bloating
11 posts
• Page 1 of 1
-
rested gal
- Posts: 12881
- Joined: Thu Sep 09, 2004 10:14 pm
- Location: Tennessee
Hi Canadian,
What pressure was set before they raised it to 9? And were you experiencing bloating (aerophagia - swallowed air) at the previous pressure?
It's said that many people get used to pressure eventually and stop inadvertently swallowing air, but it sure is painful to try to get through that period. Having experienced the pain of it a few times back when I was tweaking various high pressures, I certainly wouldn't want to wait it out...not more than a couple of days, anyway. But I'm a real wimp. "Give it more time, you'll get used to it and the aerophagia will subside" is probably what most doctors and DMEs would advise. Easy for them to say, or course, since they're not the ones feeling the pain from bloating.
An autopap, as Mike mentioned, set for, say 6 - 10 might let you spend more time at lower pressures that get the job done. For many people, an autopap proactively keeping the throat open at lower pressure much of the time - dealing with the conditions that lead to apneic events, raising the pressure only when needed - works very well.
If you can't get the doctor to switch your straight cpap for an autopap, ask him to drop the pressure down to what feels comfortable to you for a few days or a week.
Just one notch lower than whatever pressure is causing bloating could make the difference in letting you get used to this treatment more comfortably.
Even if a lower pressure is not ideal treatment, getting used to this kind of treatment is as much a part of the treatment itself as anything, imho. Painful experiences with pressure or mask are a big contributor to non-compliance, imho. I'm not a doctor, but perhaps a few days or week at a pressure low enough to not cause you to swallow air would help you get accustomed to the treatment better. Then, the pressure could be raised a notch at a time, and you might not swallow air at all, having gotten used to the treatment in general better.
Do you also have GERD (acid reflux), by chance?
What pressure was set before they raised it to 9? And were you experiencing bloating (aerophagia - swallowed air) at the previous pressure?
It's said that many people get used to pressure eventually and stop inadvertently swallowing air, but it sure is painful to try to get through that period. Having experienced the pain of it a few times back when I was tweaking various high pressures, I certainly wouldn't want to wait it out...not more than a couple of days, anyway. But I'm a real wimp. "Give it more time, you'll get used to it and the aerophagia will subside" is probably what most doctors and DMEs would advise. Easy for them to say, or course, since they're not the ones feeling the pain from bloating.
An autopap, as Mike mentioned, set for, say 6 - 10 might let you spend more time at lower pressures that get the job done. For many people, an autopap proactively keeping the throat open at lower pressure much of the time - dealing with the conditions that lead to apneic events, raising the pressure only when needed - works very well.
If you can't get the doctor to switch your straight cpap for an autopap, ask him to drop the pressure down to what feels comfortable to you for a few days or a week.
Just one notch lower than whatever pressure is causing bloating could make the difference in letting you get used to this treatment more comfortably.
Even if a lower pressure is not ideal treatment, getting used to this kind of treatment is as much a part of the treatment itself as anything, imho. Painful experiences with pressure or mask are a big contributor to non-compliance, imho. I'm not a doctor, but perhaps a few days or week at a pressure low enough to not cause you to swallow air would help you get accustomed to the treatment better. Then, the pressure could be raised a notch at a time, and you might not swallow air at all, having gotten used to the treatment in general better.
Do you also have GERD (acid reflux), by chance?
Last edited by rested gal on Thu Mar 03, 2005 5:51 pm, edited 1 time in total.
-
GoldMedalSleeper
- Posts: 5
- Joined: Sun Jan 23, 2005 11:03 am
- Location: Connecticut
I had problems with bloating when I first started on my CPAP the end of January. My pressure setting is 10. I would have some Gas-Ex before bed and that helped. I don't know if it was from having more air than I was normally used to, or something with acid reflux. My acid reflux has seemed like it has gone away now. I think it may be because of the forced air. Whatever it is, it no longer wakes me up! But I seem to no longer have the bloating feeling.
