Got tested for sleep apnea last night

[fastfire]

Test came out no SA.
Sleep on my side don't snore, I'm 5'8" 155lbs 56 years old not overweight. When I got to the sleep center at the VA they said I don't look like a canadate for sleep apnea. There is another kind of SA where the brain doesn't send the signal to breath and I think that's what I have.
I haven't had a good nights sleep for several years now. I just thought I was getting old.
When having coffee with other members here 2 of them have SA and described the symptoms, that got me thinking about my waking up gasping for air and heart racing and not feeling like you got a good nights rest.
I'd like to start using a CPAP to see if my symptoms will subside but need a prescription to get one.
I'm at a loss what to do.

[fastfire]

Test came out no SA.
Sleep on my side don't snore, I'm 5'8" 155lbs 56 years old not overweight. When I got to the sleep center at the VA they said I don't look like a canadate for sleep apnea. There is another kind of SA where the brain doesn't send the signal to breath and I think that's what I have.
I haven't had a good nights sleep for several years now. I just thought I was getting old.
When having coffee with other members here 2 of them have SA and described the symptoms, that got me thinking about my waking up gasping for air and heart racing and not feeling like you got a good nights rest.
I'd like to start using a CPAP to see if my symptoms will subside but need a prescription to get one.
I'm at a loss what to do. My memory the last year has gotten really really bad.

[Wickyd]

Look at those people that you know that have Sleep Apnea . I bet they might have a spare cpap you could try
You would just need to get a mask ,try Amazon .com
Did they put a cpap on you when went for your test.Did you sleep better?

[fastfire]

They fitted me for one if I need it during the night but did not use one.

[JWFilips]

Wow You just described my problems exactly Same symptoms ...& Doctors says I'm not a candidate for SA 150 Lb 5"5" but I'm up about 5 times a night
sometimes if I sleep on my back I wake gasping to breath ( sometimes jumping right out of bed gasping!) Heart pounding and in the past 4 years extensive memory loss ( attributed that to 2 X Lyme Disease 2006 /2008)
They do want to do some tests However SA testing is not covered in my Health insurance & can't afford $2000 for the first tests Guess I will have to take my chances with death ( not fun) Just wondering if others out there are in the same boat. Great Post: Thank You

[Wickyd]

I thought they made a monitor that would detect a pause in breathing and would nudge you in some way to get you breathing again.
I just read they make them for babies and surgery patients.
http://www.examiner.com/review/for-sleep-apnea-or-sids-this-monitor-brings-piece-of-mind

[sidecarmike]

Get a second opinion. SA is nothing to play with. Using a machine that is adjusted improperly can actually create apneas and you can die. If you get a diagnosis of Apnea and can't afford a machine, PM me. I have a spare I'll give you for the cost of shipping. But don't use a machine unless a specialist tells you to do so and gives you the settings to use.
The "you have to be overweight to have it" myth is just that. I was diagnosed at 6ft and 175 pounds.

[fastfire]

Your episodes are way more frequent than mine but the same, mine are getting more frequent the last few weeks.

[TreeKiller]

Another classic symptom is. Do you have to go to the bathroom during the night? When you have SA it causes the brain to have the kidneys draw off fluid and you have to go.

[tomme boy]

I have it. When I was tested, I stopped breathing for 45 sec at a time. They only got about 3 hours of data out of me and they said that was enough to show I had it. I lost my job 3 years ago and have not been able to use the machine since about 6 months before that. The insurance I'm on will not cover it. I had an eye issue at the time that I tore the outer layer of my left eye. The machine was so strong that it would dry out my eyes and when that happened I would end up tearing the lens again. I missed a lot of work because I could not see. If you can't see, how are you supposed to work? Anyway, make sure the settings are for you. They can be easily changed on most units.

I need to get something done as right now, I am biting my tongue to wake myself up so I take a breath. Sucks!

[fastfire]

Once in a while but not every night.



Another classic symptom is. Do you have to go to the bathroom during the night? When you have SA it causes the brain to have the kidneys draw off fluid and you have to go.

[Old School Big Bore]

My machine is OLD, practically steam powered, and no longer puts out the CFM I need, but when I try to get a new Rx, guess what? Preexisting condition. I'm gonna open that sucker up and look for the crank-it-up knob.

