QUESTION:
obstructive sleep apnea surgery is it worth the risks?
Has any one had the surgery for obstructive sleep apnea. Were thay cut your soft pallet, your uvula, and tonsils. If you have had it or know some one that has. Did it help. And what was the recovery. Did it change your voice. And any think els I should know before I go get cut up.

• ANSWER:
  Many family members have had the surgery and now there apnea is worse because of the scar tissue. Much pain. Use CPAP, no pain, no scar tissue, Surgery only works if you know exactly where the obstruction is.

QUESTION:
What is a new sleep apnea surgery?
My grandmother has sleep apnea and she has had several minor surgeries already. She heard on a news report about a new surgery that has been done. It involves a tube in the nose to remove something. She couldnt really remember, just wondering if anybody has heard about something like that. Thanks

• ANSWER:
  For severe cases surgery is advised .About 60% of the persons suffering from sleeping problems are overweight , so weight reduction, avoiding alcohol or sedatives before sleeping or mechanical devices which keep the windpipe open may be prescribed by doctors.More details and remedies at http://nosleep.in/sleepapnea.html

QUESTION:
sleep apnea surgery will it work?
Has any one had the surgery for obstructive sleep apnea. Were thay cut your soft pallet, your uvula, and tonsils. If you have had it or know some one that has. Did it help. And what was the recovery. Did it change your voice. And any think els I should know before I go get cut up.

• ANSWER:
  My next door neighbor had this surgery done:was terrified before they began.
  But once out of surgery she had to lick ice cream popsicles all day to cool her throat because of removing the tonsils:can remember that mine were removed some 53 od years ago and got as reward the popsicles.Way great for a kid.
  The uvula and soft pallet are stitched together with stuff that dissolves by itself
  And within 14 days she was up and about again :there was a light change in her voice:sounded a bit higher.
  Planets.

QUESTION:
Sleep apnea surgery question?
I'm almost 40. I've been diagnosed with moderate sleep apnea. My doctor wants me to wear a mask at night to help me sleep. This doesn't appeal to me. I asked about surgery and he wasn't too keen about it. He said that the risks vs. benefits weren't that great. Anyone ever gone through this or know anything about it?

• ANSWER:
  My dad went through the surgery many years ago and it did almost nothing to help him. He was in a lot of pain afterwards and it took forever for it to heal. He finally just got the mask and machine and says it works the best. Too bad that surgery didn't work.

QUESTION:
Can I PLEASE have some advice about sleep apnea surgery
I have obstructive sleep apnea. I had a sleep study done. I got a CPAP machine but I can't sleep with it on. It's very uncomfortable and I cannot fall asleep with it on. I'm scheduled for a tonsillectomy and UPPP in 9 weeks.

Everything I read online says don't do the UPPP. Everyone on Yahoo Answers says don't do the UPPP. Now, obviously the CPAP is not an option. I simply cannot tolerate it. The surgery is my next step.

My tonsils have always been enlarged. Should I have just the tonsils out first and see if that works before I go ahead and do everything? I'm worried that the UPPP might change the way I talk. I don't know what to do. All I know is that I need surgery because I can't use the CPAP and I can't go on like this anymore.

• ANSWER:
  I couldn't sleep with my CPAP either. It took an entire year to finally figure out what mask I could wear. I wear the nasal pillows, not that horrid big thing over my face. It is SO much better. I had the surgery to fix a deviated septum and trim the turbinates. It wasn't too bad. I was too nervous about the other surgeries so I didn't do them. The CPAP took me from 45 apneas per hour to only 3. My suggestion is to FORCE yourself to use the CPAP, trying all the different things. I even had to use a chin brace because my mouth would hang open, blocking the CPAP from working. But eventually I was able to learn to keep my mouth shut. lol

  The CPAP is ESSENTIAL. If you have to, take a sleeping pill at night or a relaxation pill (if your doctor agrees) and learn to get used to the CPAP. I sleep like a baby with mine on now and love the deep breathing I get with it. It just takes a LOT of time and adjusting to get used to it. Good luck.

QUESTION:
What do you know about sleep apnea surgeries?
I hate the mask (as many people do). I have severe obstructive sleep apnea. I am considering surgical options but I've been told the only one that may work for me is the mandibular advancement (when they break your jaw and move it forward). Has anyone had this before? What were your experiences? Did it work? Do you know of any other surgery that may help? Oral appliances?

• ANSWER:
  I had a mandibular advancement back in the day when they still wired your mouth shut for 6 weeks. (Many surgeons now opt for a screw and plate closure along with tight rubber bands that allow more mouth movement and a little more eating options!)

  I did have about a year of orthodontics before I could have it done, incidentally, so it was not a quick fix by any means.

  The surgery itself sounded far worse than it actually was. The most pain I had was like a dull headache in my jaw area. Pain management was not a problem at all. I did miss eating what I wanted and lost significant weight. (What I would do to have that happen now!!!) I missed yawning the most, though!

  It did fix my sleep apnea completely. I have never even snored since. It was well worth it for me.

  My 5 year old had tonsils and adenoids removed for the same reason (sleep apnea) with good results as well. I had previously had that surgery, and it was much more painful than the mandibular advancement.

  I hope this helps! Best of luck to you!

QUESTION:
my husband just had sleep apnea surgery and now he snores much louder! would you go back to doctor?
and it is hard on his heart because his breathing is irregular now. we talked to the dr. that did the surgery and he said he has done all that he can do and nothing more! any suggestions?
and... after surgery he started being a bed wetter (at 40 yrs. of age) help please!

• ANSWER:
  Get a new surgeon. And a good lawyer.

QUESTION:
If you have had surgery for sleep apnea, how bad was your pain after surgery? Any side effects?
I am about to undergo surgery for sleep apnea. Surgeon says the recovery period will be the "worst I have ever felt". Someone who had the surgery said it just like a "bad sore throat" and not too terrible. I would like to hear from others who have had the surgery, and whether they had any negative aftereffects. I would appreciate only serious replies. Thanks.

• ANSWER:
  I have not had the surgery but cared for many post-op. The thing about post-op pain is it's never the same for any two people. If you've had surgery before it may help show how well you handle pain.
  The main point I wanted to make to you was that across the board, the results of the operation also vary widely from person to person. Be prepared to not see a lot of improvement right away-but I hope you do!

QUESTION:
sleep apnea surgery,,,yes or no?
I am thinking of getting the surgery where they take out my tonsils and uvula. I have severe sleep apnea and have done the sleep studies and have a cpap (hate it and don't use). I would like to hear from people who have had the surgery and what is the outcome. I keep hearing 60% success rate. I don't want to go through the recovery if it isn't going to work.

• ANSWER:
  The success of the Sleep Apnea surgeries are between 50-60%. Those odds weren't good enough for me to risk it. I wasn't real excited about some surgery I needed for a nerve that was pinched with an 80% success rate overall and a 95% success rate with my surgeon. I know you hate the CPAP but they work and are not invasive. I've used one for about three years and now I can't sleep without it. I have come to love it.

QUESTION:
How fast will I feel the benefits of surgery for sleep apnea?
I am scheduled for a tonsillectomy and UPPP in 10 weeks. I have had super-large tonsils my whole life. I've already tried the CPAP/BIPAP and it doesn't work for me. I can't sleep with it on.

Now, I've been reading about the success rates of this surgery for sleep apnea. Some people say the success rates are low, and some say it's a 50/50 shot. I'm willing to take the risk and go through with it.

Now, ASSUMING THAT this surgery does correct my sleep apnea, how fast will I begin sleeping better? Will I experience better sleep almost immediately (after the pain of the surgery subsides)? Or is this a process that takes several months?

I'd like to hear from someone who has had success with sleep apnea surgery.

• ANSWER:

QUESTION:
HELP - What is the best surgery for sleep apnea?
I am scheduled for a UPPP in six weeks and am worried that it might not be the best option. I have already tried the CPAP and I can't sleep with it on. I have another appointment scheduled with my ENT to discuss all the options.

Here's the deal: My tonsils are enlarged and have been since childhood. As far back as I can remember I have always had trouble with waking during the night. I am not overweight (and certainly not obese). Would a tonsillectomy alone likely fix the problem? Or should some of the soft palate be removed as well? The problem is that a UPPP is very invasive, statistically has a low success rate over the long term, and sometimes has bizarre side effects.

Can anyone who has had sleep apnea surgery give me some pointers?

• ANSWER:
  My husband just had this surgery, the UPPP. It was horribly painful, but very effective. He too had used a CPAP with little success. This surgery was immensely helpful with his snoring, and waking. The recovery was pretty brutal, liquids and frozen things for the first couple of days at least. He still, 3 months later, has some episodes of things coming out of his nose, but we just laugh at him. After 2 weeks he said he wouldn't do it again. 3 months later, he can't believe he waited so long to do it. I guess it just depends on your pain threshold and how desperate you are to remedy the situation.

QUESTION:
Question on sleep apnea and surgery?
I had a heart cath done and they wouldnt give me anything because of my sleep apnea,and that is just a mild sedation,My question is I need neck surgery a major surgery,whats that going to do with my sleep apnea?I have severe sleep apnea and i am also a diabetic.Doesnt look to good uh?

• ANSWER:
  I took care of sleep disorder patients for the last seven years I did clinical work before I changed fields. Surgery is manageable with OSA.

  1) make certain the person who is going to give you the anesthesia knows you have sleep apnea. That is by far the most important thing. Mention it when they do your history and physical, and to every new doctor that sees you.

  2) If possible, have a copy of your sleep study and get them to put it in your chart when you're there. I always stressed to my patients to have a personal copy, and to take it with them when they travelled, in case they were hospitalized. Whoever did the test should give you one if you request it. If it's a hospital, ask for Release of Information. You will be asked to sign a consent to release the information, even to you.

  3) If you use a CPAP or BIPAP, bring it with you, and make them use it in the Recovery Room. (make sure it has your name and contact info on it). You would recover without it, but you'll do it much better and faster if you wear it in the RR, or PACU.

  Good luck, and best wishes!

QUESTION:
Sleep apnea surgery? Need input from people who've had it done. Thanks!!?
I have sleep apnea and I am scheduled to have it done on March 27th. I am having done Genioglossal Advance, Hyoid Advance, Septoplasty and Bilateral Inferior Turbinectomy. I am really scared about the recovery and the pain afterwards. As of right now, I am always fatigued due to the apnea and also have really bad headaches almost every other day. I always have jaw pain and I cannot breath out of the left side of my nose. I really want to get better, but I am terrified at this point. Please help me. I am 24 years old.
I need to have this done because not being able to breath is causing other problems in my life like extreme fatigue, headaches, lack of energy etc. I really do not want to be attached to a breathing machine for the rest of my life. I am only 24 years old.

• ANSWER:
  Having the surgery to clear any obstructions in your nasal passages is a good idea. However the glossal and such is generally a failed concept. Most people who have these surgeries done wind up on cpap anyways. Be prepared to have some extreme pain and long recovery period. You will also need to have another polysomnography to see if you still have sleep apnea. My experience is that you will....it may not be as severe but will still need treatment via cpap. Cpap is the only proven effective treatment for sleep apnea and I would much rather live with a non invasive air device than endure the pain, agony and failure of surgery. I would consider a second opinion on the genioglossal and any other surgery they want to perform on anything other than your nasal passage. Good luck in whatever you do. Iam speaking from a very lucrative sleep medicine practice and have seen these situations many many times.

  Here is a sight you may want to look up explaining what they consider successful surgery. Notice they do not anticipate a cure for sleep apnea, only a lessening of the disturbance index and symptoms.....

  http://www.sleepapneasurgery.com/surgical_philosophy_adults.html

QUESTION:
Need an alternate medicine for obtructive sleep apnea apart from surgery?
My wife is suffering from obstructive sleep apnea, her upper airways both through nose and throat narrowed and her oxigen rate while sleeping comes down drastically to 40%. Suggested surgery but not cooperative. Asks for homeo medicine. Snores loudly, with abdominal breathing. Any suggestion for curing through homeopathy or some alternate medicine is welcome

• ANSWER:
  PLEASE BE VERY CAREFUL WHEN CONSIDERING THE OTHER ANSWERS TO YOUR QUESTION. They may be life threatening.

  Sleep apnea is a potentially life threatening disrorder. Sleep apnea is associated with increased risk of stroke, heart attack, deadly heart rhythms and other problems.

  Treatment for sleep apnea, as with other potentially deadly disorders, should be based on REAL science. Alternative medicine might not be harmful when used for less dangerous disorders. But when it comes to deadly disorders, only proven treatments should be used......and, yes, I do believe in some 'alternative' therapies like accupuncture and others for some disorders.....

  But...for sleep apnea, treatment should be limited to scientifically proven methods (proved by REAL scientists in REAL universities).

  The accepted treatments for sleep apnea include: CPAP (Continuous positive airway pressure), weight loss, oral appliance (mouthpiece made BY DENTIST), and oral surgery.

  That is IT. Those ARE the proven methods for treating sleep apnea.

  There are other advertised treatments for sleep apnea (nose strips, magnets, sprays, homeopathy, sound devices, hypnosis, voodoo)....None of them have been demonstrated to be effective in REPRODUCIBLE studies....that means that scientists from different labs were not able to get the same results as the individuals who made the claim....

  So please be careful. Doctors may not know everything in medicine....but they know a lot more than general public about these disorders.

  Good luck.
  For more info on sleep apnea, go to American Sleep Association:

  http://www.sleepassociation.org/

QUESTION:
Has anyone ever had surgery for sleep apnea?
I'm considering having a procedure done that will take my tonsils out, remove my adnoids, reshape my palette, maybe cut out the back of my tongue, and possibly take out some fat from my throat. This surgery has a really long name that I can't remember right now. Has anyone ever had to go through that and how are you sleeping now?

• ANSWER:
  My father did have a surgery for sleep apnea, however i'm sorry, i can't recall exactly what the doctor did. I know he cut something in the nasal area.

  It did help my dad a lot, he slept much better after. And he was able to come home on the day of the surgery.

QUESTION:
Can surgery cure sleep apnea?
I know that you can use those air tanks and use dental devices, but is surgery a full proof option?

• ANSWER:
  it is not fool proof, but it can help depending on what is causing the problem.

QUESTION:
When is it safe to use my cpap machine (for sleep apnea) after oral surgery?
I had a wisdom tooth pulled Friday, and it is now Sunday night. Is it safe to use my CPAP machine yet for my sleep apnea? I don't want to cause a dry socket or anything.

• ANSWER:
  You might wait until in the morning (monday) to contact your dentist and doctor about using the cpap. I use a cpap myself and have been told in the past to wait several days when i had implants put in.

QUESTION:
Can people with sleep apnea have oral surgery?
I have sleep apnea due to enlarged adenoids and use a CPAP machine at night. I need to have oral surgery and was wondering if they could do it even though i have sleep apnea....I want to do it under conscious sedation....how about gas also

• ANSWER:
  no

QUESTION:
Nasal Airway Surgery for Obstructive Sleep Apnea?
I was just diagnosed with Obstructive Sleep Apnea and my doctor says that he wants to do surgery on both my palate and nasal airway. He says that my nasal airway is barely open and not getting any oxygen in it when I try to breathe (mouth breather). I don't want the surgery, so he says that he'll only let me try the CPAP for one night at the hospital but that if it doesn't work, he'll do the surgery anyway. Has anyone here had nasal surgery? Is it done awake/asleep? Does it hurt? Does it work? I'm really scared about it but all Doc tells me is not to worry. Easy for him to say.

• ANSWER:
  It all depends on the reason for the nasal surgery. Some people do have a deviated septum or other major reasons for nasal blockage. In some cases the nasal airway blockage will actually make using cpap more difficult due to nasal congestion and such. On the other hand the palate surgery is not always the best option. This is not an absolute cure for OSA. Almost all patients who have the surgery wind up on Cpap anyways. The success rate is very poor and it almost never works. Also very painful. An ENT is generally going to want to perform the surgery. I agree with the person who says you should see a board certified sleep specialist on this matter. He may give you a different outlook on your situation. Good luck in whatever your outcome may be.

QUESTION:
Has anyone out there had experience with sleep apnea,CPAP or surgery for sleep apnea?? Please share..?
My husband has been recently diagnosed with sleep apnea and not tolerating his cpap mask. He is physically and mentally exhausted from sleep deprivation and is considering a surgery called GAHM ,genioglossus advancement with hyoid myotomy. Anyone have this done and what were the outcomes ? Thanks

• ANSWER:
  I've been on a CPAP for several years now. It took me a few weeks to get used to it but it's the best thing I've ever done. The surgery is only about 50% effective as in it only works for about 50% of those who get the surgery done. The group who are even potential candidates for the surgery is small. Work with your provider to try different masks.

QUESTION:
sleep apnea and surgery?
i am fighting obstructive sleep apnea and using apap machine is impossible. Any good or bad experiences with surgery?

• ANSWER:
  the simple answer is that some OSA patients do well with surgery and some do not. A thin person with large tonsils and a mild degree of apnea is more likely to get a good result with surgery than an overweight person with no tonsils and a severe case of sleep apnea. The only surgery that is 100% effective for OSA is a tracheostomy, and this is obviously reserved for severe cases. If the you have underlying heart or lung disease, it is VERY important that your OSA be properly treated, so make sure your doctor knows you arent using the CPAP and ask what other options are available.

QUESTION:
About a surgery for Sleep Apnea.?
I have sleep Apnea and my doctor recommended getting a surgery to basically hollow out my throat so i can breathe at night. the surgery is abbreviated UPPP. My friend, whos parents are doctors, does not think i shound get it because of risks and the fact i wld have to re-learn to swallow and that my voice may change? Is any of this reasonable? I dont want to be dependednt on a oxygen machine my whole life.
im not over weight, im 18 and pretty healthy. I am always tired though, hence my desire to get this fixed. the CPAP just seems like something that would wiegh me down at college next year. My doctor told me surgery would be good for someone my age. but im still nervous. I would also be getting a deviated septum fixed while I am at it to help with the breathing...

• ANSWER:
  being a respiratory therapist and a patient with sleep apnea. I have looked at all of the options and research. Surgery is really a last resort. It is only 50 percent at best. Surgery only works if they know exactly where the obstruction is. My uncle had the surgery you are considering sure it help for a while but the scar tissue has made his sleep apnea worse than ever and he was a lot older than you when he had it. A cpap machine weighs only a couple of pounds and sits on a night stand. No big deal.

  Another option is a dental device. I have a friend who absolutely could not do cpap. The dental device works for him.

  Whatever you do, you need to be complaint with treatment if you want to make it through college. Untreated OSA has the effect of fatigue, headaches and depression. This is certainly not condusive to learning. Although I had a degree, it was not until I was treated that I could go back to school and get a second and third degree.

  Visit the sleepnet.com website for a ton of infomation and people who have done all of the treatments options.

QUESTION:
UPPP Surgery for Sleep Apnea?
Has anyone ever had UPPP surgery for sleep apnea and if so did it work to stop sleep apnea and snoring?

• ANSWER:
  This is rarely even an option anymore because its surgery and the odds of it working are so slim. Its usually the tounge causing the sleep apnea, unless its central sleep apnea and that originates in the brain, so uness you remove the tounge or brain you won't really fix it without CPAP or BiPAP.

QUESTION:
Have any of you successfully eliminated obstructive sleep apnea?
I was diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea nearly 10 years (I'm 37 now), and I'm not, nor have I ever been, overweight or obese. I'm very active and exercise almost daily. I've been using CPAP since I was first diagnosed. There may be some surgical options and I'm meeting my ENT specialist soon. Has anybody completely gotten rid of sleep apnea with surgery? If so, how? What surgery?

• ANSWER:
  Surgery only works if they know exactly where the obstruction is. If it is your tonsils or nasal polyps, surgery works well. If it is farther down the respiratory track, surgery works less than 50 percent of the time. Some people just have floppy airways.

  Really get a few opinions of surgery before making any discussions. Go to sleepnet.com. These message boards are strictly for sleep apnea.

QUESTION:
tonsillectomy and surgery for sleep apnea had some questions please i am 40 and had this done anyone else?
i am a 40 year old female who has suffured with sleep apnea for about 10 years or so had sore throats always had nasal problems so on the 5th of Dec I had surgery , there was 4 things operated on my tonsils removed and adnoids, my tongue shaved in the back to breathe better and some procedure done on my roof of my mouth, as with the apnea I was pretty miserable waking up gasping, feeling i was having a heart attack, had my blood pressure riseing up all the time till it reached 223 over 123 so i thought well surgery was my best option, i have heard there are alot of drawbacks but had no idea the mess I got myself in too totally miserable! The first day i woke up with a pain in my throat that was not going to go away noway, nohow,went home after several hours and couldnt breathe my throat felt like it was cutting off my airway it was so swelled up, i had a clicking noise under the back of my nose every breath, stayed up alnight 3 nights now i am dehydrated scabs are choking me please

• ANSWER:
  Have you tried using a CPAP? It keeps your airways from getting clogged by using positive air pressure.

  http://www.webmd.com/hw/sleep_disorders/hw48752.asp

QUESTION:
Will surgery for sleep apnea ruin my singing voice?
I'm a teenager, and I'm going to have a sleep study done in a week. They believe I have OSA (obstructive sleep apnea) because of my low back pallet and small throat. They don't think that giving me a CPAP machine will be worth it, so surgery is the other option. However, I'm a pretty good singer and I dream of going into music or theatre when I get out of school. I have a very large range and I'm proud of it. But, I'm afraid if my have this surgery my singing voice will be ruined. I also speak Spanish and Russian, and it worries me that it might effect my speaking abilities as well. Will having this surgery ruin my voice, or will it help it by opening up my breathing passages? Anybody who has had surgery for this answering would be great!
xx
I don't mean surgery to remove tonsils and adenoids, either. Because I had those removed when I was quite young to cure my insane snoring.

• ANSWER:
  No way will it ruin or affect your singing voice, but it make affect your resonating chamber sound a little different. My guess is that it will actaully improve your singing sound. It may take a little getting used to, but you should be able to compensate for any resonating change, if there is one. I think you will be pleasantly surprised.

QUESTION:
Deviated Septum Surgery and Sleep Apnea?
Hi, I had surgery for a deviated septum on March 3rd of this year and about a month and a half later on April 17th I was able to breathe out my right nostril, the one that was blocked by my septum. I can breathe so well, it is amazing. I have sleep apnea and a CPAP, but have never been able to use the CPAP. I know that I can breathe through my nose I can use the CPAP now, the problems is that I know I still breathe through my mouth a lot when I sleep because I still wake up sweating like I'm choking in the morning. I know I've been thrashing around at night. My question is if I still don't use the CPAP because I've never been able too and have tried all types of masks(nose pillows, full face, mouth and nose) will I get better sleep maybe in a couple of weeks or so now that my nose is better? Basically will it improve? I have a big "sleep debt". I can feel it. I know that with a CPAP or without it would take a while to improve because of the "sleep debt". It wouldn't be overnight.

• ANSWER:
  You should stay with the cpap machine if at all possible. I am a sleep lab assistant and I know how our patients feel after not using the machine. If you are having problems with your mouth opening, than a full face mask or a chin strap is your best bet. If you feel like you are having nasal or throat dryness, then you may need a humidifier. We mainly use masks by Resmed (resmed.com) and Respironics (respironics.com). But you could look some up on cpap.com or cpapman.com. If you feel like you are suffocating and have not had a sleep study after your surgery, than you will need one as your pressures have more than likely been needing to change and it could be that right now you are getting too much air and that is why you feel so uncomfortable. If you need anymore advice or for me to go into more detail, just email me and I will be more than happy to help. Good luck and better sleep my friend.

QUESTION:
Throat Surgery for Sleep Apnea (UPPP)?
I have been diagnosed with fairly bad sleep apnea. I stop breathing several times a night (I average 8 times an hour that I have a breathing issue) and my O2 levels drop to the mid 70s (which is very low). As a result I am having UPPP (Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty) in the spring, which is surgery to trim my soft palate and uvula, and at this time they'll remove my tonsils and the remains of my adenoids (I had them removed when I was six, but they grew back partially).

What are some side effects of this surgery? I've heard that it'll screw up my voice--will it make it higher pitched or lower?
(Yes I know, ask the doctor about the side effects, I already have. I was wondering about people who have had the surgery).

• ANSWER:
  Go for a second opinion. A UPPP has limited success rate. Taking out your tonsil and adenoids as an adult is painful. The surgery only works if this is the area of obstruction. Doctors are not good at picking out where the site of the obstruction is. You have already had your TAs grow back. Your uvula will as well. Scar tissue is horrible. The only surgery that is 100 percent effective is a tracheotomy.

  CPAP and or a dental device is a far better option

  Make sure your sleep specialist is board certified in sleep. suggests a pulmonologist or a neurologist not and ENT.(only my opinion) I think surgery is a radical move when it has limited success and CPAP works. surgeon only makes money if he does surgery.

  My uncle had the surgery. He sleep apnea is worse than ever. I use xpap route and feel way better than he does.

QUESTION:
Has anyone had surgery due to sleep apnea and shortness of breath? What exactly is the procedure?

• ANSWER:
  My grandpa did he is doing alot better I remember as a little kid he would be telling a story then fall asleep during it
  it would be really scary since I was a small child

  Mild Sleep Apnea is usually treated by some behavioral changes. Losing weight, sleeping on your side are often recommended. There are oral mouth devices (that help keep the airway open) on the market that may help to reduce snoring in three different ways. Some devices (1) bring the jaw forward or (2) elevate the soft palate or (3) retain the tongue (from falling back in the airway and blocking breathing). Sleep Apnea is a progessive condition (gets worse as you age) and should not be taken lightly.

  Moderate to severe Sleep Apnea is usually treated with a C-PAP (continous positive airway pressure). C-PAP is a machine that blows air into your nose via a nose mask, keeping the airway open and unobstructed. For more severe apnea, there is a Bi-level (Bi-PAP) machine. The Bi-level machine is different in that it blows air at two different pressures. When a person inhales, the pressure is higher and in exhaling, the pressure is lower. Your sleep doctor will "prescribe" your pressure and a home healthcare company will set it up and provide training in its use and maintenance.

  Find out about the different manufacturers who provide respiratory equipment for obstructive sleep apnea.They have photos of their CPAP machines, masks and other equipment, so take a look.

  Some people have facial deformities that may cause the sleep apnea. It simply may be that their jaw is smaller than it should be or they could have a smaller opening at the back of the throat. Some people have enlarged tonsils, a large tongue or some other tissues partially blocking the airway. Fixing a deviated septum may help to open the nasal passages. Removing the tonsils and adenoids or polyps may help also. Children are much more likely to have their tonsils and adenoids removed.

QUESTION:
Anyone had surgery for sleep apnea ?
Is such a thing possible ? I have tried many types of masks and they really do bother me. Also I want to be more active at church & etc.but my hair is always a mess from the contraption. Also I don't know if this is related to sleep apenia but I always feel like I have something hanging in my throat that I cannot move one way or the other. I thought it might be mucus and it may but I wonder. Any thoughts on this ? I am 76 , on my feet and take a lot of prescribed medicine.

• ANSWER:
  sounds like a sinus problem to me. Figure out if the room is too humid, too hot, too cold, too dusty, too smoky, etc. and solve that first. Sleep apnea means you're not getting enough rest, means you're not reaching the REM and are tired when you get up. I'd make sure I was in a darkened and airy and fairly cool room and if you have a problem breating then try the product "breathe-rite" on your nose to open the air flow.

  Perhaps the hang in your throat is a side effect of the medication you are taking. Could be that it makes your sinuses drain. Do you take that medication before bedtime? Can you switch and take your medications in the morning instead?

QUESTION:
Question about sleep apnea, and plastic surgery?
Has there ever been any medical studies on whether or not liposuction of the face and neck areas can improve sleep apnea symptoms? I keep hearing that airway obstruction can often be caused by excessive tissue around the airways, and is common in overweight people.

So - what if someone had most of the excess fat removed from their neck and face through liposuction? Would that take some of the pressure off the airway and allow it to open up a little bit? Or is this just a pipe dream? (pardon the pun)

• ANSWER:
  Just stay awake, it's easier, and sleep is way over-rated anyways. You can sleep when yer dead. I've heard of a converted "Red-neck", but never a converted "Fat-neck".

QUESTION:
Is there anyone with sleep apnea who has had UPPP / tonsillectomy surgery and had success?
I am scheduled for UPPP and tonsillectomy surgery in 3 months. I keep reading that these surgeries have a low success rate of curing apnea. Is there anyone who has had success with these procedures?

• ANSWER:
  I have sleep apnea and have NOT undergone UPPP nor will I. Another closely related procedure is LAUPP (laser-assisted uvulopalaoplasty).

  You have not said why you are having this surgery, despite your reading that indicates (correctly) a poor success rate.

  UPPP is very painful and debilitating for up to a couple of weeks post surgery. As with all operations, there are a host of potential complications.

  These procedures have not withstood the rigors of time, follow-up and statistical analysis. While they may eliminate or reduce snoring, there does not appear to be any clear proof of lasting benefit in permanently eliminating obstructive sleep apnea.

  I'm sticking to my CPAP machine, which goes with me all over the world!

QUESTION:
CPAP- Sleep Apnea- Gastric Bypass Surgery?
During the surgery itsself, do they put a CPAP machine on a patient with Sleep Apnea for the duration of the surgery? I ask because I had an outpatient surgery in 2009, and my apnea was undiagnosed. They couldn't keep me breathing and I was tachycardic as a result.

I recognize sleep apnea to be a common occurance in Bariatric Surgery candidiates. I just wonder if anyone has experience with this.

Thanks.

• ANSWER:
  As part of your health history prior to any surgery, the anesthesiologist asks you whether you have sleep apnea and then, while asleep, they adjust the pressure of the ventilations to compensate for this which would prevent what happened to you in 2009. They do not put a CPAP machine on you during surgery.

QUESTION:
Getting surgery, but I have sleep apnea, and I'm afraid of dying on the operating table because of it?
Ok, I'm going to have a wisdom tooth cut out of my head, and I have sleep apnea.
Which means, every minute or so, my throat closes, and after a minute or so, my brain says "hey idiot, you're suffocating" and I gasp and get a breath of air.
All this happens without me waking up. I have a CPAP machine, but I can't use that while someone's operating in my mouth.

So if I'm put under anesthesia, won't that mean that my brain will be too out of it to wake me up? If this happens, my heart will stop, because I won't be breathing. Do they put a tube down my windpipe to keep it open?
I'm serious, how does this work?
Is this possibly the explanation for people who die during routine surgeries for no apparent reason?
I'm very afraid here, and I keep hearing "oh, I'm sure it will be fine" from people, but nobody can tell me WHY it should be fine.
... No, I can't have CPAP on during oral surgery, because for CPAP to work, you can't have your mouth open.
It's the pressure from the closed system that keeps your throat open. Having my mouth open, would be like deflating a balloon, which is how CPAP works.

• ANSWER:
  You do not necessarily have to be sedated to have this surgery. You need to inform your dentist of the sleep apnea. I have had all four of my wisdom teeth removed. When the first was done I was fully awake the other three at once I had to be sedated. Just tell you dentist that you want to remain awake. I did a search on your concern here is a support forum you may want to read up on others previous concerns and ones who have answered their questions. I hope all will go well. www.apneasupport.org/about4683.html

QUESTION:
Sleep Apnea: If you have it and got surgery for it, did it improve things?
My husband suffers from sleep apnea and as of now using a C Pap machine. He hates it and is not looking forward to using it all his life.

He has schedule surgery in June. I think he'll get is uvula taken out and part of the pallate taken off to make a wide space. His doctor said it's not an 'end all' solution, but should improve things.

If you have had a surgery for apnea, what kind of surgery was it and how much did your apnea improve?

• ANSWER:
  Sorry to hear about your husbands problem. How can you sleep next to him with all the snoring and always waiting for the next stop. I Hope the machine helps on this. The operation is bound to improve the general situation drastically as he will most likely get rid of the machine. He will also get some good sleep again and with this being fitter during the day. By saying it will not be and "end all" solution, I think the doc means, nothing can be guaranteed and while the collapsing velum is a common cause for the apnea, it could be caused by factors.
  Good luck to both of you!

QUESTION:
If I have Obstructive Sleep Apnea, will having a breathing tube during open-heart surgery cause complications?
My son has obstructive sleep apnea and needs open-heart surgery to help get rid of the pressure in his lungs, I have heard that having a breathing tube in for the amount of time that the surgery is will cause complications when trying to remove it after.... is this information valid??

• ANSWER:
  This is difficult to say. The endotracheal tube in and of itself will not cause problems related to his sleep apnea. What it sounds like is that they are concerned if he'll be able to come off the ventilator after the surgery. You don't say what kind of open heart surgery he's having. If it's a bypass it's not likely to effect his lungs post op. If it is a valve they're replacing, like the Mitral valve or the Aortic valve then, yes, it will help clear the Congestive heart failure. That will help his lungs function properly and increase his chances of coming off the ventilator greatly. Once he's off the ventilator they take the endotracheal tube out almost immediately after.
  Some people do get slight swelling of the throat and possibly the vocal cords. But this doesn't happen often, especially when the tube is put in under OR conditions. I

  If it is a valve they're replacing this should help with the apnea. If he is overweight he must lose the excess if he's going to have any chance of getting off the CPAP machine.
  God bless you both and help him to a speedy recovery.

QUESTION:
i have been diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea, should i have the surgery or used the cpap machine.?
i am a 37 yr old truck driver and; yes, i am obese. i've tried diet and exercise. but while driving and the sleepy or tired feeling comes down on me i snack to stay awake, usually un healthy snacks like chocolate and caffiene and chips and sodas. if anyone has any experience or opinions i am open for suggestions.

• ANSWER:
  Surgery for obstructive sleep apnea in obese patients has a very low success rate because the internal body fat is what causes the obstruction. Surgery is limited to the soft palate, and it will not help because the blockage is in the pharynx (lower throat).
  You really need to use the CPAP mask.
  Snack on apples, baby carrots, pears, whole grain crackers, string cheese, and the like.
  I have a friend who drove long-haul loads and kept busy eating good stuff. He said it really helped get rid of the constipation truckers suffer, too. He kept a small cooler in his rig.
  It's actually cheaper to go the fresh fruit and vegetable route than buying junk food.
  The problem you're having with sleepiness may actually be made worse by consuming sugary snacks, because your blood sugar isn't steady as it would be by eating healthy snacks. Yours probably spikes, then goes WAY down because you are eating "simple sugars". That will cause severe fatigue.

QUESTION:
Is surgery to cure sleep apnea safe?
I recently have been diagnosed with severe obstructive sleep apnea and have started treatment with a CPAP. It makes me feel better but I just feel uncomfortable no matter how hard I try to get used to it. I am not obese(185 lbs, 5'11") so that is not the cause of my sleep apnea. I am meeting with my doctor soon to discuss other treatments outside of the CPAP, but I wanted to see if anyone could give me information or personal experiences on the surgery before I meet with him.

• ANSWER:
  I had the surgery for sleep apnea....they did the laser removal of my uvula. They also fixed a deviated septum......It was the worst thing I ever did....not only did it hurt like H*** but it never really got rid of my sleep apnea....the pain after surgery was so intense I lost 15 pounds in one week.....couldn't eat or drink anything...it just caused it to hurt that much more...the only thing I looked forward to was my liquid Tylenol every 4 hours.....good luck with your decision!!

QUESTION:
Would you recommend the throat surgery for snoring and sleep apnea?

• ANSWER:
  NO. There are always risks when having surgery. They have a machine out that is supposed to work really well. Find yourself a good doctor and look into it.

QUESTION:
Im getting surgery on my sinuses because of sleep apnea - what should I expect?
Whats the recovery time and will there be scars like in my nose?

• ANSWER:
  You should have a breathing machine for sleep apnea, not surgery.
  My husband has sleep apnea.

QUESTION:
Does anyone have any experience with Radiofrequency treatment of the toung for Sleep Apnea?
Please share... i am considering this surgery for my sleep apnea, and would like to know any experiences u can share. i am currently using a mouth piece especially made by a dentist for my sleep apnea, but it is not effective. BTW, I have had a sleep study done by a neurologist, who determined I have sleep apnea.

• ANSWER:
  no my husband has been on an air pump for the past 5 years and he is a new man.

QUESTION:
I'm getting that surgery to help stop snoring and sleep apnea, how long does it take to heal?
Is it painfil for days after? When do they remove the packing?

• ANSWER:
  I didn't have the surgery, but an old boss did and it took about 3-4 months before his face looked normal again. He said it hurt, but he was given something for the pain and it was only painful the first week.