My problem until just this past week, was awful back pain that went from the middle of my back to around my rib cage. It would start after 5-6 hours of straight sleep with the CPAP. My brother also had this trouble after he got his CPAP a few weeks after mine (yes, even Mom has it too!). His RT told him that it would ease up after time. Basically it was that we were not used to actually breathing deeply during sleep.
Long story sort of short -- I'm not sure which kind of bloating you were referring to: the gassy kind or the bloated lung feeling. I had both. Hang in there!
My problem until just this past week, was awful back pain that went from the middle of my back to around my rib cage. It would start after 5-6 hours of straight sleep with the CPAP. My brother also had this trouble after he got his CPAP a few weeks after mine (yes, even Mom has it too!). His RT told him that it would ease up after time. Basically it was that we were not used to actually breathing deeply during sleep.
Long story sort of short -- I'm not sure which kind of bloating you were referring to: the gassy kind or the bloated lung feeling. I had both. Hang in there!
It sounds like you didn't have any gas problems before cpap. Swallowing air is the culprit. Get an auto is probably the best plan. I know I didn't have any problems once starting auto treatment.
Or just learn to toot a tune. When you visit your doc nest time and he says no problem, just toot a few lines. Maybe he will change his mind.
Cheers,
Chris
Or just learn to toot a tune. When you visit your doc nest time and he says no problem, just toot a few lines. Maybe he will change his mind.
Cheers,
Chris
-
Canadian
OH No I dont want any other disorders. Ive never been diagnosed with acid reflux nor have I had any of the symptoms. The machine that I have is supposed to be the 'Cadillac' of machines I have the REMstar Pro with CFlex. I told you I was new at this but it sure is great news to hear that other people have experienced the same issues. I didnt have the problems when I was set at 8 but up just one notch and oh the pain is unbearable, but I'm also using it a lot more. I went to CUBA and decided not to take it with me so I didnt use it for two weeks. I've been home for 2 weeks and used it every night and now.rested gal wrote:Hi Canadian,
What pressure was set before they raised it to 9? And were you experiencing bloating (aerophagia - swallowed air) at the previous pressure?
It's said that many people get used to pressure eventually and stop inadvertently swallowing air, but it sure is painful to try to get through that period. Having experienced the pain of it a few times back when I was tweaking various high pressures, I certainly wouldn't want to wait it out...not more than a couple of days, anyway. But I'm a real wimp. "Give it more time, you'll get used to it and the aerophagia will subside" is probably what most doctors and DMEs would advise. Easy for them to say, or course, since they're not the ones feeling the pain from bloating.
An autopap, as Mike mentioned, set for, say 6 - 10 might let you spend more time at lower pressures that get the job done. For many people, an autopap proactively keeping the throat open at lower pressure much of the time - dealing with the conditions that lead to apneic events, raising the pressure only when needed - works very well.
If you can't get the doctor to switch your straight cpap for an autopap, ask him to drop the pressure down to what feels comfortable to you for a few days or a week.
Just one notch lower than whatever pressure is causing bloating could make the difference in letting you get used to this treatment more comfortably.
Even if a lower pressure is not ideal treatment, getting used to this kind of treatment is as much a part of the treatment itself as anything, imho. Painful experiences with pressure or mask are a big contributor to non-compliance, imho. I'm not a doctor, but perhaps a few days or week at a pressure low enough to not cause you to swallow air would help you get accustomed to the treatment better. Then, the pressure could be raised a notch at a time, and you might not swallow air at all, having gotten used to the treatment in general better.
Do you also have GERD (acid reflux), by chance?
This is just a loaner but I will need to go this week to get my permanent machine. What should I be asking for? Once again thanks for all of your help !
-
Canadian
Thanks for your response - both I think - pressure in the upper abdomen with difficulty in breathing - what I would imagine a heart attack would feel like. My upper stomach is really distended. Im going to try the GasX treatment, one of my responses indicated that it was an effective nightly CPAP treatment and I have to go get my permanent machine, at which time I will mention your suggestion. thanks once againGoldMedalSleeper wrote:I had problems with bloating when I first started on my CPAP the end of January. My pressure setting is 10. I would have some Gas-Ex before bed and that helped. I don't know if it was from having more air than I was normally used to, or something with acid reflux. My acid reflux has seemed like it has gone away now. I think it may be because of the forced air. Whatever it is, it no longer wakes me up! But I seem to no longer have the bloating feeling.