[SciFiJim]

Test came out no SA.
Sleep on my side don't snore, I'm 5'8" 155lbs 56 years old not overweight. When I got to the sleep center at the VA they said I don't look like a canadate for sleep apnea. There is another kind of SA where the brain doesn't send the signal to breath and I think that's what I have.
I haven't had a good nights sleep for several years now. I just thought I was getting old.
When having coffee with other members here 2 of them have SA and described the symptoms, that got me thinking about my waking up gasping for air and heart racing and not feeling like you got a good nights rest.
I'd like to start using a CPAP to see if my symptoms will subside but need a prescription to get one.
I'm at a loss what to do. My memory the last year has gotten really really bad.

Absolutely get a second opinion! If your insurance won't cover it, save up or sell something to pay for it yourself. Your health is YOUR responsibility, not someone whose only interest is in making sure THEY don't have to pay for it.

I have used a CPAP nightly for 12 years now. I've worn out two machines. I would fight someone it they tried to take it away.

The last sleep test I had was done at home. When I picked up the equipment at the lab, they showed me how to hook it up (pretty easy). It was supposed to be two nights with a CPAP and two nights without. I couldn't sleep without the CPAP. I would wake up gasping and choking within minutes of falling asleep. After the test, I took the recording equipment back to the lab for evaluation.

[SciFiJim]

I have it. When I was tested, I stopped breathing for 45 sec at a time. They only got about 3 hours of data out of me and they said that was enough to show I had it. I lost my job 3 years ago and have not been able to use the machine since about 6 months before that. The insurance I'm on will not cover it. I had an eye issue at the time that I tore the outer layer of my left eye. The machine was so strong that it would dry out my eyes and when that happened I would end up tearing the lens again. I missed a lot of work because I could not see. If you can't see, how are you supposed to work? Anyway, make sure the settings are for you. They can be easily changed on most units.

I need to get something done as right now, I am biting my tongue to wake myself up so I take a breath. Sucks!

If the air discharge was what was drying out your eyes, there are different types of discharge methods, including a tube that runs back along the tube from the machine. If the mask is leaking, there are many different types and sizes including some that just fit into your nostrils (Nose pillows?) and some that cover nose and mouth. Your doctor should work with you to get the best fit that will work for your situation.

[rondog]

I have severe sleep apnea, but I'm also very overweight. I've been through at least two sleep studies, maybe three, not sure. But I have it bad.

I've been using a CPAP since 1998, and it's my best friend! Anyone that tries to take it away is in for a gunfight. No snoring, no snorting, it's my personal supercharger. I also have nose/sinus issues that makes breathing difficult at times, and the machine just pushes air right in.

Takes a little getting used to but it'll change your life! And once you're used to it you won't be able to do without it.

Message to everyone - if any doctor suggests surgery for sleep apnea, RUN AWAY!!! I can't remember the name of the procedure, but they used a laser and cut the back end off my upper palate and removed the uvula. This was THE MOST MISERABLE procedure I've ever had! Recovery was horrible, the pain was indescribable, and it took years to get over it. I still have swallowing problems at times. It made the apnea and snoring worse too.

[Bonz]

+3 on getting a second opinion… I have had severe sleep apnea for years and have been using a CPAP for almost 8 years now. Unfortunately my heart was damaged before I got my CPAP. My oxygen level would drop to a critical low while sleeping, never new that until I had my sleep study. Problem is you can't just buy a CPAP, you need a prescription because its a medical device. When they test you with a CPAP, they try different pressures to give you just enough pressure to keep your airways open but not too much that would cause a breathing problem. I still have my original CPAP and a new one now. Neither of them let you adjust the pressure, its all computer adjustments and you need a special electrical device to communicate with the CPAP machine. In my opinion, this is nothing to goof around with, like trying someone else's CPAP. Please get another opinion and good luck to you !

[Muskyhunter1]

Yup I know what you are talking about. I have been on a CPAP for about 5 years. It is truly a love hate relationship. It is a fact of life and I do feel much better in the morning. In my moose hunting gang we are 4 members out of 6 have been diagnosed. We got a sign we put up in front of our tent stating "Camp Apnea". The Gennie runs all night long.

