Anyone with Sleep Apnea too?

goldensara · 01-14-2006, 03:07 AM

Hi all,
I have a sleep study scheduled in 2 weeks. Just wanted to know if anyone out there has Sleep apnea? If so, what were your symptoms & what is your current treatment...If I have it as the doc's think I do I can't believe I am not dead already for I am 35...I don't sleep as it is & I don't see how I am going to go to sleep with knowing people are watching me.
Help...

SABTeacher · 01-14-2006, 03:21 AM

I don't, but DH does. He used to choke in his sleep and it sounded like he was going to stop breathing. He also snored SO loud. He went for the studies, got diagnosed, and was given a C-PAP machine to use when sleeping (he wears a little mask over his nose and mouth that is attached to the small machine). I think it forces oxygen into you at a certain pressure to regulate the sleep apnea. He doesn't snore at all now and says he gets a much better night's sleep. It took him a week to adjust to the machine, but now he can't sleep without it.

I recently started wondering if I have it. I often wake up very tired, even after a full night's sleep. DH says I snore, but I don't think I do it in the same way (maybe just a light snore). I may consider doing a sleep study one of these days.

Good luck!
Shari

girlygirl522 · 01-14-2006, 06:21 AM

I have sleep apnea and use a apap machine. I always snored, but not really loud. My husband described it as really heavy breathing that would stop periodically. I was always tired and would fall asleep during the day at the drop of a hat. I also had morning headaches almost every day. I also had a lot of very vivid, crazy dreams ( from being woken during rem or "dreaming sleep").

The test isn't bad at all. I had two nights of sleep study done. The first was to determine if I had sleep apnea. The second was to determine how much air pressure I needed to keep my breathing going. They attach a ton of wires to you, and you go to bed. They will ask you to perform a series of actions to make sure all the sensors are reading properly. Then you go to sleep. The first night, I was very restless. I tossed and turned all night like I usually do. The second night was much better. I had a breathing machine and slept well for the first time in a long time.

Like I said, I am on a apap machine (there are a couple different types). My machine automatically adjusts the pressure based on my breathing pattern and air resistance. It varys from a 4 to a 10, with sevenish being the most typical level. Wearing a mask while you sleep takes some getting used to. They have quite a few kinds, but it can be hard to find the right one for you. I started out with a nasal mask which is ok. I want to switch to a full face mask, because I am having problems with congestion. I have to get a prescription for it, so my insurance will pay.

I still don't sleep as well as I would like. Part of my problem is the congestion. I also think my mattress needs to be replaced. That said, I do sleep much better than I used to. I can really feel the difference when I sleep without my machine.

I am sorry this is so long. Please let me know if you have any other questions. If you do have sleep apnea, the sleep study is well worth it.

Take Care,
Tracey

jax009 · 01-14-2006, 04:34 PM

I don't have it, but my DH does, and he sleeps with a c-pap machine. However, being a man, he sometimes takes it off in the middle of the night because he says the air aggravates his sinuses; and of course he claims he's adjusted the temperature but I don't believe it, not to mention he doesn't change the filter hte way he's supposed to. But, on the upside when he does where it, the rest of us can sleep. We're not sleeping lately because the insurance company is still negotiating with the c-pap machine company and he has no filters. Yeah, sucks to be me right about now.

summer_dawn · 01-21-2006, 10:04 PM

I was thinking I have it but wasn't sure. I don't know all the symptoms. Is there any specific site i can go to to read up on this til I talk to my dr.?

tlz769 · 01-22-2006, 04:34 PM

I haven't officially been diagnosed with sleep apnea...but all my docs and I are pretty sure that I have it. I have a study scheduled for early february and hopefully it'll give us something we can work with.

I know I am always fatigued (I once remember a fellow student of mine, saying how well-rested she felt after a nice nite's sleep...and I just wanted to slap that silly smile off her face, cuz I don't recall EVER waking up and thinking "my, don't I feel refreshed today!"). and I fall asleep while reading books, watching TV, during class...anytime I'm not really physically stimulated...give me 10 minutes...and I'm out.

I'd try going to webmd.com and looking it up...or even just yahoo or google. I'm sure you'll get a great response with lotsa information. Good luck with everything...and let us know what's going on with it!

summer_dawn · 01-23-2006, 04:42 PM

thanks i will look it up and see what i can find. I know the feeling of the fatigue and not waking up refreshed. I usually get up at 7:30 am with hubby, by ten i am back asleep until 1 or maybe 3 or 4 at the latest.

Naymarie · 01-24-2006, 04:46 AM

I have sleep apnea too!! But do I ever love my c-pap machine!!!! It has been a god send to me! I was a snorer...and then would stop breathing every once in a while. My dad has and my grandfather had it too. I was sooo tired all the time and never had the energy to do anything! I could barely pull myself out of bed for work! I hated that feeling and love my c-pap! Oh, btw did I tell you that I love my c-pap?! LOL Good luck with your sleep study!