My problem until just this past week, was awful back pain that went from the middle of my back to around my rib cage. It would start after 5-6 hours of straight sleep with the CPAP. My brother also had this trouble after he got his CPAP a few weeks after mine (yes, even Mom has it too!). His RT told him that it would ease up after time. Basically it was that we were not used to actually breathing deeply during sleep.
Long story sort of short -- I'm not sure which kind of bloating you were referring to: the gassy kind or the bloated lung feeling. I had both. Hang in there!
-
rested gal
- Posts: 12881
- Joined: Thu Sep 09, 2004 10:14 pm
- Location: Tennessee
I agree with chrisp that the machine you might really want is the Respironics REMstar Auto with C-Flex and heated humidifier. That's what I have and love having effective treatment that's so comfortable.
If you inquire about that with your DME (Durable Medical Equipment provider) or your doctor, don't let them tell you that no such machine as an "Auto with C-Flex" exists. That good new autopap with C-Flex now added to it is very much alive and well - and giving many people on this board good treatment.
If you inquire about that with your DME (Durable Medical Equipment provider) or your doctor, don't let them tell you that no such machine as an "Auto with C-Flex" exists. That good new autopap with C-Flex now added to it is very much alive and well - and giving many people on this board good treatment.
-
WillSucceed
- Posts: 1031
- Joined: Sun Nov 07, 2004 7:52 am
- Location: Toronto, Ontario
Bloating
Canadian:
Fortunately, you are only renting your machine for now. Ontario's Assistive Devices Program (are you in Ontario?) has recently changed and now recognizes/funds AutoPAP machines.
No matter what the Dr. says, dig your heels in, complain, complain, complain about the pain and insist that he write the script for AutoPAP. Also, get him to write you a note, on his/her letterhead (or on the script) that you have FAILED ON CPAP.
When you go to the equipment provider, make sure that you dig your heels in again and insist that you know about the recent change in ADP (it happened in Sept. 04) such that AutoPAP is now covered the same as CPAP and that you are aware of the cap on what the provider can charge. ADP says that they must sell you a machine, hose, heated humidifier and mask and you will only be out of pocket $250. ADP covers the rest. If you are receiving Social Services assistance ($), you will pay nothing out of pocket.
If, however, you choose a mask that is different from the one that they offer as 'basic', you will have to pay extra for the mask. If you have insurance through work, it should cover it.
Feel free to private message me if you want some help on dealing with the Ontario system. Whatever you do, don't let the provider tell you that AutoPAP is not covered. Also, don't settle for CPAP as the AutoPAP are clearly superior and, if needed, can function in regular CPAP mode.
Fortunately, you are only renting your machine for now. Ontario's Assistive Devices Program (are you in Ontario?) has recently changed and now recognizes/funds AutoPAP machines.
No matter what the Dr. says, dig your heels in, complain, complain, complain about the pain and insist that he write the script for AutoPAP. Also, get him to write you a note, on his/her letterhead (or on the script) that you have FAILED ON CPAP.
When you go to the equipment provider, make sure that you dig your heels in again and insist that you know about the recent change in ADP (it happened in Sept. 04) such that AutoPAP is now covered the same as CPAP and that you are aware of the cap on what the provider can charge. ADP says that they must sell you a machine, hose, heated humidifier and mask and you will only be out of pocket $250. ADP covers the rest. If you are receiving Social Services assistance ($), you will pay nothing out of pocket.
If, however, you choose a mask that is different from the one that they offer as 'basic', you will have to pay extra for the mask. If you have insurance through work, it should cover it.
Feel free to private message me if you want some help on dealing with the Ontario system. Whatever you do, don't let the provider tell you that AutoPAP is not covered. Also, don't settle for CPAP as the AutoPAP are clearly superior and, if needed, can function in regular CPAP mode.
-
Sleeping With The Enemy
- Posts: 454
- Joined: Tue Jan 25, 2005 11:54 pm
- Location: Minnesota
11 posts
• Page 1 of 1