QUESTION:
sleep apnea... should i get surgery?
So i sorta diagnosed myself with sleep apnea, im always tired no matter how many hours of sleep i get, i snoar really loudly, and have trouble breathing from my nose. I had a turbinate reduction surgery but i dont think it really did much, i also have a deviated septum but i honeslt dont think syptoplasty surgery will do much because sometimes i can breath better through the nostril that is deviated/blocked and the other one will be barely breathable. lol i wont lie im also a lil scared for the surgery, when i had turbinate reduction surgery it didnt really hurt too badly after like 2-3 days but i got really sick and i hear septoplasty hurts allot. Now, should i get the surgery or should i try using the CPAP machine?? I need to treat my sleep apnea. Thanks
16 years old, not overweight, play varsity soccer everyday so i definitely get my exercise in

• ANSWER:

QUESTION:
Surgery vs. CPAP for Sleep Apnea?
My husband (age 55) has been using a CPAP for two years because of severe sleep apnea. His doctor has told him that he could have surgery but that he cannot guarantee the results. I would be interested in hearing from others who have had this done and what kind of results you got from the surgery and would you do it again, or stay with the infernal machine.

• ANSWER:
  I am 49. I sleep so much better using a CPAP, it may have saved my life. Unless he can't tolerate the mask, and it is working, I see surgury as an unnessasary risk. The surgery is not trival and often does not work.

  As far as sleeping, the rush of the air puts me right out. I can skip a night or two without it, but I do feel more tired. The key is to have a good fit on the mask.

QUESTION:
sleep apnea and anesthesia?
ok my mother had an ankle replacement last April. She was in surgery over 4 hours and afterwards was moved to ICU because her oxygen level was low and they couldn't get it up. They said it was because undiagnosed Sleep Apnea. Well back in 2008 she went under for another surgery yet it was minor and was in surgery no longer than an hour in a half. And she had no issues with that surgery. Well she is going to have surgery this week for gallbladder and I am extremely nervous. I can't imagine loosing my mom at a time like and right before Christmas. Does anyone have any exprience with sleep apnea and surgery? I mean this surgery probably won't even last an hour unless there is issues and they have to open her up.
Yes, they are aware. Im just confused why 2 years ago she had no issues but this last surgery was a big issue. Does it effect you worse the longer you are under?
and no she hasn't gained any weight since that first surgery. If anything, has lost. ILike I said Im curious if anyone know if it has to do with how long you are under and how much is given

• ANSWER:
  The problem was from the doctors not knowing about the sleep apnea. Assuming that information is conveyed to them during future preoperative work ups, they can be prepared for any problems and even take steps to keep it from happening.

  Edit:

  The effects certainly can be worse the longer you are under. Another question is... Has she gained weight in these last couple of years. That's a big factor in worsening the severity of sleep apnea.

QUESTION:
treatment of sleep disorders after CABG surgery ?
I have a patient with mild obstructive sleep apnea, who had Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Surgery recently after a Myocadial Infarction, and now he is recovering well 5 days post-op but his sleep apnea has worsened and he can't get any sleep ever since the surgery.
do you have any suggestion or any management options to offer?
thanks a lot !

• ANSWER:
  Cardiac asthma suspected.

QUESTION:
This question is in regards to Obstructive Sleep Apnea and people who have had surgery to correct it.?
I have 3 options to choose from and one of them is surgery which is probably what I will opt for as my insurance will pay for it. How long was your surgery? What was your recovery time? We're there certain things you couldn't do during your recovery time such as not being able to eat certain foods for example. Anything you can tell me would be most helpful. Thank you in advance for your time.

• ANSWER:
  I have a friend who had a surgery for her sleep apnea. She was given a 3 weeks off sick from work to recover from her surgery. The surgery lasted about 2 hours including the time in the recovery room. She can't blow her nose after the surgery. Bleeding was also a problem after but that will actually stop. You have to drink and gargle cold water to help stop the bleeding. My friend have already recovered and does not suffer from sleep apnea after the surgery.

QUESTION:
I had a correctional surgery to help my sleep apnea, will this allow me to join the marines?
I dont really want to talk to a recruiter about this question because I dont want to spoil my chances... I have (had) sleep apnea, last month I had a rhino/septoplasty done to fix it. I feel ok, I am just concerned that they will look at my medical records and see "sleep apnea". I am sure the problem was fixed, but I dont really want to tell them because then I have to go get a sleep test done, and a waiver (and my sleep might still be bad). the point is I am ok, and can function like any other person. Anyway thanks ahead of time.

• ANSWER:
  As long as you're not on positive airway pressure, and everything's corrected, you should be good to go. It won't kill your chances to join just for asking. If you don't want to ask your recruiter, you can ask another recruiter that you haven't talked to before.

QUESTION:
My wife has been diagnosed with severe sleep apnea. They're talking about surgery and masks and all this...
Is there a natural/cheaper way to deal with this besides surgery? Some herbs or tea or something? Thank you.
So she can stop using the mask after surgery right?

• ANSWER:
  Surgery to me is always a last resort. Has your wife tried the CPAP machine? I would think any doctor would try this first before suggesting surgery. I would read up on sleep apnea and get to know all the fact. I would also get a second opinion before going under the knife.

QUESTION:
Obstructive Sleep Apnea. How do you feel about surgical option?
I have severe obstructive sleep apnea that caused mu oxygen levels to drop in the 60% range. The condition was bad enough that surgery was offered.

My question: If you had surgery to correct you obstructive sleep apnea, what were your side effects (if any) and how long did it take to recover.

• ANSWER:
  I've not had the procedure done (yet) but one of my coworkers had it done and it improved her whole life so much. Now that it's been 10 years (she's gotten older, plus she's gained weight) she started to have difficulty staying asleep again so badly that she asked her doctor if she could have a second procedure but instead he has her on one of those ventilating machines--which she detests (but maybe her condition hasn't progressed far enough to suggest surgery again yet). If your condition is bad enough your doc is recommending surgery, you ought to think about it--maybe get a second opinion. Surgery recovery may be painful but if it'll allow you to breath (and avoid developing other health problems related to oxygen depravity), then it is well worth it--and whatever pain there is is transitory, it'll go away once the incisions have healed and you['ll feel so much better.

QUESTION:
Is it possible to have sleep apnea and insomnia at the same time?
I have been suffering with sleep apnea for months now. After waiting three stressful weeks for the machine to arrive, I used it but only managed to get 3 hours of sleep. I also noticed, that before I had the machine my average time spent sleeping decreased. Tonight I am fully awake and I cannot sleep at all. Is it possible to have sleep apnea and insomnia together? I have serious depression already, so I think that this is a logical explanation. What do I do?

• ANSWER:
  Your not alone friend. I have both as you do and what I suggest is now that you have the machine, you go to your doctor and get a sleep aid that can be accompanied by an antihistamene. Let me tell you I am on Trazadone for sleep and hydroxyzine which is the antihistamene. Together they work wondurfully. Also you may be overweight which many are who have apnea. Try not to drink too much water and if you are getting up in the night to urinate often then ask your doctor for a diuretic which will reduce the overall body fluid in the body. You may want to look into the possibility of type 2 diabetes. Hope this helps. Hang in there it gets better.
  p.s. I am awake by choice as i was off yesterday catnapping all day in the rainy weather. Just so you don't ask yourself, Why is he not asleep then?" LOL

QUESTION:
What do you know about sleep apnea surgeries?
I hate the mask (as many people do). I have severe obstructive sleep apnea. I am considering surgical options but I've been told the only one that may work for me is the mandibular advancement (when they break your jaw and move it forward). Has anyone had this before? What were your experiences? Did it work? Do you know of any other surgery that may help? Oral appliances?

• ANSWER:
  I had a mandibular advancement back in the day when they still wired your mouth shut for 6 weeks. (Many surgeons now opt for a screw and plate closure along with tight rubber bands that allow more mouth movement and a little more eating options!)

  I did have about a year of orthodontics before I could have it done, incidentally, so it was not a quick fix by any means.

  The surgery itself sounded far worse than it actually was. The most pain I had was like a dull headache in my jaw area. Pain management was not a problem at all. I did miss eating what I wanted and lost significant weight. (What I would do to have that happen now!!!) I missed yawning the most, though!

  It did fix my sleep apnea completely. I have never even snored since. It was well worth it for me.

  My 5 year old had tonsils and adenoids removed for the same reason (sleep apnea) with good results as well. I had previously had that surgery, and it was much more painful than the mandibular advancement.

  I hope this helps! Best of luck to you!

QUESTION:
I have sleep apnea,bi polar,personality disorder just put in a appeal with si am I wasting my time?
I just received my 1st denial letter from ssi. Do you think I have a chance with sleep apnea,bi polar, personality disorder, panic attacks and I receive lots of meds for these conditions.

• ANSWER:
  Can"t say if your wasting your time or not, however I do know that SSI ALWAYS denies you the first time around. Its procedural. My Father In Law suffered a massive stroke and through the process I found out that they always do that.

QUESTION:
How well does a tonsillectomy cure sleep apnea?
I have sleep apnea and have a tonsillectomy scheduled for later this year. How well does this fix sleep apnea?

• ANSWER:
  Tonsillectomies alone do not 'cure' sleep apnea. Surgical remedies for sleep apnea usually are for those patients that do not respond well to other treatments, usually surgery is a last resort.

  The correct term for the surgery is called a Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty, it removes parts or all of the uvula, soft palate, tonsils, adenoids, and pharynx. Its success rate is about 50%. Basically its a coin flip.

  The tonsillectomy could work, only if its enlarged. Same goes with the other parts that I listed above. The enlarged tissue(s) tend to obstruct your airway when you sleep, especially when you lie on your back.

  I would recommend getting a second opinion and see if your doctor would recommend a sleep study performed on you. Also check with your insurance if it is covered.

  Usually, sleep apnea can be resolved with diet and treatment using a CPAP machine (Continous Positive Airway Pressure). It can significantly improve your sleep.

  Good luck and have a good night's sleep!

QUESTION:
What is the best solution for sleep apnea?
I have sleep apnea but Im sure i do not want to use a c-pap or an a-pap machine. Just looking for the next best solution.

• ANSWER:
  Someone else already said it, but it should be repeated. Get the CPAP.

  I never thought I would be able to sleep with one. For about a year I told myself that it would not help me sleep, that it would make it more difficult for my wife to sleep, that it would be uncomfortable...

  The very first night I used CPAP it felt a little akward, but by the end of the first week ALL of my symptoms had disappeared. It has been three years now and I have no more headaches, no more muscle cramps, no more waking up several times a night with horrible heartburn or horrible sweating. My blood pressure and cholesterol have returned to normal. In one week I went from a 25 year old in danger of having a heart attack to a well rested guy who can just enjoy life again. I cannot even begin to explain how much better you will feel.

  Get the CPAP and try it for a week. Just 7 days. If you can't do it, talk to your doctor. There is a surgical procedure that can reduce apnea, however less then 30% of the people who have it see any significant change and most people must have the surgury repeated throughout their lives to stay symptom free.

  Most importantly, do not ignore this condition. If you do you will continue to gain weight, the headaches will get worse. Your blood pressure will continue to skyrocket. You will develop holes in your stomach and esophogus from the acid. You will have a potentially fatal heart attack. Left untreated and supervised by a doctor this condition will kill you.

  Get the CPAP.

QUESTION:
Can a sleep apnea test be dangerous for a 92 year old woman?
My mom is 92 and going to take a sleep apnea test tomorrow night. She is not in great health.

• ANSWER:
  A sleep apnea test cannot be harmful - the test itself is just a sleep study, they put some stickers on you and these give information to a computer. It's easy. The only possible reason it could be detrimental is if she is stressed out.

  If she's reasonably healthy and calm it will all be OK

QUESTION:
Is my sleep apnea the reason that my husband and I cannot conceive?
We have tried for two years now, and still nothing. My period has been non-existent for about a year now. We are not using any birth control (obviously). My doctor says it's just because of my sleep apnea. I already have a son from a previous relationship. Any suggestions?
I have a CPAP machine and have had it for about a month now.

• ANSWER:
  FIRST OF ALL I AM NOT AN EXPERT ON FEMALE PROBLEMS, BUT SLEEP APNEA CAUSES MANY THINGS UP TO AND INCLUDING DEATH! SLEEP APNEA DISTURBS YOU WHILE YOU ARE SLEEPING, IN THAT YOU CANNOT GET WHAT IS CALLED "REM" OR TRUE SLEEP. IT IS WHERE THE BRAIN REALLY "UNWINDS", WITHOUT "REM" SLEEP ONE DOES NOT FEEL AT EASE! THINGS DO NOT FUNCTION ALL OVER THE BODY AS WELL, YOU SIMPLY ARE SLEEP DEPRIVED NO MATTER HOW MANY HOURS OF ACTUAL "SLEEP" YOU PUT IN!

  I ASSUME THAT YOU HAVE GONE TO A SLEEP CLINIC FOR THIS DIAGNOSIS? IF NOT YOU SHOULD GO FOR A TWO NIGHT STUDY, USUALLY SPACED SEVERAL WEEKS APART, TO SEE EXACTLY WHAT SPECIFICALLY IS DISTURBING YOUR SLEEP. MANY TIMES THERE ARE THINGS SUCH AS A TWITCHY LEG, WHICH CAN BE CURED WITH ONE PILL BEFORE BED, WHICH CAN ALSO DISTURB THIS "REM" SLEEP STATE.

  YOUR BODY SIMPLY CANNOT FUNCTION WITHOUT THIS DEEP STATE OF SLEEP, OVER ANY LONG PERIOD OF TIME WITHOUT SOME FORM OF NEGATIVE REACTION! YOUR BRAIN CONTROLS EVERYTHING, IF IT IS NOT WORKING RIGHT THEN ESSENTIALLY "YOU" ARE NOT FUNCTIONING PROPERLY!

  SLEEP APNEA IS EASILY TREATED USING A DEVICE CALLED A CPAP! ALL IT DOES IS KEEP YOUR AIRWAYS OPEN WITH A SLIGHT POSITIVE AIR PRESSURE WHICH WAS DETERMINED AS IDEAL BY THE SLEEP LAB SESSION. IT TAKES TWO TO THREE WEEKS TO GET USED TO IT! BUT IT IS NOT AN OPTIONAL DEVICE. IT IS A PRESCRIBED MEDICAL THING, EXACTLY LIKE A MEDICATION, A PILL OR A SHOT FOR AN INFECTION ! YOU MUST USE IT IT WILL SAVE AND EXTEND YOUR LIFE!

  I PROMISE YOU THAT ONCE YOU GET USE TO IT YOU WILL FEEL MUCH BETTER!

  I AM A VERY HARD HEADED STUBBORN 61 YEAR OLD FOOL, I LIVED IN DENIAL THAT I HAD ANY PROBLEM AT ALL. MY WIFE WHO LOVES ME FORCED ME, I RESISTING THE WHOLE WAY, TO GO TO THE SLEEP CLINIC. I INITIALLY HATED THE "D#@N CPAM MACHINE". MY WIFE MADE ME USE IT AGAIN BECAUSE SHE WANTED ME TO CONTINUE TO LIVE! GUESS WHAT? SHORTLY I FELL IN LOVE WITH THE DARN THING AND NOW AFTER NEARLY TWO YEARS I STILL LOVE THE THING! I FEEL 20 YEARS YOUNGER AND LOST WEIGHT, THE THING WORKS!

  TRY TREATMENT FOR SLEEP APNEA IT WILL MAKE YOUR LIFE MUCH BETTER I SWEAR THAT TO YOU! EVERYTHING ELSE SHOULD WORK OUT!

  PLEASE DO IT!

  GOOD LUCK,

  APS

QUESTION:
Why does sleep deprivation make the symptoms of sleep apnea worse?
I recently did a sleep study and found that I have obstructive sleep apnea and it causes me to wake up during the night - often many times. I go through cycles where the problem gets much worse, one night of poor sleep leads to another worse night of interupted sleep, and so on - sometimes for a month or even more. I have heard that sleep deprivation makes the symptoms of sleep apnea much worse, and as I am searching for the right treatments, I was just interested in finding out why - what is the mechanism that causes this? Very strenuous exercise during the day or early evening can have the same effect. Thank you for any insights.

• ANSWER:
  Actually, sleep apnea is a condition where you actually stop breathing during sleep. For most people, this causes them to wake up quickly; for others, it's a life-threatening situation (especially for babies and small children). I imagine if you're not getting much rest, when you do finally get to sleep your body is so tired it's hard for your body to wake up when you stop breathing. Also, even though your body eventually trains itself to sleep lightly in order potentially avoid apnea, when YOU finally get some sleep your body falls into a deeper sleep. This makes it harder for your body to avoid apnea. I would advise you to get plenty of rest whenever possible. I believe you should obtain a sleep apnea monitor from your physician. This will sound an alarm to wake you up when you stop breathing, or if your oxygen saturation level drops below a certain percentage. This may alleviate some of your anxiety and help you sleep better at night. Just a thought. Good luck.

QUESTION:
Is it safe to take Imovane with sleep apnea?
I just read that you shouldn't take Imovane if you have sleep apnea. My doctor prescribed it for me, forgetting that I have sleep apnea. Has anyone with sleep apnea taken Imovane? Is it safe as long as I am using my CPAP?

• ANSWER:
  If you are treating your sleep apnea with Cpap you should be O.k. I believe the reason they do not recommend it, is because hypnotic drugs actually lengthen apneas in untreated individuals. Same goes for Ambien and so on... still if you are not sure you should ask your physician or pharmacist. Good luck.

QUESTION:
Is there an alternative sleep apnea diagnosis method other than an overnight sleep study?
I believe I have sleep apnea, but because I am currently in a residential treatment program, I am unable to go to an overnight sleep study.
Is there an alternative method with which I can be tested for sleep apnea?

• ANSWER:
  Not one that would be recognized by an insurance company.

  Have a friend watch you sleep. If you repeatedly stop breathing for 15-20 or more seconds, then you probably do have sleep apnea. More prevalent with snorers.

QUESTION:
What other problems could be mistaken for sleep apnea?
I have many symptoms of sleep apnea but my sleep study shows that it is not an issue. I am tired all the time, no energy or motivation. Depression and anxiety are a major problem. I wake up many times a night feeling like I cannot catch my breath, like my chest is very heavy and not getting enough air/oxygen. What other conditions could cause these symptoms?

• ANSWER:
  Did they check your limb movements while you were in for the sleep study? Periodic Limb Movement Syndrome & Restless Leg Movement Syndrome can both create excessive daytime sleepiness, as can Idiopathic Hypersomnia.

  Depression and thyroid problems should also be ruled out. Sleep issues can affect mood and depression issues can affect sleep. It's often difficult to tease the two apart.

  Because of the breathing problem, allergies and asthma should also be looked at as the potential cause.

QUESTION:
this is for those that have sleep apnea. How do you get used to the cpap machine?
I am having a sleep apnea test done soon and may have to use the machine. I had the sleep apnea long time ago but I couldn't get used to the machine so I sent it back.

• ANSWER:
  Sleep apnea machines and masks have come along way in the last 2 years. 1st make sure that the home care co. that is setting up the equipment will work with you, if they aren't willing to, go to another company! You are the customer and they CAN get you comfortable with something. There are so many different masks & nasal pillows available, not to mention what they are doing with the machines now! Puritan Bennett has a machine that is about the size of the 1st personnal CD players they came out with in the 80's, and Respironics has machines that work with your breathing pattern!(check out their web sites)
  This is something you need to be pro-active about. Lack of sleep does so many bad things to your body- poor memory, weight gain, depression, etc. Not to mention what the lack of oxygen in your body when you don't breath at night does to your brain and heart.
  Good Luck!

QUESTION:
What are some treatments for sleep apnea?
My boyfriend has sleep apnea and snores. It has gotten progressively worse. I am not sure what to do. it seems when i elbow him, he stops temporarily but not long enough for me to fall alseep. It is often so back that it not only prevents me from sleeping but, once i fall asleep, it wakes me up again. HELP!

• ANSWER:
  Sleep apnea should be diagonsed from a reputable sleep clinic. There may be another reason for his snoring such as weight etc.
  The usual treatment is sleeping with a positive air flow machine (I think it is called Cpac. If he stops breathing his oxygen level goes down and it can be a very dangerous health condition. Have him see a Dr. that specializes in sleep problems.

QUESTION:
How can I remove mental fog due to years of sleep apnea?
I feel like my mind is weak because I had sleep apnea all through school. I am in my mind 20's and have sleep apnea due to the structure of my body (I am not overweight which is the usual cause). I did ok in school but I just feel like I didn't absorb everything I needed to. What would you do? I know use C-PAP and have been for a few month and am feeling a lot better. Any advice would help. Thanks.

• ANSWER:
  yoga or martial arts(from a good school where they teach mind to focus and not only combat)

QUESTION:
Can sleep apnea make me so tired that I feel like sleeping 20 hours a day?
There were 2 days in the past few months when I slept for 20 hours Was that because of the sleep apnea?

• ANSWER:
  If you have sleep apnea and it is not being treated properly, then yes.

QUESTION:
How many teenagers out of every 1000 have sleep apnea ocd anxiety and adhd?
I have sleep apnea ocd anxiety and adhd at age 14. Is it really rare for someone my age to have all those problems?

• ANSWER:
  Do you really want a statistic? Like for a class or a paper, or are you actually comparing to yourself? Who knows how many in 1,000? Perhaps someone who did a study. But as far as ADHD, anxiety, ocd and at least problems sleeping, they can all go together. ADHD seems to have some clusters of symptoms, and sometimes ADHD people have trouble filtering out things that they find irritating. Sleep Apnea can be caused from weight, or chemical things going on in the brain. You could try a couple things to get these a bit under control. First, cut out all caffeine. Cut out all sugary things, soda pop, and wheat products. Try to up your protein intake (real meat, and not fried stuff), and fresh fruits and vegetables. Watch to see what happens. If this helps, great. If you need to, you can also see how removing dairy from your diet works. If these don't help, try to decide if you are under some specific pressure that is bothering you. But do try to eliminate these things, first. It may take 2 or 3 weeks to see the actual result, but it may be worth it. Look up ADHD and candida, or ADHD and food sensitivities, online.

QUESTION:
How long does it take to recover from throat surgery for sleep apnea?
I recently had throat surgery for sleep apnea. My throat is exptremely sore, especially when I swollow. How long will this last?

• ANSWER:
  I had a client who had the same surgery you describe and it took her about 6 weeks to finally feel normal. Take care of yourself and get as much rest as you possibly can - this will help your body heal. You'll probably feel some residual from the surgery (depending on how sensitive you were to the anesthesia they gave you) for about another month or two.

QUESTION:
Can sleep apnea in your childhood affect how well you sleep later on in life?
I had sleep apnea when I was younger due to very large tonsils and adenoids. They were taken out when I was four years old. I am now 18 and have been having difficulties falling and staying asleep for around four or five years now. I was wondering if there is any connection.

• ANSWER:
  Some patients have problems even if they had surgery. For example, if you had big adenoids, then surgery can be an important step to do, avoiding complications with a CPAP machine for the rest of your life. However, did you know that some sleep apnea patients had the same difficulties in sleep even they've had removed the tonsils and adenoids?

  One of the reasons is that they have another cause for their sleep disorder, like fat around their neck, a big tongue that can obstruct the airways in sleep, or central sleep apnea.

QUESTION:
What are some ways for me to get rid of sleep apnea?
I've been told I need to wear a little mask attached to a small machine for my sleep disorder. What are some ways to get rid of sleep apnea? I know one way is to lose weight. My goal is to lose at least 20 pounds.

• ANSWER:
  Colon cleaning is the new method to shed weight. Researchers have illustrated the point that not all unwanted weight is thanks to additional fat, a great deal of weight basically rests there in your colon, and all you need to do is flush it out. http://galips.bestweightloss4u.info has a risk free trial on currently, give it a try out, you could shed as much as 20 pounds!

QUESTION:
What do you do when your husband has been diagnosed with sleep apnea and won't use the machine?
My husband has sleep apnea and will not use the machine. He also has diabetes. He goes to work, comes home sleeps for about two hours, goes to bed at 12:00 AM and gets up about 4:30 for work. On the weekends he will sleep if you let him about 14 hours a day. He would do this during the week but he has to go to work. I just don't know what to do. I'm very concerned.

• ANSWER:
  Unfortunately, there's not much you can do... You can show him all the information about sleep apnea and its deleterious effects on health, how improved sleep can actually improve diabetes, etc etc, but until he decides to do what he needs to do, he'll probably just hear it as "nagging" and ignore you even more industriously.

  If it gets to be that bad, you could lay down an ultimatum: That if he doesn't start taking better care of himself, you'll leave because you can't stand to watch him take such risks with his health. I would certainly not recommend that, unless the marriage is already irretrievably broken and you would actually be okay with it if he said, "All right, bye then."

  My sympathies are with you; it's very frustrating to watch someone you care about neglect themselves. Unfortunately, your options are rather limited. I hope someone else has a more productive answer for you. Good luck.

QUESTION:
Is removal of tonsils a must for sleep apnea?
My kid has a mild sleep apnea that is 5 episodes that lasts about 10 second in the hour on average. The ENT specialist is recommending a surgery to remove tonsils. My question : Is this absolutely required given it is a mind case(as I have been told)? Any side effect/longterm effect if I don't get this done? Will this surgery absolutey cure the sleep apnea?
Thanks in advance for your kind advice.

• ANSWER:
  In most cases for children, yes, having the tonsils removed will fix the apnea issues. Surgery is never a 100% guarantee. Not having it done could result in possible continuation of the airway being blocked, which will lead to future health issues. Anything from just being extra tired, feeling like there's a lack of rest although you have a full nights sleep, to serious issues, like Hypertension, Heart Disease, Stroke, Obesity, Depression and so on.

  If you still have serious concerns, you can always get a second opinion. I would just talk to your EMT again and express you're concerns.

  Hope it works out well for your kid : )

QUESTION:
Can young women have obstructive sleep apnea?
Is it possible for a young, very slender (5'6"/102 lbs), petite female to have sleep apnea? I recently started dating such a woman and she told me that sometimes she wakes up gasping for air and her heart is pounding. She has been told in the past that she snores. I thought that only people who were overweight or older can develop that condition.

• ANSWER:
  Apnea can effect anyone of any age. Young children can have sleep apnea.

QUESTION:
How do I find free study to diagnose sleep apnea?
I know my bf has sleep apnea pretty bad, but there's no way we can afford to pay anything right now or any time soon. Does anyone know where we can get a free diagnosis in Phoenix or the surrounding area?
Thanks for any info

• ANSWER:

QUESTION:
How do you know if you have Sleep Apnea ?
I was wondering if anyone on here has sleep apnea and how do you feel when you have it ? The reason I ask is because I was wondering if I had sleep apnea a perfect example is: There are times when I will wake up gasping and choking and continuous coughing and my throat feels a bit rare and sore. Are these some symptoms for people with Sleep Apnea?

• ANSWER:
  Common symptoms of sleep apnea;
  Snoring
  waking up often
  weight gain
  feeling tired most of the time
  gasping/choking (which means your breathing stopped momentarily)
  falling asleep involuntarily during the day

  more severe symptoms of sleep apnea;
  falling asleep while driving
  waking up needing to urinate urgently (several times a night)
  thrashing about while sleeping
  grinding your teeth while sleeping

  I strongly urge you to get a sleep study done. It is painless and only takes one evening to do. Sleep apnea deprives the brain and body of oxygen. The standard treatment for sleep apnea is that you get to sleep using a C-PAP or Bi-PAP machine. You wear a mask to bed and the machine pressurizes the oxygen flow while you sleep. No more snoring, sore throat, waking up multiple times, etc. etc. etc.

  I have been using my machine for almost 3 years. Insurance paid for it & the sleep study. I have great energy now, feel more alert than ever. It did not take long to get used to the mask and I love the long term benefits.

  If you snore, chances are you have some form of apnea. Get a sleep study done ASAP

QUESTION:
What alternatives are effective for sleep apnea, besides CPAP?
I can't afford a CPAP machine right now. Are there any other alternatives that help with sleep apnea? I've tried a dental device before, but it hurts my jaw and teeth too much. Surgery is also not an option right now due to the cost. Is there anything else that can be done? I'm trying to lose weight, so no need to tell me that, either.

• ANSWER:
  It may be worth revisiting the sleep apnea mouthpiece option. If you can get it into hot water before putting it in for the first time it should mould to your features better and be less uncomfortable

QUESTION:
How much does it cost for a Oral Mandibular Advancement Device for sleep apnea?
I have tried a cpap for sleep apnea and I just cant get used to it. I have made an appointment with a dentist for the oral device. Has anyone gotten? How much does it cost?

• ANSWER:
  More than you can imagine.

QUESTION:
MEB Disability do I get compensated for the pacemaker and sleep apnea or just one or the other?
I have recently got a pacemaker installed I was diagnosed with sleep apnea two years ago and found fit for duty for just the sleep apnea. I was told I will have to get another MEB done because of the pacemaker. My question is when they are considering a percentage from the Air Force will they consider both the pacemaker and the sleep apnea or just the pacemaker because they found it unfit for duty but found the sleep apnea fit for duty?

• ANSWER:
  When the Military does the MEB, it will be for the ONE condition that makes you unfit for duty.
  They will rate you on that one condition to determine amount of retired pay.
  It will be either the % of rating or standard formula, whichever is higher.
  Then you can apply to VA for disability and they will consider all conditions for their rating.

  http://www.af.mil/shared/media/epubs/AFI36-3212.pdf

  http://www.medicalcorpse.com/medstandardsbrief1.ppt#349,3,Overview

QUESTION:
what is the mortality rate for patients with severe sleep apnea?
___ out of ____ people die from severe sleep apnea. (or any other statistics about mortality rate)

what is the life expectancy with proper treatment?

• ANSWER:
  There is a lot of undiagnosed sleep apnea out there so your first question is difficult to answer. People who fall asleep at the wheel because of sleep apnea and die in a crash would be in a different statistics. People who die of heart disease because of damage from high bp caused by sleep apnea fall in a different category.

  You second question is also difficult to answer. It depends on when the person was diagnosed and what is their co morbidity's. Does treatment save lives, I would say definitely. It saved mine. I was diagnosed in my 30s and am 100 percent compliant.

QUESTION:
where can I purchase reasonably priced accessories for a sleep apnea machine?
My husband is challenged with sleep apnea and uses a machine to assist with this condition. It is sold by a company called Apria. To replace the plastic piece(s)(not the machine)is so expensive. One tiny piece of plastic should not cost or more. Any ideas on where to purchase these pieces at a reasonable cost and not directly thgrough the Apria site.

• ANSWER:

QUESTION:
Is there any prescribed sleeping medication that can be used if you have obstructive sleep apnea?
I use bi-pap, but am still unable to sleep. I thought I read somewhere that there is a prescription sleeping pill that is safe for peopel with obstuctive sleep apnea to use.

• ANSWER:
  Yes, there are prescription sleeping pills that are safe for people with OSA. If you have worries b/c you feel that if you sleep too hard that you might have an apnea and not wake yourself up as long as you are using your bi-pap, theres no worry. Sleep well tonight, live well tomorrow. See your sleep doctor or regular. There is many different kinds of sleep aids as well.

QUESTION:
What can I do while I wait for my sleep apnea test results?
I am scheduled to have a sleep apnea sleep study next Saturday, but I was wondering, since it takes three weeks for the results of the study, what can I do to improve my sleep and breathing until then. I am fairly certain I have sleep apnea but I cannot get the mask until we are for sure about it. I am tired all the time, what can I do about this?

• ANSWER:
  Here is what you can do, but I don't know how much will help you:

  * try sleeping on your side rather than sleeping on your back as it can produces loud snores because of blockages.

  * elevate the head when you sleep. This measure can alleviate snoring and make breathing easier.

  * Use an air humidifier at nighttime to make the air moister.

  * don't smoke for at leas several hours prior to bedtime. Doing so, the smoke can cause the airways to tighten in the neck, worsening sleep apnea.

  * maintain regular sleep hours. In my case, I had to quit my shift work job, to have a normal sleep.

  * use a nasal dilator, saline nasal spray or breathe right strips to help open nasal passages.

  I hope it helps!

QUESTION:
What kind of doctor would you go to for snoring/sleep apnea?
My husband and I are having severe problems with snoring. I think he suffers from sleep apnea. Would a GP treat this or should he go straight to an ENT?

• ANSWER:
  Neurologist could refer him to a Sleep Pathologist to have a Sleep Study done, to see if he needs a CPAP or something like that. If you don't have insurance, the sleep study is quite expensive. A normal doctor should be able to refer him to the right place though, he shouldn't have to go to a neurologist for it.

QUESTION:
How can I repair damage to my mind from years of sleep apnea? I have had it my whole life and didn't know?
I feel like my mind is weak because I had sleep apnea all through school. I am in my mind 20's and have sleep apnea due to the structure of my body (I am not overweight which is the usual cause). I did ok in school but I just feel like I didn't absorb everything I needed to. What would you do? I know use C-PAP and have been for a few month and am feeling a lot better.

• ANSWER:
  Sleep Apnea is a serious condition and can cause or worsen lots of physical problems like high blood pressure and hart disease but has not been shown to have any long-term effects on brain function. Stay with your C-PAP though because it could save your life over the long run.

QUESTION:
Medical treatment for my snorring and sleep apnea in Singapore. Would it cost me a lot of money ?
My problem arises 8 years ago, I seen many doctors in the Philippines but none of them could cure my snorring and sleep apnea. I have heard about doctors in Singapore that could cure such snorring, but I don;t know how much will it cost me. Is it expensive. Any body there who knows how much is the cost of medical treatment specifically snorring and sleep apnea in singapore?

• ANSWER:
  no but a cure is always better then a treatment - check out their patients and make sure what they do works - also call their office talk to billing and get some quotes.

QUESTION:
How can you tell if you have sleep apnea?
I have serious sleeping problems. I'm ALWAYS tired and usually sleep through the alarm, and when I wake up, I don't even feel "awake." I think I might have sleep apnea, but how can I know for sure? Do I just film myself sleeping?

• ANSWER:
  I think it would be helpful to film yourself sleeping. Don't make the mistake of trying to hold the camera yourself though. You will need a tripod.

QUESTION:
How can a person fly internationally to Europe, Africa, or Asia from USA if they have Sleep Apnea?
I want to fly to the Philippines next near but I can't bring my sleep apnea machine with me because it's too large. I have to wait until I get to the VA Clinic in Manila to borrow one of theirs. Meanwhile, on the airplane, does the airplane provide a mask for me in order for me to sleep comfortably?

• ANSWER:
  No, they do not. If you must use oxygen during the flight, you will need a doctor's order and then call the airline to make arrangements. Most people do not have sleep apnea when sleeping in an upright position.

QUESTION:
Are there any CPAP systems for sleep apnea that operate off of compressed air tank?
Are there any CPAP systems for sleep apnea that operate off of compressed air tank as apposed to a small electric compressor?

My father would like to go camping but there won't be any electricity to operate his CPAP system. One that operated off of a SCUBA tank might work though.

Thanks.

• ANSWER:
  Not necessarily.
  You get a small dry-cell battery (about the size of a loaf of bread), and a converted that clips onto the battery and has a plug in for your CPAP. The dry cell battery will run for a couple days before you need to plug it in somewhere and recharge it.

  That's what I do. If I'm going camping for longer than that, I've always found a gas station that would plug it in for me for the day to recharge the battery. This system has the added benefit ... if the electricity goes out because of power failure, I don't have to stay awake until it comes back on (I have permanent heart damage from years of undiagnosed and untreated severed sleep apnea, so I will NOT sleep or even nap without my CPAP).

  I know a lady with moderate sleep apnea. She went to Korea for a year, to teach English there. She didn't want to mess with her CPAP while she was overseas, so she had a mouthpiece (oral appliance) made up ... she said it seemed to work for her. Generally, however, the mouthpieces are considered to not be as effective as a CPAP.

QUESTION:
What are some alternative treatments for sleep apnea?
I was diagnosed with a mild form of sleep apnea. I have tried a CPAP machine and couldn't adjust to it. My doctor said I wouldn't be a good candidate for surgery. I'm considering a dental device (mouth piece), but wanted to know if there are alternative methods.

• ANSWER:
  I'm in the same situation as you. I would see about the dental device. Anything has to be better than the CPAP.

QUESTION:
Looking for live chat number for a questions about my sleep apnea?
I have been on a cpap machine for over 10 years. recently pressure raised to 11. I am having multiple episodes of sleep apnea and I want to contact some one to talk to about this.

• ANSWER:
  call your DME company & sleep specialist.

