Sleep test results - advice please

Hi,

Here are the results they sent from my sleep study. What should I be prepared to discuss with the doctor at my next visit? Thanks for all your help!


Obstructive Apneas 43
Mixed Apneas 1
Hypopneas 138
Central Apneas 4
Total sleep disordered breathing events 186

Total AHI 31
Non-supine AHI 16.6
Supine AHI 32.4
Time Non- Supine (minutes) 32.5
Time Supine (minutes) 328

No evidence of Cheyne-Stokes respiration pattern. Approximately 35 minutes were spend with pulse oximetry saturations less than 90% wutg approximate minimal value of 74%. 70 periodic limb movementsof sleep were noted yeilding a PLMS index of 11.7 per hour. These were associated with 15 arousals yeilding a PLM arousal index of 2.5 per hour. Snorning was reported of mild volume associated with resuscitative grunts.
The ECG revealed sinus arrhythimia.
Impression: Moderate obstructive sleep apnea syndrome.
Merryj Posts: 4Joined: Sat Jun 25, 2011 1:49 pm

Looks like they called it right. Moderate sleep apnea. Re: the PLMs and arrhythmia, talk that over with the doc.
Seems it's worse sleeping on your back, but that's the usual case. Nothing else remarkable. Hold out for a fully data capable machine when the time comes.

The doc should discusss the results of the test with you. Take your copy in case you have any questions. He should follow up with a titration study to determine the pressure you need. I would ask him to prescribe a data capable machine as was suggested. To me it looks like your test was very normal for someone with OSA. You could ask him if you need to follow up with the cardiac
arrhythymia.
Good luck, keep us posted.

Mary Z wrote:The doc should discusss the results of the test with you. Take your copy in case you have any questions. He should follow up with a titration study to determine the pressure you need. I would ask him to prescribe a data capable machine as was suggested. To me it looks like your test was very normal for someone with OSA. You could ask him if you need to follow up with the cardiac
arrhythymia.
Good luck, keep us posted.

Great suggestions. Though as a note, it is not unusual for the cardiac arrhythmia to result from the obstructive sleep apnea. So, while it's a good idea to check, definitely don't panic about it.

Merryj
While you are waiting to see the doc I would suggest that you read the cpapwiki and new users guy at the top of the page. Educate youself of this cpap diagnosis and you will be ahead of the game when you get to see the doc. Your questions to him/her will be on target to get you started in the right direction to make your therapy a success very quickly.
Good luck

About the arrhythmia listed in your study, sinus arrhythmia is not usually something to be concerned about. It is a term used to describe a sinus rhythm (which is normal) where your heart rate is slightly increasing with inspiration and then decreasing with exhalation. In other words, there is usually a pattern to this heart rate increase and decrease that correlates with your breathing. This can be a normal variation of sinus rhythm. I am a nurse. I have been told I have it when I have been monitored.

Thanks everyone.

I have an appointment for the triation study on August 14th. According to my insurance, there are 3 DMS's in the area so I can at least shop around. I will ask for a fully data capable machine.

I really appreciate all the help her. My husband thinks this is all a scam to get money and I should just sew a tennis ball in my pj's so I don't sleep on my back.

No, it is not a scam. Sleep apnea can cause serious health problems, not to mention death. I am glad you are educating yourself now. It is a good predictor of how you will adjust to and understand your disease and treatment. Good for you.
Besides that, I can't imagine sleeping with a tennis ball digging in my back. Would much rather have a mask on my face!