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Sleep Apnea

Centerfield Jul 06 2017 06:42 PM

So I guess this is like a thing. As long as I can remember, I've had trouble sleeping, and sometimes, even when I sleep, I wake up tired anyway. Recently my snoring got worse, and at the urging of my wife, went and got myself checked out. After a frustratingly long process, it turns out I have a mild case of Obstructive Sleep Apnea. Basically, my passageways are obstructed on a number of different levels (nose, throat, neck), and I am not getting enough oxygen when I sleep. On top of being constantly sleepy, it has all sorts of really bad side effects (high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, etc). Some really serious stuff. If you're overweight, treatment can involve just getting in shape. I'm a little softer in the middle than I used to be, but the doctors say losing weight won't do much for me. Mine is a byproduct of having narrow passages in my nose, large tonsils, and all sorts of soft tissue in neck and throat. One of the treatments is a CPAP machine. Basically, it's a Darth Vader looking mask that pumps oxygen in while I sleep. I haven't been fitted for mine yet (have to go in for an assessment in a few weeks), but a buddy of mine gave me his to use in the interim (he lost a lot of weight and now doesn't have OSA anymore). It's only been 5 days and I can already see the benefits. The snoring is gone, I feel healthier, more refreshed, and for the first time I can take long drives without constantly fighting off sleep. The process is a little hard because I'm not sure this mask is the right one for me. Plus, it's hard to sleep with it, so I'm only getting about 5 hours before I wake up. But man, even those 5 hours are better than any rest I can remember getting. I'm hoping when I go in for my assessment in a few weeks that they can give me a less obstructive mask and a better fit on the machine. Maybe then I can get 7-8 full hours of really restful sleep! If you guys feel like you're not getting the sleep you should be getting, consider getting checked out for this. Really makes a world of difference. I wish I had tried this years ago.

Ceetar Jul 06 2017 06:48 PM Re: Sleep Apnea

my wife complains sometimes. When will my fitbit be able to diagnose this?

Lefty Specialist Jul 06 2017 06:54 PM Re: Sleep Apnea

Friend of mine has one and swears by it. But you're right, it's a bit Vader-ish.

Centerfield Jul 06 2017 06:55 PM Re: Sleep Apnea

Diagnosing it was a bitch. When I read about it online, I pretty much figured I had it. My ENT said as much on the initial consultation. But I had to do a sleep study and a follow up, all to just confirm that I have it. Took more than two months. During which time I couldn't sleep. Even now if my friend didn't happen to have a machine, I'd be waiting still for treatment. All kidding aside, if you think you have it, get checked out. Really dangerous if left untreated, and treating it has so many benefits.

Ceetar Jul 06 2017 07:04 PM Re: Sleep Apnea

Centerfield wrote: All kidding aside, if you think you have it, get checked out. Really dangerous if left untreated, and treating it has so many benefits. I find the administrative effort involved with finding and researching a doctor, calling to make an appointment, and scheduling that against work/daycare to be tiring enough to put me to sleep. I'm also 90% sure that any apnea issues i have would go away with a new pillow and losing 30 pounds. (neither of which I've managed to do of course)

cooby Jul 06 2017 07:07 PM Re: Sleep Apnea

When my husband had hip replacement in the spring, they offered to do a sleep study on him while he was in the hospital anyway. He declined. I coulda smacked him. Scary sleeping beside him sometimes. Good luck CF; it's worth dealing with I think.

Mets Willets Point Jul 06 2017 07:22 PM Re: Sleep Apnea

I've been using a CPAP for years, but I'm still exhausted most of the time.

Ceetar Jul 06 2017 07:28 PM Re: Sleep Apnea

I think this is why I'm tired

themetfairy Jul 06 2017 10:40 PM Re: Sleep Apnea

Scary stuff indeed - I'm glad you're doing better CF!

HahnSolo Jul 07 2017 01:38 AM Re: Sleep Apnea

It is life-changing. Takes a bit of time to get used to it, but once you do you wonder how you ever got by without it. Note a common misconception: this is not just a "lose weight and the problem goes away" issue. Yes, being overweight can be one cause, but you can have blockages of air passages even if you're in the best of shape. If you don't know if you need it, let your partner be your guide

metsmarathon Jul 07 2017 01:39 AM Re: Sleep Apnea

sleep apnea is also a legit source of death. a good idea to get that kind of thing fixed if you can. good luck and good health, CF!

LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr Jul 07 2017 05:56 AM Re: Sleep Apnea

metsmarathon wrote: sleep apnea is also a legit source of death. a good idea to get that kind of thing fixed if you can. good luck and good health, CF! What he said. Two acquaintances of mine (one overweight, one not) have died suddenly in their sleep, with apnea-related breathing stoppage as the likely cause, in the last five years.

Centerfield Jul 07 2017 04:28 PM Re: Sleep Apnea

LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr wrote: metsmarathon wrote: sleep apnea is also a legit source of death. a good idea to get that kind of thing fixed if you can. good luck and good health, CF! What he said. Two acquaintances of mine (one overweight, one not) have died suddenly in their sleep, with apnea-related breathing stoppage as the likely cause, in the last five years. That's scary. Were they older? They must have had a severe case. I heard that Reggie White also may have died from apnea related complications.

metsmarathon Jul 07 2017 07:23 PM Re: Sleep Apnea

princess leia too, i believe.

LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr Jul 08 2017 08:48 AM Re: Sleep Apnea

Centerfield wrote: LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr wrote: metsmarathon wrote: sleep apnea is also a legit source of death. a good idea to get that kind of thing fixed if you can. good luck and good health, CF! What he said. Two acquaintances of mine (one overweight, one not) have died suddenly in their sleep, with apnea-related breathing stoppage as the likely cause, in the last five years. That's scary. Were they older? They must have had a severe case. I heard that Reggie White also may have died from apnea related complications. One was 37-38, and the other was a few years younger.

metirish Jul 08 2017 04:54 PM Re: Sleep Apnea

I work in Pulmonary , sleep apnea is quite a big issue, in peds and adults. Lorcan had the sleep study a few years ago, thankfully he doesn't have apnea. Great to see you are getting the help CF.

Ashie62 Jul 08 2017 09:36 PM Re: Sleep Apnea

WTG CF. I used to snore like I was 6'11 300 lbs I was told. I went from 227 lbs to 165 and no more snoring. Made Ashie1 happy for sure.

seawolf17 Jul 09 2017 08:52 PM Re: Sleep Apnea

Once again, CF and I are THE SAME. I know I need to lose weight and that'll help, but for now, my CPAP Vader machine is GOLD.