QUESTION:
Are there any cases where sleep apnea was proven to be caused by poultry farming?
I worked for several years cleaning poultry houses with Bobcat loaders and hauling the manure to area farms for fertilizer.I am now suffering with moderate to severe sleep apnea ,can a viable case be made for a lawsuit against the previous employer?

• ANSWER:
  Sleep Apnea is not caused by poultry farming. It is a condition (often associated with obesity) wherein the airway closes off when a person is sleeping deeply. This is "apnea". This causes the indivdual to feel that they are suffocating and they will then startle awake, leading to an inability to rest fully. Symptoms associated with this condition are chronic fatigue, snoring, restless sleeping.
  Your above work could lead to a restrictive lung disease because of the constant inhaling of fecal particulates. restrictive lung diseases are characterized by an inability to take a deep breath. This is something that is assessed during a "pulmonary function test" and you can speak to your doctor and request this test.

QUESTION:
Is sleep apnea ever a problem for people who don't sleep on their back?
It is common (or possible) to suffer from sleep apnea if you only sleep on your stomach or side?

• ANSWER:
  I’ve been diagnosed with combination of obstructive/central sleep apnea more than 4 years ago. The short answer to your question is yes. It is a problem even if you don’t sleep on your back. However I am having less episodes of apnea when I am not sleeping on my back.

  http://www.sleepapneasymptom.medgrip.com

QUESTION:
Does anyone have a young child who had a tonsillectomy for sleep apnea?
My 3 year old is tired all day and snores at night. I am going to take her to an ENT to discuss having her tonsils out. Has anyone's child had this done to improve sleep apnea and have you noticed a difference? Thank you.

• ANSWER:
  my SIL's son is 8? and has cerebral palsy and recently had his tonsils out for his sleep apnea...it did improve the problem. this should be something entered into with MUCH thought, not lightly...your child's ENT will be able to suggest the best course of action, whether it be a tonsillectomy or some other solution. good luck to you and your child! apnea can be a very serious problem.

QUESTION:
Does Sleep Apnea cause a person to have nightmares?
I have been examined by a medical specialist (an M.D.) who recommends that I undergo the sleep apnea examination (spending the night in a medical facility ). I don't believe I'm a candidate for wearing that mask while you sleep but I am having some unbelievable dreams night after night and I'd like to determine why!

• ANSWER:
  No, sleep apnea has no direct link to nightmares.

QUESTION:
Is there a more comfortable maks for sleep apnea?
I have a full face mask for sleep apnea. I chose it because I frequently get sinus congestion and need to be able to breathe from my mouth when that happens. The problem is when I wear it I get sores on the bridge of my nose and I can't sleep on my side because the mask get pushed aside and begins to leak. How much do masks cost? My insurance paid for the first one, but I doubt they'll pay for two.

• ANSWER:

QUESTION:
Can sleep apnea cause headaches during the day?
I have sleep apnea...or atleast I think I do. People tell me that when I sleep, I stop breathing for awhile and make noises like I am choking. Is this sleep apnea? And if it is, does it cause headaches throughout the day? Because I have headaches almost everyday and I can't think of what causes them.

• ANSWER:
  You kind of have 2 questions here so to answer, yes, when you stop breathing when you're sleeping it is typically referred to as sleep apnea. The noise may be you 'catching' your breath when you do start breathing again. Also, since the brain/body is being deprived of oxygen AND you don't sleep near as well with apnea as you would without this condition, your headaches could be caused by either the lack of oxygen, or the severe lack of sleep, or a combination of both. You should see your doctor and have a sleep study done. Then you can take steps to resolve the problem.

QUESTION:
what is the best cure for sleep apnea?
I've been diagnosed with sleep apnea. What is a good way to get cured ot if? Does smoking affect it? Does weight?

• ANSWER:
  im a sleep tech (working right now) and i will say that the best way to treat apnea is with the cpap/bipap machine (google it). weight can play a factor so if u loose weight it will help. usually after going on the cpap machine you will feel better rested,more energetic and willing to exercise and loose wieght. the more wieght you loose you will need less pressure and hopefully not need the machine anymore. but somtimes thin people have apnea too and it may be due to excess tissue in the throat that can be removed with surgery, but it is painful, and does not always work and you may need to go to cpap therapy anyhow. it may be the structure of your neck/jaw (many asians have apnea problems) this is somting you cant really do much about. If your apnea is mild and consists of mostly snoring, you can try the oral appliance whitch is like wearing a retainer and it pulls your lower jaw forward. you get that at the dentist. its expensive and not all insurance covers it and it will only work if you are mild or just snore. hope this helps:)

QUESTION:
Is it possible to get individual health insurance in Arkansas if you have sleep apnea?
I have sleep apnea which is well controlled through the use of a CPAP machine, but I was turned down for health insurance by Blue Cross Blue Shield because of it. I recently left a job through which I had health insurance and am now self employed and need to find an individual policy for myself.

• ANSWER:
  Talk to a local, independent agent about finding coverage that excludes the whole apnea situation.

QUESTION:
Does sleep apnea really lead to heart disease?
I read that sleep apnea (where you stop breathing while asleep for a few seconds hroughout the night) leads to heart disease. Is this true? And can someone please explain it?

• ANSWER:
  see http://content.onlinejacc.org/cgi/content/full/j.jacc.2008.05.002

QUESTION:
Does your employer violate hippa by telling an employee that you were suspended due to sleep apnea?
I have sleep apnea that causes daytime drowsiness. I was suspended for this reason. My employer told another employee I was suspended for sleeping on the job. Does this violate Hippa since it is medically related?

• ANSWER:
  "Joe was suspended for sleeping on the job" is perfectly legal.

  "Joe suffers from sleep apnea" *may* be a HIPPA violation depending on how he found out.

  Edit - jurydoc is partly wrong, which is why I said "depending on how he found out'. If your employer wholly or partly funds your medical insurance, and you were required to tell him about your condition as part of the insurance claim, then he IS covered by HIPAA. He 'may' also become HIPAA covered merely by 'requiring' you to tell him what is wrong with you in order to grant sick leave.

  HIPAA is still new law, and is constantly evolving as the courts interpret it.

  Richard

QUESTION:
Need an alternate medicine for obtructive sleep apnea apart from surgery?
My wife is suffering from obstructive sleep apnea, her upper airways both through nose and throat narrowed and her oxigen rate while sleeping comes down drastically to 40%. Suggested surgery but not cooperative. Asks for homeo medicine. Snores loudly, with abdominal breathing. Any suggestion for curing through homeopathy or some alternate medicine is welcome

• ANSWER:
  PLEASE BE VERY CAREFUL WHEN CONSIDERING THE OTHER ANSWERS TO YOUR QUESTION. They may be life threatening.

  Sleep apnea is a potentially life threatening disrorder. Sleep apnea is associated with increased risk of stroke, heart attack, deadly heart rhythms and other problems.

  Treatment for sleep apnea, as with other potentially deadly disorders, should be based on REAL science. Alternative medicine might not be harmful when used for less dangerous disorders. But when it comes to deadly disorders, only proven treatments should be used......and, yes, I do believe in some 'alternative' therapies like accupuncture and others for some disorders.....

  But...for sleep apnea, treatment should be limited to scientifically proven methods (proved by REAL scientists in REAL universities).

  The accepted treatments for sleep apnea include: CPAP (Continuous positive airway pressure), weight loss, oral appliance (mouthpiece made BY DENTIST), and oral surgery.

  That is IT. Those ARE the proven methods for treating sleep apnea.

  There are other advertised treatments for sleep apnea (nose strips, magnets, sprays, homeopathy, sound devices, hypnosis, voodoo)....None of them have been demonstrated to be effective in REPRODUCIBLE studies....that means that scientists from different labs were not able to get the same results as the individuals who made the claim....

  So please be careful. Doctors may not know everything in medicine....but they know a lot more than general public about these disorders.

  Good luck.
  For more info on sleep apnea, go to American Sleep Association:

  http://www.sleepassociation.org/

QUESTION:
Can sleep apnea cause headaches during the day?
I have sleep apnea...or atleast I think I do. People tell me that when I sleep, I stop breathing for awhile and make noises like I am choking. Is this sleep apnea? And if it is, does it cause headaches throughout the day? Because I have headaches almost everyday and I can't think of what causes them.

• ANSWER:
  You kind of have 2 questions here so to answer, yes, when you stop breathing when you're sleeping it is typically referred to as sleep apnea. The noise may be you 'catching' your breath when you do start breathing again. Also, since the brain/body is being deprived of oxygen AND you don't sleep near as well with apnea as you would without this condition, your headaches could be caused by either the lack of oxygen, or the severe lack of sleep, or a combination of both. You should see your doctor and have a sleep study done. Then you can take steps to resolve the problem.

QUESTION:
Sleep Apnea? My dad has it but won't go to the doctor.?
My dad is very stubborn. I am so sure he has sleep apnea because I looked up the symptoms and he pretty much matches all of them. Loud snoring, long pauses in his breathing (20-30 seconds), extreme sleepiness throughout the day, irritability, fatigue, mood changes, and headaches. Sleep apnea can cause serious problems in one's life and I am so scared for my father. When ever we go out to a hotel on vacation and have to sleep in the same room, I can hear the pauses in his breathing and it freaks me out because I am afraid he is going to die or something. I asked him why he doesn't go to the doctor so he can get treatment, but he insisted that everything was okay. My dad hates admitting he is wrong. How can I convince him that he needs to see a doc asap so he won't have to continue having these problems? Its really taking a toll on me also (the irritability and mood changes). Thanks for taking the time to read this. :]

• ANSWER:
  Men are (stereotypically) notorious for not attending to their personal health and going to see doctors. Congratulations on being concerned about your father.
  Depending on the circumstances (of which we are unaware since we don't know you)... my feeling would be to contact his friends or family (people he trusts) and get their help to sit him down or do an "intervention."
  Print out articles on sleep apnea and leave them for him to read. Circle symptoms that you think apply to him.
  Give him a list of doctors and their phone numbers to make it easy for him.
  Make sure to tell him that you are not diagnosing him, but that you are just CONCERNED. Tell him the negative effects this is having on you and ask him what HE would do if the situation was reversed.
  Good luck sweetie, you sound like a very concerned and smart daughter!

QUESTION:
How much do you know about Sleep Apnea?
Did you know that Sleep Apnea is a serious and deadly disease which affects many Americans who aren't even aware of it? The symptoms include snoring, daytime drowsiness/sleepiness, cessation of breathing during sleep, night sweats, morning headaches, loss of concentration and many others. I have lost two friends in the past two years to Sleep Apnea. Both were diagnosed and refused to use their CPAP machines. I was diagnosed in 2000 and use a CPAP every time I sleep.

• ANSWER:
  Dear 70's ,

  Thanks for the post. I applaud your effort to education and enlightenment of the Yahoo community about the serious consequences of sleep apnea. I really applaud your effort to stay on your treatment and educate others about the profound effects sleep apnea has physiologically and psychologically.

  Many people are not aware of the psychological consequences of the disease and remain untreated, grouchy, sleep-deprived and progress into depression secondary to the disease itself.

  With the improvement in equipment (CPAP/BI-LEVEL), Masks and humidifiers, I only hope that patients are taking advantage of their insurance benefits and getting replacements regularly. I always found the better fit and benefits of the equipment, the greater success a patient had to continue. Insurance companies generally will replace such items every six months with a prescription from a physician. Support groups are also a Hugh success and continue to help people through the difficult transition of learning about the disease.

  Humidifiers increase the comfort level of the CPAP/Bi-level and many patients who swore they could NEVER use CPAP have became faithful Bi-level users.
  Communication with the physician over problems is critical to using any medication or device successfully.
  In my profession, we were taught the more informed a patient is, the more likely they will comply with treatment options. We developed the first non-profit school in the world to train physicians and technologists how to give patent's options, education and participation in their treatment of sleep-related disorders.

  As in every profession, not all physician's are great sleep physicians nor all sleep centers "good centers". Many times that can attribute to failure for patients. The ASDA "American Sleep Disorder Association" has lists of all credentialed physician's, technologists and centers in the world. It is in anyone's best interest to make sure the people who are caring for them have the proper credentials and the center has met full accreditation standards.

  I have enclosed some links for you and anyone else interested in sleep related disorders as well as a patient conference coming up soon for patients with sleep disorders.

  Thanks for taking the time to talk about a subject so dear to my heart and profession.

  Regards!

  http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/sleepapnea.html

  http://www.stanford.edu/~dement/apnea.html

  http://sleepdisorders.about.com/cs/sleepapne1/a/sleepapnea.htm

  http://www.sleepapnea.org/info/

  http://www.sleepfoundation.org/sleeptionary/index.php?id=10

  http://www.americansleepassociation.org/

  http://www.healthfinder.gov/orgs/HR2093.htm

  http://www.talkaboutsleep.com/sleep-disorders/archives/Snoring

  _apnea_AASM.htm
  Dr. William C. Dement Joins in the National Patient Sleep ConferenceTalk About Sleep Founder and President Dr. James C. O'Brien announced today that the world renowned sleep authority, Dr. William C. Dement, will be the honored keynote speaker at the inaugural National Patient Sleep Conference on October 27-29th in Minneapolis.

QUESTION:
This Doctor told me I had severe Sleep Apnea, Because My neck is 20 inches, but He couldn't even test me unles?
I marked 2 or more symptoms on the questionaire. That just doesn't make any sense, guidelines say you have to have 2 or more of the following symptoms:

* Excessive daytime sleepiness.
* Waking with an unrefreshed feeling after sleep, having problems with memory and concentration, feeling tired, and experiencing personality changes.
* Morning or night headaches. About half of all people with sleep apnea report headaches.2
* Heartburn or a sour taste in the mouth at night.
* Swelling of the legs.
* Getting up during the night to urinate (nocturia).
* Sweating and chest pain while you are sleeping.

Symptoms of sleep apnea that others may notice include:

* Episodes of not breathing (apnea), which may occur as few as 5 times an hour (mild apnea) to more than 50 times an hour (severe apnea). How many episodes you have determines how severe your sleep apnea is.
* Loud snoring. Almost all people who have sleep apnea snore, but not all people who snore have sleep apnea.
* Restless tossing and turning during sleep.
* Nighttime choking or gasping spells.

I snore, so does a lot of people I know, not that loud tho. Well I gave in and said yes to a couple of more just so he could test me for sleep apnea. My wife who sleeps next to me every night told him that i didn't have any of these symptoms and she never notice me stop breathing or grasping at night. But the Doctor says I have severe sleep apnea just by examining my neck and throat. He says I stop breathing 40 times a night.

Well the Question is - Can anyone tell me why this doctor think I have severe SLeep Apnea just becuase of my neck size?
The thing is - He thought I was lying about not having any of those symptoms but I wasn't. That's just like all doctors think if you fat and black you have high blood pressure or diabetes.
Sarjeet I'm sorry but you are suggesting the doc is always right and that's just not true. That's why docs are always getting sued and losing their licenses.

• ANSWER:
  That's ridiculous. See another doctor.

QUESTION:
Gasping for breath definitely means apnea?
I sometimes have a feeling like I'm gasping for breath in the middle of the night. I don't have any other symptoms of sleep apnea (morning headaches, tiredness in the day, etc)

I live alone and sleep by myself. Is there any way to tell if this is apnea?

• ANSWER:
  that is indeed a cardinal sign of sleep apnea, but the only way you will know for sure is to have a sleep study done.

QUESTION:
I have sleep apnea and use a CPAP. This seems to cause my sinus problems and headaches to be much worse.?
Has anyone experienced similar problems? How does one overcome this problem? (I have also been diagnosed with a deviated septum, but elected not to have surgery.) Would having the surgery help?

• ANSWER:
  Ask your doctor to get you a CPAP with a humidifier. You are dried out up there and are just asking for an infection. This will take care of the sinus problems and headache. Maybe you should ask the sleep doctor about your deviated septum and breathing problems-this is his specialty. Take LOCAL honey-a teaspoon a day to help with the infection menace and keep you healthier. Local honey will insure that you do not catch everything that floats your way.

QUESTION:
Sleep Apnea?
What is sleep apnea? I am fourteen and am overweight. I sleep for 8 hours eveyday, but I'm always tired. I have frequent headaches and seem to be fatigued no matter how much I sleep. My family has a history of diabetes. My uncle sleeps a lot, but he stays awake for days at a time. Could diabetes cause this as well (I didn't have it last time I went to my doc).

• ANSWER:
  The most common symptoms of sleep apnea that you may notice include:

  -Excessive daytime sleepiness, which is falling asleep when you normally should not, such as while you are eating, talking, or driving.

  -Waking with an unrefreshed feeling after sleep, having problems with memory and concentration, feeling tired, and experiencing personality changes.

  -Morning or night headaches. About half of all people with sleep apnea report headaches.

  -Heartburn or a sour taste in the mouth at night.

  -Swelling of the legs if you are obese.

  -Getting up during the night to urinate (nocturia).

  -Sweating and chest pain while you are sleeping.

  Symptoms of sleep apnea that others may notice include:

  -Episodes of not breathing (apnea), which may occur as few as 5 times an hour (mild apnea) to more than 50 times an hour (severe apnea). How many episodes you have determines how severe your sleep apnea is.

  -Loud snoring. Almost all people who have sleep apnea snore, but not all people who snore have sleep apnea.

  -Restless tossing and turning during sleep.

  -Nighttime choking or gasping spells.

QUESTION:
Is an oxygen concentrator normal treatment for sleep apnea, and can oxygen cause headaches?
I've had several test where overnight I wore the thing on my finger to test my oxygen saturation levels, and apparently the levels went down because now the Dr. has ordered an oxygen concentrator to wear at night. We're doing another oxygen level test in a few weeks, to see if the concentrator helps. I'm just wondering if this is a normal first step, because I see a lot of people on here use other things. I've also noticed that I'm waking up with horrible headeaches after sleeping with the oxygen, is that normal?
It's just a normal concentrator with a humidifier bottle and nasal canula. I don't think the headaches are from it being too tight, because it only goes over my ears and is just tight enough that it doesn't fall off.

• ANSWER:
  Usually when you get headaches it's from lack of oxygen, I used to get those heaps but once i went on oxygen they cleared up straight away. If you think the prongs are too tight just hook them up underneath your nose and tighten at the back of your head, I do that because it feels like my ears are being pushed out the other way lol. As for the headaches, talk to your doctor and see what can be done, you may not be getting enough oxygen at night and might have to put it up higher.

QUESTION:
do i have central sleep apnea?
hi guys, im really confused. i gasp for air some nights while lying down BEFORE sleeping n have to get up until i get so exhausted and fall asleep. Thing is, i have no typical symptoms for central sleep apnea which are headaches, daytime sleepiness, exhaustion etc. My mom said she feels i breath just fine with no pauses/breaks while sleeping, and i never wake up from my sleep.

Does anyone know what this could be? I have GERD and maybe some anxiety..im NOT overweight either. Thanks!
i have a sleep study scheduled soon, just waiting for it.

• ANSWER:
  I found out a couple of weeks ago that surplus weight is not constantly due to surplus fat, a lot of additional weight is just lying around in the pipes. I used a new diet supplement that is taking the nation by storm, it flushes out the pipes. I do not understand how it operates but I understand that I lost 17 lbs and five inches from my tummy! There's a risk free trial at http://redaft.soundnessofbodylive.info

QUESTION:
Sleep Problems. Weird Headaches. Nightmares. Gasping.?
As the weather becomes warmer & warmer, my body is trying to revert to a nocturnal shift. I spent my formative years growing up in Las Vegas and have come to despise the sun and any elements of heat, so my ability to sleep & eat during proper hours becomes very askew. Over the last month I have developed an... unfortunate sleeping schedule, which I am doing my best to correct.

But lately I have been waking up with this strange headache. Now, I am prone to chronic cluster migraines and I know this is not one of them. It feels deep, almost dull, but is quite debilitating. I wake up feeling dizzy... disoriented. The headache tends to go away quickly but the dizziness & disorientation tends to stay for quite some time afterwards. It's like waking up with a hangover. I have also been prone to nightmares my entire life, but lately I've been waking up gasping from them, unable to catch my breath without a few minutes of proper breathing techniques. I am not asthmatic.

I have also found myself in unusual positions upon waking. Tonight, for example, I fell asleep around midnight. When I awoke at two thirty (that's two and one half hours later) I found myself in the genuflect position, kneeling on the bed.

As I stated, my sleeping schedule is really off right now, but lately, when I am able to sleep, I sleep like I am in a coma. My sleep isn't solid - I frequently wake every thirty to sixty minutes - but when I do sleep it feels like... death. A few mornings ago, my girlfriend came to my side and said she found me ice cold, blue and unresponsive. She said nothing would wake me and that not only was I not snoring, I didn't entirely appear to be breathing. She said it took several very violent shakes to get me to suddenly gasp and change position. Here are my questions:

No 1: What are these headaches? Dehydration occurred to me, especially since they don't seem to be much of a problem when I am running our humidifier at bedtime. Another concern of mine is that my girlfriend has claimed to wake some mornings with a similar headache, but being that she is a diabetic, she claims it's her disease that causes these in her.

No 2: Why do I feel almost "hungover" when I wake up - so dizzy and disoriented?

No 3: Why the gasping? I don't recall waking up from nightmares gasping before. I don't have a history or... many other symptoms of sleep apnea that I am aware of. Also, why the strange positions at times?

No 4: Why the incident of being blue & ice cold? Quite simply, am I trying to die in my sleep?
@Cameron - I'm not very trustworthy of the medical field, so I prefer to avoid them as much as possible. Eating & caffeine could very well be a source of it and thank you for backing up my dehydration concerns. Your words will definitely be taken into consideration.

@J_ - I've already gone days without sleeping, it doesn't seem to be helping this time.

• ANSWER:
  Try changing your diet I had something similar but it was found out that caffeine and eating after 8pm and not enough water was the causes of mine. Or even if you have a lot on your mind it can be the cause try doing something more relax for the last few hours before you go to bed or Even try a new bed. Also I would strongly recommend seeing your GP and having a Professional point of view. Hope it helps

QUESTION:
What works better for sleep apnea? The chin strap or the mouthpiece?
My husband wakes me up just about every night b/c when I snore I all of a sudden stop breathing. Majority of the time I wake up with headaches and sometimes I am fatigue. I clearly have sleep apnea & was just wondering if anyone knows which works best of the chin strap or mouthpiece to stop the snoring & help with the sleep apnea. I wanted to try this first before visiting the doctor. ~Thank you

• ANSWER:
  visit your doctor and have a sleep study done. you'll probablt need a cpap machine and they have to tell you what pressure it should be set at. A sleep study you just go in and spend the night while they monitor your sleep. I have tried all masks and the full face is best for me. Once you get used to it you won't know your wearing it. you'll never go to sleep without it again.

QUESTION:
Could my husband's sleep apnea be causing numbness in his left arm?
My husband has sleep apnea but it is'nt being treated yet, he has an appointment in July. He has been experiencing headaches and now his left arm is going numb, can this be from sleep apnea?

• ANSWER:
  Most likely it's not from sleep apnea. If his arm is numb, then he needs to go see a doctor as it could be something serious. It could be a cardiac issue, or a nerve issue. Only a doctor could determine that.

QUESTION:
Anyone have Sleep Apnea?
Last week, the doctors found out that I have sleep apnea. They ordered a CPAP machine for me and I have been using it now for four nights. It seems to help me sleep longer, and my headaches went away. I must be sleeping better, but I still feel a little tired during the day. Does it take time to feel better? Or could it be that I am not getting enough pressure. Thank you for your answer.

• ANSWER:
  Generally the benefits are immediate. You will notice a great improvement, as you did. But over time you will also notice incremental improvments too. This is simply because your body has a chance to heal itself properly now as oppsed to before the CPAP.
  Now that being said, don't forget that the sleep apnea was only one cause of problems sleeping. You will still have dreams, nightmares, stress from the day, external disturbances to your restful sleep, etc.I wish you the best and God bless.

QUESTION:
Does anyone have a problem breathing at night during sleep; waking up w/headaches or dry-mouth?
I was having a big problem in the past...I guess I had sleep apnea and did not know it. I was waking up with major headaches; I think I was not breathing at times due to snoring or airways clogged.

..do you have this problem and what have you done to help you breathe.

I began drinking decaff coffee before bed and or gargle with 1/2 hydrogen peroxide and water...I breathe much better...please tell me what you have done.

• ANSWER:
  My husband had the same problem, he tried sleeping on his side, to keep his airway open, but it didn't help, he finally saw a doctor. He had to get a sleep study done and ended up getting a CPAP machine. It made a total difference in him! He said he could tell a difference the very first night. If you are still having problems, you should get tested, sleep apnea can be dangerous if it is too severe. Good luck!

QUESTION:
Does Sleep Apnea cause weight gain & led edema?
I found out I have severe sleep apnea..I have been exhausted,headaches,tired all day for 5 years..im 38...my ankles and legs swelled up really bad & I lost leg hair on my left leg..I had blood tests and no other health problems..Doctor says my rapid weight gain is probably from sleep apnea???

• ANSWER:
  Yes. I have severe sleep apnea and hypoventilation syndrome. Was your blood pressure normal. Headaches are often caused by the build up of CO2. Get the prescribed treatment-cpap, bipap, oxygen or dental device. (or combo treatment) Stay compliant. Use it whenever you lay down or sleep. I use my all of the time. I feel asleep on a plane for less than an hour and felt horrible for days. I lost over 100 pounds once getting on bipap and oxygen. I still need it even with the weight loss. I now have energy to do things, exercise, work, and was able to go back to school to get my doctorate. Before treatment, I came home from work and would sleep, eat, and sleep some more. Make sure the lab you use is accredited. TRY and have an RPSGT who is also an RT. Good luck.

QUESTION:
Is it sleep apnea?
I never would have thought I might have sleep apnea, but recenly I have considered it a possibility. For years I have had the problem of holding my breath in while I am sleeping, just to let it out in a gasp a short while after. I'm not overweight and I don't snore, but the fact that this sometimes prevents me from falling asleep and/or gives me an awful headache worries me.

Is it sleep apnea?

• ANSWER:
  Sounds like it. You should check with your doctor if you can be refered to a sleep clinic where they will observe you while you sleep.

  You could also change your sleep position, sleep on either of your sides.

QUESTION:
Do I have sleep apnea? Or maybe something else?
I am 19 years old, average height & weight. When I lay down, I am sleeping withing 2 minutes, never wake up before my alarm clock, always tired, can't ever remember a time when I couldn't sleep or fall asleep, have headaches occasionally in the mornings. I do smoke about 10 a day, don't drink often at all. I had my tonsils removed about a year ago and my throat has stopped getting sore but that's about it. I just wish I could wake up ONE day feeling refreshed and ready for the day. It hasn't happened in years...whats wrong with me?!?!

• ANSWER:
  The only way to truly know if you have sleep apnea is to ask your doctor to sign you up for a sleep study... you stay over night in a "bedroom" kind of lab where they hook electrodes to you and basically watch you sleep.... What sleep apnea is ---is that your breathing actually STOPS while sleeping... and you wake up and begin to breath again... HOWEVER, it happens so quickly that you don't even REALIZE sometimes that you have woken up and can wake up from a few times to over 30 times a night... this interrupted sleep pattern caused by sleep apnea COULD be a reason why you are so tired when you wake in the morning.... I knew for YEARS that I stopped breathing when I slept but did NOTHING about it.... NOW, due in PART to my continual sleep apnea, I have recently been diagnosed with congestive heart failure AND pulmonary hypertension (both eventually fatal illnesses)... Sleep Apnea CAN be treated.... I must wear a mask attached to a machine that pumps air into my lungs even IF I stop breathing...I am able to get a MUCH fuller and more restful sleep ALTHOUGH I still wake up 2 times a night now...

QUESTION:
What is a good alternative to a CPAP Machine for Sleep Apnea?
I am 29 year old female. I am not obese so the doctor believes it to be hereditary since both my brother and father have it.

My sleep apnea is on the borderline of mild to moderate with 15 episodes per hour. Unlike most people with apnea my sleep study showed that I did not snore, sleep with an open mouth or have any drop in my oxygen levels. Apparently most people with sleep apnea have a drop in oxygen mine remained consistent.

My Symptoms do include:
*Excessive daytime sleepiness.
*Waking with an unrefreshed feeling after sleep, having problems with memory and concentration, feeling tired, and experiencing personality changes.
* Morning headaches.
*Sweating while I am sleeping.

I have been using a CPAP machine for 1 week as of today. The mask I have has soft prongs that go in the nose. I have only been able to sleep for 3 to 4 hours per night before waking up and pulling the mask off. That is of course if it is not already off and hanging around my neck.

I have tried two different nose pieces and will most likely try a fuller mask next week. I have started taking gravol to fall asleep at night and I am far more exhaust now then before the CPAP machine.

So is there any alternatives that other people have tried and know to be affective? Cost is not really a huge issue since I have full benefits that will even cover the CPAP machine if I decide to keep it after the 30 day trial.

• ANSWER:
  There aren't any alternatives. I question the sleep apnea diagnosis without a drop in O2 levels.....If I were you I would see another doctor.

QUESTION:
I was diagnoised with Sleep Apnea ?
I have the machine and have used it now for about 5 days. However, I have been waking up with a horrible headache about 4am the last 3 days. I have the humidifier on the machine and was wondering if maybe I need to move it up a notch?? Since this is all so new to me I have no idea what is causing the headaches. Its sooo bad I cant go back to sleep with the mask on.

• ANSWER:
  call your Dr. this can be a side effect or it could be a problem with your pressure

QUESTION:
Will Ritalin work better if I loose 100 pounds. Because being overweight causes the ritalin to raise my blood?
pressure instead of helping me it causes me to get high blood pressure headaches and sleep apnea

• ANSWER:
  Woah! Slow down and get off the drugs! What you need to work on is getting down your weight then all the other issues will sort themselves out. Start looking for solutions to the problem. The journey of a thousand miles begins with one step. Walking is good for loosing weight. Just start by doing some housework. Then progress out to the mailbox to bring in the mail. Then walk down to the park or shop. And build up to walking half an hour a day. Walking is good for your heart, loosing weight, and depression. Exercise reduces depression because it releases endorphins, the natural hormones that give you feel-good energy.
  Get a second opinion from another doctor and get them to send you to a dietitian. Or join weight watchers. If I drank soft drinks and ate a lot of fatty food everyday I would be 2 stone heavier than I am now. You have to think smart when eating. Look for low fat products and read the labels. Only buy food with the Heart Foundation tick on them as they are low in fats and salt. Drink water, cups of tea and coffee instead of fizzy drinks that make you thirstier. Listen to your body and only eat foods than make you feel full and not make you hungrier. Processed foods make you hungrier.
  Here are some websites that are a starting point:

  http://www.drugawareness.com

  http://www.mdjunction.com/drug-addiction

  http://www.altmedicine.about.com

  http://www.depressiondodging.com

  http://www.reshapeyourlifecounseling.com

  http://www.dailystrength.org

  http://www.whoyouwant2be.org/help/

  http://www.vitalaffirmations.com

QUESTION:
I think I might have sleep apnea?
I wake up several times a night for no apparent reason why. This is the only symptom of sleep apnea I am suffering though. I went to see a doctor and my blood pressure is normal, I don't have any headaches though I do suffer from eye aches as weird as that sounds, no weight gain at all and according to my mom I do not snore, yet I cannot think of anything else to explain my frequent night time awakenings. Could I possibly have sleep apnea?

• ANSWER:
  Hei, Eric

  Frequent awakenings during night time are not associated only with sleep apnea. A common cause can be Insomnia, when a person has difficulty falling asleep or maintaining his sleep. The complain of frequent awakening is very common in people with insomnia.

  A person with sleep apnea doesn't realize if he has a bad sleep, and he doesn't remember if he had frequent awakenings during the night. However, a person with insomia knows that.

  To clarify if you have sleep apnea, record your sleep audio or video, and see if you have the symptoms of sleep apnea.

QUESTION:
Does this sound like I have sleep apnea?
I have had headaches alot. All the time. I read online that's the biggest symptom. I have a hard time falling asleep and I wake up with my nose plugged but as soon as I get up it goes away. My tonsils are enlarged but the doctor says I'm not sick, I went to an ENT they said I need a sleep study

• ANSWER:
  A sleep study will reveal a lot in terms of sleep issues. Thereafter the doctor can discuss treatment options.

  Hope this helps.

QUESTION:
How long must you sleep to get accurate results on a sleep test?
I have been diagnosed with a deviated septum, and am undergoing surgery for it at the beginning of next year. I informed my doctor about these headaches I've been having in the morning. Well they're a little different from headaches, more like pressure above my eyes. I find the longer I sleep the worse they become. Also after sleeping about six hours I find it impossible to go back to bed without waking up at least every hour. I had a sleep test done, but according to that I didn't have sleep apnea. I'm wondering if the results could be wrong seeing as I was only able to sleep for about half an hour and they must not have been able to collect enough data. Could this pressure above my eyes be a sign of sleep apnea, or could they just be due to my deviated septum? I also find I don't really get overly sleepy in the day, however if I'm lying down and watching T.V or reading I will dose off.

• ANSWER:
  ( had two sleep apnea tests performed. The technicians need at least 6 hours of your sleeping to get accurate results.
  Pressure above your eyes is not a sign of sleep apnea.

  The pressure above your eyes could be caused by allergies or a (deep) sinus infection (I have also had this pressure..it is only slightly painful whenI I strongly pressed the area right below the eyebrow) .
  I also had a deviated septum and had it fixed years ago. They fixed the septum, also took out a blockage of tissue and bone. It made a world of difference.

  I still get the pressure just above the eyes when my deep sinuses get infected (a fixed septum doesn't make a person immune to sinus infections, only perhaps less likely to get one).

QUESTION:
Sleep apnea surgery? Need input from people who've had it done. Thanks!!?
I have sleep apnea and I am scheduled to have it done on March 27th. I am having done Genioglossal Advance, Hyoid Advance, Septoplasty and Bilateral Inferior Turbinectomy. I am really scared about the recovery and the pain afterwards. As of right now, I am always fatigued due to the apnea and also have really bad headaches almost every other day. I always have jaw pain and I cannot breath out of the left side of my nose. I really want to get better, but I am terrified at this point. Please help me. I am 24 years old.
I need to have this done because not being able to breath is causing other problems in my life like extreme fatigue, headaches, lack of energy etc. I really do not want to be attached to a breathing machine for the rest of my life. I am only 24 years old.

• ANSWER:
  Having the surgery to clear any obstructions in your nasal passages is a good idea. However the glossal and such is generally a failed concept. Most people who have these surgeries done wind up on cpap anyways. Be prepared to have some extreme pain and long recovery period. You will also need to have another polysomnography to see if you still have sleep apnea. My experience is that you will....it may not be as severe but will still need treatment via cpap. Cpap is the only proven effective treatment for sleep apnea and I would much rather live with a non invasive air device than endure the pain, agony and failure of surgery. I would consider a second opinion on the genioglossal and any other surgery they want to perform on anything other than your nasal passage. Good luck in whatever you do. Iam speaking from a very lucrative sleep medicine practice and have seen these situations many many times.

  Here is a sight you may want to look up explaining what they consider successful surgery. Notice they do not anticipate a cure for sleep apnea, only a lessening of the disturbance index and symptoms.....

  http://www.sleepapneasurgery.com/surgical_philosophy_adults.html

QUESTION:
If one has sleep apnea and get their bipap/cpap to the right setting, what changes will they notice.?
I have been on one many years but he ordered setting 16 and the machine only went to 15..just got a new machine that goes to 20..company suggested I try 17 (as I was apparently still snoring even with cpap on) and go up in increments of 20 to see if it helps.

I have all the symptoms of sleep apnea (depression, memory loss, lack of concentration, no energy, always tired) except for morning headaches despite using cpap (at the setting 15).

I am wondering what effects will I immediately notice or notice with time if it is helping. He said his brother lost 60 pounds, is this because of more energy??

Please answer if you have any answers as I am most anxious to know if I am better after about 15 years on cpap with little benefit. I just used lst night for the 1st time, but don't feel that different (although I did dream).

thanks
that last sentence should read anxious tio know if I will get better not if I am better

• ANSWER:
  I would think if it is effective you would notice a reversal of the symtoms it causes.

  The most common symptoms of sleep apnea in adults are loud snoring and excessive daytime sleepiness. Almost all people who have sleep apnea snore, but not all people who snore have sleep apnea.