Good luck my friend.

[toddrod]

You can buy them second hand on craigslist and you can find how to program them if you read one of the sleep apnea forums. Program the pressure between 5 to 8 and try it out.

[farmerjim]

You need a different kind of CPAP if you have the central nervous system type of sleep apnea. It monitors and learn your breathing rate, then if you don't take a breath it goes to full pressure to fill your lungs then drops to let you exhale. I have both the restrictive and the CNS types of apnea. If I hold my breath, my machine will breath for me. Otherwise it acts like a regular bipap. Some doctors will give you the script to buy online. You can buy gray market machines for about $0.15 on the dollar.

[fastfire]

I just woke up, as every morning I feel a pressure in my chest and have more rapid breathing than normal for a few minutes and have a bit of a headache, it's the same every morning now and getting worse.
The doctor is supposed to contact me about the sleep test I took night before last that was negative.

[tomme boy]

The problem with the drying out of my eyes was the pressure was so high that it was blowing out the ducts in the corner of my eyes. That was how it dried them out.

[SciFiJim]

The problem with the drying out of my eyes was the pressure was so high that it was blowing out the ducts in the corner of my eyes. That was how it dried them out.

A doctor that gives up is a doctor to get rid of.

It may require an adjustment in pressure or a mask over your eyes (a strange thing to contemplate, but "swimming goggles"?)

[fastfire]

I talked to the 2 people that I know with SA, neither has an extra CPAP.
If anyone has one they can part with it would be a lifesaver for me.
I am so desperate to get a good nights sleep. I dred and put off going to sleep because of the waiking up gasping for air and other symptoms.

[Three-Fifty-Seven]

7[/url]

[fastfire]

I registered there 2 hours ago and someone there is working on locating one for me.
I am going to order the O2 level meter.

Thank You!


I have had four sleep studies, and been on the hose for nearly two years.

Go to http://www.cpaptalk.com/CPAP-Sleep-Apnea-Forum.html?sid=b73c6df25566ddb28279c0ed451466ff And ask about "self-testing" basically you want to find a used APAP (auto Cpap) on Craig's list ... Certain models are "smart" and you can down load the data to your computer, there is a free share ware program called "Sleepy Head" that will tell you what the machine did each night!

Another thing to do is get your own O2 meter, they clamp onto your finger and will record all night, if your blood O2 levels drop below 88% then you got problems ... I use the CMS 50D+ ... http://www.pulseoxstore.com/Downloadable-Pulse-Ox.html#anchor_107

[uscra112]

I had 15 years of doctors telling me that I couldn't have apnea. Last year I had to find a new doc, and because I'm in the boonies I settled for a youngish osteopath, (common around here - allopaths don't want to practice in the poor areas of Ohio.) Long story short, he had a local company stick an oxygen datalogger on my finger for one night, and a couple days later wrote out a prescription, not for a full blown CPAP, but just an oxygen concentrator that feeds it to me through a plastic tube that runs under my nose. Medicare will pay for it for 3 years, but you can buy them outright for about $1000. It has made a world of difference to me. When the Medicare runs out, I'm absolutely buying one.

Just did a little mousing around - the CMS-50D can be bought for a lot less on Amazon!

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00B8L8ZXE/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=A1P2RMKFDNBWAZ

[Three-Fifty-Seven]

there

[Old School Big Bore]

My wife is having her test tonight. She knows I'm unable to even nap without mine but her apnea is gettin bad enough after the bypass she just went through to wake her up gasping.

[leeggen]

Fastfire, do you sleep on your back when these episodes happen? If so you may only have a jaw problem that while laying on your back your jaw falls back and shut off the airway. That is what happens to me so I sleep on my side and problem solved. A denist can check your jaw joints for TMJ problems. As others have told you do not just use a cpap that is set for someonelse, it can cause serious problems as a couple have talked about, dry eyes shortage of air or too much air.
Just be real careful.
CD

[fastfire]

Only happened one time on my back, I do not snore.

