxygen from your lungs to the rest of your body - the you don't feel cpap is doing anything.

O.

odawa · Post by **odawa** » Thu Dec 20, 2007 11:36 am

EXACTLY!!! I was having so much trouble staying awake and couldnt figure out why. Here are a list of symptoms:
Symptoms Return to top

Pale skin color
Fatigue
Irritability
Weakness
Shortness of breath
Sore tongue
Brittle nails
Unusual food cravings (called pica)
Decreased appetite (especially in children)
Headache - frontal
Blue tinge to sclerae (whites of eyes)
Note: There may be no symptoms if anemia is mild.

I did have the fatiue, irritability, weakness, shortness of breath (I was yawning alot, brittle nails. and a major headache that would not go away.
I'm really perky now. I'm like a new person now. Smiling and laughing and staying awake!!!

odawa · Post by **odawa** » Sat Dec 22, 2007 7:23 pm

My drs office called yesterday. They think I was titrated properly so my number will stay at 9. They are sending me the results so I'll post when I get them
We talked more about the anemia. My blood level was at 9.4. They have you get a blood transfusion at 8.0. Just think. I was going to school, work, volunteering for Christmas, and going to Board meetings and my blood level was almost critical.
I have to say it again. If you arent getting relief from the cpap machine, talk to your Dr. There may be other reasons, as to why you still feel crappy.
I've been taking the Iron tabs for 2 weeks, and I have my energy back. I cleaned my bedroom closet and room today. I exercised on my Gazelle, went shopping with my daughter and its still kinda early. Before, all of this was just a dream....
Merry christmas everyone and to all a good nite.

sleepycarol · Post by **sleepycarol** » Sat Dec 22, 2007 7:31 pm

So glad you are feeling better.

My present insurance does not cover regular check-ups / physicals such as blood work, mammograms, etc.

I have went to the doctor for fatigue etc. and was finally able to get the sleep study and my equipment. But at times I still battle the fatigue -- although it isn't as bad as before CPAP. I am actually gaining weight and have put on 10 - 15 pounds since the end of August although I am more active now. I figure when my insurance changes on Jan. 1 I am going to have a complete physical done as it has been years since I have had a complete one done (going on 10 years).

odawa · Post by **odawa** » Sat Dec 22, 2007 9:04 pm

Do you have a health center in your area? We have them in Michigan for people that need it. Also sometimes you can find different places having a Health Fair. The hospitals usually put them on. Then again its almost the new year, I hope they will find what is keeping you tired and hopefully it's something easy to fix.
Andrea