  Other signs and symptoms of OSA include: episodes of not breathing; Restless tossing and turning during sleep; nighttime choking spells, sweating, and chest pain; waking with an unrefreshed feeling after sleep, having problems with memory and concentration, feeling irritable and tired, and experiencing personality changes; morning headaches; heartburn or a sour taste in the mouth at night; in obese adults, swelling of the legs; getting up during the night to urinate; daytime naps or sleeping during inappropriate times or activities. People with Sleep Apnea may exhibit onset high blood pressure, unexplained weight gain, depression and other health conditions.

  Untreated, sleep apnea can cause high blood pressure and other cardiovascular disease, memory problems, weight gain, impotency, and headaches. Moreover, untreated sleep apnea may be responsible for job impairment and motor vehicle crashes. Fortunately, sleep apnea can be diagnosed and treated. Several treatment options exist, and research into additional options continues.

  For more help, try this link and hope the new machine helps. That's a long time to suffer. I have heard of people losing weight on bipap/cpap.

  http://www.apneasupport.org/about6416.html

QUESTION:
Teenage Sleep Apnea?
I have been having really bad headaches... Tension in the cerebral area, sensitivity to light and sound. My doctor looked at my tonsils, and saw that they were very large, which is normal for me,... she assumed that my headaches could be caused from lack of oxygen to the brain when sleeping or sleep apnea caused from my large tonsils... Can teens get sleep apnea? And is it extremely harmful for a teen to get? I am only 17... thank you!

• ANSWER:
  teens can have sleep apnea. Although its not any more harmful for a teen then an adult, sleep apnea can be very harmful to anyone. start looking for research on the subject and get involved with local studies to find treatments

QUESTION:
Sleep apnea project abstract-which one?
My partner and I are disagreeing about the wording for our abstract. Would someone rewrite it using both or just give your opinion on which one i should use?

OPTION 1

Over 20 million Americans suffer some degree of sleep apnea; those who do suffer from Sleep Apnea, are prone to suffer from excessive sleepiness, waking frequently throughout the night, morning headaches, and severe side effects on the heart and circulation. This project was designed to inform those suffering, or those who know someone suffering from Sleep Apnea.
Data was extracted from many reliable sources, along with a live interview. It was determined that sleep apnea is not widely known and often goes undiagnosed. The general population has probably already been exposed to Sleep Apnea without knowing it. There are few cases that have negative repercussions that may be life threatening, and require a doctor's assistance.
The doctor revealed that there are many different treatments available for sleep apnea that can help to reduce, if not eliminate, the side effects. It is recommended that you should begin a healthy diet to help reduce Sleep Apnia, some healthy measure you can take are: Avoid alcohol and sedatives, some medications are designed to keep the patient breathing overnight. People with sleep apnea can also use a CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) mask or a BIPAP (Bi-level Positive Airway Pressure) mask to relieve the symptoms. In severe cases, surgery may be required to relieve the symptoms.
More people need to know about sleep apnea because it could be depriving them of sleep and contributing to high blood pressure and other circulatory problems. This could inspire people to go consult their doctor about their sleeping patterns and get treatment if it's needed.

OPTION 2

Over 20 million Americans suffer some degree of sleep apnea; all of these people are in danger for side effects such as excessive sleepiness, waking frequently throughout the night, morning headaches, and severe side effects on the heart and circulation. This project was created to inform people about this condition so they can help themselves or family members that may be suffering.

Data was extracted from many reliable sites, pamphlets, books, and from a live interview with sleep expert. It was determined that sleep apnea is not widely known and often goes undiagnosed. The general population needs to be informed about this condition because there can be life-threatening repercussions that require being treated by a doctor.

The doctor revealed that there are many different treatments available for sleep apnea that can help to reduce, if not eliminate, the side effects. It is recommended that people with sleep apnea should lose a reasonable amount of weight in healthy ways, avoid alcohol and sedatives, can use medication to stimulate the brain to keep the patient breathing throughout the entire night. People with sleep apnea can also use a CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) mask or a BIPAP (Bi-level Positive Airway Pressure) mask to relieve the symptoms. In severe cases, surgery could be needed to relieve the symptoms.

More people need to know about sleep apnea because it could be what's causing their sleep deprivation and contributing to high blood pressure and other circulatory problems. This could inspire people to go consult their doctor about their sleeping patterns and get treatment if it's needed.

• ANSWER:
  Either are fine but you have some incorrect information. I would clarify that you are discussing obstructive sleep apnea and not central. With that being the case, there is no medication to treat it. I would also clarify who the sleep expert is. Is at an RPSGT, RRT or a board certified physician in sleep medicine. Surgery is not the answer for severe cases unless you are talking about a tracheotomy. Any other surgery is less than 50 percent effective and that is only if they know exactly where the obstruction is and if you are discussing central sleep apnea, surgery will not work. The only recommended treatment for CSA is BiPapST. It is like a ventilator but only with a mask. If you are looking at the second option, 2nd paragraph last sentence I would changed treated by a doctor to requires to be diagnosed and given proper treatment. I hope you realize that OTC measure do not work they only mask the symptoms. Algoll and sedatives only make it worse. Avoiding them will not eliminate a person from having OSA. People who are thin and children can also have sleep apnea. Weight loss will help but OSA should be treated in the meantime with CPAP, autopap, or bipap. Standard Bipap is generally only used for people with high pressures or people who retain CO2.

  Please email me.

QUESTION:
Do I have sleep apnea?
I'm always exhausted no matter how much sleep I get & I sometimes have a headache when I wake up..
I never thought of it as a big deal but last night I woke up and I couldn't breathe at all, it was actually really scary and I thought I was going to die because I was basically suffocating. I tried to get up to tell my friend that I couldn't breathe but I had no strength to get up for some reason..
It said most people who have sleep apnea are old.. but I'm only 16..
If it's not sleep apnea what else could it be and what should I do?
and can you die in your sleep or at night because of this?
also; could this be asthma?
Im a little overweight, id say 5-10pds. at the most but nothing big enough to have breathing problems..

• ANSWER:
  When you have sleep apnea, you stop breathing during the night many times. Then your body 'wakes itself up' enuf to get you breating again. Even though it's more prevalent in adults and overweight folks, people of ANY age can get sleep apnea. It is a serious condition. There is a lot of information on the internet, such as the non-for-profit http://www.sleepapnea.org

  There are sleep disorder centers in most metropolitan areas. They will have you spend the night and they will monitor your sleep and breathing. They will be able to tell if you have sleep apnea or not. Insurance companies tend to cover the testing. You need to go to your primary care doctor first. It could be asthma ... but probably not if it only happens when you are asleep. You need to see your primary care doctor right away.

QUESTION:
Do I have sleep Apnea or something else? Who do I ask?
I am a 30 year old woman - who is 40lbs overweight (according to dr charts) and has moderate asthma - Often when sleeping I wake-up sweating, can feel my heart through my back, get headaches, have to use my inhaler (though it doesn't always seem to work at night), get restless legs - and feel sluggish sometimes and have headaches for a couple of days that seem untreatable then they disappear, only to reappear later that month. The Dr. ran all kinds of tests, thyroid and such, but to no avail - she never mentioned sleep apnea, but I saw a tv special about it and both my parents have sleep apnea... The thing is that my dr never recommended that I get the sleep study, so do I go and ask for one (maybe she'll think I'm crazy), or do I just go and get it done - I have a PPO so referrals are not necessary. TIA

• ANSWER:
  Go to a specialist, who will do a sleep study on you. They have you stay at the office all night, and monitor your breathing and watch you for signs of apnea. Call your doctor or local hospital for a referal to someone in your area or check your phone book. You may need a CPAP machine if you are having apnea.

QUESTION:
if one's cpap (for sleep apnea) setting is too high, what symptoms will they notice?
don't just say go to the doctor as he was wrong and I wore cpap for 3 years and they later found after years of my insisting the results from the sleep study were not right (as I only slept a half hour due to them testing me when I normally was awake (I havedelayed sleep phase syndrome and am up in daytime) and finally convincing them to repeat it when I normally slept) they found that for three years I was getting almost NO rem sleep or stage three or four restorative sleep and the setting was way too low and although I looked like I was sleeping had essentially no benefits from sleep and still had all symptoms of sleep apnea..so I don't trust them..even after they upped setting-- still no benefits I can detect except no morning headaches

Now I have a new machine that can be set higher and want to know HOW can I tell if it is TOO high. The tecnicians said I'd have chest pains and not be able to sleep or fall asleep..anything else or more details on this is what I m seeking.Thanks

• ANSWER:
  At higher than optimal pressures, many things can occur. Such as, headaches, pain in the throat or sinuses, pain in the chest and lungs, aerophagia, bleeding ears, bleeding nose, and the irritation that comes from difficulty in exhaling comfortably.

  At lower than optimal pressures you may experience daytime sleepiness, wake up feeling unrefreshed, snoring, untreated apnea.
  hope you soon feel better!

QUESTION:
Does this sound like sleep apnea?
Lately evenmore so than usual, I feel really tired and rundown even after a good 7 hour sleep. I've also been really down in my concentration levels. I've been really busy and I just related it to stress but, after talking with my new roommate, she tells me that at night i sometimes let out a snore that lasts like three seconds and then it just stops (and it may repeat like 2 or three times a night) and she says sometimes i'll start to take deep breaths. But I also breathe really shallowly throughout the day and I'll randomly take deep breaths on occation then too.
I looked up sleep apnea online and i didnt have some of the symptoms such as the headaches, kicking around, and I dont fall asleep all over the place, I'm just really mentally and physically tired.
so what do you think?

• ANSWER:
  Hello VedaSean,

  your symptoms may be sleep apnea, but it may be something mild, and not moderate or severe.

  Sleep apnea worsen in time, so...you should find out now what is your problem. And don't worry if you have sleep apnea. There are a lot of treatments in this word. Your case is not severe, but don't wait to have a severe disorder.

QUESTION:
Sleep apnea question please help!?
Well, this has been a question I had for awhile. For the past few years, I've noticed a slow change in my energy level and alertness. Just recently my dad finally took me to my doctor for back pain. Later we came in about my (finally done in) complaints about tension headaches, lack of energy, motivation, and consciousness.

My doctor told me to take headache medicines (the ones with acetaminophen and aspirin) for my headache and told my dad to check my breathing at night. I ask my dad later why. And he said I might have sleeping apnea.

I've researched online about it and they said that this is usually cause by not being able to breathe properly at night.

However, my sister (who checked my breathing nearly all night long 4-5 hrs) said that it was perfectly fine. No long pauses in breathing, no snoring either. (Note, I'm not overweight I'm only 100 lbs and 15 yrs old). I've listened online about sleeping properly on schedule and I lie on a very comfortable bed with pillow at a "normal" level. Not too high or too low. I usually sleep for 7-9 hours everyday and sometimes tap 30 mins naps. (not in class)

So there's what got me. I can't really wait for a month to visit my doctor again about this question of mines. If I can breathe properly at night what's going on? Is it still considered Sleep apnea? please help!!
Oh yea! I forgot to add I have perfectly regular BP ^-^ tht's important to kno rite???

• ANSWER:
  Hi,

  First of all, it is a good move that you immediately ask for the doctor's help and opinion even if your symptoms are still minimal and kind of generic. Seeking treatment and not waiting for a condition to get worse is a good attitude towards health.

  With regards to your question, I believe there is really nothing that you should be really bothered so much about at this time. As you said, you are not overweight, you sleep in a good position, you don't snore, you have normal BP, and your sister have observed you during sleep and seen no unusuality. In the first place, the doctor was just considering the possibility of sleep apnea and didn't make a final diagnosis of it yet. There are still a lot of things that need to be considered and done before the doctor can diagnose you for sleep apnea. Your headaches and other symptoms may be caused by other conditions, but that's still unofficial until you really undergo tests and treatments by your physician.

  For now, I think the best thing for you to do is not worry too much and just allow yourself to relax and be away from stress.

QUESTION:
smoking and sleep apnea?
i smoke about a pack a day giver or take. i've been smoking for 3 years off and on.. there was two significant times i tried to quit..
one about a year ago and again just a week ago..
and both times i suffered from sleep apnea. i woke up actually, breathing really hard, about a few seconds later, a major headache would occur. both times. and i feel fine when im smoking.. but when i tried to quit, that happend to me.. not to mention hard headaches and weight gain. i quit cold turkey, could that have been the cause? because i thought if you quit smoking, you get better sleep. mine is the opposite. help?!?!?

• ANSWER:
  While it is possible that you are suffering from sleep apnea, other possibilities may include nicotine withdrawal, anxiety disorders, migraines, and stress. Headaches from sleep apnea generally occur during the daytime due to chronic lack of sleep. Most smokers need at least 7 tries to successfully quit, so don't be discouraged. Depending on how much you smoke, quitting cold turkey may or may not work for you. Your doctor may be able to prescribe medications to help you quit. These may include nicotine replacement (patch, gum, inhaler, lozenge), Zyban (buspirone), and Chantix (varenicline).

QUESTION:
Could this be Sleep Apnea... Help?
Okay so im going to the doctor tomorrow and kinda nervous. Can someone please help me so i can be prepared for the doc. tomorrow. Here are some of my symptoms:
Decrease in school performance
Irritable, angry, or hostile behavior
Breathing through mouth instead of nose
Morning headaches
Waking up with a dry mouth or sore throat
Restless or fitful sleep
Daytime sleepiness, no matter how much time you spend in bed
Loud and chronic snoring.

Could this be Sleep Apnea?
Btw im 13 and weigh 103

• ANSWER:
  Oh boy - that's classical sleep apnea. And it can kill you too - so it's really great if you can go to the doctor and ask questions about it.

  You'd get a blood test and see how your thyroid is doing - that will cause sudden flashes of anger. But being worn out from NOT sleeping and NOT breathing can sure cause this too.

  You're not typical though at 13 with low body weight. However, all those symptoms are indeed sleep apnea symptoms. Usually it's old, fat people who get this. What happens is the throat closes down when you're asleep (you don't know it because you're asleep!) - and you choke continually all night long. "Apnea" means "No Air" - "A-Pneuma".

  So it's a great guess as to what's going on there. Good luck. It's so much fun to finally treat this and make it better!!!!

QUESTION:
Having sleep problems but passed Sleep Test for Sleep Apnea?
I had surgery and was advised that my oxygen levels dropped multiple times when I was put to sleep. They advised me that maybe I have sleep apnea and to look into it.

Reviewed by two Doctor's due to my sleep and other issues that I may have sleep apnea. I have a small airway and apnea like symptoms.

Took Sleep Study: Tech said that my oxygen levels did not drop nor did I stop breathing during the night but I snored very loud.

My symptoms have been: Loud Snoring, consent mild headaches, irritable, fatigue, mental sharpness declining and concentration/absorption of info not as quick. Plus, my father has sleep apnea and is being treated for it.

The tech said it is possible my snoring maybe waking me up but he was not sure. He said that I need to schedule my Post-Exam appointment to find out more on my results.

So I guess my question is what could be causing my issues based on my symptoms if I do not have Sleep Apnea?

• ANSWER:

QUESTION:
I have sleep apnea and insomnia (not what you think)?
*THIS HAS NOT BEEN FULLY DIAGNOSED (I took a test online, it says i might have sleep apnea. I'm still gonna get it checked out by the doctor*

So, I think I might have sleep apnea. But, I also KNOW I have Insomnia. I know the two are related, but its not the usual. my problem isn't that I wake up frequently during the night, my problems that I can't frickin get to sleep till anywhere between 1-4 in the morning. This has been going on for the past year or so)
I definitely have experienced some of the symptoms of sleep apnea. Such as

# Waking up unrefreshed and having trouble staying awake during the day
# Waking up with headaches
# Waking up sweating
# Frequent trips to the bathroom during the night

I also seem to forget to breath sometimes when I'm awake.

But I don't wake up frequently, and I definitely have Insomnia.Are the two related? Is it possible to have both?

HELP!

• ANSWER:
  See a doctor, and get tested for apnea. And also get your thyroid tested at the same time. Or just get your thyroid tested first. It's a lot chaper than a sleep test, and can be done in a day.

  Those are all symptoms of a thyroid problem as well.

QUESTION:
Think I could have sleep apnea?
So here is my problem. Everyday for the past 10 days give or take a day I wake up around noon, feel tired most of the day, get a throbbing headache around 8-9 PM, take motrin which almost always cures it, go to sleep around 2-3 AM. I have bene researching sleep apnea and the symptoms. I do no wake up suddently in the middle of the night nore fall alseep during the day, just feel tired. I also have terrible later summer allergies, which I think may be the true culprit. I haev alwasy had them though and have never had headaches like these. any suggestions would be great. thanks

• ANSWER:
  It's just allergies. I started snoring again around Aug 17. My allergies are so bad they make me feel like I am getting the flu and I don't have any energy to do anything. Headaches have been ok so far but I do get allergy headaches.

  Apnea is when your breathing is interrupted and you stop breathing for a moment. You don't wake up fully it just interrupts your sleep.

  Anyway ragweed just started about 2 weeks ago and everyone is miserable lately. So that's where I would put the blame if I were you.

QUESTION:
Sleep Apnea questions!!?
I'm 21, Im pretty sure I have sleep apnia, I have always snored. my mother and sister have noted recently that I have stopped breathing for almost 2 minutes most nights, then i gasp for air. lately I notice that even before I fall asleep i will wake up and tell myself to take a breath. I am always tired, i wake up with horrible headaches, I fall asleep for miliseconds at a time during the day, including twice I have had to pull over when driving...

my mom has moderate to severe sleep apnea so I am somewhat familiar with the CPAP. I asked my doctor for a referral for a sleep study, and I am sure I will get information before the study, but I was thinking someone on here could tell me a bit about what goes on.

I usually dont go to bed until 11:30, and that is after watching Nancy Grace and the news, which makes me sleepy. I have always had issues falling asleep in strange places, and I have been hospitalised before, so I know the beds are not very comfy. what if I can't fall asleep? I move a lot when I first start to fall asleep, am I going to be able to turn onto my side? what if i have to go to the bathroom durring the night? will they tell me if i breathe mostly out of my mouth? Im not usually a worrier, but this is the first medical condition I have had since a broken leg when I was 6.

I am engaged, and while my wedding is a few years off, how do you maintain a relationship with this condition? I know my snorring has driven many people to not want to share a room with me for a night, let alone a lifetime. I want to be able to share a bed with my husband have us both get good sleep. can most partners sleep through the noise of the CPAP? what about snoring, does the CPAP eliminate this as well? I dont know how intimacy would go, my husband cant really roll over and kiss me good morning, can he?

sorry there are so many questions. thank you to anyone who is willing to read all that and help.
yes, i know there is surgery. I do not want to get surgery because I do not respond well to anesthesia, and I prefer to use a CPAP if I will need one because it is less invasive. why cut me open if you dont have to?

• ANSWER:
  i have no idea about the conditions of polysomnography. however i know that CPAP is not the only treatment for sleep apnea. Surgery is also possible and is recommended for young people (which i assume you are). There's a surgery where they move your jaws forward, and it'll cure you from sleep apnea and you won't need CPAP or any other treatment. I know CPAP can be a pain in the a** cause my dad uses it and it's annoying.

QUESTION:
hmm sleep apnea (yada yada 20 characters)?
I have been diagnosed with major depression, and I have unrefreshing sleep. Now I know thats more likely to be because of decreased REM sleep but I'm considering what are the chances of it being sleep apnea? like central sleep apnea? Do most people wake up realising they've stopped breathing? Do they wake up several times a night? I highly doubt I have it since I don't doze off randomly during the day or have morning headaches but I'm just wondering.
woops was going to post this in respiratory diseases. oh well

• ANSWER:
  Many people with sleep apnea have absolutely no idea that they have it. You can be waking up hundreds of times through the night because you are not breathing, but be totally unaware this is happening.

  If you sleep with someone, your bed partner is more apt to be aware of your sleep apnea than you.

  Snoring is a symptom of sleep apnea, though not everyone who snores has sleep apnea. Best to talk with your doctor about your concerns. He can refer you to have a sleep study done.

  All that about apnea, I want to include some other thoughts on depression. Apnea can contribute to depression, but so can countless other things. Excessive stress, poor diet, lack of exercise, lack of social support, and more. Lots of books out there on the subject, but one I find very informative is entitled "Optimum Nutrition for the Mind" by Patrick Holford. It covers many mental ills, including depression. It also gives some very specific and helpful recommendations about diet and supplement support.

QUESTION:
I think my boyfriend may have sleep apnea =/?
I have never been able to sleep next to my boyfriend because of his snoring, which is really loud and obnoxious. Sometimes when I lay next to him, I count the seconds before he inhales again, which is usually between 10 and 15 seconds. So it's not only snoring, but after the point where he doesn't seem to breath, he inhales this DEEP loud, obnoxious breath, then usually wakes up.. but doesn't know he does. He is always falling asleep at my house, and it only takes him a min. to fall asleep *even if he's sitting up!* and he starts snoring right away... however, only when he's in a deep sleep does he have the "gasping inhale." He's also been having a lot of headaches lately, and sometimes suffers from reflux when he eats something and goes right to sleep or goes to sleep a half an hour later. Does this sound like it may be sleep apnea? I'm worried about him.. and it's affecting our relationship =/
Oh yeah, he is a bit overweight as well.

• ANSWER:
  My husband has sleep apnea. When you stop breathing, your brain trys to wake you up by snoring. When your brain is active when you sleep, your body never reaches REM sleep which is what your body needs in order to have a good nights rest.
  All your boyfriend would have to do is go to his regular family doctor. They will refer him to a sleep doctor and he will have to have a sleep study done at the hospital to see how many times a night he stops breathing. Then they will give him a cpap machine to use every night when he sleeps that will force him to breath all night long.

QUESTION:
Could I have sleep apnea?
Hello! I have had some symptoms for the past year (some more than a year) and I am not sure if they could all be connected or not. I do not want to go to the doctor and sound like a hypochondriac for feeling like I could have something a little more serious than a tight chest. I have been reading up on sleep apnea and the symptoms sound similar to mine. So, if anyone has any knowledge of sleep apnea or has the disorder itself, I would appreciate your advice and thoughts on the symptoms I have been experience. Please see the below list of symptoms:

- Constant feeling of tight chest during the day
- Feeling as if I cannot get a good, deep breath
- Morning dizziness and/or headaches (not VERY often, but it does happen)
- Sleepiness during the day
- The other night I woke up and noticed that my mouth was open and it felt as if my throat was completely closed
- When I shared a room with a roommate, she would often go to bed long after I did and said that I woke up a lot during the night and would sit up, take a breath, then lay back down and go to sleep. I had absolutely no knowledge of this until she told me.

I think that is all that I can remember. I have tested negative for asthma before, but at the time of the test, I wasn't feeling that bad as far as breathing goes.

Anyways, I am sorry if it is a lot. Hopefully someone would have some information on this and could give me some information and/or advice. I appreciate any help that is provided! Thanks!!
Frank - Thanks for your quick response! I have had the doctor listen to me breathe before, but the breathing never seems to be "bad" when I am at the doctor's - of course, right! Could sleep apnea affect my breathing during the day? In other words, could the sleep apnea cause me to feel like I have a tight chest even after I wake up (and, therefore, sleep apnea is no longer occuring during the day)? I hope that makes sense! Thanks, again.

• ANSWER:
  This sounds very much like sleep apnea.

  The tight chest during the day makes me suspect mild asthma, which would also explain the nighttime symptoms.

  Your doctor can listen to you breathe with a stethoscope to tell which it is.

QUESTION:
Is it narcolepsy? Sleep Apnea? I don't snore!?
I suffer from extremely bad excessive daytime sleepiness. I sleep a lot. I took a sleep study and an MSLT. The night study was apparently fine, but I fell asleep in every nap, and achieved REM sleep within 5 minutes every time.

I started taking xyrem twice a night. It helped a little. But when I take naps, I get headaches after every single one without fail.

Sometimes I wake up with my mouth open, very dry and drool all over the pillow. I don't snore apparently. My mom has severe sleep apnea. Not sure if my dad has anything. I am just so frustrated because my mom is starting to sweep everything under the rug. Any resources I can show my doctor? Any ideas?

• ANSWER:
  "For narcolepsy to be confirmed, the patient should have early onset of REM sleep. Specifically, he or she should enter into REM sleep ("latency to REM") within 5 minutes after first falling asleep, and this should occur in at least two of the four/five naps."

  http://www.lakesidepress.com/pulmonary/Sleep/narcolepsy.htm

QUESTION:
Do I need to get sleep apnea treated? and could black mould make it worse?
For months now I've woken up with headaches and have been exhausted during the day, I've also been told I hold my breath when I sleep and I've woken up a few times gasping for air...I'm guessing its sleep apnea, but do I get it treated? Do I need medication or anything? I also have jaw problems, my jaw will go into locks and I can't open my mouth at times, would this have anything to do with it?

I've also got really bad black mould in my bedroom, its spreading and I don't know how to get it away! I've recently being feeling very short of breath and I've been taking chest pains and flu like symptoms (always sneezing, blocked nose, sore throat)...could this be connected to black mould and can black mould affect sleep apnea?

Thanks.

• ANSWER:
  It seems logical from the sources I quoted that mould has such an effect on the respiratory tract that it may worsen sleep apnoea, or create symptoms that look a lot like it.

  You can get rid of the mould with mould & mildew sprays like Dettol offers for example, which I use at times. Spray it on, leave it there for half a minute or so and you can wipe it all off. It tends to come back if you don't tackle the source, which often is humidity. If you dry your cloths indoors or generally have a damp house/bedroom, most likely it'll come back. You can get a de-humidifier and/or something like an air sterilizer to tackle it. I use an Airfree P80.

  If after removing the black mould, the symptoms persist, or if you are a bit overweight, snore and feel tired in the day, do have the sleep apnoea checked out too. In the sources you will find a free symptoms checker test which tells you a lot more about it and compares your symptoms with those of known sufferers. You can then go to your GP or get a test done at home privately. Sleep apnoea is rarely tested for in the hospital these days.

  To ultimately answer your main question, if it is indeed sleep apnoea, then yes, of course you need to have it treated. It's a potentially lethal sleep disorder which when untreated, can lead to a number of nasty health issues, including but certainly not limited to stroke, congestive heart failure, diabetes and of course falling asleep at the wheel etc.

  Teeth clenching, also called bruxism, is often related to sleep-disordered breathing like obstructive sleep apnoea. Treat apnoea and the jaw problems often go too. Mild sleep apnoea is easily treated with a mouth splint called a mandibular advancement device. Moderate to severe sleep apnoea is treated with Continuous Positive Airway Pressure, or CPAP for short, which involves a small air pump and a mask you wear at night.

QUESTION:
does this sound like sleep apnea?
i am a 17 year old male, im thin and not super healthy, but no very serious medical problems. for the last few years i have had trouble sleeping but it seems to be worse recently.

my main symptoms are being very tired all the time, waking up after a few hours and not being able to fall back asleep, frequent headaches and neck pain, sore throat in the morning, and sometimes waking up out of breath, i also have asthma though, so that's probably a contributing factor. i move around a lot in my sleep, and go through phases of having intense realistic nightmares.

do these symptoms sound like sleep apnea, or possibly something else?

thanks in advance (:

• ANSWER:

QUESTION:
Do you think I have Sleep Apnea?
I think i might have sleep apnea, my mother thinks so too.
I can't go to the doctor because we dont have the money..so?
Well here are some what you could call problems/symptoms.
1. I have headaches everyday..Moderate to severe pain.
2. I get dizzy when I bend over or get up.
3. Im really i mean REALLY tired. I sleep about 10-12 hours a night. It gets bad sometimes..i fall asleep in class and everything. I even take naps when i get home.
4. Shortness of breath? idk ....
5. Im very cranky or moody

So please and thanks for the answers :]... :l

• ANSWER:
  yes it could be. But then again it may not. so it is best to get it checked out by your doctor. he/she can arrange a sleep study to determine if you have SA. from my reading it appears to be more common in males, particularly overweight males.

QUESTION:
How can I get better relief for sleep apnea?
I am only 25 yrs old and have sleep apnea, the obstructive form. I completed two sleep studies that have confirmed this but, medicaid will not pay for the c-pap machine b/c the score for my study reflect that it is not "severe" enough for them to pay. Now, I am using provigil as a "band-aid" its okay, but the side effects are causing me headaches and I take seasonique birth control pills, I was told there was a 5% chance of impregnation, which is low, but I still worry a little. My doctor's office was suppose to put me on a list to get a "loaner" and/or "free" c-pap machine, but I was told yesterday that this will only be considered after I start regularly seeing the doctor while I am on the provigil and still maybe not until January, if then. I am suppose to graduate form college in may, I need this sleeping disoreder corrected asap, it is effecting my life horribly and my education. Thanks serious responses only.

• ANSWER:
  if your sleep study doctor will write a Rx for a cpap machine call home life oxygen 901 373 3503, talk with greg (owner), he might rent you a unit inexpensively by the month, or perhaps sell you a used unit for a very low price. he's worked with many sleep apnea persons. he may even have a way to get reimbursement for your need.

  self help might be useful, i.e. sleep at a forty five degree angle, try a neck flexion cushion to maintain the angle in your throat while sleeping, try using the nasal strips at night to keep your upper airways open, and lastly ask your doctor for other tips that may be very inexpensive or no expense at all.

QUESTION:
I think my husband may have sleep apnea...?
Here are his symptoms: SNORING, stops breathing at times, night sweats, sore throat, headaches, daytime sleepiness. He can take a nap at anytime during the day! And it only takes him about a minute to fall asleep! He stays up late, and is constantly waking up during the night, too. It's starting to really affect my sleep! I NEED HELP!

• ANSWER:
  Melissa, start with your primary doctor. Go with your husband into the room so you can write down all the answers to your questions. INSIST!!

  P.S. You might want to start with the new nose strips that go over the bridge of the nose. You can find them in any drug store.

  If they don't work, your doctor will be able to help you for sure. Good luck!

QUESTION:
depression or sleep apnea?
I've had trouble sleeping for almost two years, and depression for two whole years. My sleep is unrefreshing, but I don't wake up in the middle of the night or anything to gasp for breath.
Exercise, baths, and taking deep breaths improves my sleep as well.
I always wake up with a blocked nose in the morning though, I never get morning headaches, never fall asleep during the day, and I have to sleep on my side to make breathing a little easier during the night.
Is it just plain ol' depression (which I'm on antidepressants for which improve my mood but not my actual sleep) or should I be concerned with something else. I'm 15 years old by the way.

• ANSWER:
  There are multiple degrees and types of sleep apnea

  I suffer from the blockage type, and I stop breathing 46 times an hour on average, I am classified as a very severe case. I take a bunch of naps, sleep longer than most, and often fall asleep in the middle of every day activities. I wear a mask that shoots 13psi of air at my face when I sleep, but it is VERY uncomfortable and I often take it off unconsciously.

  Sounds like you need a sleep study to figure out what is going on, and trust me you want to shop around for a good sleep clinic.

  They will hook up a ton of wires all over your body (especially your head) and monitor you while you sleep (they usually have a camera in the room).

  Depending on the results, you may have to have another sleep study done, and if you are lucky they give you OJ and Muffins when you wake up!

  Hope that helps, good luck, and sweet dreams!

QUESTION:
what to do about sleep apnea?
i am almost positive i have it.

i wake up with a headache pretty much every time i wake up
i always wake up in the middle of the night
i never have a deep sleep
sometimes i'll wake up gasping for air
i can't lay on my back because if i do i will feel my throat closing up and i can't breathe

apparently i snore too

how can i stop this?

• ANSWER:
  Sleep apnea is usually caused when a person is overweight, So weight loss is a way to stop it (I am not saying this is why you have it). Also, a doctor can prescribe you medication if you do infact have sleep apnea.

QUESTION:
i think i have sleep apnea, how can i be sure?
i snore, i wake up in the nights with headaches, and always so tired in the morning

• ANSWER:
  Get your doc to send you to a sleep clinic, son

QUESTION:
Are their any things you can do for sleep apnea, before any sleep study?
My son is having trouble with his sleeping and I believe it might be sleep apnea. We will get him a sleep study soon but he is struggling to sleep at night and at times even has seizures in his sleep. He is on seizure medication, but I am starting to believe it may be more because of the sleep apnea. Are their any things we can do to help him sleep better at night, before our sleep study. I am not talking about the machines, just some tricks of the trade that may make him sleep better and then my wife and I can sleep better. He is only 4 and has all the signs of sleep apnea. We will not know this though for a little while until the study. Any ideas?

• ANSWER:
  Look up sleep hygiene tips to make sure he is practicing them first off. Second, keep him off his back. If he sleeps on his back, he'll be more likely to stop breathing bc/ gravity will be putting more pressure on his airway. If he can't stop sleeping on his back by himself, try putting rolled up socks or a couple of tennis balls into a long tube sock and tying it around his waist so that the balls are pressed against his back that way, it will be uncomfortable for him to sleep on his back and he'll train himself to sleep on his side. If this sounds rediculous, the best thing to do is to keep his head and neck elevated (from the shoulders, so his chin is kept level away from his neck). either allow him to sleep in a reclining chair, or get a wedge pillow. This will help him breath better at night. Hope it helps!

QUESTION:
Is there a way I can test if I have sleep apnea without having a sleep study?
I suspect I have it, as I have the symptoms of it. But I think my classmates would have said if I stopped breathing while sleeping in class (I was always sleeping almost all day, every day in school). Which is why I lost my place in school.

So, is there any way I can test If I have sleep apnea without having a sleep study? or any similar sleep disorders?

• ANSWER:
  Essentially, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a medical diagnosis. In consequence, your analysis for this sleeping disorder would need to be confirmed by a physician.

  Due to the critical nature of this malady, professional treatment is necessary as airway blockage can cause you to stop breathing for periods of up to 20 seconds at a time. This can occur as often as every few minutes throughout the entire night.

  Under normal conditions, the muscles found at the back of your throat continually hold your airway open so air can get to your lungs. These muscles relax somewhat as you sleep. Yet, if your airway is markedly narrow, these muscles can actually block your airway when they relax.
  Typically, symptoms such as mood changes, depression, irritability, sudden waking from sleep, shortness of breath, waking with a dry mouth or sore throat, morning headaches, chronic loud snoring, and possibly memory problems, remain common in OSA.

  The following scale is employed to determine likelihood of OSA. Take the test and see where you fall in the probability ranking.

  The Epworth Sleepiness Scale

  How likely are you to doze off or fall asleep in the situations described below under normal circumstances (i.e., excluding times of over-exertion and sleep deprivation)?
  Use the following scale to choose the most appropriate number for each situation:
  0 = Would never doze
  1 = Slight chance of dozing
  2 = Moderate chance of dozing
  3 = High probability of dozing

  Situation (rate each on a scale of 0-3)
  •sitting and reading
  •watching TV
  •sitting, inactive, in a public place (i.e., theatre or meeting)
  •as a car passenger without a break for an hour
  •lying down to rest in the afternoon as circumstances permit
  •sitting and talking to someone
  •sitting quietly after lunch (without alchohol)
  •in a car, driving, but while stopped for a few minutes in traffic

  If your points total 10 or more, you are considered borderline sleep-deprived. If 12 or higher, you should seek medical attention immediately.

QUESTION:
What does the number of incidents mean for a sleep study? Sleep apnea?
I have been having repreated tonsil infections, and my uvula sticks to my tonsils or my tongue. I have difficulty swallowing at times. My doctor had me take home something to see if I had any incidents at night while sleeping where I stopped breathing, because I have started snoring. The thing I brought home said I had 71 incidents, but I haven't heard anything back from the doctors office, is that I high number or normal?
I could lose some weight, my blood pressure is usually in the 70's for the bottom number and I smoke occasionally

• ANSWER:
  High but theres alot higher ones good luck with that its can kill.

QUESTION:
What can I do while I wait for my sleep apnea test results?
I am scheduled to have a sleep apnea sleep study next Saturday, but I was wondering, since it takes three weeks for the results of the study, what can I do to improve my sleep and breathing until then. I am fairly certain I have sleep apnea but I cannot get the mask until we are for sure about it. I am tired all the time, what can I do about this?

• ANSWER:
  Here is what you can do, but I don't know how much will help you:

  * try sleeping on your side rather than sleeping on your back as it can produces loud snores because of blockages.

  * elevate the head when you sleep. This measure can alleviate snoring and make breathing easier.

  * Use an air humidifier at nighttime to make the air moister.

  * don't smoke for at leas several hours prior to bedtime. Doing so, the smoke can cause the airways to tighten in the neck, worsening sleep apnea.

  * maintain regular sleep hours. In my case, I had to quit my shift work job, to have a normal sleep.

  * use a nasal dilator, saline nasal spray or breathe right strips to help open nasal passages.

  I hope it helps!

