causes of apnea

Hi

I've been an apnea patient for about three years now. I've tried all types of masks, undergone 5 sleep studies and have had the up3 and double jaw surgeries. I started out at 240 lbs and am 6 feet tall. I now weigh 220 and am still 6 feet tall. According to people who know I should weigh 185. My apnea/hypopnea index was 104 events per hour starting out, and is now around 17 so I know that the surgery has helped. I am still on cpap and with cpap I have about 7 respiratory arousals per hour which seems to be acceptable.
Looking back, there are some things I'd do different. I would drop my weight to the optimum 185 lbs as soon as possible, for even 5 lbs overweight can cause apnea. The fat fills in between the muscles in the neck and closes off the air. I would do this before i had any surgery as the surgery can cause problems. Mine was an extreme case and cpap wasn't doing the job at times due to allergy and work related sinus irritation. I still have a problem with the palate closing off due to scar tissue buildup. I'll need at least one more surgery,maybe more. I may never get off of cpap but it won't be because I didn't do every thing possible. I'm hoping to help by telling my story to anyone that is willing to listen. Cpap is the way to go, but is not a cure. It will get you through the rough part. I think the toughest thing I have ever done was to lose those first 20 lbs. i know I can lose the rest now. Good luck fellow cpap'ers...Stay with it.
Midnight Rambler

Enjoyed your forum post.

Wow, over a hundred in the apnea index?! ....And I thought my 45 was high!

Thanks for your insights. I'm only in my second week of the cpap. This forum has been real useful in helping me cope with this thing. I often feel guilty about occasionally being bummed out by this, when I see people with bigger problems. But the forum helps remind me that this really is a serious thing. When I first learned I had this apnea thing, I felt so alone. Then I didn't realize just how prevelant it is. So, I thank people like you for sharing your experience. Good, bad or whatever, these experiences are all so interesting.

Thanks again.

Linda

Midnight Rambler...very informational post! I totally agree with your views on this topic. A balanced attack is probably the most reasonable approach to treating any disease process.

We are all wanting an 'immediate' solution to any problem in today's world...sometimes this is not available. Patience, education and attention to healthy living are all admirable qualities to a person's quality of life!

BigE

Look at new topic Brain concussion for possibble diagnose.

Richard

Look at new topic Brain concussion for possibble diagnose.

Richard