Sleep Apnea

[cisco_teen]

Wow, its really hard to formulate a beginning to a post when you really feel so concerned about the subject, huh? So if you just bear with me, i think the best thing to do is just type out my thoughts and feelings.

Let me start out with some background. For as long as i can remember, i have always had troube falling asleep at night, unless i was completely, physically exhausted. I would lay down in bed, physically tired, but my mind would just wake up and keep going and going and going...you see my point. So when i would get up in the morning (which was a chore in itself) i would be (and still am) groggy and irritable and its hard to concentrate, etc...

So I discussed my issues with my doctor, and he referred me to the CRMC Sleep Lab. I can honestly say it was one of the worst nights of sleep I have ever had. In fact, to call it an entire night of sleep would be an exaggeration, for i only slept for 3 hours max, finally dozing off at 2:30 in the morning.

When i was awakened, my sleep lab tech informed me that when i did finally sleep, i woke up about 16 times an hour (without realizing it) and my SpO2, at its lowest, dropped to 88%.

I have sleep apnea.

Not to say this is terrible terrible news, because:

a) 1 in 5 adults at least have mild sleep apnea
b) it is easily treatable
c) lifestyle changes have the potential to rectify or improve sleep apnea

However, I am still feeling all moody about this because:

• I am only 19 years old
• I have been loosing a lot of weight this year and hoped that might have helped
• I really dont want to have to wear a CPAP

All this being said, i know that sleep apnea is nothing to be ashamed of, and that it is a legitimate and common sleep disorder. Also, as a member of the medical community, i recognise the importance of proper management of the disease. But really now, im 19 years old! It almost feels like this is a glaring "Your too heavy, look at you now" sign.

I know over time i will adjust, i just needed to get this off my chest and out into the open.

I love you all to death, but i dont need a lecture on what sleep apnea is, or how to loose weight or diet ideas and such. Of course, any insight anyone might have on CPAP usage and the titration process would be welcome.

And cisco never turns down a hug

Thanks guys

Cisco aka. Eric

 

[Orlandude]

I would only comment by using your own comment....

"... i know that sleep apnea is nothing to be ashamed of, and that it is a legitimate and common sleep disorder."

So what is the problem and why do you think it is so odd that a 19 year old would have a legitimate and COMMON sleep disorder?? The age of 19 doesn't mean that you are somehow immune to having common disorders, with sleep or anything else. It only means you are human. There are plenty of 19 year olds out there with far more serious disorders.

 

[biscottiboi]

For about one year I was exhausted all of the time. Any time I would sit I fall asleep. Watching tv, eating lunch at work, driving...you name it..I was napping. I had no energy whatsoever and my blood pressure was getting higher and higher!! I was thrilled to get on the fucking cpap machine. It has changed my life. I have energy, no more horrible headaches when I awake in the morning, and I feel like I am years younger!! It took me about 2 weeks to get comfortable to the cpap but now its second nature. What concerns me is that you said you cant fall asleep. thats not sleep apnea..thats something else like anxiety. Sure you have the apnea when you finally fall asleep but you should seek help for the lack of being able to sleep more than a couple hours each night. Cpap or not, 2 or 3 hours is not enough sleep for anyone. No, embrace the idea of using the machine, you will start feeling better and be more active and like yourself alot more!! Thats what happened to me!! Last year I lost close to 60 pounds walking. I put some back on during the damn winter but I have started last week walking to take more off this summer. Good Luck man!

 

[momp57]

My husband has been wearing a CPAP for about 4 months he feels a million times better each morning.......And I sleep better too. Is it sexy? No, but knowing he's healthy is!

 

[xAndyx]

I'm going to be 19 soon... but I have S.A. and I don't have a CPAP.

I just know that eventually I do... as long as your S.A. isn't life threatening or too severe then just get some sleep medication.

It works for well for me.

 

[gaz1978]

and my SpO2, at its lowest, dropped to 88%.

I really dont want to have to wear a CPAP

Two question I had from reading your post (forgive my ignorance!):

1) what is "SpO2" and whats the significance of the 88%?

2) What is a "CPAP"?