QUESTION:
Is there an alternative sleep apnea diagnosis method other than an overnight sleep study?
I believe I have sleep apnea, but because I am currently in a residential treatment program, I am unable to go to an overnight sleep study.
Is there an alternative method with which I can be tested for sleep apnea?

• ANSWER:
  Not one that would be recognized by an insurance company.

  Have a friend watch you sleep. If you repeatedly stop breathing for 15-20 or more seconds, then you probably do have sleep apnea. More prevalent with snorers.

QUESTION:
Where to get a free sleep study for sleep apnea?
I need to get a study done but have no insurance. Where can I get one done in North Carolina.

• ANSWER:
  download it from here

  bit.ly/watch_video

QUESTION:
does anyone know where i can get a free sleep study to test for sleep apnea in or around olathe kansas?
i think i have sleep apnea i keep waking up suddenly short of breath. i dont have insurance and am currently un employed so i can not afford to pay for a sleep study. does anyone know of a way to get one free of charge in or around olathe kansas? was told maybe a nursing school but not sure where to ask about that,,,

• ANSWER:
  I do not know of any place but I can tell you nursing schools do not do them. Nurses usually do not do sleep studys, RT and EKG backgrounds do.

  You can probably work out a playment plan or can apply for medicaid.

QUESTION:
Have questions about sleep apnea Sleep Study:?
I had a sleep study done this weekend. I thought I would sleep well but I didn't. I think I got about 2 hrs worth of sleep total (no clocks in the room).
Most of the time I laid there pretending to be asleep in hopes of falling asleep.

1. Did I get a sufficient amt of sleep for the test?
2. Can they tell when I was actually asleep v. attempting to go to sleep?
3. How does scoring work?

Any links would be great.
I'm having a hard time finding forums online or even websites that aren't from sleep study clinics...

Thanks!

• ANSWER:
  Yes they can tell when you are asleep. During the different stages of sleep, your brain waves change. Not only can they tell when you are asleep but what stage you are in.

  http://www.webmd.com/sleep-disorders/sleep-studies

QUESTION:
We don't have health insurance and in desparate need of a SLEEP APNEA sleep study?

• ANSWER:

QUESTION:
My sleep study I had the other night shows that I have sleep apnea! ?
But the clinic has called and left a message for me to call them tomorrow to set up another sleep study, if they know I have sleep apnea. What is 2nd study going to be good for or prove and if you have had the 2nd one done what did they do different.

• ANSWER:
  They want to diagnose how to treat it. The first test was a general test to see if you had it. The second shows them how to deal with it. Your second appointment might not be your last. Ask them what you can expect in the future.

QUESTION:
Has anyone had a sleep apnea study done, do you know if they let you take something to help you sleep?
I have enough trouble sleeping away from home, i cant imagine doing all strapped to wires and stuff.

• ANSWER:
  They will if you tell them up front what your taking so they know. Sleep apnea has nothing really to do with falling asleep, it's everything to do with your breathing once you fall asleep. It's not as bad as you think, or at least mine wasn't. I thought the same thing but they let me take my vicodin for my back and I was out like a light!

QUESTION:
My husband had a sleep study done last night to determine if he has sleep apnea?
He did not like the idea about using a CPAP mask. Is this the ONLY treatment for sleep apnea? If it is, will he have to use it for the rest of his life?

Any body that uses something different? Thank you

• ANSWER:
  i've done the research for you and i hope this will help..=)

  Treatment
  For milder cases of sleep apnea, your doctor may recommend lifestyle changes such as losing weight or quitting smoking. If these measures don't improve your signs and symptoms or if your apnea is moderate to severe, a number of other treatments are available. Certain devices can help open up a blocked airway. In other cases, surgery may be necessary.

  Treatments for obstructive sleep apnea may include:

  Therapies

  Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP). If you have moderate to severe sleep apnea, you may benefit from a machine that delivers air pressure through a mask placed over your nose while you sleep. With CPAP (SEE-pap), the air pressure is somewhat greater than that of the surrounding air, and is just enough to keep your upper airway passages open, preventing apnea and snoring.

  Although CPAP is a preferred method of treating sleep apnea, some people find it cumbersome or uncomfortable. With some practice, most people learn to adjust the tension of the straps to obtain a comfortable and secure fit. You may need to try more than one type of mask to find one that's comfortable. Some people also benefit from using a humidifier along with their CPAP system.

  Don't just stop using the CPAP machine if you experience problems. Check with your doctor to see what modifications can be made to make you more comfortable. Additionally, contact your doctor if you are still snoring despite treatment or begin snoring again. If your weight changes, the pressure settings may need to be adjusted.

  Oral appliances. Another option is wearing an oral appliance designed to keep your throat open. CPAP is more effective than oral appliances, but oral appliances may be easier for you to use.Some are designed to open your throat by bringing your jaw forward, which can sometimes relieve snoring and mild obstructive sleep apnea.

  A number of devices are available from your dentist. You may need to try different devices before finding one that works for you. Once you find the right fit, you'll still need to follow up with your dentist at least every six months during the first year and then at least once a year after that to ensure that the fit is still good and to reassess your signs and symptoms.

  Surgery or other proceduresThe goal of surgery for sleep apnea is to remove excess tissue from your nose or throat that may be vibrating and causing you to snore, or that may be blocking your upper air passages and causing sleep apnea. Surgical options may include:
  Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP). During this procedure, your doctor removes tissue from the rear of your mouth and top of your throat. Your tonsils and adenoids usually are removed as well. This type of surgery may be successful in stopping throat structures from vibrating and causing snoring. However, it may be less successful in treating sleep apnea because tissue farther down your throat may still block your air passage. UPPP usually is performed in a hospital and requires a general anesthetic.
  Maxillomandibular advancement. In this procedure, the upper and lower part of your jaw is moved forward from the remainder of your face bones. This enlarges the space behind the tongue and soft palate, making obstruction less likely. This procedure may require the cooperation of an oral surgeon and an orthodontist, and at times may be combined with another procedure to improve the likelihood of success.
  Tracheostomy. You may need this form of surgery if other treatments have failed and you have severe, life-threatening sleep apnea. In this procedure, your surgeon makes an opening in your neck and inserts a metal or plastic tube through which you breathe. You keep the opening covered during the day. But at night you uncover it to allow air to pass in and out of your lungs, bypassing the blocked air passage in your throat.

  Removing tissues in the back of your throat with a laser (laser-assisted uvulopalatoplasty) or with radiofrequency energy (radiofrequency ablation) are procedures that doctors sometimes use to treat snoring. However, these procedures aren't recommended for treating obstructive sleep apnea.

  Other types of surgery may help reduce snoring and sleep apnea by clearing or enlarging air passages:
  Nasal surgery to remove polyps or straighten a crooked partition between your nostrils (deviated nasal septum)
  Surgery to remove enlarged tonsils or adenoids

  Treatments for central sleep apnea are more limited and may include:
  Treatment for associated medical problems. Possible causes of central sleep apnea include heart or neuromuscular disorders, and treating those conditions may help. For example, optimizing therapy for heart failure may eliminate central sleep apnea.
  Supplemental oxygen. Using supplemental oxygen while you sleep may help if you have central sleep apnea. Various forms of oxygen are available as well as different devices to deliver oxygen to your lungs.
  Continuous positive airway pressure. This method, also used in obstructive sleep apnea, involves wearing a pressurized mask over your nose while you sleep. The mask is attached to a small pump that forces air through your airway to keep it from collapsing. CPAP may eliminate snoring and prevent sleep apnea. As with obstructive sleep apnea, it's important that you use the device as directed. If your mask is uncomfortable or the pressure feels too strong, talk with your doctor so that adjustments can be made.
  Bilevel positive airway pressure (bilevel PAP). Unlike CPAP, which supplies steady, constant pressure to your upper airway as you breathe in and out, bilevel PAP builds to a higher pressure when you inhale and decreases to a lower pressure when you exhale. The goal of this treatment is to boost the weak breathing pattern of central sleep apnea. Some bilevel PAP devices can be set to automatically deliver a breath if the device detects you haven't taken a breath after so many seconds.
  Adaptive servo-ventilation (ASV). This more recently approved airflow device is designed to treat central sleep apnea and complex sleep apnea. The device learns your normal breathing pattern and stores the information into a built-in computer. After you fall asleep, the machine uses pressure to normalize your breathing pattern and prevent pauses in your breathing.

QUESTION:
Has anyone gone back for a sleep study due to a diagnosis of Sleep Apnea?
I have my 2nd sleep study tonight and I know they will hook me up to the machine for breathing but I am wondering how it went for other people. I am nervous about how the heck I will be able to sleep with this 'top gun' mask on.

• ANSWER:
  hello. i am a respiratory therapist and i have frequently tested people, set them up with a cpap/bipap machine in the community and hospital settings. basically the machine will give a constant pressure in (cmh20). the average pressure is 10 usually no greater than 24. some people require bipap which is a higher pressure on inspiration. some people require a back-up respiratory rate on the machine or even oxygen entrained. the majority of people use only cpap. your doc will prescribe the correct pressure to prevent upper airway obstruction. you will probably want to use a nasal mask at first versus a full face mask. some docs won't even prescribe a full face due to the aspiration risk and (very low however) and lack of humidification at night. it will take several nights to get use to it if you require it at home. do not worry there is no danger in using cpap at your sleep lab. at first it will be uncomfortable but you will sleep better when you continue with your therapy. if you do need cpap at home, your machine is worth greater then 2 grand. do not pay more than 300 dollars for your mask and tubing. some provinces in canada will pay for your machine some make you buy it. you may also want to invest in a heated humidifier at home but i would recommend waiting to see if you need it. another note is if you are having a second test your first test must have shown obstructive sleep apnea. usually they only do the second part if your first shows something. good luck!!

QUESTION:
What do my sleep study results mean?
It says Sleep efficiency 86%, Minimum oxygen saturation 88% and REM sleep 15%

I was being studied for possible sleep apnea. They said I scored a 1 for the apnea study and I would need at least a 5 to be concerned. What do the other results mean, particularly the REM sleep %.

• ANSWER:
  Your results are fine, with the exception of your REM activity. This could be a sign of a serious form of cancer forming in your cerebellum.

QUESTION:
Is there a way to show negative results in a sleep apnea study? I need to show no symptoms.?
I want to show that I don't have symptoms so i dont loose my job. I am halfway thru a career and dont want to throw it away. Any suggestions are very much appreciated and will most likely save my career.

• ANSWER:
  The simple answer is no. For a sleep apnea study you are asleep so that's your first problem in trying to control the outcome. Second, they place contacts on your ankles, face around the eyes and all over your head which are linked to a control panel at the central station. There is also an infrared camera in the room so they can watch you. They know when you are asleep, awake, how many times you move and how, what sleep pattern of sleep your in and most important how many times a night you stop breathing. Before you just shrug this thing off google sleep apnea It can kill you and has killed people before. The best of luck to you, hope you test negative. Hope this helped.

QUESTION:
How much does an overnight sleep study cost?
I am pretty sure I have Sleep Apnea as I am tired all day and do not sleep well at night. It takes me forever to go to sleep and as soon as I do I wake up gasping for air. I may get 1-2 hours of sleep off and on through an 8 hour time frame. I looked on my insurance and they do not cover sleep studies or Sleep Apnea. How much sould a sleep study cost and the machine cost that you wear at night to fix it?

I have been looking for sleep studies as they have them now and again for free but none have been offered for the past 6 months.

Thanks in advance!!!!

• ANSWER:
  See if your doctor will refer you to a sleep clinic and have it paid by insurance. If you have to pay it yourself, the sleep test itself costs about 00. That is how much mine was that I had late last year but insurance covered it. I don't have apnea so I don't know about the CPAP machine.

QUESTION:
I think I have sleep apnea.I had a sleep study done a few years back,but as it turned out I had a very rare un
eventful night of sleep.I slept like a baby.Is there any device or machine that can monitor my sleep behavior at home?My husband is scared that when I stop breathing that I may not start back.Does anyone have any suggestions?

• ANSWER:
  Find another doc and take your husband in and talk to him or her and get another sleep study. It may have been long enough for your insurance to fund another study or something may have changed in your health IE; weight loss or gain that may warrant another study. Maybe a new doc may just make a good enough case for one. Another thought is to start getting a copy of your old study and get it reread, the data is subjective and another set of eyes may see things differently in a borderline case.

  Sleep apnea has been an issue in my family and I understand your problem. Good luck to you and your husband, find someone who will listen to you and keep after them until you get your study. Answers are good, after you have current information you can look at options whether a Pap mask or surgery. However, if surgery is suggested as a remedy remember this surgery is a serious piece of work, with a tough recovery and get a second opinion to be sure you have no other choices.

QUESTION:
What other problems could be mistaken for sleep apnea?
I have many symptoms of sleep apnea but my sleep study shows that it is not an issue. I am tired all the time, no energy or motivation. Depression and anxiety are a major problem. I wake up many times a night feeling like I cannot catch my breath, like my chest is very heavy and not getting enough air/oxygen. What other conditions could cause these symptoms?

• ANSWER:
  Did they check your limb movements while you were in for the sleep study? Periodic Limb Movement Syndrome & Restless Leg Movement Syndrome can both create excessive daytime sleepiness, as can Idiopathic Hypersomnia.

  Depression and thyroid problems should also be ruled out. Sleep issues can affect mood and depression issues can affect sleep. It's often difficult to tease the two apart.

  Because of the breathing problem, allergies and asthma should also be looked at as the potential cause.

QUESTION:
How much does a sleep study and a CPAP treatment for sleep apnea cost? I am debtaing whether to do it? Thanks.?

• ANSWER:
  Take a look at these two sites: http://www.cpap-supply.com and http://www.cpap.com. Both of these internet suppliers offer equipment and some packages that I found would cost me much less over time than using my insurance. I use a Respironics RemStar Plus with C-Flex, a Sulivan Humidaire humidifier and a Respironics ComfortGel mask. The whole thing cost me about 0 including shipping. My insurance wanted me to rent with my co-pay at /month. I've used the equipment for over three years now so that works out to 0 vs. 00. How do you think I did? My sleep study was covered by my insurance. If you don't have insurance, find a center near you who is American Academy of Sleep Medicine accredited and talk to them. Many places will negotiate the price, especially if you can pay cash and they don't have to carry.

QUESTION:
If you're positive you have sleep apnea do you HAVE to get a sleep study done or can you just buy the machine?
Money is an issue and I dont have insurance. I'm also interested in anyone's experiences in using manual vs. automatic machines. Thanks!

• ANSWER:
  All excellent responses, you said it, "dddkth".

  It is illegal to sell medical devices without a proper prescription. If you were able to get a Continuous Positive Airway Pressure machine second hand or from a no-name fly-by-night company, these are some problems you would have:

  A machine of unknown history or quality standards.

  You would not know exactly how much pressure you need (it's the pressure of the air that's therapuetic, not the mask or machine itself.)

  How would you check the pressure the machine is set at? This is very specialized medical equipment.

  CPAP is a long term therapy, and there are alot of components that need to be replaced regularly. These items (masks, tubing, headgear, filters, humidifiers, and chin straps) are also available by prescription only. How would you get a steady supply of quality items?

  The mask fit is (arguably) the most crucial step to successful therapy on CPAP. There are hundreds to choose from. Who would help you find the right ones for your face, and then how would get a steady supply of them?

  I hate to be a downer, but this is the truth. Treatment of sleep apnea is a specialized area of medicine, and for good reason. I hope you can find some way to qualify for insurance or medical assistance to get what you need. Can you keep looking for a different job that has benefits?

  Good night, and good luck.

  Oh, almost forgot, Automatic CPAP machines generally work best for people who need very different pressures depending on what position they are sleeping in, but are gaining more widespread popularity. Some patients need higher pressure while on their back, lower pressure while on their sides. Regular CPAP works well for most patients who have gone through a full night CPAP titration sleep study..

QUESTION:
I just had a sleep study for sleep apnea....?
I had it done last night and they had me all wired up and monitored my brain waves, breathing, O2 levels, ect all night long. This morning they tole me that I started having "episodes" as the Dr. put it, as soon as I feel asleep and woke up off and on all night long, was only in REM sleep for less than 10 the whole night, my O2 levels kept dropping and I stopped breathing often. In a few days they are going to have me do another sleep study, except this time, put a CPAP mask on me. Are those uncomfortable? Do they seem to help? I'm so tired all the time and have a bad headache every morning because of this. Anyone else with this problem, I'd like whatever info you have, thanks.

• ANSWER:
  Yes, they are uncomfortable but you will get used to it in time or You can try a different kind that just goes on the nose. It will help you to sleep better and your headaches should go away. I have had four sleep tests before I finally got a BiPap which is a bi Level machine.

QUESTION:
Can sleep apnea be diagnosed with out doing a sleep study?

• ANSWER:
  No. It can be suspected, but not actually diagnosed.

QUESTION:
Looking for a Polysomnogram - Sleep Apnea FREE STUDY!?
I am a disabled F/T student & not working. My healh plan is Kaiser HMO, but they CONTINUE to decline a Polysomnogram study req. My primary care doctor told me on 8/23/07 to give it till October 07 & if symptoms continue, she will consider MY REQUEST of referring me to UCSF sleep lab, but DECLINED on two occasions. I am very frustrated with Kaiser & my overall care. Apparently, Kaiser only does the over night pulse oximeter testing that I already had done & does not perform over night studies, known as Polysomnogram. I have been having severe breathing problems, esp. at bedtime. My oxygen continues to drop several times at bedtime (i.e. 86-88%) This is not normal for me, let alone anyone. COULD ANYONE REFER ME TO A POLYSOMNOGRAM FREE SLEEP STUDY. I have been looking on www.clinicaltrials.gov and www.clinicalconnections.com for several months, but no luck. I live near S.F. CA, but willing to travel somewhat to do this study. Pls, adv, as I have been in/out ER several time

• ANSWER:
  I really dont know where you could get a free sleep study. Have you tried checking with the Mayo Clinic?? That may be a good place to check into. Some sleep labs will actually workout a plan with you based on hardship, but its something you will have to look around and see what kind of deal you can work out. You can try working something out with local Sleep Centers, you may be surprised at what they are willing to do. Healthcare is tough, you would think sometimes a person health is more important than money, but unfortunately our country doesn't work that way. Good luck in your quest and best wishes.

QUESTION:
Sleep apnea and falling asleep quickly, then waking up and not being able to sleep again?
I have sleep apnea (diagnosed in a sleep study). When I go to bed, I can fall asleep very quickly, but then I wake up. And after I wake up, then I can't fall asleep again for a long time.

Does anyone else have this same problem? I can fall asleep very easily initially. But after I wake up again, then I have so much trouble sleeping.

• ANSWER:
  You need to train your body how to get great sleep. You'll sleep deeper and longer once you take the proper steps.

  theres a good guide here:

  http://www.getbettersleeptonight.com

  that teaches natural sleep methods to get a great nights sleep.'

  worked great for me. tossing and turning sucks. good luck.

QUESTION:
My mom just had a sleep study (polysomnogram) done for sleep apnea and her max heart rate was...?
Under the Heart Rate Summary section it lists her
average heart rate during sleep (79),
highest heart rate during sleep (90)
but then it says "Highest Heart Rate During Recording (TIB) was 231 bpm- artifact.

What does the artifact mean? I am assuming tib means tibial but I just dont see how 231 could be possible. Could this be an error or what? She was diagnosed with frequent moderate to severe sleep apnea.

• ANSWER:
  artifact means that it was not really, there was some electral interference from the machine. It happens NO big deal.

QUESTION:
Sleep Apnea?
A female friend of mine has Sleep Apnea, about two years now. Shes short, 5' 2" and is 35 lbs overweight. She lost her health insurance due to a work related accident and can no longer work. Right now she has no income. She did the sleep study test when she had insurance and now has the breathing machine, but the mask has been broken for about 16 months and cannot afford a new one. 0. People die from this right? She's preparing for the worse. She's only 56.

• ANSWER:
  Yes you can die from sleep apnea depending on how severe the case is. However, lots of patients get frustrated with their mask not fitting properly or the machine all together and discontinue treatment against medical advice.

  What I would offer your friend is to call around to the local medical supply stores or even the place that provided the CPAP machine and ask them if they have some sort of donation or recycle program for patients with no insurance. Again many patients can't stand the machines and it goes unused ... the medical supply store may know of a place she could pick up a new mask for a reasonable price.

QUESTION:
So my dr wants to do a "sleep study" on me ~ Thinks I might have sleep apnea?
Is this a real legitimate and necessary test? What if it comes back confirming I do have apnea? Is wearing a mask really going to make me better? Is my quality of life really going to improve? Or is this all just a scam that is just going to cost me money? I'm wary.

• ANSWER:
  It is a very necessary test. One thing that happens when you have apnea is you stop breathing in your sleep. This cuts down your oxygen levels. I moderate 3 support groups for sleep disorders. if you use a CPAP mask, it forces oxygen into you, and you feel much more refreshed after sleeping. I bet you have daytime sleepiness, and morning headaches. If you don't, you will.

QUESTION:
Can you have a sleep study if you cant sleep on your back?
I absolutely can not sleep on my back. I have a Chiari malformation so when i lay on my back for to long my face goes numb and i get a headache and nausea. I have been having some periods of sleep apnea and want to have a sleep study done but when my husband did his they would not let him get off of his back. He said it was terrible! Anyone have any experience with this?

• ANSWER:
  yes the sleep lab should be able to test you no matter what position you sleep in. In fact the sleep studies i get back from the lab I refer to have a notation in the report as to what percentage of time the patient spent in various positions. With an underlying neurologic condition it is important that you find out if your sleep disturbance is obstructive or central/neurologic. Talk to the sleep lab technicians before you come in for your study to make sure.

QUESTION:
Why does sleep deprivation make the symptoms of sleep apnea worse?
I recently did a sleep study and found that I have obstructive sleep apnea and it causes me to wake up during the night - often many times. I go through cycles where the problem gets much worse, one night of poor sleep leads to another worse night of interupted sleep, and so on - sometimes for a month or even more. I have heard that sleep deprivation makes the symptoms of sleep apnea much worse, and as I am searching for the right treatments, I was just interested in finding out why - what is the mechanism that causes this? Very strenuous exercise during the day or early evening can have the same effect. Thank you for any insights.

• ANSWER:
  Actually, sleep apnea is a condition where you actually stop breathing during sleep. For most people, this causes them to wake up quickly; for others, it's a life-threatening situation (especially for babies and small children). I imagine if you're not getting much rest, when you do finally get to sleep your body is so tired it's hard for your body to wake up when you stop breathing. Also, even though your body eventually trains itself to sleep lightly in order potentially avoid apnea, when YOU finally get some sleep your body falls into a deeper sleep. This makes it harder for your body to avoid apnea. I would advise you to get plenty of rest whenever possible. I believe you should obtain a sleep apnea monitor from your physician. This will sound an alarm to wake you up when you stop breathing, or if your oxygen saturation level drops below a certain percentage. This may alleviate some of your anxiety and help you sleep better at night. Just a thought. Good luck.

QUESTION:
my sleep study says negative for obstructive sleep apnea?
does that mean i have central sa. what can i do for it. cpap is not helping

• ANSWER:
  Your question lacks crucial information to give a meaningful answer but hopefully this helps you in that direction.

  A sleep study generally is done in one of three ways.

  A limited study often just uses a finger pulse oximeter and measures blood oxygen saturation as well as heart rate. This can only rule in OSA but not rule it out. Oxygen dips of 4% or more are looked for as they tend to correspond with an apnea or hypopnea event. Great care must be taken that the sleep technician understands sampling rates and software extrapolation algorithms to correctly 'score' the sleep study. This type of study is no good for detecting Central Sleep Apnea (CSA). It's often done in-home.

  A multi-channel study can be done in home or at the sleep lab. This also measures blood oxygen levels and heart rate but adds airflow through a nasal cannula, and often chest effort and body position. With the extra data channels recorded, this can distinguish obstructive events from central sleep apnoea. Hypopnea's are better detected too.

  Lastly, a polysomnogram (PSG) is a full blown sleep study including all the above plus wires to measure brainwaves and so on. It's the most comprehensive and always done in the lab.

  If you are overweight, you snore and feel tired in the day and the pulse oximetry study came out negative, they should do a multi-channel or PSG with you. If it was already such a more comprehensive test and OSA was ruled out, did they comment on CSA at all?

  If you are still tired in the day and CPAP doesn't work, it can be any of a number of other sleep disorders, such as periodic limb movement etc. Or not a sleep disorder at all but for example problems with thyroid function.

  So if you have reasons to suspect OSA, witnessed apnea events, snoring etc. ask to go up a level in sleep diagnostics with a more in-depth study. This may be able to confirm CSA or a different sleep disorder altogether after which the correct therapy can be prescribed. indeed BiLevel may be more appropriate or in case of PLMS, some form of medication can work very well.

QUESTION:
In addition to having asthma, I recently discovered that I also have sleep apnea. Following a sleep study with?
a CPAP, I've woke up feeling refreshed. I've been on the CPAP now for about 6 weeks with variable results of having of both good and poor sleep. Last night, I had a lot of vivid dreams, and though I was wearing a CPAP I felt really tired, drowsy and foggy all day today. I suspect that maybe my asthma was activated and that with the CPAP it may have made breathing more difficult since you have to exhale harder to overcome the pressure of the CPAP. In addition, I also am thinking that I've gotten "use" to not breathing since I've always had breathing problems. This is suspect because I am not always aware of shallow breathing when I have asthma. In fact, today I tested my asthma by exhaling out forcefully and realized that I was short of breathe with difficulty exhaling. Given my self assesment does it make sense and what should I do.? I am going to see my sleep dr. / neurologist tomorrow.

* 1 second ago
* - 4 days left to answer.

• ANSWER:

QUESTION:
Can I just order a CPAP machine if I'm pretty sure I have sleep apnea? Do I really need a dr. sleeping study?
My girlfriend has watched me sleep, and is pretty certain I have sleep apnea. I am not insured, and a sleep study costs greater than the costs of getting a CPAP machine. So I'm thinking I might as well just order the CPAP machine, that will be necessary if the tests confirm that I have sleep apnea. What are the potential negative consequences of me just ordering a CPAP machine over the internet and treating myself?
I realize the standard is to do it through a doctor. But it's a lot of money. And I want to see if there are any dangerous consequences to me just ordering the machine on ebay, and administering it to myself.

• ANSWER:
  You will need to have a sleep apnea test done first. Depending upon what the result shows, the sleep apnea doctor will then recommend a treatment. A CPAC machine is one option. A special mouth-guard is another. A spray for the mouth is another option. There are others. If the doctor recommends a CPAC machine, then he will have to work out which settings are needed and that can only be made through the tests, as the previous answerer stated.

QUESTION:
How do I find free study to diagnose sleep apnea?
I know my bf has sleep apnea pretty bad, but there's no way we can afford to pay anything right now or any time soon. Does anyone know where we can get a free diagnosis in Phoenix or the surrounding area?
Thanks for any info

• ANSWER:

QUESTION:
I have sleep apnea.. during a sleep study my sao2 miniumim was 77 how bad is this?

• ANSWER:
  IT SAYS THAT YOU DID A WISE THING IN GETTING TESTED AND OUTFITTED FOR A CPAP YOUR O2 WAS MUCH TOO LOW!!!

  BUT NOT TO ARGUE WITH EVERY ONE ELSE, I THINK THAT YOU WILL HAVE TO TRY THE CPAP ALONE FIRST IT ALONE WILL CREATE MIRACLES! SUPPLEMENTARY O2 IS NOT INDICATED! ONE NIGHT TESTING IS NOT ENOUGH, AND DURING THAT TIME YOU WERE NOT AT YOUR IDEAL PRESSURE DURING THE ENTIRE TIME! WHEN YOU ARE STABILIZED AT THE IDEAL PRESSURE AND HAVE GONE A NIGHT OR TWO I THINK YOU WILL NOTICE A CHANGE YOURSELF AND NO ONE WILL HAVE TO TELL YOU!

  I WENT 60 YEARS WITHOUT THE RIGHT KIND OF SLEEP! THE REM STUFF (RAPID EYE MOVEMENT) WITH ME IT WAS BOTH VENTILATION , BREATHING PROBLEMS SOLVED WITH A CPAP AND I HAD THAT KNEE JERK STUFF WHICH WAS CURED WITH ONE PILL BEFORE BED! MY IDEAL PRESSURE WAS 1O INCHES OF WATER!

  IT WAS HELL AND I HATED EVERY MINUTE OF THE TESTING! I HATED THE MACHINE AT FIRST I THOUGHT IT WAS STUPID! I THOUGHT THE WHOLE THING WAS A HOAX A BUNCH OF HOOIE!!!

  FRIEND YOU HAVE TUNED IN A "SAVED SOUL WON OVER TO THE CAUSE OF THE CPAP" I NEVER THOUGHT IT WOULD OF BEEN ME!

  I LOVE GOD! I LOVE MY WIFE! I LOVE MY FAMILY! I LOVE MY CPAP MACHINE!

  ALL IT WILL TAKE IS TIME AND YOUR O2 WILL COME UP! I HONEST TO GOD FEEL 20+ YEARS YOUNGER ! ASK MY WIFE !!!!!

  EVERYTHING WILL IMPROVE , I MEAN EVERYTHING , I HAVE LOST OVER 50 POUNDS ONLY BECAUSE I HAVE CHANGED MY LIFE STYLE!

  DROPPED PILLS AND I AM SUCKING AIR! DARN WHO WOULD EVER WANT TO HAVE A HOSE POKED IN HIS NOSE! BUT THE THING WORKS WONDERFULLY.

  WISH YOU LUCK! DO WHAT THE DOCTOR TELLS YOU TO DO EXACTLY! YOU WILL GET USED TO IT IN NO TIME! NOTHING TO WORRY ABOUT!

  GOOD DREAMS,

  APS

QUESTION:
What can they test for in an in lab sleep study?
I had one of those simple at home sleep studies done. They just tested my oxygen levels and breathing patterns. The respiratory therapist said that it came back fine. The doctor wants to send me for a sleep study at the hospital in the city. She said that I have too many symptoms and wants to find out more.

What can they diagnose with the in-lab sleep study?
Can they diagnose more than just sleep apnea?
hucklebe- how would i act differently because I knew i was being tested. i was sleeping. nothing different happened.

• ANSWER:
  Yes! They have the ability to monitor not only your breathing, but your leg movements (for restless leg syndrome) and your sleep patterns (which can point to physical, or psychological problems). They will hook you up to an EEG (monitors brain waves), an EKG (monitors your heart rhythm), movement electrodes on your arms and legs (looks for excessive movement), and a pulse-oximiter (measures your oxygen levels). They will also have a camera or a one way mirror in the room so they can physically watch you sleep to catch any other problems.
  Good luck and I hope you find the answers you are seeking.

QUESTION:
What causes Central sleep apnea?
I have been diagnosed with both central and obstructive sleep apnea.

My sleep studies both showed that I do got 0.00% delta sleep, which I understand is the deepest sleep, and allows the brain to do its regulation and restoration of necessary functions, such as sending growth hormone into the body.

Is there any way to know why I am not making the effort to breathe at certain times in the night?

I am about to go on C-PAP, but am not convinced that I will get delta sleep.

Thank you for any helpful responses-

• ANSWER:
  Hello Flam!

  Here is what I learned about central sleep apnea:

  A person with central apnea has issues with the respiratory center from the brain. The respiratory center controls the chest muscles to make breathing movements.

  When the respiratory center stops working during sleep, then your breathing stops, too. The brain does not respond to the changes of the respiratory gas levels from the blood (oxygen and carbon dioxide).

  In central apnea, you stop breathing in sleep for a period of time (at least 10 seconds), but there is no effort to breathe at all like in obstructive sleep apnea. Therefore snoring is not present in central apnea.

  But I understand you have a mixed sleep apnea, so you have obstructive apnea symptoms, too. Snoring is one of the symptoms.

  The cause of central apnea is unknown, but there are risk factors that can influence the development, such as:

  * age
  * gender
  * sleep state
  * thyroid disease
  * neurological or cardiological abnormalities

  I hope it helps!

QUESTION:
can i drink beer before a sleep apnea study?

• ANSWER:
  I don't see it as an advisable choice. This may throw the results of the study out the window. Do as you will though. It's your study.

QUESTION:
How should I prep for my sleep study?
I have to do a sleep study tomorrow night to check if I have Sleep Apnea. My mother said she one years ago & they told her not put on any lotion, deodorant, perfume, makeup, or hair products.

• ANSWER:

QUESTION:
Sleep Apnea and Sleep studies?
Ok I have sleep apnea, and Everyone I see say I have to go stay over night somewhere to get a study done, This won't work for me I will never be able to sleep somewhere else but in my own bed...I will be up all night just trying to leave...I just can't sleep anywhere but my own bed...What will they do? I Know I can't sleep but I do know I have it.

• ANSWER:
  I had sleep study done and was concerned about falling asleep too. After laying there staring at the ceiling for what seemed like forever, the tech came in and gave me an Ambien and I got to sleep. Found out that I have SEVERE sleep apnea. Had to go back for a CPAP test (that's where they put a mask over your nose and deliver oxygen to you under slight pressures. This pressure is to keep the airways open so you aren't struggling to breath while you are asleep. If the brain has to keep waking you up all during the night becuase of breathing problems, is it any wonder that you are tired all the time. For the CPAP, they again have to give me Ambien to get to sleep. Good luck and try to get a pic of yourself with your head all covered in wires/electrodes, very funny. I've been on my CPAP machine for just over a month now and I'm sleeping better, making fewer trips to the bathroom at night and I haven't been needed afternoon naps.

QUESTION:
sleep apnea?
yes i have done a sleep study in march of this year.

• ANSWER:
  I'm not sure what your question is but if you had a sleep study done then you should be aware of your diagnosis. Work with your doctor to find out what the best treatment is for you whether it is surgery or the use of a Bi-Pap or CPAP machine. I personally have used the CPAP machine and now sleep better than I have in years.

QUESTION:
What is your personal experience with sleep apnea?
At my doc's request, I did a sleep study last week.

Doc called me today, said I have "severe sleep apnea."

I said, can't I just lose weight? (I could lose 60 pounds before I get near "normal" sized.) He said it is "not enough" right now.

Got an appt to see him next week.

Anyone had any personal experience with this? Any advice comments or suggestions?

• ANSWER:
  In addition to being a Respiratory Therapist, I also have to wear CPAP every night. It does take a little getting used to... I woke up several nights with having pulled the mask off. It took me approximately a little over a month to get used to it. It takes effort but it is well worth it. I now cannot even nap without my cpap on because I feel so much better with it.

  The reason why I choose to wear CPAP is because of the damage sleep apnea has been shown to do to one's heart. Obstructive Sleep Apnea, if left untreated can cause right sided heart failure. Currently, there is no proven treatment for right sided heart failure (cor pulmonale).

  It might be a pain to get used to, but it is well worth it, in my opinion as a CPAP wearer and an RRT.

QUESTION:
Are there any Solutions to sleep apnea?
I have had a sleep study and know that I have sleep apnea, I have tried a c pap machine and didn`t like it . Are there any other solutions to my problem?

• ANSWER:
  Try those breath right nasal strips and put some Vick's vapo rub under your nose.

  I have also seem pillows that are made for people with sleep apnea. You'd have to do some research about those.

  I try to sleep almost upright, and make sure I have pillows placed where I can't roll over on my back.

QUESTION:
What exactly is scarring from a septoplasty that causes sleep apnea?
I had septoplasty they think I have scarring that is now causing sleep apnea how is that possible my roof of my mouth vibrates and my snoring increased after the septoplasty. What happened? He is doing a sleep study but cant you tell some other way?
Is this a sign of a bad surgeon? Move septum vibrates too and the roof of mouth only when I sleep? Im not fat it was the surgery

• ANSWER:
  Sleep apnea is an obstruction somewhere in the airway. It can be caused by a number of things. Scar tissue is very likely cause. Sleep apnea surgery does not work for many people because the scarring is actually worse than the original problem

  My question to you is did you snore before your nose job. If so you probably had OSA previously. Many people do.

  Sleep apnea is found in people of all sizes and shapes. Kids get SA as well.

  When you have the sleep study, you can ask many questions to the sleep techs and the doctor at the follow up.

