Periodic Breathing

At what point should I start to worry about periodic breathing? Some nights I will go with no episodes of PB and other nights I find two, three or even four episodes.

I am moderately overweight but for from obese. However, in 2004-2005 I had three abdominal surgeries due to colon cancer which left me with a rather large abdominal hernia. I wear a surgical belt during the day, but I don't sleep with it. I'm thinking that the hernia may be the culprit, but if so, why isn't it consistent?

Is there a cause for concern here or am I just being overly cautious?

I also have some nights no PB and some nights 2 or 3 short episodes. I have no other health problems that might be a contributing factor that I am aware of. I have noticed that sometimes when I zoom in on the PB green wave flow that it in no way really resembles the typical pattern of CSR that would concern us and sometimes it appears to be typical CSR (or very close).

I have ever seen any "acceptable" allowance as to what is nothing to worry about and what % is something to worry about. So I don't know what to tell you. For me, I don't think I have ever seen more than 1% flagged as PB, I just shrug my shoulders and go on. Perhaps someone else has seen a numerical number.

As always, if something really is a concern then discuss it with your physician. If you think the hernia is a factor...maybe sleep with the belt for a week or so and see if it seems to reduce the PB episodes.

Thanks for the reply. I think I'll adopt the same attitude of shrug and move on. I see my Dr. next month and I'll express my concerns then. I think I may talk to my surgeon as well. He has been cautious about fixing the hernia because it would be very involved. If I stand sideways, I look like a pregnant woman. If my PB really is a concern, and if the hernia could possibly be the culprit, I'll see about having it fixed.

I think you have chosen the wrong equipment in your profile. I am betting you have a PR System One Remstar (model whatever). It is a common error because you don't see "PR" on your machine.. you see Phillips Respironics and Remstar.

In the equipment tab drop down menu look for the grouping of equipment names starting with "PR" and you will find your equipment.

The machine you have chosen at the moment is an old dinosaur and doesn't even show PB.

Last night, actually this morning, I had 19 events in 9 minutes. They were CAs not OAs in addition to 3 Hyponeas. If I add in the other near events, then it would be 29 events over 14 minutes. Every 30 seconds ---- On and then off. Was that short or not, I don't know. But my sister, who also has RA of a severe nature, is in the hospital this morning with Heart Failure.

Her breathing issues are complicated by the right side failure of her heart. I have thickening of the interior heart wall, but no Heart Refraction. She does.

We all need to be proactive when it comes to health issues. Periodic Breathing can be "normal" but it can also be indicative of serious Heart issue. A Pulmonologist is not the Dr to evaluate that, you need to see a Cardiologist. On the other hand, if it's a real Central Apnea.......

Oh well, to each their own, I wish us all well.

Pugsy, I'm venting so that I feel better about myself. Otherwise, I'm just trolling for good Karma.

Pugsy,

Right you are. In fact I've been looking and looking for the right equipment in the drop down. Thanks for the tip. I'll get it straightened out.

I have often said that I am probably in better general health since my cancer diagnosis than I was because I get routine check-ups. I get a yearly EKG and complete physical. Heart disease runs in my family so I'm very proactive when it comes to anything that may impact pulmonary function. That was one of my primary reasons for the sleep test. That and the fact that my wife kept waking me up to tell me that I had stopped breathing! If I had any heart issues, I would be sure to address them.