Taking Mom (71) to Sleep Doc Today....

Hi, I have been a hosehead for 5 months now and been very sucessful with my treatment. Thank you Cpaptalk.com!!!!!

This thread is about my Mom, she has many health challenges: Non Hodgkins, diabetes, High blood pressure and Congestive Heart Failure being the most recent. She did a home study for Sleep Apena 4 weeks ago (ahi 17, only completed about 2 - 3 hr a night for 3 days) but she also ended up in the hospital 3 days later with heart failure and has been retaining so much water they are doing another precedure this week in regards to heart function. She also has been on O2 since the hospital stay 4 weeks ago and unable to drive. She has an appointment today with my sleep doctor (I'm taking her) which was set up by her heart specialist. A few questions: She is NOT happy about this treatment, the sleep lab or wearing a mask of any kind (claustrophobia badly). I have a great relationship with the doctor because of my own treatment. I'm wondering if I would be out of line to ask if a APAP would be the way to go so she doesn't have to do a sleep lab study? Also I'm wondering how does the CPAP work when you are on O2 at the same time??? I just don't see this going well. Any help from people who have done this with their parents???

Laurie

I am very sorry to hear of your Mother's health problems... I think a few may actually be helped with CPAP: High blood pressure and Congestive Heart Failure.

I have High BP and depression, both of which are main symptoms of sleep apnea.

Oxygen and CPAP work very well together, I am currently on both. The oxygen is pumped right into a coupler that goes into the CPAP mask via the CPAP hose.

Good luck to you and your Mother.

Rome

Laurie,
I know my Mother wouldn't wear a cpap mask if it were epoxied to her face.

Don't try to force anything and even though you love her and want her to live a long time...it is her life and her decision.

I don't see any advantage with an apap machine. They can actually be problematic and many people, after they get pressures dialed in, end up disabling that feature. If they do prescribe cpap, try to get one with c-flex or exhalation relief. That is a useful comfort measure.
Good luck,
Jamis

I totally agree about not forcing anything, especially at this point since she isn't feeling all that great and with other things going on. I think the sleep apnea is going to be put on the back burner till the heart test are done this week and she gets more fluids off her person anyways. Just looking for any questions I should be asking and support.....Thanks!!!!

Maybe she would try a nasal pillow mask. . .

Chunky, I would love for her to be able to use the nasal pillows but when we were talking last night she said she wakes with her mouth dry every morning leading me to thing she sleeps with her mouth open. It would be great if it were just because of her meds which it could be. We won't know till the sleep lab test. I mentioned taping or chin strap and she just freaked but she said she won't use a full face mask either.

Her appointment is in an hour...will post what Doc says later this evening.

Laurie

LaurieP wrote:and Congestive Heart Failure
---
I have a great relationship with the doctor because of my own treatment. I'm wondering if I would be out of line to ask if a APAP would be the way to go so she doesn't have to do a sleep lab study?

An ASV machine would probably be the best choice if Congestive Heart Failure is causing Cheyne-Stokes Respiration -- which it often does. And a PSG sleep study would be the way to know not only if that kind of respiration is present, but also for an ASV titration.

However, it sounds like there will be no xpap of any kind in your mother's future, given her adamant feelings against it, and particularly against the type of mask (full face) that she'd most likely need.

Perhaps your good sleep doctor can change her mind, but I doubt it.

You're doing all you can, Laurie. If neither you nor the sleep doctor can help her view "cpap" differently, then there isn't much else you can do other than continue loving her and supporting whatever decision she makes. If she still refuses to consider a full PSG sleep study after the appointment with the sleep doctor, I wouldn't force the issue any farther. It's her life -- to live out the way she chooses.

I completely agree with RG, my mother is 82 & completely refuses to get a sleep study. She says she is too old for start something new like cpap therapy. She was hospitalized in ICU two years ago because she had a stroke. Her 02 desats during sleep were documented. She was urged to get a sleep study. She refused saying she would never sleep with a cpap. She also said it was her life and she didn't want any machines helping her live longer. Even with my 4 sisters & I pleading with her she hasn't changed her mind.We realized yes it was her life & she had the choice to live it as she likes.

My mother is 78. She too refuses to even consider getting a sleep study. Comes up with any number of excuses for nodding off often during the day. Says it doesn't matter if she has sleep apnea or not...she says she just knows that she couldn't sleep with a mask on her face anyway. Of course she would be the first to rag my butt if I didn't use my machine though. She knows the dangers fully and chooses not to comply.

The day got away from me but I wanted to update you on my Mom. It went way better than I thought. My Doctor was really nice and Mom really liked her. She spoke with my Mom about how much CPAP would help her heart and how much more engery she would probably have if she gave it a try. My Mom said she didn't want too much engery cause than she might have to get rid of her maid , sleep Doc said she hadn't heard of that happening and laughed. Mom got teary eyed a couple of times but she is open to going to check out the rooms, masks and getting a feeling for everything first so she did make an appointment next week for us to meet the Techs. Doc wasn't comfortable doing a APAP at home because of Mom's O2 levels and wants to make sure that when on CPAP they stay up, which we both totally understand.

The Doc also said if it made my Mom more comfortable they could set me up in next room for the night during Mom's CPAP sleep over. So with that being said I think my Mom will do it so me and my cpap are heading to the lab once again...ugh! My Mom has alot of anxious about being away from home even for a night.

Thanks for everyone's encouragement, greatly appreciated.


Laurie

Laurie,

I don't have any advice. Just sending my best wishes to you and your Mom.

For those who have parents who won't try - My father at 82 went and talked to his doctor about a sleep study after I was diagnosed. He doesn't need it. He does need a new heart but is looking into pumps now. So age can have nothing to do with it.

Now for my mother with dementia I wouldn't even think of trying to get her a sleep study.

LaurieP wrote:.. Doc wasn't comfortable doing a APAP at home because of Mom's O2 levels and wants to make sure that when on CPAP they stay up, which we both totally understand.

Are they going to start her without O2, then start cpap without O2, then add O2 if necessary?
Keep us updated. My dad won't have one. Well I could probably harrass him into it but then I don't think he would be compliant. Now that I have a backup machine I should be able to put him on mine at home with the oximeter. I just have to get a port to add his O2. That's why I am wondering how they are doing your Mom's. The tech that did my titration said that often cpap solves the apnea and they don't need O2.
Best of luck! The maid might need a raise though. I think her standards might be higher if she feels better.

Lizistired, That is what they are going to do, start with out O2 and watch her levels. The doctor said that some people once they start CPAP they don't need the O2 at night just during the day. My Mom is really hoping that she can get off the O2 once they get the heart test and fluids retention under control tomorrow. She might be in the hospital a couple of days. As long as she is on O2 she can't drive and that is really bugging her to depend on me or my daughter.

Funny remark about the Maid but my Mom has pretty high standards aready. I don't think Michele could do much better, Mom watches.

Laurie

LaurieP wrote:The Doc also said if it made my Mom more comfortable they could set me up in next room for the night during Mom's CPAP sleep over. So with that being said I think my Mom will do it so me and my cpap are heading to the lab once again...ugh! My Mom has alot of anxious about being away from home even for a night.

I think that will make the difference for her. Knowing you are there will help keep her calm. Good thoughts for you both.