Newbie-First Sleep Study

I had my first sleep study Thursday night, Dec. 1. That was also my first day on Medicare. I've had a couple of pulse ox studies that showed problems and have been on O2 at night since 11/01/11. The technician didn't give me any details but I know I have two good hours of sleep on my back and both sides that documented "severe sleep apnea". He then put me on CPAP with nasal pillows. I think I got at least 3.5 hours of sleep. I liked the inspiratory flow but I had trouble exhaling against the pressure so he reduced it some. I woke up twice feeling like I was suffocating and ripped the pillows off my face. He said he got me "tuned in" on my back and both sides, but that I had "really a lot of centrals"-that my sleep Doc would have to decide if I needed another sleep test to titrate ASV.

In retrospect I've had several years of symptoms related to sleep disordered breathing. I had attributed the brain fog, sleepiness, extreme fatigue, cognitive decline, etc. to my demanding job (lots of stress and long hours including 24 hour shifts, etc.) and getting older. I turn 65 this month. I've also had some puzzling health problems. The picture is getting a lot clearer in retrospect.

My wife, Teknomom, is ahead of me and will be getting her ASV next week. I've been reading this forum for over two months now and appreciate the dedication you have to helping each other. We have also gone to two of the Denver support group meetings-very helpful!

It feels very good to have a diagnosis established and I took forward to the journey to better health.

Hi, just wanted to welcome you to the forum. As you already know a pretty good sized learning curve but far from impossible to master. Take your time and things will gradually come together for you.

Thanks Pugsy. I'll keep updating as things happen.

Good luck, sandman. Yes, do keep us posted on what's happening. For not being able to tell you anything, the sleep tech told you a lot.

I am now an official member of your community. My results:
AHI: 27 without CPAP (range of 17 when on my side to 101 when supine)
41.3 on CPAP, mainly centrals, worse during REM sleep
Dx: moderate obstructive sleep apnea with conversion to severe central sleep apnea on CPAP; Complex Sleep Apnea

Plan: I need to spend several weeks getting my Asthma under control with new medications.
ASV titration sleep study on 01/25/12
Phillips Respironics PR System One REMstar BiPAP AUTO SV ADVANCED in February 2012.

Sand... try and get the full report from your sleep study. It's always a good idea to have this information.

John

Thanks John. Absolutely! I saw my sleep doc yesterday in one office primarily for my asthma and my sleep file was in his other office. I've already called for the details.

Bummer when one treatment opens up a whole new can of worms isn't it? So sorry you get to join us under these circumstances. Welcome to the forum though. Have fun reading and there will be lots of it.

Sleep on your side as much as you can till you can get your machine and get started down the mask and machine road.
Also the worse in REM thing is common. I am that way too, just not with centrals. Staying off your back will help limit some of the supine events but not much you can do about the REM events.

Hi Sandman,
Welcome and while it isn't gleeful to have a diagnosis, it is useful and gives you answers to questions you've probably had for years.

I'm not going to comment on treatment issues. I'm sure you'll get plenty of help from people with more experience then I.

But this is what I wanted to mention. I live in the mountains and have many central apneas. My Pulmonologist has flat out stated that I'd do much better at a lower elevation. With the two of you both having difficulties at least partially related to elevation...my question is this: have you considered moving to a sea level environment?

I've made the decision. I just want to get things in order but hopefully within 6 months, I'll be basking in seaside air...rich in humidity and oxygen. I don't expect my apnea to go away, but I'll bet I can abandon my night time O2 use and also see my central apnea count decrease. I can't wait...
Jamis

Many thanks to Pugsy, Mary Z, John and Jamis for your warm welcomes. I do appreciate them.

Jamis, I really respect your decision to move to sea level. It must have been a very difficult decision. We wish you the very best. Being in the mountains (8,000 feet) is just a part of who we are. We have decided to stay here unless health problems force us to move. "Rocky Mountain High" is much more than just a song to us. My wife's spirit and attitude are inspirational. I am looking forward to my journey to better health.