CPAP not helping me feel better

Do you take any medications at all (prescription or over the counter)? You would be amazed how many medications can make you tired. There are drugs for almost every condition now that cause fatigue and sleepiness. I am doing well on my BiPap and I'm still tired from the prescriptions I take.

Good luck!

Mathew:

Everyone else has made good suggestions. I am not an expert but I think the full-face mask is the best solution if you breathe through your mouth (which you do if you have a stuffed up nose).

ozij is right if you nose is clogged Cpap won't work.

I breath through my mouth because most days my nose is clogged (allergies). I switched to a full face mask after the first week and I am very happy with it.

I have been on my machine for four weeks. I am just now getting used to it and for the first time this week I slept through 3 nights and started to feel better. In fact last night was the first night ever that I was not aware of the mask on my face!

My point is don't give up. Be patient with yourself and keep at it.

In my sleep study, my oxygen level got as low as 75% - even a low 90s reading when awake. I guess it was better at my titration study, because he didn't mention anything except a period of leg movements. I do get restless leg syndrome sometimes.

That last post was from me. Thought I was still logged in.

The Ativan I take for anxiety can make me feel a little drowsier, but I feel it is worth it. I take blood pressure medicine that never caused a problem, and has kept my blood pressure at a good level.

I feel just a little better today. Thanks for the encouragement!

Well, my pressure was lowered to 9, and I'm not sleeping any better. I don't seem to be getting much of that deep sleep. When I do, my head sometimes gets that strange ache afterwards. And my body only seems to get it in the wee hours. I gave up on napping because they make me feel worse - maybe the CPAP will help that, but I'm scared to try. I wake up at 8 AM sometimes, don't feel that bad, but when I try to go back to sleep, it's like I can only get into a suspended-type state that feels half awake and half asleep. I'm going to the bathroom WAY too much overnight. At 10-11, when I get up, I keep having that horrible head feeling. My head doesn't feel quite right all day, and I have those troubles concentrating and handing a lot of stimulus. Stores really set my spaciness/tiredness off. Still also too doze-prone during the day, and I try to avoid these dozes. I'm still only getting a little peace at night - I do worry about heart, my nighttime breathing, and something going on in the head. Not sure if these concerns are valid or not. My doctor thought it was just sleep apnea, but she hasn't heard about my muscles being easily pulled and the continued not feeling well. She would probably say to give CPAP more time.

I had my full mask on for part of the night, and I had more trouble falling asleep with it, but I'm going to try it the whole night tonight.

Any other CPAP suggestions, or suggestions for a sleep schedule? I still don't seem to have much of a set sleepy and awake points.

_________________

CPAPopedia Keywords Contained In This Post (Click For Definition): CPAP

_________________

CPAPopedia Keywords Contained In This Post (Click For Definition): CPAP

_________________

CPAPopedia Keywords Contained In This Post (Click For Definition): CPAP

I guess Chronic Fatigue Syndrome or Fibro also could be added to the apnea? I know CFS can cause abnormal feelings with the heart and breathing.

No alpha intrusions were mentioned in my sleep studies.

How much ativan you take?

I usually take 1 Ativan in the morning, and 1/2 before bed to help with my anxiety.

Ativan, like most meds in that family, is pretty sedative. You are not allowing yourself to ever have it mostly out of your system to know how you would feel off it. It alone can cause considerable fatigue.

Have you talked to your sleep doc specifically about taking this? Have you considered talking to your own PCP about trying to get off it or having a less sedative anxiety med (if one even exists I don't know)?

About going off, I realize for some that is an impossible task (I was offered ativan for heart issues) so that is why you need to talk to your doctors about what ifs.

You might have to find the balance between meds and fatigue. CPAP alone might not be the answer to feeling better and it does take time for many - months sometimes.

You also need to address the muscle issue you mention with your doctor as that might be the signs of some chemical or electrolyte imbalance and if so that can lead to further heart issues. I have to constantly monitor, by how I feel as well as the heart symptoms, my K/Na balance.

http://www.benzo.org.uk/manual/index.htm

Ativan is a benzodiazepine (Lorazepam). Benzodiazepines are meant for short term use.
Fatigue is one of their side effects.

http://www.benzo.org.uk/manual/index.htm

O.

I wouldn't be surprised IF a LOT of the problem is your sinuses.

You might want to consult an ENT about them and see if you can get the sinus problems under control.

EDIT:

Also with sinus problems going on.... you can probally count on the fact that you are doing some mouth breathing. You might want to try a full face mask. I don't think I would recommend tapeing for someone with sinues issues.