  Best wishes

QUESTION:
Should I be using a BiPAP instead of a CPAP for Sleep Apnea? Please read?
About 3 years ago I did a sleep study and was found to have Obstructive sleep apnea. My 2nd sleep study about a year later after having surgery for a deviated septum and another surgery to remove my tonsils showed that I was having Central Sleep Apnea issues throughout the night. Not all night but at times. The sleep study tech looked shocked when she saw this. I later found out that Central Sleep Apnea isn't that common. After the 1st sleep apnea study I was given a CPAP which I was compliant with but didn't change a thing after more than 2 months of use. Not a thing changed health wise. I tried all the masks, full face, nose only, mouth only. I have about 5 or 6 different types of masks and while some work better than others none have worked. After doing some research I saw that people who aren't compliant with CPAP or people who have Central Sleep Apnea do A LOT better with a BiPAP. Problem is my insurance doesn't cover BiPAPs or meds for Central Sleep Apnea only CPAPs. Any suggestions other than getting a different insurance which isn't possible at this time.

• ANSWER:
  Well I would talk to your sleep doc. If you have CSA, then you certainly need bipap because the cpap does not treat it. My insurance covered it(50%) but it had to go through a process. I choose to by one online as I found it cheaper. Email me and I can geive you more info.

QUESTION:
I'm getting a sleep study done to test for sleep apnea....?
How come my test is from 7:30pm Friday till 2:30pm Saturday?!? Also what can I expect???
Is over 12 hrs normal for this type of test??

• ANSWER:
  My guess would be that after your sleep study they have you scheduled for an MSLT ( Multiple Sleep Latency Test ) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Multiple_Sleep_Latency_Test

  You're Doctor must have a feeling that you may be experiencing symptoms of Narcolepsy rather than Obstructive Sleep Apnea, Although you have to be tested for both for the results to be through.

  Normally a typical Sleep Study is over by about 5:30am-6am or so. The extra time is set up for the MSLT test, if the night study shows that you do indeed have OSA, then you will not need to stay for the MSLT. If you stay for the MSLT, they will have you take 5 naps throughout the day, they want to see how quickly you will fall asleep and if you enter REM sleep during these naps.

  When you arrive for your study, expect to be nervous, everyone is lol. They will hook up around 24 wires to your scalp & face using a soft paste, no pain involved in this at all. You should have two belts, one around your waist and one around your upper chest. A couple wires taped to your legs as well. You may have a nasal cannula on as well, this will monitor your airflow, which helps the techs watch for obstructions. Sounds like a lot, its not that bad, very easy and pain free. It may take a few mins to get used to the wires.

  Hope you do ok, remember to ask questions about anything you see or have concerns over, the staff will ( or should be ) more than happy to answer your questions.

QUESTION:
I took a sleep study ad was diagnosed with mild sleep apnea and hypoxemia?
Well, anyways my doctor has me on a oxygen macine with the nose cannulla, and sleep with it at night, the first night I did the oxymonitor test which checks my blood oxygen levels with the machine on and they got down to 53. Well she is going to have me do the oxymonitor test again tonight without the machine, and see how low my levels get to. Does anyone know what other tests she will do from there if my levels are way off again? I believe she will probably have another sleep study done because the last one I had from a previous doctor who did nothing, that's why I changed, so I'm thinking she might have her own done, but what would she after this? What could possible be wrong with me if my levels are this low at night, they are fine during the day, just when I sleep. Please give me suggestions on what you think.

• ANSWER:
  They drop to 53%?? That is not good at all.

  I'm a little confused about what is going on here, though. You were placed simply on a nasal cannula? No CPAP machine? Unless that is what you mean by oxygen machine. IF you have sleep apnea, simply placing you on a nasal cannula would not do a whole lot of good. I'm going to assume that you have obstructive sleep apnea, since it is more common. If this is the case, then you need a CPAP machine to keep your airways open. If your airways are not open then you dont get the oxygen and your levels will drop until you wake up and start breathing again. If I misunderstood your terminology, I apologize.

  If you have already been diagnosed I don't understand why your doctor wants to see if your levels will drop into the 40s. If anything she should try higher cpap levels or something. I'd be sure to read up on the subject of sleep apnea if I were you, and ask your doctor about all of this.

QUESTION:
For those living with someone with sleep apnea, how can you get used to it?
I need some tips on living with someone with sleep apnea. My father was diagnosed while he was in prison with sleep apnea and was on a cpap machine. When he was released he was not on a cpap machine and has snored horribly, keeping me up all night. I've tried to talk him into doing a sleep study so he can get a cpap machine but he has told me numerous times that he wants to wait until he loses weight and gets his diabetes under control. His diabetes is under control, but he is still convinced that he will stop snoring once he loses weight. He doesn't realize that he snored just as bad as he is now when he was a healthy weight.

My room is right next to his, the walls are paper thin, I am losing so much sleep I don't know what to do anymore. Can anyone with this kind of experience give me some tips on how to get used to it?

• ANSWER:
  If he waits until he loses weight, he could die from the apnea. He needs to use a CPAP and then when he DOES lose weight, he may not need it any longer.
  you could take a benadryl before bed and it might make you so drowsy you won't have a choice but to go to sleep.

QUESTION:
what is the treatment for central sleep apnea?
im on cpap. doesnt work. cant get enough pressure to go thru my nose. only my mouth. i sleep using my nose only. sleep study says negative for obstructive sa. do i have central. what can i do. doc is no help.

• ANSWER:
  This article might help. Its about a person who went through the same stuff you are.

  http://www.parade.com/health/2010/05/16-the-end-of-snoring.html?index=2

  Hope this helps

QUESTION:
What is a sleep study really like?
I'm sure I have sleep apnea, and my snoring is really loud and terrible. But I'm afraid to go through with the sleep study, because I have some sort of fear that I'll stop breathing and suffocate. Please advise and thanks!

• ANSWER:
  Sleep test also known as a polysomnogram is where they will hook you up to many wires that will moniter your brain waves as you sleep, monitor the air flow that you are breathing (this also allows the staff that is watching you know if you have stopped breathing and the computer will measure for how long), you will also be hooked up to a pulse ox that will measure your oxygen levels while you sleep. Alot of times if you stop breathing then naturally your oxygen level will drop.

  So they watch your brain waves, your air flow, your oxygen level and they will wrap a strap around your chest and one around your abdomen that will measure when you are breathing in and out. They will also watch your eye movements. This will let them know when you've hit your REM (dream cycle) People who suffer from sleep apnea have a hard time staying in this important stage of sleep because the muscles tend to relax causing the upper airway obstruction to occur most often during this stage.

  They use an adhesive to stick the wires to your head.

  The room is set up very much like a home setting only of course there is oxygen usually hidden behind a picture on a wall so that if in the middle of the night your oxygen level goes down they can hook you up to oxygen or hook you up to a CPAP machine. (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) The air pressure that comes out of this machine will act as a splint to keep your airway open while you sleep.

  I'm trying to think of what else you might want to know....

  The people that do the sleep studies (Respiratory Therapists and/or polysomnographers) will be watching you sleep. If you think this might be bothersome to you then you may want to talk to your doctor about a sedative prior to the sleep study. They will wait for a certain amount of time to pass and if you haven't fallen asleep before then they can give it to you if the doctor has ordered it.

  They will ask you to refrain from caffeine, alcohol, smoking etc. prior to coming in.

  Let me think what else....When you get there they will have you fill out a survey that asks about your sleep habits. You will fill out an epworth sleepiness scale..which you can find on the internet and score your ownself if you want but they will do it there too.

  I probably gave you more information than what you wanted to know but sleep fascinates me. I'm a respiratory therapist now and hope someday to do sleep studies.

QUESTION:
Night terrors and sleep apnea in children?
My daughter had a sleep study done because we thought she had OSA (obstruction sleep apnea) due to large tonsils. It turns out that she might have had a sleep terror also. She always woke up with a blood curdling scream and a look of "possesed" on her face. I have never put the 2 and 2 together but I was wondering if anyone else has experienced this? My daughter is 2 1/2.

• ANSWER:

QUESTION:
Obstructive Sleep Apnea. How do you feel about surgical option?
I have severe obstructive sleep apnea that caused mu oxygen levels to drop in the 60% range. The condition was bad enough that surgery was offered.

My question: If you had surgery to correct you obstructive sleep apnea, what were your side effects (if any) and how long did it take to recover.

• ANSWER:
  I've not had the procedure done (yet) but one of my coworkers had it done and it improved her whole life so much. Now that it's been 10 years (she's gotten older, plus she's gained weight) she started to have difficulty staying asleep again so badly that she asked her doctor if she could have a second procedure but instead he has her on one of those ventilating machines--which she detests (but maybe her condition hasn't progressed far enough to suggest surgery again yet). If your condition is bad enough your doc is recommending surgery, you ought to think about it--maybe get a second opinion. Surgery recovery may be painful but if it'll allow you to breath (and avoid developing other health problems related to oxygen depravity), then it is well worth it--and whatever pain there is is transitory, it'll go away once the incisions have healed and you['ll feel so much better.

QUESTION:
Does aeviated septum and obstructive sleep apnea make excercise (running) difficult?
I have a deviated septum, one of my nostrils is almost completly closed. I also have obstructive sleep apnea (too much tissue in my throat). I'm trying to start running but when I reach about a mile I have shortness of breath. Could this be the cause?

• ANSWER:
  You definately will have breathing issues but you can learn to breathe in and out of your mouth to overcome that, also be sure to start your pace slowly. Failure to do so will just cause you to get out of breathe quicker.

  Good luck!

QUESTION:
Have any of you successfully eliminated obstructive sleep apnea?
I was diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea nearly 10 years (I'm 37 now), and I'm not, nor have I ever been, overweight or obese. I'm very active and exercise almost daily. I've been using CPAP since I was first diagnosed. There may be some surgical options and I'm meeting my ENT specialist soon. Has anybody completely gotten rid of sleep apnea with surgery? If so, how? What surgery?

• ANSWER:
  Surgery only works if they know exactly where the obstruction is. If it is your tonsils or nasal polyps, surgery works well. If it is farther down the respiratory track, surgery works less than 50 percent of the time. Some people just have floppy airways.

  Really get a few opinions of surgery before making any discussions. Go to sleepnet.com. These message boards are strictly for sleep apnea.

QUESTION:
Does a deviated septum & obstructive sleep apnea make excercise (running) difficult?
I posted this under the wrong category before. I have a deviated septum, one of my nostrils is almost completly closed. I also have obstructive sleep apnea (too much tissue in my throat). I'm trying to start running but when I reach about a mile I have shortness of breath. Could this be the cause?

• ANSWER:
  Sure. OSA is terribly hard on your heart and cause pulmonary hypertension. Are you treating your OSA with a cpap or bipap?

QUESTION:
obstructive sleep apnea surgery is it worth the risks?
Has any one had the surgery for obstructive sleep apnea. Were thay cut your soft pallet, your uvula, and tonsils. If you have had it or know some one that has. Did it help. And what was the recovery. Did it change your voice. And any think els I should know before I go get cut up.

• ANSWER:
  Many family members have had the surgery and now there apnea is worse because of the scar tissue. Much pain. Use CPAP, no pain, no scar tissue, Surgery only works if you know exactly where the obstruction is.

QUESTION:
Can young women have obstructive sleep apnea?
Is it possible for a young, very slender (5'6"/102 lbs), petite female to have sleep apnea? I recently started dating such a woman and she told me that sometimes she wakes up gasping for air and her heart is pounding. She has been told in the past that she snores. I thought that only people who were overweight or older can develop that condition.

• ANSWER:
  Apnea can effect anyone of any age. Young children can have sleep apnea.

QUESTION:
Is there any prescribed sleeping medication that can be used if you have obstructive sleep apnea?
I use bi-pap, but am still unable to sleep. I thought I read somewhere that there is a prescription sleeping pill that is safe for peopel with obstuctive sleep apnea to use.

• ANSWER:
  Yes, there are prescription sleeping pills that are safe for people with OSA. If you have worries b/c you feel that if you sleep too hard that you might have an apnea and not wake yourself up as long as you are using your bi-pap, theres no worry. Sleep well tonight, live well tomorrow. See your sleep doctor or regular. There is many different kinds of sleep aids as well.

QUESTION:
Nasal Airway Surgery for Obstructive Sleep Apnea?
I was just diagnosed with Obstructive Sleep Apnea and my doctor says that he wants to do surgery on both my palate and nasal airway. He says that my nasal airway is barely open and not getting any oxygen in it when I try to breathe (mouth breather). I don't want the surgery, so he says that he'll only let me try the CPAP for one night at the hospital but that if it doesn't work, he'll do the surgery anyway. Has anyone here had nasal surgery? Is it done awake/asleep? Does it hurt? Does it work? I'm really scared about it but all Doc tells me is not to worry. Easy for him to say.

• ANSWER:
  It all depends on the reason for the nasal surgery. Some people do have a deviated septum or other major reasons for nasal blockage. In some cases the nasal airway blockage will actually make using cpap more difficult due to nasal congestion and such. On the other hand the palate surgery is not always the best option. This is not an absolute cure for OSA. Almost all patients who have the surgery wind up on Cpap anyways. The success rate is very poor and it almost never works. Also very painful. An ENT is generally going to want to perform the surgery. I agree with the person who says you should see a board certified sleep specialist on this matter. He may give you a different outlook on your situation. Good luck in whatever your outcome may be.

QUESTION:
How common is obstructive sleep apnea is children?
We've never had a problem with her weight.She has been to a sleep study and had X-rays on her adnoids. She hes abnormally large tonsils and adnoids.She is set up for surgery I was just curious as to how common it is?

• ANSWER:
  well.
  i had my adnoids removed. and i dont know how common it is...
  but getting the adnoids/tonsils removed is very common with my friends.
  i think only two out of 20 have theirs still.
  it is just a normal procedure.
  and dont worry... afterwards the kid will be able to eat ice cream and popsicles all day... they will be happy...
  :]]

QUESTION:
Where can I obtain machine for obstructive sleep apnea in Thailand?
Have been diagnosed with osa following sleep test at bangkok pattaya hospital in Pattaya. Need now to obtain automatic machine. Hospital cannot supply and their agencies are very slow.

• ANSWER:
  I dont know exactly where you could get one in Thailand. My suggestion would be to try and get one online. If you have a prescription for one it should not be a problem. Try looking up Durable Medical Equipment Providers Online and see what you can find. You can also try Cpap.com. Respirionics and Resmed are both good units. Good luck.

QUESTION:
If I have Obstructive Sleep Apnea, will having a breathing tube during open-heart surgery cause complications?
My son has obstructive sleep apnea and needs open-heart surgery to help get rid of the pressure in his lungs, I have heard that having a breathing tube in for the amount of time that the surgery is will cause complications when trying to remove it after.... is this information valid??

• ANSWER:
  This is difficult to say. The endotracheal tube in and of itself will not cause problems related to his sleep apnea. What it sounds like is that they are concerned if he'll be able to come off the ventilator after the surgery. You don't say what kind of open heart surgery he's having. If it's a bypass it's not likely to effect his lungs post op. If it is a valve they're replacing, like the Mitral valve or the Aortic valve then, yes, it will help clear the Congestive heart failure. That will help his lungs function properly and increase his chances of coming off the ventilator greatly. Once he's off the ventilator they take the endotracheal tube out almost immediately after.
  Some people do get slight swelling of the throat and possibly the vocal cords. But this doesn't happen often, especially when the tube is put in under OR conditions. I

  If it is a valve they're replacing this should help with the apnea. If he is overweight he must lose the excess if he's going to have any chance of getting off the CPAP machine.
  God bless you both and help him to a speedy recovery.

QUESTION:
What causes obstructive sleep apnea in children that already have their adenoids & tonsils out?
If adenoids and tonsils are out, what is the treatment? CPAP only?

• ANSWER:
  Although adenoids and tonsils are the most common cause, problems with deviated septum, collapseable soft tissue in the neck, and underbite can be causes as well, and may be amendable to treatment surgically.

  CPAP is a good treatment, but if there's any other surgical intervention it should be considered first especially for someone young.

QUESTION:
I have sleep obstructive apnea and I'm only in my twenties...?
What treatment options are there besides cpap cause I really don't want to have to use the face mask every night. Plus I was wondering if sleep apnea could cause anxiety and breathing difficulty during the day. I have been checked out by several doctors and I don't have any other serious conditions but I'm worried about the long term effects and complications of sleep apnea. I want to lose weight I heard that could help significantly(I'm about 50 lbs overweight).

• ANSWER:

QUESTION:
What can I do, I am very obese and have obstructive sleep apnea every day is hell for me?
I feel my health is very bad and I am approved for LAP BAND

what can I do in the meantime I sleep alot but I never feel rested and have anxiety attacks
and depression due to my obesity I need to wait another 2 months or so for surgewry

• ANSWER:
  Never sacrifice being healthy by not eating! That comment was not okay. Getting the proper amount of exercise and eating healthy is the key. You can check this site for more tips on getting healthy. www.FischerFit.com

QUESTION:
Can my general practicioner doctor do anything about my obstructive sleep apnea?
I don't want to do the lap band surgery that he recommends..

can he give me something a pill or something I only feel like I sleep 3-4 hours a day

• ANSWER:
  Sleep apnea comes from being overweight and losing weight can dramatically improve this. Wearing a CPAP mask at night to keep your airways open is also an option. There is no pill that will help with this because the use of sleeping pills will make you sleep deeper but only for 3-4 hours which, when in a deep sleep, makes your sleep apnea worse which makes you wake up more. You need to work on your weight with whatever method you and your doctor decide which can completely resolve this problem.

QUESTION:
should people drive who are being treated for obstructive sleep apnea?
also is there amedicine other than provigil that helps sleep apne related deppresion?

• ANSWER:
  No they should not be driving if their treatments are not working. However if there is some improvement there is no reason not to drive. The dangerous ones are those who have severe sleep apnea, are not diagnosed or in treatment, and do no know enough to pull over and nap when they feel drowsy.

  I am on provigil and it does seem to help my alertness during my mind numbing job. So far though I don't know if No Doz pills would be just as good. Certainly a lot cheaper.

QUESTION:
i have been diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea, should i have the surgery or used the cpap machine.?
i am a 37 yr old truck driver and; yes, i am obese. i've tried diet and exercise. but while driving and the sleepy or tired feeling comes down on me i snack to stay awake, usually un healthy snacks like chocolate and caffiene and chips and sodas. if anyone has any experience or opinions i am open for suggestions.

• ANSWER:
  Surgery for obstructive sleep apnea in obese patients has a very low success rate because the internal body fat is what causes the obstruction. Surgery is limited to the soft palate, and it will not help because the blockage is in the pharynx (lower throat).
  You really need to use the CPAP mask.
  Snack on apples, baby carrots, pears, whole grain crackers, string cheese, and the like.
  I have a friend who drove long-haul loads and kept busy eating good stuff. He said it really helped get rid of the constipation truckers suffer, too. He kept a small cooler in his rig.
  It's actually cheaper to go the fresh fruit and vegetable route than buying junk food.
  The problem you're having with sleepiness may actually be made worse by consuming sugary snacks, because your blood sugar isn't steady as it would be by eating healthy snacks. Yours probably spikes, then goes WAY down because you are eating "simple sugars". That will cause severe fatigue.

QUESTION:
"How severe can the obstructive sleep apnea be?

• ANSWER:
  Very. I have severe sleep apnea and it kinda shut down puberty. I found out I had sleep apnea when I was 40.

  Problems for undiagnosed sleep apnea include weight gain, physical problems, sleepiness.

  Nowadays its more well known. When I was a kid they didn't even have a therapy for it, even if they knew you had it!

  The sleep titration study, the hospital gig where they find out if you have it, is easy. The therapy, a machine that helps you sleep, is easy. So get that taken care of!

QUESTION:
I have been diagnosed with Obstructive sleep apnea?
Hi all i have just been diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnoea i start CPAP in a month does anyone know what make and model the CPAP Machine the NHS use please
Thank you
please help

• ANSWER:
  There is at least one report online that the NHS supplies the RemStar Plus model CPAP machine.

  Quote:
  "They supplied a Remstar Plus and Ultra Mirage Mask, I was fitted by the sleep nurse and well you can guess the rest … but I will say it was exceptional service and care for all those involved."

QUESTION:
How can I get rid of my Obstructive Sleep Apnea?

• ANSWER:
  surgery or with a CPAP machine at home for breathing. If you are overweight, try losing some pounds. Sleep with your neck hyper-extended (tip your head all the way back), this forces the airway open for mouth breathing. Talk to your doctor for choices that are available to you.

QUESTION:
Sleep Apnea???
My dad has all the symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea, but he wont see a doctor for it. I know if sleep apnea goes untreated it can be deadly, so how can I convince my dad to see a doctor???

• ANSWER:
  Maybe if you tell him that all too often it's not deadly-the person simply has a debilitating stroke or heart attack that could have been prevented by treating the OSA.
  Even those who can only tolerate the CPAP mask that treats the disorder for a few hours a night have lower risk.
  Good luck to you and your dad.

QUESTION:
I have obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) I am using an APAP but what worries me is the dreams?
2 or 4 times a night I dream of dead people, dying, getting killed, that kind of warm and fuzzy thing. Could this be me having an episode and the APA not functioning right?

• ANSWER:
  What could be happening is, the settings are too low. It's possible that every time you have one of these dreams you're having an apnea episode. This could possibly be dangerous.
  You should talk to your doctor

QUESTION:
Would obstructive sleep apnea disqualify me from passing overseas screening for a navy London assignment?
My navy husband and I are scheduled to move (PCS) to London, England. I have a few health issues like high blood pressure, but they're well managed and under control. However, now I've been told I'll need to use a BiPap machine (basically forced air to keep my airway open during sleep) for my apnea. Does anyone know if this will put me into the Exceptional Family Member category? We're all so excited about this assignment, and I'd hate to lose it over this.

• ANSWER:
  my uncle has sleep apnia, (however you spell it) and just so you know, he has been to iraq and back and is doing just fine, it shouldnt hold you back from going, but it is always a possibility.... hopefully all goes well and you will be able to go though.

QUESTION:
Obstructive Sleep Apnea?
Hello, my name is Josh and I an currently 14 years old. My parents told me I recently started to snore around 1 week ago all suddenly. Not just regular snoring but I pause 10-20 seconds. I researched this and came up with obstructive sleep apnea. Most people with OSA are obese or old. I am 5'5" and weigh 101 pounds. What can I do to treat it?

• ANSWER:
  Your parents need to make an appointment with your physician, to run some tests. My son was born with obstructive sleep apnea, and was in the NICU for 2 weeks. It got better over time. Hes now almost 3 and a lot better!

QUESTION:
can anyone help me find information about Childhood Obstructive Sleep Apnea Associates with Neuropsychological
I need to find out information about Childhood Obstructive Sleep Apnea Associates with Neuropsychological Deficits and Neuronal Brain Injury for my Health class, can anyone help me?

• ANSWER:
  Pediatric Obstructive Sleep Apnea

  http://www.entnet.org/KidsENT/apnea.cfm

  For really (really) indepth information, check here:

  http://www.pubmedcentral.nih.gov/articlerender.fcgi?artid=1551912

QUESTION:
Obstructive Sleep Apnea in the military?
Is it possible for a Marine in the Inactive Reserve to be recalled after having been diagnosed with OSA and requires the use of a CPAP?
more specifically, this condition was diagnosed by the VA, not a civilian doctor. Is this a condition that would not allow me to return to active duty?

• ANSWER:
  Your inactive reserve the only way you would be called up is in a national emergency but I believe you are supposed to keep your unit informed of any medical problems that could prevent you from going active duty. I would suggest you contact your commanding officer to schedule a medical exam and bring any copies of paperwork from your civilian doctor with the diagnosis and what medications you are taking.

QUESTION:
Obstructive sleep apnea --- surgery?
Has anyone had surgery for obstructive sleep apnea? I may need to get it. What can I expect?

• ANSWER:
  nothing idk what to say to this one haha

QUESTION:
My husband has severe obstructive sleep apnea, and has to have a machine to help him at night,what can i expec

• ANSWER:
  While the noise may bother you in the beginning; keep in mind that the person next to you is the love of your life, and you will do anything to keep him with you as long as possible! Now give him a big hug for me and thank God for each day. Good luck to you both!

QUESTION:
Can obstructive sleep apnea be cured by operation?If so is the operation an easy process or is it complicated?

• ANSWER:
  Surgery is normally a last option. CPAP is the primary treatment. There are some types of OSA that need surgery but by far most don't. There are many types of OSA that surgery won't help and I personally know two people who got the surgery (one twice) and it hasn't helped, they are both still on CPAP and have decided it's not so bad afterall. There can be serious complications from throat surgery and virtually no risks with CPAP. I know one who got the surgery and it worked for but he said that the recovery was very unpleseant. I think biblical terms came to mind.
  Using a CPAP can take some getting used to but is woth it. I took to it right away because I loved the newfound energy and alertness I received from it.
  I was tested and diagnosed with OSA after my wife saw mw stop breathing for more than 30 seconds one night. It turned out I have severe sleep apnea averaging over 90 inteuptions per hour anywhere from 10 seconds to over a minute. I never got passed stage two sleep into stages 3 and 4 where your restorative sleep takes place and REM wasn't even on the horizon. It was a split study so the first half of the night, I was tested without any assistance. The second half was with a CPAP controlled by the tech in the control room. When I woke up the next morning after getting just 3 1/2 hours of quality sleep, I was on cloud nine ready to do everything I could find time to do!
  I'm actually going in for a test this evening to see if after 2 1/2 years there needs to be any adjustments in my pressure, I've begun snoring through the CAPA a little now and then. Tonight will be with CPAP all night as I have learned that I now don't sleep without the CPAP. We had a power failure recently and I just couldn't sleep well at all. I've come to love my CPAP and travel with it.
  If CPAP will work for you, I would not even consider doing surgery.

QUESTION:
This question is in regards to Obstructive Sleep Apnea and people who have had surgery to correct it.?
I have 3 options to choose from and one of them is surgery which is probably what I will opt for as my insurance will pay for it. How long was your surgery? What was your recovery time? We're there certain things you couldn't do during your recovery time such as not being able to eat certain foods for example. Anything you can tell me would be most helpful. Thank you in advance for your time.

• ANSWER:
  I have a friend who had a surgery for her sleep apnea. She was given a 3 weeks off sick from work to recover from her surgery. The surgery lasted about 2 hours including the time in the recovery room. She can't blow her nose after the surgery. Bleeding was also a problem after but that will actually stop. You have to drink and gargle cold water to help stop the bleeding. My friend have already recovered and does not suffer from sleep apnea after the surgery.

QUESTION:
How does Obstructive Sleep Apnea impact cirrhosis and high blood pressure?
My 60-yr. old husband has Cirrhosis of the liver, High blood Pressure, Rheumatoid Arthritis and severe Obstructive Sleep Apnea - and depression, as a result. I worry in particular because he refuses to use his sleep mask, so for now the sleep apnea seems to be his biggest hurdle, along with depression. He was diagnosed with Cirrhosis over 2 yrs. ago, Stage 4. He stopped drinking, and his liver got better; he still takes meds for that. His blood pressure is controlled with meds, and his RA has all but crippled his knees. I've tried everything to get him to try the newer, lighter sleep masks, get a new sleep study, or at least consult a dr. for the apnea. (He hasn't seen a dr. for that since diagnoses 15 yrs. ago.) He won't even consider any treatment for the apnea; he's just given up on it. He wakes up countless times during sleep; stops breathing over 100 times per sleep cycle, according to his last sleep study 15 yrs. ago. I'm at a loss here..any suggestions?

• ANSWER:

QUESTION:
I have obstructive sleep apnea. Will a tonsillectomy completely improve my quality of life?
I have always had trouble sleeping and continually waking up. Even if I sleep a full 8 hours on weekends I still wake up feeling groggy and with a headache. I feel tired and sluggish throughout the day, and usually feel too tired to work out or engage in much physical activity. This has been going on my whole life. I had a sleep study done and I have obstructive sleep apnea, so my body never gets into the very deep stages of restorative sleep. I tried a bipap machine and I can't sleep with it on. Now I have a tonsillectomy and uvulectomy scheduled in a few months. Assuming that the surgery is successful and I can sleep well and deeply afterwards, how much will it effect my qualirty of life. Will I feel 100% better like a whole new person or will there likely just be moderate improvement? Can someone who has had this surgery let me know?

• ANSWER:
  my moms husband has had 2 types of surgery and the sleep apnea has still not improved. He had his tonsils cut out and his throat widened. It was a painful surgery and did him no good.

  I hear it can help some people, so I really hope it works out for you...but it didn't work for him.

QUESTION:
Obstructive Sleep Apnea: CPAP Machines vs. Oral Appliance Therapy?
My father has Obstructive Sleep Apnea and will be going in for a sleep study soon so I am looking at CPAP Machines and doing research.

My father came across an add for this "Oral Appliance Therapy" thing and I am wondering if you have any info on if it works or if it is a scam.

Oral Appliance Therapy

http://www.tiredofcpap.com/

I'm looking at the CPAP Machines and if you could share your stories with me, I would greatly appreciate it!
Obstructive Sleep Apnea Info:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Obstructive_Sleep_Apnea

• ANSWER:
  The first thing to do is let your dad get his polysomnogram done and find the results of how severe his sleep apnea is.

  CPAP is the gold standard for the treatment of sleep apnea, because it can be titrated or individually set on the optimum pressure to preserve your father's upper airways at night. The brand of CPAP machine isn't as important as having a quality titration done to arrive at the proper pressure for him, and finding the right mask type that makes him the most comfortable and likely to wear the system consistently all night, every night.

  Oral devices are for very mild cases of sleep apnea. However, I would be very wary of any devices that are mail-order/internet. These devices are usually prescribed and fitted by a dentist or ENT specially trained in their use. Any device that is 'plug and play' without being fitted is a scam.

QUESTION:
Obstructive sleep apnea?
My dad seems to often get food or dry k 'going down the wrong way' and in the night, he is often woken up with the inability to breathe, he says it feels like the epiglottis has flapped the wrong way and is obstructed his breathing. I read that people with obstructive sleep apnea are often not woken up by these episodes, snore loudly, followed by a pause where they stop breathing up to 10 seconds, and the snort as they get their breath back. But my dad sometimes wakes up, and the epiglottis still hasn't 'flapped back' and he is still unable to breathe. This scares me a lot.
Anyone know what this is?
Thank you

• ANSWER:
  Magnesium and folic acid could help against sleep apnea. google to see for yourself!

QUESTION:
What is Obstructive Sleep Apnea?
Is it associated with breathlessness and snoring while sleeping? What are the other symptoms? What causes Obstructive Sleep Apnea? What are the remedies easily available? Is the lack of adequate sleep/rest a factor?

• ANSWER:
  Obstructive sleep apnea is when the muscles in the throat relax and close during your sleep, it interrupts your breathing in interrupts your sleep. Load snoring, stopped breathing gasping in your sleep are signs. Waking up with headaches, tired through the day and trouble staying awake. The only real home remedy for it is if you are overweight to lose weight, if you are a smoker to quit smoking. But these are not sure ways of curring it. To find out if you are suffering from sleep apnea talk to you Dr. about your symptoms and or go to a respiratory specialist and the can schedule a sleep study. The treatment for sleep apnea is either a cpap or a bi-pap machine to assist you will sleeping. What they do is keep air pressure in your throat will you sleep to keep it from closing up and interfering with your sleep. There is also a surgery which is very painful and not guaranteed to work.

  It is a serious condition can lead to high blood pressure and even an enlarged heart. I highly advise seeking professional help if you suspect you have it

QUESTION:
tonsil-ectomy and obstructive sleep apnea?
I beleive i have obstructive sleep apnea, thats what it feels like when i wake up-like the top of my throat is being blocked. i have heard having your tonsils and adenoids removed can "cure" this. has anyone had this procedure or knows of any articles relating to it? i have had this for years and think my health would be MUCH better if i were to be able to "cure" it.

also, i am overweight but didn't used to be and still had sleep apnea. will a doctor require me to lose weight before i get this surgery?

• ANSWER:
  Hi, Jessica!

  You said that you are overweight, but you didn't used to be. Well, this is one of the many side effects of sleep apnea. If you are skinny, but you have sleep apnea, you can be overweight in the future.

  And you know what? Your throat may be blocked because of the fat stored in your neck. So, maybe you give a chance to your tonsils and try instead to loose weight. You can use a CPAP to help you breathe in the night.

QUESTION:
Is this obstructive sleep apnea?
I wake up at least three times a night struggling to breathe. It usually starts when I'm dreaming (hat's when I notice that I have a hard time breathing). I usually didn't think much of it until last night when I felt like I was going to die by asphyxiation. I have a doctor's appointment in three weeks but until then, is there anything that I can do?

btw: I'm 16 but I've read that obstructive sleep apnea usually occurs in middle-aged people. Can this be something else?

• ANSWER:
  you can't tell that way go to a doctor!!!

QUESTION:
HELP! I suffer obstructive sleep apnea syndrome which I am likely to stop breathing when I'm asleep, I may die?
I suffer obstructive sleep apnea syndrome. This disease means you are likely to stop breathing unconsciously which you may die before you notice you are suffocated... Any body know about it?
The doctor told me it's a slight one and it doesn't matter if I make proper homecare.
I need imformation to find any health products or health tips to get me better. Any health periodicals or magazines or healthcare websites are beneficial to me. Million thanks to you!!!
I need some periodicals or magazines or any other healthcare publications or healthcare websites!!! Thanks!!

• ANSWER:
  Hello!

  I have mild obstructive sleep apnea. But even if it's a mild disorder, sleep apnea can be deadly.

  Sleep apnea death may appear in case you don't treat yourself for a long period of time. So I started to treat myself, to not let this illness become worse.

  Maybe you want to know how can sleep apnea kill you...Here are the most common causes:
  -congestive heart failure during sleep
  -stroke
  -fatal arrhythmia
  -cardiovascular disease
  -long pauses in sleep, or cessation of breathing
  -workplace and automobile accidents

  Babies are in danger to die from sleep apnea. There is sudden infant death syndrome, which is an unexplained and fatal syndrome that affects babies under 1 year of age.

  I hope it helps.

QUESTION:
my sleep study says negative for obstructive sleep apnea?
does that mean i have central sa. what can i do for it. cpap is not helping

• ANSWER:
  Your question lacks crucial information to give a meaningful answer but hopefully this helps you in that direction.

  A sleep study generally is done in one of three ways.

  A limited study often just uses a finger pulse oximeter and measures blood oxygen saturation as well as heart rate. This can only rule in OSA but not rule it out. Oxygen dips of 4% or more are looked for as they tend to correspond with an apnea or hypopnea event. Great care must be taken that the sleep technician understands sampling rates and software extrapolation algorithms to correctly 'score' the sleep study. This type of study is no good for detecting Central Sleep Apnea (CSA). It's often done in-home.

  A multi-channel study can be done in home or at the sleep lab. This also measures blood oxygen levels and heart rate but adds airflow through a nasal cannula, and often chest effort and body position. With the extra data channels recorded, this can distinguish obstructive events from central sleep apnoea. Hypopnea's are better detected too.

  Lastly, a polysomnogram (PSG) is a full blown sleep study including all the above plus wires to measure brainwaves and so on. It's the most comprehensive and always done in the lab.

  If you are overweight, you snore and feel tired in the day and the pulse oximetry study came out negative, they should do a multi-channel or PSG with you. If it was already such a more comprehensive test and OSA was ruled out, did they comment on CSA at all?

  If you are still tired in the day and CPAP doesn't work, it can be any of a number of other sleep disorders, such as periodic limb movement etc. Or not a sleep disorder at all but for example problems with thyroid function.

  So if you have reasons to suspect OSA, witnessed apnea events, snoring etc. ask to go up a level in sleep diagnostics with a more in-depth study. This may be able to confirm CSA or a different sleep disorder altogether after which the correct therapy can be prescribed. indeed BiLevel may be more appropriate or in case of PLMS, some form of medication can work very well.

QUESTION:
Will they give me a CPAP machine right away after I am diagnozed with obstructive sleep apnea?
I was diagnozed, but I dunno why they have not called me.. I think I qualify for a CPAP my insurance covers it.. will they give it to me right away cos i'm having extreme daytime fatigue due to OSA

• ANSWER:

QUESTION:
Is it possible to think you are sleeping good and still have obstructive sleep apnea?
I was recently diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea. The results of my sleep study showed up to 60 events per hour which is considered severe osa. From what I understand, when a stoppage in breathing occurs, your body wakes you from deep sleep in order to re-open the airway. When my doctor suggested I get checked for sleep apnea I thought there was no way I had it because even though I am a heavy snorer, I don't wake up a lot during the night. Also, I have vivid recollection of long dreams which, correct me if I'm wrong, occur during deep sleep. So, how can I sleep uninterrupted and have vivid dreams if my deep sleep is constantly being interrupted? I am by no means trying to second guess my doctor, I am just trying to understand this.
Yes, thank you. Like I said, I'm not second guessing the doctor. My cpap machine is on order.
And yes, I do see the irony in asking this question in the respiratory disease category at the same time that my profile picture is a guy with a hundred cigarettes in his mouth. Rest assured it isn't a picture of me. Its just a random picture I found.