[wallenba]

VA doctor? First reason to get another opinion. You don't have to be overweight to have sleep apnea either. I am though, and I was having the same symptoms you are. Mine started after my dog Bud died. He would wake me up many times in the night. I thought it was just because he was getting old (17) and needed to go. Getting up a lot got me re-oxygenated. But when he was gone I started sleeping longer. Began waking up with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation. Five ER trips in a month. The last one, they kept me for eight days to get me tested, regular, and on meds. Sleep study caught it. Been using a Bi-PAP, no problems since. Turns out the dog was getting me up because of the sleep apnea according to the sleep clinic techs, they see that sometimes

[Three-Fifty-Seven]

data"!

[Three-Fifty-Seven]

http://i153.photobucket.com/albums/s220/ShawnVT/STW%20Sleep%20Apnea/6-20-13APAPZoomed_zps19b2a81.jpg (http://s153.photobucket.com/user/ShawnVT/media/STW%20Sleep%20Apnea/6-20-13APAPZoomed_zpsd19b2a81.jpg.html)

[lbaize3]

I had sleep apnea for a great number of years without anyone recognizing what it was. Everyone just thought I just snored a lot. When sleep apnea was finally diagnosed, my heart had enlarged on one side from years of gasping for breath in my sleep. That brought about a constant irregular heart beat and the need to take water pills every day of my life. At least half a day is spent keeping close to the john until the water pill completes its' job. Now I can't sleep without my cpap machine. I use a mask with nasal pillows because everything else I used blew air into my eyes and kept me awake and dried my eyes. I advise anyone who will listen to get tested for sleep apnea if they snore. The effects of untreated sleep apnea can be life changing....

[fastfire]

I haven't been able to get the site cpaptalk.com to open up, is it down?

[WILCO]

Get a second opinion.

Best answer.

[Three-Fifty-Seven]

computer?

[fastfire]

I am getting a CPAP from CPAP.COM. They will help me set it up properly.
With the information I get from this machine I should convince the VA that I have sleep apnea.

[histed]

As was said several time, get a second opinion. And, for any of you folks who really need a machine but can't afford one (where's Obamacare when you need it?) I, too, have a machine that works well that I will gladly donate for the price of shipping. If you're hard up for cash, I'll cover that too. PM for details on the machine. I have apnea, but the machine doesn't help me a bit. This was my second one and I still woke up 2 -3 times every night and felt tired all the time. I have been told by my doctor that I am one of a fairly small percentage that has that problem.

[EDG]

The average male patient has about 10 years elapse between onset of the condition and diagnosis.
For me it about 15 years of nightmareish sleep. You need to work on solving the problem in concert with the doctors. Lose weight and exercise if you can. Never sleep on your back.
The sleep doctors do not have much to work with but sleep studies, computers and software plots of your breathing. Once they get that about all they have to prescribe is a CPAP or BIPAP. If the sleep doctor is not effective or persistent in finding what you need for treatment find another doctor.
One of the things to keep in mind is if your nose gets totally stuffed a lot due to allergies or if your mouth falls open when you sleep it defeats the CPAP.
Sometime an elastic headstrap is required to keep your mouth shut while you sleep and a decongestant may be needed to keep your nasal passages open. Just make sure that what you use is ok with the doctor.

[Three-Fifty-Seven]

,,her!

[fastfire]

I use windows 7 and can't down load from the pulse oximeter.


Yeah, it seems to be down today ...

Have you figured out the downloading data part of the Oximeter (O2) yet?

Are you using a Mac or IBM type computer?

[ghh3rd]

EDG, you said 'never sleep on your back. Can you explain why? I have always slept on my side, but with the CPAP mask on I have to sleep on my back or the mask gets pushed out of position. Also, the chiropractor recommended that I sleep on my back.

When you said that if your mouth falls open it defeats the purpose of the CPAP, did you mean when using a nose only device? Mine covers my mouth and nose, and due to a deviated septum I mouth breath about half of the time.

