Fatigue and puffy eyes after 6 years on machine?

[byrnes518]

I've been having some health issues for a few months and so far no answers. I've been faithfully using my CPAP with a nose mask for 6 years and keep it clean etc... ,new parts etc... but haven't been to the sleep lab for any changes in air flow since then. Am scheduled next week so that is taken care of but wanted to know if this is a common problem or familiar to any of you.

Basically I'm having chronic fatigue and it seems worse lately. I just have to lie down or can't function. Under my eyes are very puffy, I believe from what I've "researched" on line it's called periorbital edema or something like that, all day long doesn't get better by the end of the day. So basically I look like I'm exhausted and feel that way too but have a lot of sleep! Also I get mild headaches. I've been to the ENT, my primary many times. My blood work is always "normal" for me that is. Just wanted to see if anyone in this forum could come up with something or it rings a bell, thanks for your assist!! Nanook!

[Wulfman...]

Please fill out your profile with exactly which equipment you're using (machine brand/model, mask brand/model, etc.) and what your machine settings are (pressure and humidifier settings).
Without any information, we can't even begin to try to make suggestions.


Den

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[byrnes518]

Sorry didn't know I needed to do that but I'll list what I can here. REMstarAuto Bipap M series A-Flex machine and have a mask that basically covers my nose and that's it. Tried nasal pillow types but wasn't able to keep them in. My machine is 6 years old and it's set so that more air forces in if I have apneas but that's all I know. Sorry to sound so dumb about it but I do use it every time I sleep I just don't know all the details of my settings. Thanks if you can come up with something Nanook.

[avi123]

You are asking a sort of medical advice. But you don't provide your age or gender which could be relevant. The patches under the eyes could indicate an underlying medical condition, that don't show up in a blood test. Any Internal MD could help. As to the CPAP's set-up, it may need to be updated.

[FattyMagoo]

Under my eyes are very puffy, I believe from what I've "researched" on line it's called periorbital edema or something like that...

Please be careful with your research, it's incredibly easy to come to the wrong conclusion.

One problem is there are a huge number of symptoms that sound the same but can actually be different because it's so hard to describe exactly what's happening to us. Another problem is even when we get the symptoms right there are lots of things that lead to exactly the same symptom(s).

Try to note as much detail as you can for your symptoms like times of day, duration, has it ever happened before in your life, associations with other activities or problems in your life, etc.

It's hard to solve a mystery with one clue.

FM

[Wulfman...]

Sorry didn't know I needed to do that but I'll list what I can here. REMstarAuto Bipap M series A-Flex machine and have a mask that basically covers my nose and that's it. Tried nasal pillow types but wasn't able to keep them in. My machine is 6 years old and it's set so that more air forces in if I have apneas but that's all I know. Sorry to sound so dumb about it but I do use it every time I sleep I just don't know all the details of my settings. Thanks if you can come up with something Nanook.

It's time for you to get educated about your therapy (and equipment). Start doing lots of reading and searching on this site.
Unfortunately, we still have virtually no information to go on.

Could be that your mask is leaking.
Could be that your humidifier setting is too high or too low.
Are you leaking air out of your mouth? Ever wake up with a dry mouth?

Your machine should be data-capable (unless the model has the word "Plus" in it) and if so, you could be looking at your nightly statics on your computer. If it IS the Auto, then it would be data capable. It should have a blue "smart card" in a slot in it.

By the way, Respironics Bi-PAP machines don't have "A-Flex"......they have Bi-Flex.


Den

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[byrnes518]

Just am sort of grasping at straws at this point because it's been going on for a few months now and so far no answers but am scheduled to see the pulmo on Monday so that should answer all those questions, may need new setting etc.../machine but getting coverage is not always easy so I've avoided it. But I suppose the mask could leak but normally if something is up I wake up when my machine is really loud and am a light sleeper anyway. It does say A-Flex right on the machine so that's why I put it on there, lol. I know I don't know a lot about machines etc...why I'm married to an engineer! But when I see the pulm on Monday I'm sure I'll learn more of what I'm doing wrong etc...and they'll check my computer card in the machine.

I'm a woman in her 50s so I'm always worried it could be something else it's just that so far no other doctors have pin pointed the problem and I first went to the ENT thinking it was sinuses. I see my endo soon to see if it's my thyroid or some new gland and also am being referred to a neuro for the headaches. I'm guess I'm looking for others help because so far I'm not getting any answers and am sort of running out of patience after months of this. It takes a while to be seen by a specialist and also to know which specialist to be sent to especially if my primary is throwing up his arms

Anyway I also have low grade fevers along with the fatigue and the puffy undereyes and headaches. So something is going on but thought maybe the peeps out here might know more than me. I know my symptoms could be so many dif things but like I said it's frustrating and thought I might learn something new here, thanks for your help, Nanook.

[Julie]

You need to talk to your regular doctor, never mind the sleep stuff. Anything could be going on (cardiac?) that produces the symptoms and we're not doctors here. Even if we'd had similar symptoms it doesn't necessarily mean that's what you have or that you'll react the same way to whatever someone might suggest.