• ANSWER:

QUESTION:
I am skinny and don't snore, could I have Obstructive Sleep Apnea?
I don't have any symptoms other than i wake up exhausted,
like I didn't sleep. It doesnt happen every day, esp if I get
9 or more hours of sleep I feel okay. But If I get less than
8 - 8 1/2 i feel like I am going to die!!

I don't snore, never have, and im thin (BMI of 19.4)
Wondering If i could have Obstructive Sleep Apnea
anyways? If so is it uncommon?

I have also considered Adrenal burnout.

How much does it cost to have a sleep study done?
(uninsured)

Thanks
My husband or daughter have never said I have snored when I asked. They said the most I ever do is breathe heavy, but never snore.

• ANSWER:
  Some thin people do have sleep apnea.

  How do you know you don't snore?

  Do you have your adenoids? Some people have sleep apnea that is stopped by getting their adenoids removed.

  There are other sleep disorders besides sleep apnea.

  I'm not sure about the cost of a sleep study, sorry. You'll have to talk to a doctor about that.

QUESTION:
where can i get a surgery done for my 5yr old for obstructive sleep apnea as soon as possible! in chicago.?
my son has been snoring all night and he's been having lapses of non breathing. i made research of what is obstructive sleep apnea and his pediatician has diagnose that his tonsils are large. i need an appointment as soon as possible for him. i'm pregnant and i'm due on july 29th, all the clinics i've called have appointments until june, july and even september! i cant wait until then i need something faster than that before i give birth. we are tire of not getting any sleep at night, someone please help!
gg83* do u think i'm taking this as if i'm the one tire of not sleeping. i'm concern about my child's sleep. i'm desperete to find a resolution, he has been like this since december! yes i have an appointment for him at childrens memorial hospital but its until jul 24th, all i'm asking is if someone knows a hospital that can make me an appointment as soon as possible. and i know i'm not ill, i dont sleep at night all i do is change him possitions when he is grasping for air. and if i ask for help in this place is because i think there are some people that really do care and want to help out a mother...

• ANSWER:
  Talk to his pediatrician this is the way to find out what to do not Yahoo answers.

QUESTION:
Can OSA (Obstructive Sleep apnea ) be regarded as a disability ?
I have been disagnosed with a chronic version of this sleep disorder and need to know if I have to declare it on forms etc

• ANSWER:
  No. OSA is only disabling if you choose not to use the therapies available to you. And even then most insurance companies, Social Security, etc will not acknowledge OSA as a true disability.

QUESTION:
What do you know about sleep apnea surgeries?
I hate the mask (as many people do). I have severe obstructive sleep apnea. I am considering surgical options but I've been told the only one that may work for me is the mandibular advancement (when they break your jaw and move it forward). Has anyone had this before? What were your experiences? Did it work? Do you know of any other surgery that may help? Oral appliances?

• ANSWER:
  I had a mandibular advancement back in the day when they still wired your mouth shut for 6 weeks. (Many surgeons now opt for a screw and plate closure along with tight rubber bands that allow more mouth movement and a little more eating options!)

  I did have about a year of orthodontics before I could have it done, incidentally, so it was not a quick fix by any means.

  The surgery itself sounded far worse than it actually was. The most pain I had was like a dull headache in my jaw area. Pain management was not a problem at all. I did miss eating what I wanted and lost significant weight. (What I would do to have that happen now!!!) I missed yawning the most, though!

  It did fix my sleep apnea completely. I have never even snored since. It was well worth it for me.

  My 5 year old had tonsils and adenoids removed for the same reason (sleep apnea) with good results as well. I had previously had that surgery, and it was much more painful than the mandibular advancement.

  I hope this helps! Best of luck to you!

QUESTION:
what are the risk and remedies for obstructive sleep apnea stage4?

• ANSWER:
  Risks for sleep apnea..well worst case, Death
  rememdies, their are tons of "homemade" remedies. some people put tennis balls in socks and sleep with that behind their neck at night. The best thing is to wear a CPAP machine. this machine hooks to a mask and you wear the mask. they make full face (which covers mouth and nose), nose masks (which only cover the nose) and nasal cushions which fit right inside the nostril. The machine creates a constant pressure which helps keep the airway open. Thus preventing you from going apneic. You should notice a huge difference in your lifestyle. These machines let people get rest and sleep without being woke up by snoring or by lake of oxygen.

  hope this helps

QUESTION:
Why does sleep deprivation make the symptoms of sleep apnea worse?
I recently did a sleep study and found that I have obstructive sleep apnea and it causes me to wake up during the night - often many times. I go through cycles where the problem gets much worse, one night of poor sleep leads to another worse night of interupted sleep, and so on - sometimes for a month or even more. I have heard that sleep deprivation makes the symptoms of sleep apnea much worse, and as I am searching for the right treatments, I was just interested in finding out why - what is the mechanism that causes this? Very strenuous exercise during the day or early evening can have the same effect. Thank you for any insights.

• ANSWER:
  Actually, sleep apnea is a condition where you actually stop breathing during sleep. For most people, this causes them to wake up quickly; for others, it's a life-threatening situation (especially for babies and small children). I imagine if you're not getting much rest, when you do finally get to sleep your body is so tired it's hard for your body to wake up when you stop breathing. Also, even though your body eventually trains itself to sleep lightly in order potentially avoid apnea, when YOU finally get some sleep your body falls into a deeper sleep. This makes it harder for your body to avoid apnea. I would advise you to get plenty of rest whenever possible. I believe you should obtain a sleep apnea monitor from your physician. This will sound an alarm to wake you up when you stop breathing, or if your oxygen saturation level drops below a certain percentage. This may alleviate some of your anxiety and help you sleep better at night. Just a thought. Good luck.

QUESTION:
I have Sleep Apnea (both obstructive and central -700-900 episodes a nite) 02/09. I use both an oxygenation(4?
I have Sleep Apnea (both obstructive and central -700-900 episodes a nite) 02/09. I use both an oxygenation(4.0) and bipap machine. 2 weeks ago I was diagnosed with T2 diabetes (taking Metformin 500mg 4 a day). I'm testing my glucose level several times a day to establish a pattern. I'm watching my diet, but my readings are all over the place, anywhere from 178 to HIGH (over 499). understandable since I am testing frequently; after waking, eating, before/after naps, before sleeping,etc. I use the 'testing solution" occassionally to make sure I'm doing it correctly and to insure the strips and lancets are still OK. I should mention I also have very low testost (Androgel), chronic pain (arthritis & back pain (Oxycontin) acid reflux (Omeprazole) enlarged prostate (terazosin) severe (Suprise!) depression (Fluoxetine)ADHD (Adderall) to top it off - possible contact w/ "Agent Orange" insurance & VA BAD! HELP!!
I'm sorry - the above is soooo long - and now I'm adding to it! LOL - I forgot to mention, I'm a 61 year old male, 5'9" and weigh 158 - so I'm not over weight.

Thanks for any help you are able to offer
Bob

• ANSWER:
  It looks like your main question is related to you high blood sugars even though you are on Metformin for your Type 2 Diabetes. Sometimes it takes weeks to months to regulate your blood sugar with medicines after being diagnosed because medications are started one at a time and dosages are increased slowly over time as well to reach maximum effect without causing side effects or causing your blood sugar to drop too low. Basically, you are at the very beginning of type 2 diabetes treatment so continue to check and chart your blood sugar regularly and continue to eat right and exercise. You should have another doctor's visit coming up soon so that they can see how you are doing with your high blood sugar. At that time, they could change your diabetes medication or add another one. It is common to need more than one diabetes medication to control high blood sugars. Just continue to take your meds and keep up with recording your blood sugars and they will eventually get you on the right medications with the right dosages to treat your diabetes.
  I am also posting a informative website that may help you understand why it can be difficult to find the perfect diabetes medication right at the beginning. It goes over all of the meds.

  http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/diabetes-treatment/DA00089

QUESTION:
I have sleep apnea and bipolar depression. Will correcting the apnea improve the depression?
I have bipolar, although it's mild I think. I frequently go back and forth between depressed and normal. I also have obstructive sleep apnea and have always had trouble sleeping. I'm having my tonsils out in 3 months to correct the problem. Will alleviating the apnea help stabilize my moods as well?

• ANSWER:
  Probably not. Bipolar is caused by an imbalance of norepinephrine. You might get better sleep and that could help you feel better. I would talk to your doctor about your depression. Have you ever been diagnosed with bipolar? Because you need to have had a manic or hypomanic episode to be considered bipolar. I think you might just have depression. Bipolar isn't between normal and sad, it's between manic, normal, mixed, and depression. Talk to a doctor and get some professional help.

QUESTION:
My daughter has bad breath at night with a little snoring. No obstructive sleep apnea.?
This sweet little angel of mine has some really bad breath after sleeping. Obviously not gingivitis, yet. What causes bad breath in kids during sleep? Daytime breath is fine.
Betty Boop, you appear to know exactly what I'm talking about!

Wicked whatever, are you serious? Why would I be so close to my daughter's face when she is asleep? I'm sorry that you've lived a life that has left you with such issues.

• ANSWER:
  I know what your talking about. Yes everyone has morning breathe but hers is worse Right? I had this same problem all my life ny mom did nothing just the brush your teeth sometimes 4 to 5 times a day to see if this helped. Guess what it didnt it was like I never brushed my teeth. I then had a girl same problem. Took her to the doctor when she was sick he looked at her tonsils and sent us to a specialist. when we seen him she wasnt sick anymore but her tonsils were huge. he asked if she snores, has bad breathe, wets the bed sometimes. If she is really groggy in the mornings. I said yes. He then looked in my mouth and out came two sets of tonsils. Now we dont have the nasty morning breathe (depending what we eat) no more snoring no more bed wetting for her and no more being groggy in the morning.

  Look in her mouth and see how be her tonsils are this could be the problem.

QUESTION:
Did Jimi Hendrix died of Sleep Apnea Complications?
Well I heard he was taking too much sleeping pills

• ANSWER:
  Yes, he had seconal in the blood from toxicology. This is a barbituate 'sleeping pill' .. however the amount of Seconal in his blood was not the cause of death -- he died from asphyxiation , as a result of being unconscious when vomiting while laying on his back.

  The drinking, food eaten, combined with the seconal produced the vomiting which ultimately killed him via lack of oxygen.

  Sleep Apnea had zero contribution.

QUESTION:
I have sleep obstructive apnea and I'm only in my twenties...?
What treatment options are there besides cpap cause I really don't want to have to use the face mask every night. Plus I was wondering if sleep apnea could cause anxiety and breathing difficulty during the day. I have been checked out by several doctors and I don't have any other serious conditions but I'm worried about the long term effects and complications of sleep apnea. I want to lose weight I heard that could help significantly(I'm about 50 lbs overweight).

• ANSWER:

QUESTION:
If I have Obstructive Sleep Apnea, will having a breathing tube during open-heart surgery cause complications?
My son has obstructive sleep apnea and needs open-heart surgery to help get rid of the pressure in his lungs, I have heard that having a breathing tube in for the amount of time that the surgery is will cause complications when trying to remove it after.... is this information valid??

• ANSWER:
  This is difficult to say. The endotracheal tube in and of itself will not cause problems related to his sleep apnea. What it sounds like is that they are concerned if he'll be able to come off the ventilator after the surgery. You don't say what kind of open heart surgery he's having. If it's a bypass it's not likely to effect his lungs post op. If it is a valve they're replacing, like the Mitral valve or the Aortic valve then, yes, it will help clear the Congestive heart failure. That will help his lungs function properly and increase his chances of coming off the ventilator greatly. Once he's off the ventilator they take the endotracheal tube out almost immediately after.
  Some people do get slight swelling of the throat and possibly the vocal cords. But this doesn't happen often, especially when the tube is put in under OR conditions. I

  If it is a valve they're replacing this should help with the apnea. If he is overweight he must lose the excess if he's going to have any chance of getting off the CPAP machine.
  God bless you both and help him to a speedy recovery.

QUESTION:
Unexplained headaches for years?
I'm really worried about my boyfriend... for about 8 years he has had headaches almost every day, including migraines. He has had countless tests, sent to different specialists, and on many medications but none seem to work. I have no idea what it could be, unless it has something to do with genetics. His mom died in her sleep from complications with sleep apnea... she had lupus and many other medical conditions. He possibly has sleep apnea because of how he breathes. Is it possible that is what causes the headaches?

• ANSWER:
  I'm no doctor, but based on what you said, there is a possibility that it could be from sleep apnea. I'll put a link for symptoms of it in the source. If it's not that, there's a wide variety of other things that could also be causing his headaches, so many that I could not hope to be able to list all on here, but I'll put up another link up for those. I hope you find what you're looking for.

QUESTION:
The doctors believe i have sleep apnea I'm 16 weeks pregnant and very scared?
I am 16 weeks pregnant and the doctors tell me that it can be dangerous for the baby because of the lack of oxygen which can cause retardation and premature labor. The more i read about it the scarier it sounds. So i wanted to know if someone was diagnosed with sleep apnea and had a health baby with no complication.

I have to go to a sleep study next month but all the questions i have are not answered i would love to find someone on the same boat to talk to about the issue.

My boyfriend has been very supported but it is hard to explain to him the fears i have.

Who ever tells you the second one is easy it is a lie it is 100 times harder may i say.

I am a first time poster so i hope i did it correctly.

• ANSWER:
  Hi Abbita,

  First of all I am a Male but I have sleep apnea and have done a whole lot of research on it! Where you are is the best place you can be for you and your child period! I promise you that you will definitely feel better when you get through with your sleep study sessions and start treatment!

  Usually you will have one night study where they will determine the exact things that disturb your sleep. There are things like leg twich and other things that also disturb sleep! Anyway after the first session if you really have sleep apnea and have so many events of stopping of breathing or blocking of breathing during the night you will be prescribed a second night to determine the proper air pressure that a device called a CPAP should be set so that you can get quality sleep!

  Quality sleep is when your brain goes into a level of deep sleep it is refered to as REM because your eyes jerk around rapidly (rapid eye movement) in this state. It is the level where your brain gets to sleep! The body is on automatic. With my sleep apnea what happens is the automatic breathing fails! What happens is the brain sences that it is not getting Oxygen and wakes up just enough to signal the lungs to breath a gasp of air! Now I am still asleep !

  What happened to me personally in a simple operation was I just stopped breathing and the anesthesia kept me asleep and I nearly DIED! A PERSON WHO WAS REAL DRUNK WOULD DIE! THIS SCARED ME AND MY WIFE GOT ME TO A SLEEP LAB!

  Anyway the sleep lab has improved my whole outlook on life! Since I have been doing these questions I know that the treating of sleep apnea helps depression and all sorts of things. I personally lost 75 or so pounds just by breathing air!

  I know that you will really feel much better once you get used to the CPAP machine! It will take about 2 to 3 weeks to get used to it probably 6 weeks and you will not notice it!

  You are really doing the right thing! Just be patient, give it time! When it comes time to get your mask or whatever, I prefer a nosepiece that does not cover my face! Try out several different things for comfort afterall it is YOU that will be sleeping in it! GO FOR COMFORT! You know Almay makes a hypo-alergenic cream that you might use if irritation breaks out at first! You can just put a little on the nose piece or face piece!

  Good Luck, Good Sleeping,

  APS

QUESTION:
has anyone had a UPPP procedure for sleep apnea?
Did it work? Did you have complications afterwards? What can you not do any longer? for example: drink out of a straw..

• ANSWER:

QUESTION:
Long term use of Dis.Water for humidifing in a CPAP breathing machine. CPAP is for sleep apnea problems?
After reading the information regarding the benifits and complications drinking distilled water over a long period of time, made me think about using it in the humidifier for my breathing machine. Is there enough exposure over a long period of time to be concerned about. If so, is there any other options to concider. Thanks

• ANSWER:
  Distilled water is the best type of water to use in a CPAP machine. Other types of water can cause problems with your machine over time. The amount of water that gets into your system from the CPAP machine is not enough to cause problems in your body. On the contrary, humidifying the air is helpful.

QUESTION:
Name the Wrestlers...a tag team?
1.began in 1993...named after a hip hop band...
2.wrestled mainly in ECW, where they were involved with three OMG moments (one where fans threw chairs inthe ring, burying them...once where the ring collapsed after overloaded, and once with the Dudley boys saying thanks for "keeping the house they built."
3.wrestled briefly in WWF, where the APA claimed to run them off.
4. Was a wildly popular tag team in both ECW and WCW.
5. won the ECW tag team title 4 times, won the WCW tag title once.
6.Was one of the Dudley Boyz main inspiration, especially with the tables.
7. Their finisher was the Drive By.
8. Both have died. One in 2002 by a heart attack, the other in 2006 via sleep apnea complications.
9. Were the first team to regularly employ tables in their matches.
First to answer the name of the tag team and the name of the wrestlers recieve 10 pts!
hey punjabi, why worry about it? if you want to leave a comment like that, just to get two points, there is no need for you to even answer.

• ANSWER:
  Public Enemy
  Rocco rock
  Johnny grunge

QUESTION:
Tonsillectomy to relieve sleep apnea?
I've always been a sleepy person. I slept through most of high school and even slept in through very late college classes (including 5 PM classes, even). I never wanted to sleep in class, but couldn't stay awake and slept far more than 8-12 hours a day ideally. I got a sleep study and found that I have moderate sleep apnea. I'm a thin person, and don't have excess facial soft tissue, so my doctor was confused until he looked in my mouth and saw how large my tonsils were. After an Otolaryngologist looked at my throat, she agreed that the tonsils were a problem but also wanted to remove my uvula and some of my soft palate. She listed complications that might occur as a result of removing those also, and it seemed to be an unnecessary risk, possibly creating new discomforts when the tonsils alone could be the problem. Anyone have any experience with this? I'm going to get a second opinion from another doctor, of course. Is there any way to see how good surgeons are (reviews, etc)

• ANSWER:

QUESTION:
does cutting half of your large intestine a way of losing weight?
i have a friend who has sleep apnea and complication arises two of which are liver problem and gaining more weight. The doctor said he should undergo surgery by cutting half of his stomach to lose weight because the fats is already affecting his liver

• ANSWER:

QUESTION:
does cutting half of your large intestine a way of gaining weight?
i have a friend who has sleep apnea and complication arises two of which are liver problem and gaining more weight. The doctor said he should undergo surgery by cutting half of his stomach to lose weight because the fats is already affecting his liver

• ANSWER:

QUESTION:
Anxiety or Sleep Apnea?
The last two nights I've been having a complication with my breathing which happens right as I'm beginning to fall asleep. It feels like I stop breathing just at that moment but than I shoot awake since I'm aware of it and start breathing again and repeat it for a while till eventually I finally manage to get to sleep.

I do know that I suffer from anxiety and have been under a bit more stress than usual, including staying up late, but since Ive looked up sleep apnea I don't know what to think. I also should note that I do have Asthma to but I don't think its related.

It doesn't seem like I stop breathing for 10 seconds or so like I read sleep apnea does, more like as I said above, it just stops and I realize it than I start breathing again immediately.

Any thoughts?
First off id like to thank you all for your responses.

Also it seems like the feeling carried over so now I feel it while I'm up and about and I kind of feel like I have to work at it to get a deep breath otherwise I'm just taking a ton of smaller ones.

• ANSWER:
  You don't physically wake up when you have sleep apnoea, your body half wakes up (come out of a deep sleep in to a light one) which stops you from getting a good night's sleep but it will continue through the night hundreds of times in the worst cases. they almost always snore really loudly too.

  Generally people dont notice they have apnoea, they just feel exhausted all of the time despite getting a full night's sleep as far as they are concerned, that's what makes them go and see their doctor. what you are describing doesn't sound like it.

QUESTION:
With health problems such as (listed below) what could be some extra complications with the gastric bypass?
high blood pressure, pre diebetes, osteoporosis, enlarged heart, sleep apnea, rhematoid arthritis, possible liver damage due to taking lots of pills including pain pills

• ANSWER:
  Hmmm..after gastric bypass and weight loss, blood pressure goes down, which takes stress off the heart, and blood sugars also tend to normalize. Arthritis pain will diminish somewhat from less stress on the joints from carrying extra weight, so fewer pain pills should be needed, which makes less stress on the liver. Sooo, I guess the only extra complication I could see might be problems with bones and teeth due to osteoporosis, but diligence about taking calcium citrate supplements and other medications to slow bone loss, might slow that process as well. Tissues in the neck and chest will decrease in size so sleep apnea might improve.

  In my case, I was on two medications to control my blood pressure before surgery and 1500 mg of metformin for my insulin resistance (a pre-diabetic condition). I stopped the metformin a few days before surgery and never had to go back on it (insulin levels dropped) and I eventually came off both medications for B/P control. I had gastric bypass at age 47 and wish I had done it a lot sooner.

  So, I can't really see what other complications there might be! If you have sleep apnea, I hope you are using a CPAP machine, otherwise you might have respiratory complications right after surgery but otherwise......

QUESTION:
should i be scared of getting bariatric surgery?
i'm 320 pounds and i'm diabetic and have sleep apnea. i tried to loose weight weight on my own but i always failing. i have spoken to a surgeon and he believes that this would benefit me. However, when i speak to my primary care doctor, she tells me she's not to crazy about the idea and that i could get complications. i don't know what to do right now but all i know is that i have no life the way i'm am now. any suggestions?

• ANSWER:
  Your primary care physician is probably an internist. They prefer to solve problems with drugs and diet changes. The surgeon prefers to cut. (My mom's an internist. My dad's a surgeon. Dinners were interesting.)

  Bariatric surgery is serious stuff. It has complications and rest-of-your-life things to think about, like vitamin absorption and gastro-intestinal distress. However, if you have sleep apnea, you are risking your life every time you nod off. That's serious stuff.

  You need to do some research. How many of these procedures has your doctor done, and how is his complication rate? Don't believe him if he says he has none. Most people who have this surgery have at least minor complications.

  Can the surgery be done laproscopically? This is much less stress on the body and produces fewer complications.

  What procedure is he recommending. Lap-banding is the least serious, but while it restricts the amount you can eat, it is less effective at reducing hunger. The jejunoileal bypass and duodenal switch has better results, but more complications.

  There are a lot of support groups on the Internet for people who have had this surgery or are considering it. I strongly suggest talking to them.

  Also, ask your PCP what she recommends as an alternative. If you haven't tried any drug therapies or behavioral therapies, she may be thinking you are looking for an easy way out of your situation, rather than seeking out a last ditch attempt to control your weight.

QUESTION:
moms with pukey/ reflux babies.. ur stories?
i also have a 5month old that has had quite the struggle with digestive issues since birth... just wondering what you have experienced, what you did to help it, what made it better/ worse, and most importantly... were they any complications that followed?

(congestion, aspiration, lack of sleep, apnea, excessive crying...?)

• ANSWER:
  O god I know this all to well. My daughter we had to switch doctors because my daughter cried for 2 weeks straight and i went to him 3 times and he said she was fine but she wasn't. She had reflex since 2 weeks and he told me she was fine i went to an on call doctor when she was 1 month and found out it was acid reflex. She also was lactose intolerant (but we didn't find that out until she was 5 months because her 1st doc stunk). She needed to be on Similac Alimentum, and that did wonders! Changed her like she was a whole new baby now she doesn't stop talking and laughing. We also had to keep putting rice in it so it will stay down because the acid reflex caused her to throw up and spit up all day every day this stopped with the change of formula with the added rice. We also had to hold her on her belly or sit her up until the new formula kicked in. We had her on Zantac med but that did nothing for her, The new doc put her on prilosec and that's worked ever since.

  It is hard to deal with and every kid is different, so those might now work for you baby. After the switch she had the runs for a week but they all worked for her. It took 5 months to figure out and a change in doctors but its finally better, because of her 1st doctor not listening to me she ended up with blood in her poop which is not good and she cant start food for a few months still, so use your motherly instinct if you feel something is wrong then don't feel back asking. If you have any questions i would be happy to talk to you so you can e mail me if you want. Princesskj08@yahoo.com

  GOOD LUCK and hang in there it WILL get better i promise.

QUESTION:
Why are so many Americans morbidly obese these days?
The major symptoms of obesity are excessive weight gain and the presence of large amounts of fatty tissue. Obesity can also give rise to several secondary conditions, including:

arthritis and other orthopedic problems, such as lower back pain
hernias
heartburn
adult-onset asthma
gum disease
high cholesterol levels
gallstones
high blood pressure
menstrual irregularities or cessation of menstruation (amenorhhea)
decreased fertility, and pregnancy complications
shortness of breath that can be incapacitating
sleep apnea and sleeping disorders
skin disorders arising from the bacterial breakdown of sweat and cellular material in thick folds of skin or from increased friction between folds
emotional and social problems
Richard Wood (below) I am rooting for you!

• ANSWER:
  Most Americans are eating SO much processed, high-calorie food, & not getting enough exercise. Some may have an actual medical problem that causes them to gain the weight, but that's a very small percentage. The rest are just either too lazy to get healthy, or they simply can't afford fresh foods. Hope my answer helped! (:

QUESTION:
can someone please help me with this cardiac question?
these are complications of heart failure but which ones are caused by left sided heart failure and which ones are caused by right sided heart failure? thanks.

mitral regugitation
pulmonary hypertension
hypertension
myocardial infarction
sleep apnea
aortic stenosis
COPD

• ANSWER:
  mitral regugitation: left side.-
  pulmonary hypertension: the pulmonary hypertension causes right side failure but not viceversa, the same with sistemic hypertension.-myocardial infarction: both.-
  sleep apnea: left side.-
  aortic stenosis: non
  COPD: right side.-

QUESTION:
Wrestling death list?
This is my report of the
so called death list of the wrestlers
who've died before their 50th birthday

the fist row is the year they died

second row is the promotion they worked

(indi= indipendent)
(n/a= they were out of the business when they died)

Third row
cause of death

Fourth row
name of wrestler

How or why they died

Can anybody tell me why is
the wwe taking the heat for
deaths that happen in the 80 in wccw?

2000 - uxw - heart attack - Gary Albright - diatbetes coronary arteries
2000 - wcw - overdose - Bobby Duncum Jr - accidental
2000 - indi- heart attck - Yokozuna - natural
2000 - indi- complications - Jumbo Tsuruta - kindney transplant

2001 - n/a - blood clot - Terry Gordy - heart attack
2001 - n/a - ghb overdose - Chris Adams - overdose
2001 - n/a - heart attack - Mike Davis -
2001 - n/a - overdose - Bertha Faye - drugs

2002 - indi- heart attack - Rocco Rock -
2002 - n/a - kidney failure - Big Dick Dudley -
2002 - n/a - cancer - Randy Anderson -
2002 - n/a - hearth attack - Davey Boy Smith - steriods

2003 - wwf - suicide - Crash Holly - ingested 90 pills
2003 - n/a - overdose - Pitbull #2 - homemade oxycotin
2003 - tna - heart attack - The Wall - sudden
2003 - n/a - overdose -Ms Elizabeth - lex luger
2003 - n/a - heart attack - Hawk - abuse
2003 - indi- cocaine od - Curt Hennig - cocaine

2004 - wwf - breast cancer - Marianna Komlos -
2004 - n/a - heart attack - Big Boss Man - massive
2004 - n/a - heart attack - Hercules - sleep

2005 - tna - blood clot - Chris Candido - flight altitude
2005 - wwf - heart faliure - Eddie Guerrero - disease

2006 - n/a - sleep apnea - Johnny Grunge - sleep
2006 - n/a - cancer - Earthquake - bladder

2007 - n/a - heart faliure - John Kronus - enlarged heart
2007 - wwf - suicide - Chris Benoit - murder/suicide
2007 - n/a - suicide - Mike Awesome - hung
2007 - n/a - stroke - Biff Well - heart attack
2007 - n/a - unknown - brian adman - not known
2007 - n/a - murdered - Nancy Benoit - chris benoit
2007 - n/a - overdose - scot Bigelow - cocaine
2007 - n/a - unknown - sherrie martel

1990 - n/a - suicide - Ed Gatner

1991 - wccw- suicide - Chris Von Erich - shot hiself
1991 - n/a - car crash - Vivian Vachon - accident
1992 - indi- heart attack - Buzz Sawyer

1993 - wcw - suicide - Kerry Von Erich
1993 - wcw - heart attack - Andre Giant - after fathers funeral
1993 - wwf - accident - - D.J.Peterson - bike crash
1993 - n/a - murdered - Dino Bravo - gang hit

1994 - wwf - car crash - Joey Marella - fell asleep
1994 - aaa - aneurysm - Art Barr -
1994 - n/a - unknown - Ray Candy -

1995 - n/a - liver cancer - John Studd - liver cancer
1995 - n/a - heart attack - Eddie Gilber - overdose
1996 - indi- heart attack - Dick Murdoch - heart attack

1997 - wwf - heart disease - Brian Pillman - arteriosclerotic
1997 - wcw - heart failure - Jeep Swenson -

1998 - wcw - suicide
1998 - wcw - car crash - Brady Boone -
1998 - n/a - car carsh - Junkyard Dog - drunk driver

1999 - wcw - suicide - The Renegade - depression
1999 - wwf - fell 78 feet - Owen Hart - blunt trama
1999 - wcw - cancer - Mark Curtis - stomach
1999 - wcw - heart attack - Rick Rude -

1985 - wwf - heart attack - Rick McGraw -
1985 - awa - heart attack - Jay Youngblood - ruptured spleen
1986 - wccw- overdose - Gino Hernandez - cocaine
1987 - wccw - suicide - Mike Von Erich - overdosing/tranquilizer
1988 - awa - car crash - Adrian Adonis - swerved/moose
1988 - indi- murdered - Bruiser Brody - by fellow wrestler

• ANSWER:
  Wow, so many legends, such a tragedy. You should be commended for composing such a list as it must have took some time to do. I for one would like to thank you because some of these are news to me. Good job, starred, most def.
  Your question- you know how the media is. They find something they want to attack(i.e pro wrestling) and wait....wait for one opportunity to strike and the Benoit was that one incident. So they basicly found all the dirt that they could and used it as ammo for the press to attack the WWE. They do this with everything that isnt completely socialy accepted and G rated. It really makes me sad for the news. And this is why I dont watch the news.
  This was a fantastic question and thank you for the list

QUESTION:
Wrestling list please help me ?
This is my non detail report of the
so called death list of the wrestlers
who've died before their 50th birthday

If you want i'll post my detail report
with all of the names and dates

the fist row is the year they died
second row is the promotion they worked

(indi= indipendent)
(n/a= they were out of the business)

if you believe that i'm a serious
person and i won't lie about the
research. then please leave me the
number of times you see

wwf - wcw - indi- n/a
finally tna.

Can anybody tell me why is
the wwe taking the heat for
deaths that happen in the 80 in wccw?

00 uxw - heart attack
00 wcw - overdose
00 indi- heart attck
00 indi- complications kindney transplant
01 n/a - blood clot
01 n/a - ghb overdose
01 n/a - heart attack
01 n/a - overdose
02 indi- heart attack
02 n/a - kidney failure
02 n/a - cancer
02 n/a - hearth attack
03 wwf - suicide
03 n/a - overdose
03 tna - heart attack
03 n/a - overdose
03 n/a - heart attack
03 indi- cocaine od
04 wwf - breast cancer
04 n/a - heart atack
04 n/a - heart attack
05 tna - blood clot
05 wwf - heart faliure
06 n/a - sleep apnea
06 n/a - cancer
07 n/a - heart faliure
07 wwf - suicide
07 n/a - suicide
07 n/a - stroke
07 n/a - brian adman unknown
07 n/a - murdered by husband
07 n/a - overdose
07 n/a - sherrie martel unknown

90 n/a - suicide
91 wccw- suicide
91 n/a - car crash
92 indi- heart attack
93 wcw - suicide
93 wcw - heart attack
93 wwf - accident
93 n/a - murdered
94 wwf - car crash
94 aaa - aneurysm
94 n/a - unknown
95 n/a - liver cancer
96 indi- heart attack
95 n/a - heart attack
97 wwf - heart disease
97 wcw - heart failure
98 wcw - suicide
98 wcw - car crash
98 n/a - car carsh
99 wcw - suicide
99 wwf - fell 78 feet
99 wcw - cancer
99 wcw - heart attack

85 wwf - heart attack
85 awa - heart attack
86 wccw- overdose
87 wccw- suicide
88 awa - car crash
88 indi- murdered

• ANSWER:
  Pointing to WCCW, WCW, ECW (owned by Heyman), and the Independent Circuit is pointless. No one will know or even care when half of the promotions aren't even in business any longer.

  The WWE is "THE" promotion, the largest federation with the largest roster and the deepest pockets. A victory for the press would be a victory. Hell, they;re even beginning to mention TNA once or twice because they have a television deal with a major network, SpikeTV, even though they are still a small outfit compared to the WWE ... TNA is larger than most of the Independent promotions, with the exception of the NWA, which does not have a major television deal and the NWA is divided into many circuits across the country.

QUESTION:
Deviated Septum Surgery issues???
For as long as I can remember I've had a deviated septum, breathing at night has become more difficult in that past few months. I decided (for the first time) to go to an ENT. He looked at my nose just briefly and stated you have the worse deviated septum I've seen. It is completely blocking the left nostril. Surgery is an obtion BUT... the complications for you are higher because of how sever it is. I asked what the complications were... SCARY!!! He stated that the risk of having a perforated septum and chronic nosebleeds were high for me. I looked this up SCARY! I would have a hole in my septum that could cause whistling sound and chronic bleeding. (Like cocaine addicts get when they've sniffed drugs for many years)I am beginning to have sleep apnea and have purchased nasals strips that help a bit but is this surgery worth the risk???!!!

• ANSWER:
  First thing I would do is get a second opinion as to how bad it really was. Second, if I decided to go with the surgery I'd want the absolute best surgeon I could get.

  Now, for complications, I would be concerned, however, I'd also be concerned about the sleep apnea as well. You're going to feel lousy from that too.

  I can't tell you yes or no, but I will strongly encourage you to do as much research as possible! Good luck!

QUESTION:
tonsil/adenoid removal in 4 yr old?
My 4 yr old is having her tonsils and adenoids taken out in three weeks, and possibly getting her Pharyngeal Flap, piece of skin that closes to breathe either through the nose or mouth, cut some if the ent thinks its floppy. She's having it done because she has severe sleep apnea and told me to count on at least one nite stay in ICU..... so questions....

How did your childs tonsil/adenoidectomy go?
Were they in much pain?
What were your experiences with it? Did it go well? Did you have to stay more than one nite? What are some complications that may occur?

Thanks everyone!!!!

• ANSWER:
  She's getting a pharyngeal flap to help sleep apnea? A p-flap can cause/increase sleep apnea! I have a 4-year old with a cl/cp and she might need a p-flap to help speech but I'm terrified of it because it can cause sleep apnea. Although my own child hasn't had p-flap (at least yet), I know a lot of children who HAVE had one and it caused horrible snoring and sleep apnea. And my daughter's surgeon listed sleep apnea as a common problem with p-flap.

  Your doc is right that tonsils/adnoids need to come out for a p-flap to be safe, but are they doing those first to see if it corrects the problem without the p-flap? If it's just tonsils/adenoids, recovery shouldn't be that bad. Probably 1 overnight. My daughter's palate repair only needed one night, and that's a lot more than a tonsil/adenoidectomy. Once your child is drinking, they will let her go home. If it's p-flap, however, I've heard that's a very difficult, painful recovery. Complications are breathing/sleep apnea danger. Again, they'll let your daughter go if no complications and she's drinking, but with the pain it will likely take longer for her to be willing to drink. With the kids I've known who've had it, it's anywhere from 1 day to a week.

QUESTION:
Need your opinion! please answer (10 pts.)?
Please let me know what you think of my essay for a scholarship I am applying for. I promise it is worth reading. Im not finished yet. Let me know what you think!

Every day is a struggle to live a similar life that I once had. Thirteen months ago, on April 27, 2008, I received news that changed my life forever. My mother approached me and spoke the words that I least anticipated, “Samantha, daddy is dead.” Confusion with a sense of disbelief made me reiterate the scene. How did this happen? Why would god take my father? Will he ever come back? My father had departed overnight and there was nothing I could do to save him. Nobody knew what had caused his death. All we understood was dad did not have a pulse. Dad was not breathing. Dad was dead.

