Boffin Posted February 2, 2009 Share Posted February 2, 2009 After several years of lethargy, grumpyness and lassitude, interspersed with a tendency to drop off to sleep in inappropriate places (like work!), in November I finaly got round to seeing my doctor about it. She got me to fill in a questionaire, then weighed me and checked my height and collar size. "Possible sleep apnoea", she said. "What?", I replied. She explained that there was a good chance that my throat was collapsing whilst sleeping, stopping me from breathing and causing me to briefly wake up, thereby stopping from getting any real sleep. To confirm the diagnosis I was refered first to the ENT department for a screening test and then to the sleep clinic. In early December, the sleep clinic wired me up with an instument to monitor my breathing, snoring and blood-oxygen levels. Fast forward to January 13 - and an appointment with a sleeping disorders consultant. She gave me a physical examination, and then explained that my sleep test had revealed I was experiencing an average of 32 apnoea events an hour and that I was therefore suffering from severe Obstructive Sleep Apnoea. Partly due to my weight, but mostly down to my physiology - I have been a LOUD snorer since my teenage years. The treatment? Positive Air Pressure therapy, basically a small air pump and a mask that provides slighly elevated air pressure to keep the airways open whilst you sleep. If I failed to take up the treatment, I would lose my driving licence. Our much-maligned national health service has provided me with a Respironics APAP machine and so far two masks - the first one was not suited to my face-shape. Now, two and one-half weeks on I am a new man, invigorated, alert, lively and pleasant of demeanour. It also means I am reducing the extremely elevated risk of stroke or heart attack I had before treatment. Andy Link to comment
Les is more Posted February 2, 2009 Share Posted February 2, 2009 Thank heavens you'll not be the cantankerous, angry and generally crabby person you've bee up until now! Seriously, this machine has set many a person on the road to better health and relationships. Good for you, Andy! Link to comment
Joe Frickin' Friday Posted February 2, 2009 Share Posted February 2, 2009 My brother has experimented with several of these machines. Some pretty good ones are available lately. I don't know all the features, but two key ones that I remember him mentioning: - On deluxe models, the system detects when you are attempting to exhale, and relaxes the pressure so it's not fighting you. When you're done exhaling, it resumes supply pressure. - Humidification (also on deluxe models), providing nice moist air to your throat regardless of whether you're inhaling through your mouth or nose. He has also said the new machines are quieter than older ones. If you've got a noisy machine, better may be available if you shop around. Link to comment
Twisties Posted February 2, 2009 Share Posted February 2, 2009 Since 1998. Feel free to PM if you have questions, there is a quite a lot to get used to. Jan Link to comment
David Posted February 2, 2009 Share Posted February 2, 2009 Andy, my Dad experienced the same relief with that machine. Good for you. Link to comment
Twisties Posted February 2, 2009 Share Posted February 2, 2009 My brother has experimented with several of these machines. Some pretty good ones are available lately. I don't know all the features, but two key ones that I remember him mentioning: - On deluxe models, the system detects when you are attempting to exhale, and relaxes the pressure so it's not fighting you. When you're done exhaling, it resumes supply pressure. - Humidification (also on deluxe models), providing nice moist air to your throat regardless of whether you're inhaling through your mouth or nose. He has also said the new machines are quieter than older ones. If you've got a noisy machine, better may be available if you shop around. The newer machines can be much smaller and quieter. After I had one stolen insurance would not cover the replacement, so I was able to research and choose my own. It weighs about 2 lbs and is about the size of a Slime pump. This compared to the 7 lbs behemoth that required it's own carrying case and sounded like a bellows that had previously been supplied. Travel with these devices, and in particular any sort of camping is a challenge. The smaller machine has an external power supply as well, so it can run directly off a lead acid battery (without it's power supply) when off grid. If you travel at all, these are pretty major considerations really. The machine that detects exhalation is called a BIPAP, I currently use one of these. If you experience abdominal discomfort with your current model, bloating in particular, you may want to look into a BIPAP. It will require another sleep study... GROOOOAAAANNNN.... and a prescription (at least here in the States). The humidifiers are available for almost any machine. They typically require a prescription. I have had two different models here in our dry climate. Both were ill designed POCs that were much bigger PITAs than can easily be described. No, that was an understatement... ill designed doesn't even begin to describe it. If you experience drying nasal membranes or nose bleeds try putting some petroleum jelly on a swab and