One dark stormy night a loooong time ago, a child was born. Yes, I am pretty sure that is when my fatigue started (when my daughter was born 13 years ago). But that is another story
I was diagnosed with sleep apnea recently and was actually quite shocked since I didn't quite fit the mold (female; average weight/BMI, didn't snore)...but I did have a need to sleep a lot . The diagnosis came after I literally took my own records of over 6 months to my pulmonologist to show him my sleep patterns. He immediately said I had OSAS. Like I knew what that meant! I had a lot to learn (lingo and all) and I am still trying to absorb info on this disorder.
Leading up to this diagnosis, I spent two years with my pulmonary doctor trying to figure out why I was so tired all the time and why I had so much respiratory trouble if I didn't have asthma, emphysema, bronchitis or any of the other common respiratory problems. He told me sleep apnea can cause respiratory problems if it is bad enough. He also told me my oxgen desaturation into the low 60s was like being on top of Mt. Everest
I understand mountain climbers actually rent tents so they can practice breathing at low oxygen levels. I can't imagine anyone wanting to go through this - on purpose! But, then again, people said the same about me when I told them I wanted to purposely jump out of an airplane
So....I am really hoping this treatment for Sleep Apnea will kick in soon and I will feel the benefits and actually experience some symptom reversal (especially the shortness of breath)!! I am just glad I am one of the diagnosed ones. Many are undiagnosed. I am sure there are a few in my family too.
FF