Randy

[dkf]

Wow You just described my problems exactly Same symptoms ...& Doctors says I'm not a candidate for SA 150 Lb 5"5" but I'm up about 5 times a night
sometimes if I sleep on my back I wake gasping to breath ( sometimes jumping right out of bed gasping!) Heart pounding and in the past 4 years extensive memory loss ( attributed that to 2 X Lyme Disease 2006 /2008)
They do want to do some tests However SA testing is not covered in my Health insurance & can't afford $2000 for the first tests Guess I will have to take my chances with death ( not fun) Just wondering if others out there are in the same boat. Great Post: Thank You

I know and worked with a guy that is right around the same height and weight as you. He was diagnosed with SA and got a machine. My dad has one too and should have had one since he was a kid, but back then nobody paid attention to the issue.


EDG, you said 'never sleep on your back. Can you explain why? I have always slept on my side, but with the CPAP mask on I have to sleep on my back or the mask gets pushed out of position. Also, the chiropractor recommended that I sleep on my back.

When you said that if your mouth falls open it defeats the purpose of the CPAP, did you mean when using a nose only device? Mine covers my mouth and nose, and due to a deviated septum I mouth breath about half of the time.

Randy

There are several different types of masks. My dad uses the nose only and has no issues. Some people need one covering the mouth too and some can get by with a nose only with a strap to help keep the mouth closed. Masks are not a one type fits all kind of deal.


FYI for any of you guys that camp/stay somewhere with no electric. A CPAP machine will run fine on a 12V deep cycle battery and an inverter.

[TreeKiller]

FYI for any of you guys that camp/stay somewhere with no electric. A CPAP machine will run fine on a 12V deep cycle battery and an inverter.

My Phillips Respironics System One is 12V and uses a Power supply but you can use the 12v in the trailer with a long cord from the 12v plug for the TV. No inverter just do not use the heater for the water.(don't ask why)

[sidecarmike]

FYI for any of you guys that camp/stay somewhere with no electric. A CPAP machine will run fine on a 12V deep cycle battery and an inverter.

My Phillips Respironics System One is 12V and uses a Power supply but you can use the 12v in the trailer with a long cord from the 12v plug for the TV. No inverter just do not use the heater for the water.(don't ask why)
+1 on this. I use a gel cell motorcycle battery for mine. If it gets low, I have a plug in in the saddlebag that allows it to recharge while I ride. You need to specify that you want this. My first machine was 24 volt. I reminded them that I requested one to use on 12 and they told me I would need to purchase a special step up unit for $400 to do that. Thanks to the interweb, I then discovered that the one they gave me was the only one Respironics made that would not run off of 12 volt. I gave it back to them and changed suppliers. I've used mine for a number of years at home and on the road, but finally have one just for the camper.

[Three-Fifty-Seven]

.,,ks!

[Three-Fifty-Seven]

. bit)

[TreeKiller]

Not for the pulse oximeter.
But I use this to read the CPAP chip;

http://sourceforge.net/apps/mediawiki/sleepyhead/index.php?title=Main_Page

[fastfire]

How do I tell which?



Are you running 32 bit, or 64 bit version? (won't work with 64 bit)

[Wis. Tom]

Thank you guys, for the info on sleep apnea, as I have used a CPAP machine for years, but because of Obamacare, I am losing my affordable policy, and will have to front all of these cost now, out of pocket, with a $6000 deductible each family member.

[Three-Fifty-Seven]

...
http://i153.photobucket.com/albums/s220/ShawnVT/64bit2_zpsea974d9.jpg (http://s153.photobucket.com/user/ShawnVT/media/64bit2_zpsea9747d9.jpg.html)

[fastfire]

32 bit is my system

[Three-Fifty-Seven]

,,, pc.

[a.squibload]

Nose pillow style is great if you can use it, I got used to it right away.

Watch out using a heater with a humidifier, if it gets cool in the house,
water will condense in the hose. Might be a lot!

I have an old CPAP but it's digital and adjustable. Might try to communicate
with it. Also have an older one that I repaired, keep it as a spare.
My apnea is not severe, can sleep without the machine but better with it.

Need to clean the mask & hoses (& humidifier) once in a while (before any
mold takes hold), use distilled vinegar & water.

Side benefit of CPAP is your intake air is filtered.
Hey, if it's good for the Chevy...

[a.squibload]

PS: years ago at the Dr's office when I asked about apnea they had me check out
a CPAP machine, I fell asleep with it on. They sent a recording machine home with me
to run a test overnight. Pretty easy.