lightly coating inside your nose before sleeping. If your throat gets dry you are probably opening your mouth. You can get a strap to help with that, but mostly with experience you'll learn to keep it shut. I don't think you would need a humidifier in your climate. Try nasal pillows with an ADAM Circuit instead of a mask. Keep your mustache, much easier to seal and keep sealed, easier to clean, smaller and lighter. The ADAM circuit does not have any rigid parts in the attachment straps and is much more tolerant to tossing and turning than newer devices which tend to dislodge when you move. Use the lightest possible pressure to get a good seal, and keep your apparatus clean to avoid sore spots. If you experience nasal congestion as from a cold or allergies that obstruct your breathing through your nose temporarily use something like Afrin. I haven't had any problems with it in short term use, dosing only before sleep. It WILL open up your breathing. Good luck with it, it is quite an adjustment. Jan Link to comment
smiller Posted February 2, 2009 Share Posted February 2, 2009 Sounds like you had a pretty serious issue there, glad that you found relief Andy. If I failed to take up the treatment, I would lose my driving licence. Just out of curiosity, how is there a connection? Link to comment
Twisties Posted February 2, 2009 Share Posted February 2, 2009 Here in Utah when you get a DL you fill out a medical questionnaire. If you say you have sleep apnea you will get a form in the mail every 6 months and your Dr. will have to complete the form and return it to the State or you will lose your license. Believe me, you really don't want someone with untreated sleep apnea bearing down on you in a Hummer. I think there are about 20 or so conditions they monitor aggressively here, including asthma, epilepsy, etc. I'm sure in Andy's case they have a somewhat different system, but the idea that sleep deprivation can impair driving is certainly a no brainer. I only wish that after a few years of compliance these Utah folks would back off to once a year or so. 6 months is a PITA. Link to comment
Boffin Posted February 2, 2009 Author Share Posted February 2, 2009 Sounds like you had a pretty serious issue there, glad that you found relief Andy. If I failed to take up the treatment, I would lose my driving licence. Just out of curiosity, how is there a connection? Studies have shown that people with untreated OSA are six times more likely to have an accident whilst driving. The final straw that drove me to see my doctor was starting to doze-off on my RT... Andy Link to comment
Mike05 Posted February 2, 2009 Share Posted February 2, 2009 Studies have shown that people with untreated OSA are six times more likely to have an accident whilst driving. The final straw that drove me to see my doctor was starting to doze-off on my RT... Andy Yup, that would do it for me too... Glad to see you're getting this issue addressed. Continued "improved" health Andy. Link to comment
Boffin Posted February 2, 2009 Author Share Posted February 2, 2009 My brother has experimented with several of these machines. Some pretty good ones are available lately. I don't know all the features, but two key ones that I remember him mentioning: - On deluxe models, the system detects when you are attempting to exhale, and relaxes the pressure so it's not fighting you. When you're done exhaling, it resumes supply pressure. - Humidification (also on deluxe models), providing nice moist air to your throat regardless of whether you're inhaling through your mouth or nose. He has also said the new machines are quieter than older ones. If you've got a noisy machine, better may be available if you shop around. I have been provided with a Respironics REMstar Auto-M series APAP machine and a Mirage Quattro full-face mask. I got the full mask due to my dodgy nasal passages. The machine is small and quiet and will run off of a 12V battery. As yet I do not have a humidifier but I shall be talking to my consultant about getting one because of having a dry mouth in the mornings. If the NHS do not want to cough-up the £150 for one, I can buy one myself, we only need a prescription for the flow-provider. Our national driver licensing agency, the DVLA, will annually check with my hospital to check if I am compliant with my treatment - the machine has a smart-card that records usage and effect. As long as I am compliant I keep my license. Andy Link to comment
Twisties Posted February 2, 2009 Share Posted February 2, 2009 That machine looks great! Respironics finally got on board I see. I strongly encourage you to work out running it off a battery now, in case of power outage. You may need a cord or two. I have a stand alone 10.5 amp hour lead acid battery for camping (good for one night), but at home I would use the battery in a vehicle, I haven't had to push it past two nights, but no problem starting the vehicle after that. Now, finally, in the last year or two some Li ion made for purpose battery packs have become available at a reasonable price as well. Link to comment