Gaz

 

[cisco_teen]

First of all, thanks you guys for all your support. It really means a lot to me and it shows that you all care, for which i am truely grateful.

Orlandude, you were right in pointing out that i am lucky that sleep apnea is only one of my problems, and that it is easily treatable. there are many unfortunate people in this world who suffer far worse than I do, and I was being a bit selfish by complaining.

Gaz, SpO2 ( believe it stands for saturation-pulse) is a measurement of the oxygen saturation of the blood stream. Ideally, it should stay in the 90s to 100 for everybody. Also, CPAP means Constant Positive Air Pressure. A CPAP is a device that maintains positive pressure in the airway to ensure that you do not wake up because of not being able to breathe.

 

[jockboy01]

Well, a few thoughts here....

First, as pointed out, the getting to sleep problem is something other than sleep apnea. I think you know that, but I just wanted to reitterate that point. CPAP won't help that, and might even make it harder for while.

Second, CPAP is nothing to be afraid of. Many people don't like it at first b/c it is foreign and feels weird (constant air being pushed into you isn't natural). But everybody I know who has had it, LOVE it. My dad had sleep apnea and was tired all of the time and couldn't stay awake in the evenings. Since getting CPAP, he feels much better.

Third, apnea is not only a consequence of obesity. It is possible that your weight could be normal and you'd still have apnea. So don't think that apnea means you're fat. Clearly being overweight is a risk factor, but it is not the sole cause of apnea.

Lastly, maybe as you lose weight, you won't need the CPAP ( I know, this goes against #3). If your apnea is a result of being overweight, then perhaps this would only be a temporary solution and you could get off of it.

Give it a shot and see. But work on the falling asleep issue too.

as long as your S.A. isn't life threatening or too severe then just get some sleep medication.

I'm not sure that is such a great idea. One, you could get dependant on the meds. Two it doesn't solve the problem... only covers it up. And three, if your apnea worsens, this could be a disaster. I highly recommend against this approach.

And lastly.... I'll be okay!

 

[NickCole]

Lose weight.

I know it's very very hard but if you do it, it will improve the quality of your life immeasurably. You're 19 years old -- most of your life is ahead of you. Losing the weight and learning how to maintain a healthy weight for yourself may be the most potent thing you'll ever do for yourself, your personal power and your ability to enjoy your life.

And don't respond to this by saying yea I know all that. I'm not telling you this for me, I'm telling you because I know how hard it is and how much return you'll get for your effort. Lose the weight and learn how to maintain your weight. Your life --and your sleep!-- will be better.

Do it. Start today.

 

[teepop21]

Thanks for posting this problem. I was dianosed with sleep anea as well. It doesn't seem to be as bad but I still struggle with it. I do feel drousy a lot but some days I feel okay. Getting the talk about the CPAP machine was very discouraging. It just felt like it was meant for someone much older and unhealthier. It was either the CPAP machine or surgery that may not even have an effect. I tried using the machine but I have the one that fits over my nose and mouth so it looks like I am wearing a transparent gas mask. It is absurd. I have not been able to sleep one complete night with it on. It actually prevents me from sleeping so I have not gotten used to it. I quit trying. The biggest problem is just my sleeping habits. More often than not, I don't go to bed. Sleep takes me. I am sitting watching TV and my body shuts down to the point were I can't move. The urge to sleep overtakes me so I'd have trouble using it consistently. It's a mess. Sleep apnea is really not fun but I'd rather deal with that than insomnia.

 

[splurge]

Do you snore much?

My wife was diagnosed with sleep apnea a few years ago. She also snores (it's like a jackhammer going off). Anyway, she did one of the overnights in a sleep clinic and as a result was prescribed a mouth guard contraption that looks a bit like a boxer's gumshield. Its purpose is to protrude her bottom jaw outwards about 1/2 inch. This then helps to keep all her tubes open in her throat, getting more oxygen in and, thank goodness, reduces her snoring conciderably.

She said it was uncomfortable at first and many a night during the first couple of months she would wake up to find that she had taken it out during her sleep. But now she wouldn't be without it.

Might be worth thinking about.