Neebie-told today I have OSA

Hello everyone..I am brand new here. I just got the results to my sleep study today and don't really know what is going on so forgive me if I don't abbreviate correctly Anyway, today I was diagnosed with OSA. The doctor told me I stopped breathing no less than 90 times an hour and my oxygen level dropped to about 81 each time. I guess this is considered severe apnea. So, I am going to try the CPAP--they should call me in a couple days to set that up. The doctor also mentioned surgery as an option with taking out my tonsils, shortening the uvula and reshaping the palate. Is that the UPPP I have been reading about? I am 41 years old, female, and and scared to have my tonsils out due to my age. But it is an option I will consider if the CPAP does not work.
Any suggestions, advice, or support would be greatly appreciated as I am kind of freaking out right now. Also, I have a severe weight problem that I need to start working on again, but every diet I try, I fail. I need to lose about 120 lbs. Any support in the weight loss area would also be greatly appreciated.
I'm sure you will be hearing a lot from me in the coming days, weeks and months.
Thanks for listening,
Terry

Yes, 90 respiratory disturbances an hour is very severe. In fact, anything 30 and above is considered severe. And your O2 desat supports that conclusion.

I can't advise on surgery as I had my tonsils and adnoids out over 40 years ago. Apparently it didn't help me with apnea, otherwise why would I be here?

I hope you are aware of the connection betten sleep apnea and weight gain, although you probably are not. There are multiple issues at work here:

- you are tired and therefore sedentary;
- you are sleep deprived with causes hormonal changes that increase appetite.

CPAP therapy isn't a magic weight loss device except for the lucky few (not me it seems ), but I'd call it "an enabling technology" that makes it easier to do the things that will work: exercise and eat sensibly.

Hi, Terry and welcome aboard!

Yes, with an AHI (apnea/hypopnea index) of 90 and oxygen desats (desaturation level) of 81, you have severe sleep apnea (otherwise known to us affectionately as OSA). That's the bad news.

The good news is that relief is in sight for you! CPAP therapy has worked wonders for lots of us here on this board, myself included. Renewed energy (although it may take a while to pay off your sleep debt), not falling asleep at the drop of a hat, snoring a thing of the past......all of this is what most of us here have experienced.

For most of us, though, it hasn't been a completely smooth trail. Mask fit, correct pressure(s), right CPAP or APAP unit, humidifier, dealing with insurance companies, sleep doctors, medical suppliers (DME's as they're known here, or more commonly, evil DMEs ), this can all be extremely frustrating, especially when you're starting out and still exhausted from the OSA. But this board has incredible support for folks as well as a ton of information to help you find your way.

Also, we have a weekly "weigh-in" on Fridays that have helped a lot of us renew our committment to become lighter. (On that note, do NOT plan on that being a "cure" for your OSA.) One thing that sleeping better will do is give you more energy which should aid in your burning more calories.

Most of us here have either posted or read posts on surgery as a treatment. There are quite a few places here that you can find information (do a search on surgery or Pillar Implants or UPPP). I urge you to check them out before getting anything surgical done!

Again, welcome to the board. Sit back, enjoy and best of luck in your journey.

This therapy WORKS!!! (for some, it works from day one, for some, we have to work to make it work)

Howdy and Welcome,

You're in the right place. Here are some "CPAP and Sleep Apnea Basics" from the cpap.com that you'll find helpful:

CPAP and Sleep Apnea Basics FAQ Category:

https://www.cpap.com/cpap-faq/CPAP-and- ... tml#FGID-1

I have been diagnosed with Sleep Apnea, what should I do?

https://www.cpap.com/cpap-faq/CPAP-and- ... cs.html#19

My parting bit of advice would be to ask a ton of questions. ANYTHING you are wondering about is fair game. We're all willing pitch in and answer them.

Johnny

Welcome, from another newbie (relatively). Your situation sounds a bit like mine - I'm not much older than you with sleep results showing 95 arousals/hour, an AHI of 72, and O2 desats to about 85. Had some scary cardiac irregularities, too, all of which convinced me I really need to stick with this. Anyway, I've been on CPAP for 5 weeks now and never felt better in my life. It isn't perfect, I am not younger or any less stiff in the morning. It wasn't, and still isn't, an easy adjustment - I fought with the equipment bitterly the first few nights, and still do every now and then. I've tried different masks, different bed pillows, different hose configurations, whatever - there is a lot of trial and error involved. The key is that this therapy can really, really make a difference in how you feel, it can save your life (literally), and though it is a struggle sometimes, it is worth it. You have a lot of good days ahead of you. It is worth the struggle with the CPAP to get to those. Hang in there. There is lots of help and support available in this discussion forum. I wish you strength, perseverance, and lots of success!