Ron_B Posted February 2, 2009 Share Posted February 2, 2009 I had a well-known propensity to fall asleep at parties and events, there's even a picture floating around here of me snoring away at Shortcuts Christmas party in '01. David (above) and another member here, Jeff Burns told me about sleep apnea, but I didn't investigate the matter further. When I had my stroke, One of the doctors had me use a bipap in the hospital after explaining what apnea is, and that nearly all stroke victims have it. They arranged a sleep-study after I went home, the resultant findings being that I have it, and pretty bad too. They told me that I stopped breathing about 40 times an hour. It took me about 1 1/2 years to get used to it. In the beginning, I rarely woke up with the mask on, although I usually didn't remember taking it off. Now, it feels weird not to use it. I even put it on if I take a daytime nap, though I need far fewer of those. It goes anywhere I go. On the bike, I surround it with a thin layer of bubble-wrap, insert it in a mini Igloo cooler and stuff it in my duffel. Mine is a Respironics bipap with a ResMed ultra Mirage mask. Link to comment
Pilgrim Posted February 2, 2009 Share Posted February 2, 2009 Good for you, Andy! It's always nice to see someone else who gets awakened to life. It was about three and a half years ago I posted something here after I had gotten my third speeding ticket in 18 months or so, saying that something was going on I didn't understand, because I never used to speed stupid, and obviously, I was. I mentioned a couple other fatigue-related things, too, like slow mental processes and memory lapses. Dances with Roads (banished from here long ago) brought up sleep apnea, God bless him, which I had heard of, but hadn't occurred to me as a personal thing. I arranged a sleep study, and told the doctor that I knew what it must feel like to have been born dumb, because I had certainly become that. A sleep study showed I was awakening ~60 times an hour; I hadn't had a good night's sleep in several years, apparently. A Respironics CPAP machine worked wonders for me. As with most of us who suffered from the syndrome, having it fixed revealed a world I had forgotten could exist. I haven't seen this mentioned in this thread, but my cardiologist told me that OSA is a significant factor in cardiac events, too. There are two things at work, apparently. First, the overall fatigue can contribute to it in several ways (one of them is avoiding exercise), and the other is the jolt of adrenalin that comes when you get a complete, sudden obstruction of the airway and your body awakens screaming, "You're gonna DIE!" Yeah. I'd awakened far too often with that before I knew I had OSA and had never known what was going on - just suddenly wide awake with my heart pounding and my mind scared to death. I used to get up and patrol the house, certain that something bad was happening, but no more. Pilgrim Link to comment
drzep Posted February 2, 2009 Share Posted February 2, 2009 Andy: Be sure to keep the water reservoir very clean. Link to comment
Boffin Posted February 2, 2009 Author Share Posted February 2, 2009 Andy: Be sure to keep the water reservoir very clean. Legionella? Link to comment
Ron_B Posted February 2, 2009 Share Posted February 2, 2009 I mentioned...slow mental processes I've got that too, but I guess it's not apnea related. Link to comment
BULLman Posted February 2, 2009 Share Posted February 2, 2009 Lenore made me go and get checked out after she thought I was not going to start breathing again. My parents are very greatful to her, as I would doze off easily and I would snore. Being checked out and refinancing my mortgage are 2 main things I am greatful for meeting her. Good luck. Link to comment
drzep Posted February 3, 2009 Share Posted February 3, 2009 Yeah, thats one of the bugs that love those environments. Just about any aerobe will thrive, so stay diligent. CPAP/BiPAP really improves quality of life for so many folks - glad to hear its working out for you Andy. Link to comment
Silver Surfer/AKAButters Posted February 3, 2009 Share Posted February 3, 2009 Great news Andy! I have a buddy who suspects he may have sleep apnea. I'm going to tell him of your success. Link to comment
Heck Posted February 3, 2009 Share Posted February 3, 2009 Hi Andy- Snoreless since 1997.... APAP you mention is AutoPAP...Works a little differently than straight CPAP or BiPAP. End result of therapy is the same, but with less wear and tear on airways... CPAP gives a solid pressure that is set, BiPAP gives one pressure for inhalation and another (most often lower) pressure for exhalation, making it easier to get air out of your lungs. The APAP device will, within parameters that are set by the health care professional, vary the pressure based on your need on a breath by breath basis instead of giving a solid pressure all the time. They are making great advances in sleep apnea treatment. Remember though Andy- this is a treatment for the condition, it does not cure it. Use your machine faithfully!! Cleaning the water reservoir should be a daily task...(rarely ever is though)....Easiest way to disinfect is a 1:3 distilled white vinegar to water solution- fill the water reservoir and soak for around 30 min then rinse and air dry.. A fellow hose-head... Link to comment
StuGotz Posted February 3, 2009 Share Posted February 3, 2009 Glad to see you all have this thing in check. What do you do when on the road? Is the equipment small enough to travel with, or are you ok without it? MB> Link to comment
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