Finally some good numbers!

For the first time in nearly of year of being on CPAP/BiPAP, I have had a nearly a week straight of AHI under 3.0! I am so happy! Anyone who has followed my story knows this is a HUGE deal for me, as I've struggled to get my numbers under control with no success, and greatly varied numbers. If I graph my daily AHI, it looks like a roller coaster!

So what made the difference? The only thing I can figure is that it was my carpal tunnel syndrome that was causing problems. I had my second carpal tunnel surgery two weeks ago. During the first week, my AHI was quite high, most likely due to pain. Same thing happened with the first surgery last month. But this time, when my pain eased, and my numbers came down, they came down farther than they have in a long time. Seven of the last eight nights have been good numbers. The one night that wasn't as good (still under 5) was a night that I bumped into a chair in the dark with my hand that still had stitches in it, setting off pain.

So I was able to document, at least for me, that my AHI increased greatly with pain (post surgery), even when I was on pain meds, and/or wasn't aware of the pain during the night. I will be SO happy if my AHI stays down now that the carpal tunnel syndrome will no longer be an issue. I know that I feel so much better if my AHI is in the 1-2 range. I'm finally starting to have some good days!

That is wonderful news. I know this has been an uphill battle for you.

I think pain (even low level pain not requiring the good stuff pain pills) just messes with a lot of things. I know that now with the broken wrist I am struggling to get 6 hours of sleep with or without pain meds. With or without sleeping meds. My pain isn't huge but just enough to make things uncomfortable. While my overall AHI hasn't really changed, my quality of sleep has been severely impacted and it is starting to tell on me.. Grumpy, short tempered, tired to the point of falling asleep sitting up at the computer. Now I am lucky to get 6 hours of sleep total with a significant number of awakenings at that. I used to average 7 to 8 hours every night with only 1 or 2 awakenings.

That carpal tunnel will do it every time, before I had mind done I was wakeing up constantly. Happy to hear your numbers have finally settled in a good place.....keep it up.

Jbn3boys,

Great news! Here's hoping that the numbers continue to look good for you AND that you finally start beginning to FEEL BETTER soon.

I do think that the need to get other medical problems firmly under control is necessary for being able to feel the full benefit of xPAP therapy in terms of quality of daily life.