....Sleep Apnea candidate, but odd symptoms

General Discussion on any topic relating to CPAP and/or Sleep Apnea.
Voyager
Posts: 3
Joined: Fri Feb 12, 2021 6:06 am

....Sleep Apnea candidate, but odd symptoms

Post by Voyager » Fri Feb 12, 2021 6:58 am

Hi all, new 63 yr old male here. This forum looks like a good resource. I look forward to your advice and opinions.

Yesterday I visited an ENT Specialist to pursue some strange symptoms. First off, for years I’ve felt I’ve needed a CPAP machine because I experience the classic symptoms, but I’ve put it off. I’m now convinced and ready to participate in a Sleep Study. The Dr. pulled up a 10 year old CT Scan of my neck and pointed out my Pharynx was only the size of your little finger, unusually small. And mentioned, now at 10 years later, with age, all muscles and tissues lose resiliency and suspects it’s even more restricted. So I’m moving forward with testing.

But that’s not why I went into see my ENT Specialist! I went in because I’ve been experiencing other and what I see as stranger symptoms. Keep in mind, I discussed these strange symptoms with the Dr. and he feels they ARE related to Sleep Apnea. I’m just not convinced they are. Of course, after the Sleep Test and it’s deemed I need a Machine (which I’m sure they will) I’ll have the answer.

Until then, please review these symptoms and offer up your opinions...are the related to Sleep Apnea?

- Sharp stabbing sensation near the Uvula area. Occurs just after I nod off. Sometimes it lifts me right out of bed.

- lots of intermittent little spasms in my throat in just about any area. Very random. And not all the time. Sometimes it makes me cough hard.

- Rare, but a few have times it’s had near or on my Larynx, which freaks me out.

Just a note- The ENT Dr. did run a scope through my nostril and said my everything looked just fine. Thanks for any input you can offer!

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cyberdreamer
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Joined: Mon Jun 24, 2019 10:57 am
Location: Brazil

Re: ....Sleep Apnea candidate, but odd symptoms

Post by cyberdreamer » Fri Feb 12, 2021 9:32 am

Voyager wrote:
Fri Feb 12, 2021 6:58 am
Hi all, new 63 yr old male here. This forum looks like a good resource. I look forward to your advice and opinions.

Yesterday I visited an ENT Specialist to pursue some strange symptoms. First off, for years I’ve felt I’ve needed a CPAP machine because I experience the classic symptoms, but I’ve put it off. I’m now convinced and ready to participate in a Sleep Study. The Dr. pulled up a 10 year old CT Scan of my neck and pointed out my Pharynx was only the size of your little finger, unusually small. And mentioned, now at 10 years later, with age, all muscles and tissues lose resiliency and suspects it’s even more restricted. So I’m moving forward with testing.

But that’s not why I went into see my ENT Specialist! I went in because I’ve been experiencing other and what I see as stranger symptoms. Keep in mind, I discussed these strange symptoms with the Dr. and he feels they ARE related to Sleep Apnea. I’m just not convinced they are. Of course, after the Sleep Test and it’s deemed I need a Machine (which I’m sure they will) I’ll have the answer.

Until then, please review these symptoms and offer up your opinions...are the related to Sleep Apnea?

- Sharp stabbing sensation near the Uvula area. Occurs just after I nod off. Sometimes it lifts me right out of bed.

- lots of intermittent little spasms in my throat in just about any area. Very random. And not all the time. Sometimes it makes me cough hard.

- Rare, but a few have times it’s had near or on my Larynx, which freaks me out.

Just a note- The ENT Dr. did run a scope through my nostril and said my everything looked just fine. Thanks for any input you can offer!
Hmm, I believe the doctor even explained why you likely have sleep apnea i.e. your airway is too small.

The pains in your throat might be acid reflux.
Machine: Airsense 10 Autoset (humidity 7, slimline hose) (5 years)
Mask: Resmed F30 (medium) (1 year)
Previous masks: Swift FX Nano (5 years); Dreamwear Nasal (few days); Swift FX pillow (few days)
Sleep study in 2016 with AHI 12 and some oxy desats

Voyager
Posts: 3
Joined: Fri Feb 12, 2021 6:06 am

Re: ....Sleep Apnea candidate, but odd symptoms

Post by Voyager » Fri Feb 12, 2021 11:07 am

And I believe I do have Sleep Apnea. You’ll have to read what I wrote. It’s the list of particular items I have trouble attributing to SA. Funny you mention Acid Reflux. I have two things going for treatment. ENT for SA and earlier this week I saw my Primary Care Dr. She thinks it’s Acid Reflux and has me on omeprazole as on Tuesday. She thinks it’s that and I do to. It gets weird when you have possibly two conditions confusing everything.

D.H.
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Re: ....Sleep Apnea candidate, but odd symptoms

Post by D.H. » Sun Feb 14, 2021 1:51 pm

You need to treat your Sleep Apnea whether or not these are symptoms.

If the symptoms persist, then pursue them further.

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greatunclebill
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Re: ....Sleep Apnea candidate, but odd symptoms

Post by greatunclebill » Sun Feb 14, 2021 10:18 pm

see a pulmonologist that specializes in sleep apnea for best results. too often the ent talks people into surgeries that might or might not work and in the end you get the cpap anyways.

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please don't ask me to try nasal. i'm a full face person.
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Voyager
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Joined: Fri Feb 12, 2021 6:06 am

Re: ....Sleep Apnea candidate, but odd symptoms

Post by Voyager » Tue Feb 16, 2021 9:25 am

Thanks all. The acute problem seems to be acid reflux. I will take the sleep test as I feel certain Sleep Apnea is also a big problem I have.