Growing up, I had a magnificent and luminous childhood, one that most children would dream for. I had everything; wonderful parents who put their lives first to make their children safe and happy, compassionate family and friends, a lovely house in a good environment, and most importantly, everyone was hale and hearty. My parents did all they could to please my brother and me; however, they also enforced self-discipline to ensure a bright future. Both my mother and father emphasized the importance of school and maintaining health. While I played on a travel soccer team, I was consistently encouraged to maintain honor roll grades in one of the country’s most rigorous elementary schools. Though it was educationally tough, my parents stuck to their word and helped me get the work done. Whenever there was a problem, they would be there to fix it.

As time passed, the superior life I once had started going downhill. On September 23, 2007, my great-grandmother, Stella Manaker, passed away. A few months later, my grandmother, Arlene “Ollie” Manaker, died from complications of dementia. Their deaths effected my life but not as significant as my father’s passing. The elderly are anticipated to die, not the young. When put side by side, a grandparent’s death is a radically different spectrum compared to a death of a young or middle aged person. For the elderly, there is time to prepare and accept death is near. Older people have lived life to the fullest and some consider, death can offer more than what life can. In my father’s situation, there was no time to prepare, neither say goodbye. He was not ready to leave, yet for some reason, God decided it was his time to go.

About three weeks after my father’s death, the pathology department had finalized the cause of death. My father had suffered from a massive myocardial infarction as a result of atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis is the hardening of arteries, specifically due to atheromatous plaque, such as LDL cholesterol. Several underlying factors, such as cirrhosis of the liver, stress from work, sleep apnea, and family genetics, caused this condition. Simple changes to his daily habits or seeking a Vascular Surgeon could have saved my father’s life. Despite the effects that my father’s death brought upon my family, I have learned many new.......

• ANSWER:
  Hi! I very much like your essay. I sincerely am sorry for your loss, and this essay is certainly from what I can tell going to be a wonderful tribute to your memories.

  This is a very well written and well structured essay. Only one small edit pops out at me- the "luminous" used to describe your childhood seems a bit overdone, perhaps just magnificent.

  Your first paragraph does a great job of showing, not telling. However, your paragraph about your childhood seems to tell (however aptly) and not show. Its very good, but maybe add some examples?

  Overall this is a very effecting and engaging read, and I'm sure it will be approved and loved by all who read it. Great job, and I admire that you are writing about something so very close to you.

  Please feel free to ignore any of my critiques, I am a lowly editor, and you, the mastermind of the essay =).

  Good luck!

QUESTION:
What should be done to decrease the obesity rates? Do we want an ill nation?
Since it is estimated that 75% of Americans will be obese by 2015....

And since obesity is a costly condition that can reduce quality of life and increases the risk for many serious chronic diseases and premature death.

Evidence: Child Obesity Linked to Early Death, Before Age 55
Obesity responsible for more than - 100,000 cases of cancer per year
Childhood obesity - linked to stiff arteries
- linked to fewer "pleasure" receptors
- linked to poor school performance
- linked to more liver disease than alcohol :O
- linked to lower testosterone levels
- early puberty in young girls
Teen Obesity - Linked to Later Multiple Sclerosis
- increases risk of coronary heart disease and stroke
- increases the risk of developing osteoarthritis (a degeneration of cartilage and its underlying bone within a joint)
- increases risk of Alzheimer's disease
- Diabetes
- Dyslipidemia
- Sleep apnea and respiratory problems
- High blood pressure
- can increase the risk of dementia up to 80%
- Gynecological problems
- increases risk of Fibromygalia
- linked to sexual Dysfunction
- linked to lower sperm count
-- increased risk of many cancers

- breast cancer
- endometrial cancer
- colorectal cancer
- ovarian cancer
- gallbladder
- aggressive prostate cancer
- pancreatic cancer
- esophageal cancers
- kidney cancer

Obesity = brain shrinkage = stupidity ....

Imagine how stupid America will be....

"The researchers found that all of these OBESITY indicators were inversely
associated with total brain volume - that is, the higher any indicator was, the SMALLER THE BRAIN VOLUME -
and that the association between abdominal fat and brain volume was the strongest of all.
Waist-to-hip ratio was also found to be associated with increased temporal horn volume,
independently of other obesity indicators.
The temporal horn is a part of the ventricular system; its volume is known to increase with age,
and in conditions such as Alzheimer's Disease, depression and schizophrenia.
Enlargement of the temporal horn invariably involves a reduction in the volume of temporal lobe structures such as
the hippocampus, and thus is closely associated with MEMORY IMPAIRMENTS.

Cancer
"Fat cells produce estrogen, which are now known to be a factor in breast cancer and endometrial cancer.
Fatty tissue also affects the way the body metabolizes insulin,
which can alter how sugar is processed and how it ultimately gets to cells.

Fatty tissue, also known as adipose tissue, produces hormones on its own that could play a role in promoting cancer cells.
It also has been shown to produce chronic, low-grade inflammation in the body.

Sources:

http://scienceblogs.com/neurophilosophy/2010/06/obesity_linked_to_brain_shrinkage_and_dementia.php

http://www.usatoday.com/news/health/2007-10-16-obesity-gene_N.htm

http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/721275

http://health.usnews.com/health-news/family-health/cancer/articles/2009/01/05/obesity-linked-to-ovarian-cancer.html

http://www.medpagetoday.com/Neurology/MultipleSclerosis/16922

http://osteoarthritis.about.com/b/2009/03/29/obesity-linked-to-osteoarthritis-and-joint-replacement-complications.htm

http://calorielab.com/news/2008/11/22/fatty-liver-obesity/

http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/mm59e0803a1.htm?s_cid=mm59e0803a1_e%0D%0A

Lib Nemesis I care about my nation.

And if you want to remain a super power... know that our military is shrinking...

many can not qualify

• ANSWER:
  Stop blaming the people and hold corporations and our government accountable. Stop allowing them to to use steroids in beef and chicken. Stop regulating the produce, so that it isn't expensive to eat healthy. Change the schools back to the way they were, when you had to take Physical education everyday in all grades. Stop consolidating schools in the name of saving money, so kids have to ride a bus instead of walking to school, and finally build more parks and playgrounds.

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QUESTION:
sleep apnea?
I'm 23 yrs old ( female) I am not over weight according to the BMI scale however lately I keep waking up its so annoying! I'm not gasping for air but my body keeps waking me up idk what to so I dont think I snore I asked my mother I think I might have that other sleep apnea the rare one but if my nervous system is causing it wouldn't I have problems during awake? Has these awakenings happen to anyone who doesn't have sleep apnea?

• ANSWER:
  you should be tested for sleep apnea, because according to the bmi scale i'm only 12 pounds overweight, BUT i've been snoring LOUD and HARD since I was 2 and i wasn't overweight... it started suddenly and continued...until now. I had my tonsils and adenoids out and that reduced how loud I snored, but I still have sleep apnea...

  one thing you said that didn't seem like a symptom of sleep apnea is that you're 'conscious' of being awake when you do wake up in the middle of the night. Many sleep apnea sufferers do not easily register that they are awake. It's a slight jerk of the body that cause you to wake up (usually from a deep sleep, which is why we are often extremely tired when we wake up.) and start breathing again.

  talk to your doctor because there are treatments and they totally help.

QUESTION:
Sleep Apnea: My husband stops breathing 32 times every single hour?
How bad is that on a scale of those with sleep apnea.

His test results read he stops breathing 32 times every hour that's about every two minutes...can you get any worse than that?

I just want to make sure he is telling me all that he needs to tell me.
He doesn't use the machine. He has only been tested....nothing given to him yet.

• ANSWER:
  sick answer first, so just laugh. : if his insurance is paid up, it would be better if he breathed once in the hour.

  real answer: sounds bad, this might cause brain damage so get him to keep on top of the doctor to get the meds or machine he seems to need.

  sorry, i thought u should laugh first!

QUESTION:
do i have sleep apnea?
i am worried i might have sleep apnea I am 23 years old and a female and according to the BMI scale I am NOT overweight however I notice in stage 1 of sleep i wake up a lot! idk what to do

• ANSWER:
  Sleep Apnea is more then just waking up easily.

  It is when you have episodes of not breathing during your sleep cycle. It causes severe sleepiness, fatigue (during the day) and it can also bring on high blood pressure.

  Has anyone ever told you that you snore?This is often one of the first tell-tale signs.

  It sounds like you have a form of insomnia; you can get to sleep, but wake up quickly.

  If you continue to have this, I would suggest that you go to your doctor to rule out any medical problems and get properly assessed.

QUESTION:
Do you have sleep apnea and own a CPAP machine? Please answer questions?
My name is Alysia Castillo and I am a student at Capt. John L. Chapin High School currently enrolled in senior year Design and Development class for the pre-engineering magnet program. I am currently working on modifying a CPAP mask for those who suffer from obstructive sleep apnea. If you could please take a moment of your time to answer the following questions, I would greatly appreciate your feedback.

Consumer Survey

1.Have you been formally diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea?
YesNo

2.How often do you wake up due to obstructive sleep apnea (without a CPAP machine) per week?
A.Once a week
B.2-3 times a week
C.4-6 times a week
D.Over 6 times

3.Are you medically required (by a doctor) to use a CPAP mask while sleeping?
YesNo

4.How often do you wear your CPAP mask to sleep?
A.Always
B.Almost Always
C.Occasionally
D.Never

5.How would you rate the comfort ability of your CPAP machine mask on a scale of 1-5?
1- Very comfortable
2 -slightly comfortable
3- No preference
4- Slightly uncomfortable
5- Extremely uncomfortable

6.Would you say that your CPAP allows you to sleep better while using it? Without using it?
Using CPAP- Yes No
Without CPAP- Yes No

7.Are you able to afford a CPAP machine and the different face masks?
YesNo

8.Which mask do you prefer?
A.Nasal mask
B.Nasal prongs
C.Nose cushion
D.Oral mask

9.Open Ended: What modifications to the facial mask would you want to improve your machine and mask?

• ANSWER:
  . Have you been formally diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea?
  Yes

  2. How often do you wake up due to obstructive sleep apnea (without a CPAP machine) per week?

  D. Over 6 times (32 times an hour- You would only have cpap if you had greater than 15 times an hour)

  3. Are you medically required (by a doctor) to use a CPAP mask while sleeping?
  Yes
  4. How often do you wear your CPAP mask to sleep?
  A. Always

  5. How would you rate the comfort ability of your CPAP machine mask on a scale of 1-5?

  2 -slightly comfortable

  6. Would you say that your CPAP allows you to sleep better while using it? Without using it?
  Using CPAP- Yes
  Without CPAP- If I fall alseep on the plane even for 15 minutes with out my machine, I get a headache for days

  7. Are you able to afford a CPAP machine and the different face masks?
  Yes It is not cheap but well worth it. I buy online which is cheaper

  8. Which mask do you prefer?
  A. Nasal mask

  9. Open Ended: What modifications to the facial mask would you want to improve your machine and mask? To lighten the machine for ease of travel, to decrease the sound as much as possible and to increase the size of the humidifier for better humidification. I use the remstar plus currently.

  Try visiting sleepnet.com.

QUESTION:
Could this still be sleep apnea or what else could it be?
I went in for a checkup the other day with the complaint of excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS), which has been going on for years as well as excessive snoring during the night which has become unbearable for my partner. My doc wants me to have a sleep study done to be checked for sleep apnea although I don't wake up gasping for air and my partner also says that I don't (and he would know since my snoring keeps him up most of the night, lol). Could this still be sleep apnea or could the sleep study find another problem if there is one? I'm really nervous and embarassed about having this done. I'm only 24 though and the EDS has me drained and the snoring has my partner drained and I just want my problems to be fixed. I have already had my thyroid checked and that was fine so hypothyroidism has been ruled out. My Epworth Sleepiness Scale my score is high (that I did online - I haven't talked to the sleep doctor about it yet, I see them in 3 weeks). Any help?? Thanks!

• ANSWER:
  With sleep apnea, although you do wake up gasping, 99% of the time you won't remember in the morning.

  Good luck

QUESTION:
Could this be sleep apnea or just too much sleep?
So my boyfriend is always tired. He works from about 8:30 to 5:00 every day. He gets at the very least seven hours of sleep a night. He usually gets about 8 or 9. According to the BMI scale he is slightly overweight. His BMI is 25.4 with 24.9 being in the normal category and he is 24 years old. He snores extremely loud but I have never really noticed him stop breathing, then again I do not frequently watch. He is tired every day and can never stay awake past 9. I don't know how I can help. I know he does not like being this tired all the time and it is sometimes very frustrating as he rarely wants to do stuff since he is tired and we can never do anything together at night because he falls asleep to early. Any suggestions on how to help him would be wonderful. Thank you! Oh and also, his dad has sleep apnea but am not sure if it is genetic or not. Thanks!
Okay and just to be clear, we went and saw a doctor but to pay for a sleep study if it is just too much sleep seems....silly...

• ANSWER:
  You can go to a sleep place (the type that sells CPAP machines for sleep apnoea). Here you can hire a monitoring machine.

  You place some small tubes in your nose to measure your breathing, and a clip on your finger to measure blood oxygen levels and your pulse rate. The info is recorded to a small box that you take back for a printout.

  This information can be used to make a diagnosis.

QUESTION:
Question for people with sleep apnea and those who have the cpap machines?
Just a couple weeks ago I was diagnosed with severe sleep apnea. I got the cpap machine and have adjusted pretty well to it. My question for those who have apnea and have the cpap machines, how long does it take before you really start feeling differently from the use of cpap? I mean I have felt better since using it. Before the cpap machine on a scale of 1-10 , 1 being completely exhausted 10 being energized I always felt like a 1, but now i feel maybe a 6-7. Does it just take time for you to get use to it and to feel more and more energized throughout the day?
I have been wearing it just a week so far.

• ANSWER:
  You haven't had it very long so give it some more time to get used to wearing it and for your body to get used to all that sleep you've been missing! If you aren't feeling better in another couple of weeks, talk to your Dr, they may have to adjust the settings.

QUESTION:
can sleep apnea cause muscular chest pain if not wat can?
so my chest hurts if i llike bend my shoulders in and flex ..i havent worked out and its been like 3 weeks ..it doenst hurt unless i flex like that but i dont work out at all sow hat could cause this..i have no money and no insuance so dont tell me to go to the doctor,....what can i do ...its like a 4 on the painn scale.

• ANSWER:
  Hello Trav,

  there are so few details about your problem that I don't know if you really have a sleep disorder or not. We need a more ample description of your symptoms.

  If you think you have sleep problems and sleep apnea, this source can help you:

QUESTION:
I am afraid to sleep sometimes - Sleep Apnea?
I wake up with a headache, sore teeth, stuffed up nose, tired - exhausted, dry mouth, and breathless.

My husband says that I have started snoring, which is something I've never done before and it is getting louder and louder. He also says I grind my teeth sometimes and occasionally stop breathing for short periods of time.

I eat right and excercise plus take care of 2 kids and run a business. However, when I step on the scale, same number!
I've even been taking dietary suplements to boost my metabolism - no change!

What do you think?

• ANSWER:
  I have sleep apnea
  I've had it sense I was 14 which is rare
  you are showing almost all the symptoms
  I suggest you see a Doctor right away
  they will most likely ask you participate in a sleep study so they can interpret your sleep pattern
  then it may be 1 or 2 weeks to get the results and your doctor will discuss with you where to go from there
  you may be placed on a breathing machine at night (nebulizer)
  and though sleep apnea is usually a weight related issue
  it can also be caused by trouble in the bronchi's- hints snoring- or asthma
  you may also have an issue with your thyroid as well due to the (and I'm assuming) weight issue sense your concerned about the scale
  the tyroid is near the bronchi's (if you slide your finger done your throat to the place in between your collar bones that is where you thyroid is you should be able to feel a grove) and if it is enlarged or there is a problem with it, it could be effecting your breathing and weight
  mention the weight issue to your doctor as well

QUESTION:
Is an apnea/hypopnea index of 6 (sleep apnea) bad enough to merit treatment?
I have other health problems and I was searching for answers so I did a couple of sleep studies. When I wore the CPAP it caused "centrals" to occur so they did not recommend I use a CPAP for treatment. Is an AHI of 6 really that bad? It seems to me that sleep disorders are becoming an easy business and everyone and their brothers are getting into it to supplement income. I know a 6 on the AHI scale is "mild" but what is mild. Define mild because one word alone does not really mean much. I wonder, statistically speaking, if most everyone has a low rating and they are just trying to make a buck.

• ANSWER:
  You are correct-sleep medicine has become a big industry.
  First, I would like to say that the CPAP per se did not cause the centrals-they are apneas caused by a failure of the brain to tell your diaphragm to move vs. the airway closing so attempts to breathe are blocked. An improperly titrated CPAP is what causes centrals. The thing to do for that would be go to a different sleep lab.
  That said, an AHI of 6 indicates an EXTREMELY mild sleep breathing disorder-I can't tell you what to do but if it were me I think I'd just let it slide unless you are having a lot of trouble staying awake during the day. Good luck to you.

QUESTION:
Ever had your tonsils and adenoids removed as an adult?
Hello,

I'm getting them both removed in about three weeks. On a scale of 1-10, how bad is the pain and for how long will it last? Also, what kind of drinks/foods are good until I heal? Lastly how are things going for you since your surgery? Especially if it was to help with Sleep apnea.

Thank you,
Nolan

• ANSWER:

QUESTION:
CPAP set for 9lbs of air?
I'm new to this whole sleep apnea thing. Is 9lbs a lot, a little, or somewhere in between? Where does this mean I fall on a scale fo 1 to 10? My doc just called and sset the order and said this is what you need. Sooo... I'm a bit under informed at the moment... Thanks for answers!

• ANSWER:
  Hi Lady in Pink.Your prescribed setting would be 9 cm/H2O.Just about everything in the medical field is measured in metric.This is about an average setting so on a scale of 1-10 I would say a 5.
  Check out this web page.It had some really good information for just starting out.Best of luck.

  http://www.cpaptalk.com/cpaptalk-articles/CPAP-pressure-settings.html

QUESTION:
chronic headache?
I have had a headache for going on six months. i've seen every type of dr. you can imagine...my gp, an optometrist, a neuro opthomalogist, a pathologist. i've been on tons of medication including topamax, verapomil (sp) and now depakote. nothing stops this headache. sometimes it is tolerable (3 or 4 on a scale of 1-10) and then other days it keeps me totally debilitated. during the course of trying to figure out what is causing this, i've had ct scans and mri's (all normal). i recently had an mra/mrv but don't know the results yet. also while digging for answers, it was discovered that i have diabetes (type 2) and sleep apnea (am using the cpap, but it is not helping the headache...in fact, it seems to aggravate it). the pain in my head ranges from sharp, shooting pain up the back of my head to feeling like i am wearing a cap and the headache is over my whole head. visual distrubances are minimal. eyes have not changed and no nausea (to indicate migraine). can anyone help?

• ANSWER:
  Just a couple thoughts, they may not work, but it sounds like any option is worth trying.

  Have you tried a chiropractor, if the spine is misaligned, it can send pain to various different parts of the body, and cause serious headaches......most doctors won't pickup on spine adjustment. http://www.firstchiro.com/headache.htm

  Allergy's can cause headaches, might be worth looking into to find out if you have allergy's. http://dwp.bigplanet.com/allergies/headaches/

  Chronic Migraines http://headache.upmc.com/MigraineHeadache/LivingWithChronicMigraines.htm

  If you have had your eyes tested, and everything else checked out, but can't seem to find anything, perhaps it is not something wrong with you, perhaps it is environmental, or your bed, maybe the way you sleep.

  Is your house damp, mold may be a possible cause, as it can cause a range of symptoms, including headaches. http://www.mold-survivor.com/symptoms.html

  You may also look into neck tension, visit a masseuse, and get a good deep tissue massage.

  It may very well be no one thing, but a combination of factors.
  I hope your find a solution and your headaches go away.

QUESTION:
Any ideas? Lump under my jaw...?
Ok, I have read several questions and answers on here, and none of them seem to match my situation, so I am going to do my best to desribe this...

I have 3 lumps on the left side of my neck just under my jaw bone...try this...place your index finger on your jaw bone under your ear, right where it starts to curve up to your ear...now, put all 4 fingers along your jaw bone with your pinky being the closest to your chin. Make sure all your fingers are closed touching each other...be patient with me here...I am trying to be specific. Now, push your tongue in your mouth down and make the muscles/tissue in your neck puff out. Ok, now, right where your pinky is, slide it down just off your jaw line into that tissue...that's where the biggest lump is located...it's hard, and feels very tender...it has a little movement, but not a lot. I can feel it when I dont push my tongue down to make it puff out, but not as well. Also, when I push my tongue down and turn my head to the right and look up, I can see the lump. I have had it for 3 days, and it has gotten to be the size of a quarter...I didn't notice before it was painful, but I can't say for sure if it was there before that or not. I am not sick, haven't been sick...but for the last week I have been EXTREMELY tired...I'm talking REALLY REALLY tired...I can usually go on 5-6 hours of sleep and be just fine, but lately I am sleeping 10-12 hours and still dragging my feet...I thought maybe I was getting sick, but no fever, no running nose, no sore throat, no cough, and the only other sick person I have been around is my 2 year old that has an ear infection, which obviously is not contagious...please can someone help me? Btw, I have no insurance, and cant afford to see a doctor right now...let me know if this is something I should be concerned about enough to go into serious debt and pony up and go to the doc, or if I should wait it out and not worry so much...thanks in advance if you made it this far! Oh, almost forgot, the other 2 lumps are small and they are right beside the biggest one...they are about pea size, maybe a little bigger, and I can't tell if they are actually sore too or if they just feel sore because of the biggest one being sore...

I have had swollen lymph nodes before, and they have never been this painful...on a scale 1-10, this is easily a 7...it hurts to turn my head, swallow, look up or down, chew...also, the fatigue is new...I am 25, healthy, and have no signs of being sick at all. Is it possible for the sleep apnea to just start all of a sudden?

• ANSWER:
  sounds like glandular fever- all the symptoms you describe were what I had when I was diagnosed with it. Is there not a free clinic you can go to?

QUESTION:
Being bothered by a weight reading two months ago?
Back in mid June, I went to the doctor, and they weighed me. This was after I ate, I was wearing cloths except for shoes, and on my period. I am around 5'5 (16 years old) and came in at 156lbs. My doctor told me to lose weight. I was really, really upset by this. But when I stepped on my scale at home a few days later, no period, before I ate, no cloths, I weighed 144.

I went on a STRICT diet and got to 137 today on my home scale.... but I can't stop thinking about my doctor calling me overweight. I am eating VERY healthy and exercising, but, I feel a bit messed up in the head. I just feel really, really fat. I just look at myself in the mirror and feel disgusted. I really did not feel this way before. Just so you know, I don't have any health problems like diabetes, high cholesterol, or high blood pressure. But I keep looking up those things and rarer things like sleep apnea and fatty liver that an overweight person is at risk for. I am just freaking out. What should I do?

• ANSWER:
  It's normal to have these feelings. Just ignore them, keep yourself occupied with other thoughts. The more you focus on those feelings the more you'll become obsessed with them.

QUESTION:
Do I need my tonsillectomy/adenoidectomy?
Hi, I'm a 16 year old girl, and ever since I had the flu several months ago, I had mild nasal congestion. I don't need to blow my nose or anything, I just feel as though air does not pass through my nose well. I went to an ENT, who looked at my nose and took one look at my tonsils and said "Oh yeah, you should definitely get those out" (i'm paraphrasing here). He said the problem was that my chin is small, and my tonsils are very large (3+ on a scale of 0 to 4), which narrows my breathing passage. He said I should have my tonsils removed, and that at the same time he would check to see if my adenoids should be removed, and would do so if needed. I also snore loudly at night, and I THINK I may be getting sleep apnea. But I do not suffer from many infections like other candidates for tonsillectomies do; I just want to know if this decision was made too quickly, if I should look into other problems (maybe a deviated septum). I am not frightened about a tonsillectomy, I just want to know its necessity. -Thanks!
this doctor is highly recommended by a well known magazine in the northwest

• ANSWER:

QUESTION:
Helping my mom Lose Weight?
*Sorry it's long. You can skim over the middle part and go to the questions. It's mostly stories of how my mom feels and what she does.

My mom wants to lose weight and I want to help her. Right now she is 5'5 at around 250lbs. She complains about her weight and she says she'll start a diet and she does but it doesn't last more than a month. And I need help her with this.

See, she is not happy. Well she is happy in general but not with her weight. Like over the summer, we were on vacation and my family went to the zoo and yes, it was hot, and she was sweating and was out of breathe before we got into the park. When we walked on the boardwalk, she would always fall back, so I would always with her when my dad and brother walked ahead. When we left to go back home from vacation, she said she'll start a diet and lose to weight. And now it's January and nothing. She has sleep apnea and she found out she's a diabetic. She complains how she can't find clothes to wear. So this isn't going well. I mean, she can move and everything. She doesn't look as heavy as the scale says.

I really want to help her but she can tend to get mean when I tell her she's eating too much. For dinner she always gets a big plate of food and most of the time, she'll go back for seconds or at least a half a plate extra. And I tell her no she can't have it but she'll say it's her life and she can do whatever. She'll even eat a bowl of ice cream at like 9 at night. Which I do too. But I stay in shape by jogging.

I'm starting to get worried. Because she wants to lose the weight but she can't.

I told my family after January, no more junk food in the house. Because it seems like, if there is some junk food in the house, she'll want it too. And I don't find that fair. And I plan on helping her through this. We are going to go walking every night (as long as it's not too cold right now). And I'm going to watch what she eats.

>>> What else can I do or tell her to help her lose weight?
>>> Please give websites or anything help

She doesn't want to go to the gym because she doesn't really have time. So it needs to be home stuff.

I'm really concerned because I was just watching shows on TLC about obese people going to hospitals and I don't want my mom to turn out like that. She said she would never get that big but I think if she continues who she is living life, she will make it to that point.

>>> What can I do? I really need help...
>>> What are some foods we can make?

I stay active and I'm pretty healthy but I wouldn't might working on my health more like no junk food. And my brother works out everyday so he doesn't have a problem. And my dad, well, he's heavy but not that heavy.

Please Help!
Kristaich, I said above that I said to my family that no more junk (fatty) foods will come into this house. Because it's tempting if it's in the house and it's not fair that the rest of us can eat it while she can't

• ANSWER:
  Hey man, tell her that you'll be her partner. You two dont have to work out together, but you two can track your progress together. That will give her that extra push to keep going. theres more you could do but do that, suggest walking every day or every other day, and just look up diets and healthy foods online that you guys could eat. alright dude good luck..

QUESTION:
weight loss help, for someone low income?
im a 23 year old mother of one, who currently is in the low income bracket.
I've gone back to school, for accounting/clerical programs, to try and better my financial situation in the long run.
But with the way food prices are these days, it seems like the cheaper options for food choices while grocery shopping, are those that are high in calories/fat. and when your trying to stretch your food budget as far as you can over a month, sometimes you have to resort to those options.
or at least that is the exscuse i've been allowing myself to believe over the last few years....

I guess its easy to blame to economy for stress and weight gain....

but in truth, i have no one to blame but myself.

i am 5'4" and 215lbs.
i've done everything i can think of to lose the weight. I workout, i measure exact portion sizes with a food scale, stopped drinking soda and drink tons of water...

my weight is a serious issue for me, i have severe Sleep Apnea (where i stop breathing upwards of 80x per hour), I have PCOS (polycystic ovarian syndrome) and i worry about the possibility of diabetes which runs in my family...

I've heard of personal trainers, or fitness/health programs that sometimes offer services at a discounted rate to those who are low income.

can anyone offer me any advice or help on where to look into these avenues, or just any general information on how to boost my weightloss?

I'm desperate...

• ANSWER:

QUESTION:
Could this pain be dangerous? Doctors or Nurses..or anyone?
I have a cramp in my stomach. It is between my right hip bone and my pelvis. It is not on my side. It is in front. On a pain scale of 1-10 it would be a 5 or 6-7 sometimes. The pain is enough to stop me when I am walking and bend over in pain. I don't know if it is my appendix or what. I am 15 years old I have never had sex and I am not menstruating or on birth control. I do not know my medical history but when I was a baby I had sleep apnea. I am allergic to rondec but that is all. Please help me find out what this is before I go to the doctors.

• ANSWER:
  It's impossible to diagnose over the internet. You need to be physically examined by a doctor to find out what is really going on. Usually people who have appendicitis have temperatures, but it's impossible to know for sure what is going on.

QUESTION:
Possible to Raise GPA with 6 Classes to graduate Spring 2011? Help ASAP!?
The following details about my personal life are relevant to my question.
I have had it really rough last Spring semester & this current semester; even summer. During the last Spring term, my ex broke off our engagement due to her treating me poorly & being unfaithful; 3 weeks before the semester ended, and a little over a month before our wedding. This lead to situational depression, anxiety/stress, inability to focus, major weight loss, frequently ill during this current semester, & developing sleep apnea. And this is no exaggeration. I've been to the doctor about over 10 times within the last 6-7 months to be prescribed a number of different medical prescriptions.
Last Spring semester, I took 5 classes (15 credits total = 3 credits per class), and received a C+, C, and had to take 3 incompletes due to my circumstances at the time. My professors were very understanding and suggested an incomplete to give me more time. The incomplete policy at my college states that I have to finish the assignments for my incomplete classes by the end of the following semester (excluding summer/winter sessions); this current Fall semester.
Although, I should have finished these over the summer period, my situational depression and other symptoms hindered my ability and motivation to do so. But I do take responsibility for not finishing them during that time. My mental/physical health did improve slowly into the current semester.
This semester, I took 4 classes (13 credits total = 3 credits for 3 classes, and 4 credits for 1 class). Again, my previous health-related symptoms relapsed during the middle of this semester and have sustained up to this point, while trying work on my incomplete class papers and current classes. I took my final on Monday for my 4 credit class, and found after talking to the professor that I had failed the class; missing class due to illness, doing poorly on semester long-research paper, & failing the final, which both were a big part of the grade. An incomplete was out of the question, as well as retaking the class this Winter or Spring 2011 since it is not offered. One Spring 2010 semester paper is in the final process of completion due by this Monday.
I am a Political Science major. I meet all the requirements for the College of Letters & Science to graduate in Spring 2011. But my dilemma is my major's program that requests an overall cumulative 2.5 GPA for my Pol Sci credits (inlcuding transfer credits), and a cumulative 2.5 GPA for all my Pol Sci credits taken at my current university to graduate.

My Pol Sci credits are as follows ( I = incomplete with grade next to it in parentheses is predicted):
Class Credits Grade
Pol Sci X = 3 B+
Pol Sci XS = 3 A
Pol Sci 106 = 3 A
Pol Sci 203 = 3 I (C-)
Pol Sci 302 = 3 (A) will take Spring 2011
Pol Sci 310 = 3 (B) in progress
Pol Sci 325 = 3 I (C-)
Pol Sci 340 = 3 F unable to retake
Pol Sci 359 = 3 (A) will take Spring 2011
Pol Sci 370 = 3 B
Pol Sci 371 = 3 (A) will take Winterim 2011
Pol Sci 382 = 3 C+
Pol Sci 390 = 4 F just took/unable to retake
Pol Sci 421 = 3 (A) require/need/will take Spring 2011
Pol Sci 423 = 3 F (A) retake in Spring 2011 (professor is very tough & failed me twice)
Pol Sci 500 = 3 I (B- or )

My college grades on a standard scale: A=4.0, B=3.0, C=2.0, D=1.0, F=0
I meet all the other requirements for my Pol Sci major, except GPA.
Overall Pol Sci cum. GPA required = 2.5, my actual = 2.380
University Pol Sci credits cum. GPA required = 2.5, my actual = 1.333

I assume to take all Pol Sci classes for my Winter & Spring classes, which I predict and have to get all A's. But to more effectively boost my GPA, should I retake Pol Sci 203, Pol Sci 500 or both (more likely 203)?
Plus, should I take a 5th class in Spring, another Pol Sci class or Pol Sci 103 or 104 (required, but is equivalent to a transfer class Pol Sci XS, but can still count separately)? Or even a 6th class?
To what affect will retaking 1 or 2 classes have on boosting my GPA?
To further complicate things, I am required to graduate in Spring 2011 due to a military officer obligation/deadline in June (my dream to serve USA for years). They require a cum. 2.0 GPA per semester ( GPA < 2.0 = bad). I have already changed my graduation date twice & cannot request another extension. If I do not graduate college this Spring, I get dropped from the program & will not be re-accepted in military program.
After you calculate my GPA & requirements, if very close to meeting requirements, would I be able to appeal my situation for last Spring & this Fall as reason to the university/adviser/college/major for coming up just under the requirements?
I am willing to do whateve
As I ended my lengthy situation, I am willing to do whatever it takes to graduate this Spring 2011! The military officer program is something I have worked hard for the past 3 years. I know previous semesters I did not apply myself to school as much; followed by the major mental and emotional breakdown for months following my broken engagement. That almost had put me at the brink of not being able to fix or continue with school. I had been a better student before getting all caught up in a relationship, and I know my full potential. But the only thing to do now is plan and think ahead, work/stay ahead, and overcome this major feat. I am not going give up no matter what the outcome may be. I take the full responsibility of my I have finally realized what my mother always said to me, "Can you look back and say that you did everything in your power to do the best you could have achieved?" Finally, so close to finishing college, and I finally get it!

To ask those of you who take the time

• ANSWER:

QUESTION:
His obesity is ruining our relationship!?
I'm at wits end here. I do love my fiance, but his weight is ruining everything. He has gained 60lbs over the past two years and just keeps gaining more. I think is ridiculous - but it happens. Problem is, he won't do anything about it. And just to put out there, no he hasn't gained weight due to any underlying medical issues. He's simply gained weight due to not leading a healthy lifestyle. (which he lead when we met) In fact, his weight gain is actually CAUSING medical problems. He was a little chubby when I met him - so this 60 lb. weight gain has him tipping the scales of being moderately obese. (according to his doctor) His obesity has caused him to get obstructive sleep apnea, as well as high blood pressure & low testosterone levels. (not sure if the low testosterone levels are specifically caused by him being obese - but the doctor says that weight loss might bring his levels back around normal)Now we are currently waiting to see if he has fertility issues due to the low testosterone levels. To me that is just the icing on the cake. My biggest goal & desire in life is to be a mother. And now I feel like his obesity is starting to invade in our relationship. I've just gotten to the point that I'm over him being fat and I'm getting to the point that I'm over him. Him being fat has ruined our relationship! We can no longer go to the beach because he feels self conscious, we've had to start buying more food because he eats so much, and not to mention is has completely destroyed our sex life. His low testosterone level has made him uninterested in sex - as well as my sexual advances. In a way I'm happy about this because the thought of him crushing me during sex or having to grab onto his fat rolls simply disgusts me. I'm not claiming to be perfect, so do not take this as me just bashing him. But to get it out there - yes I am in shape, and yes I lead a healthy lifestyle. I have tried everything to get him to follow suit, to no avail. He refuses to go to the gym because he feels like "people are staring at him", he refuses to walk or jog because it's too hot outside (we live in FL), he refuses to diet because he says he doesn't want to be starving all the time, & he won't go see a nutritionist or dietician because he claimes he works too much to fit it into his schedule. His doctor has given him a CPAP machine to help with his sleep apnea, which he does not use - because "it's annoying". And he has refused any help from the doctor in referring him to weight loss programs or the like again to his "busy work schedule". Simply put - he refuses to do anything about his weight, but expects everyone just to deal with him being fat. I have tried the whole "we can exercise" and "we can diet" - which hasn't worked one bit. I have tried not bringing junk in the house, he just goes and buys it himself. I have tried everything, nothing has worked. His sleep apnea has caused us to sleep in seperate rooms (due to me not sleeping well next to his snoring), we have no sex life (it has literally been over 4 months), and our electric bill & grocery bill has gone up due to him always being "hot" and eating too much. Our relationship has dwindled... I love him, but I'm ready to give up. Has anyone been through this or have any advice? (serious only) Just to add, we are not married and have no kids.
**And I do agree that if a woman does this same thing she is just as guilty. Anyone (man or woman) who becomes this unhealthy and overweight due to pure laziness is wrong. Those who have valid medical causes (ie thyroid, being pregnant, etc) have some room to stand on. But they're ailment definitely shouldn't become a crutch or excuse to continue to be unhealthy.
Before people jump my case for being a cold hearted b*tch. I do love him, if I didn't I wouldn't have tried in the first place. I would have left him at the first signs of weight gain. To say that I've never loved him or even that I despise him (as one person so kindly put) is ludicrous. What I despise is the fact that he shows a lack of concern for our relationship - and our future. I despise the fact that he'd rather cram a ho-ho down his throat and play video games than do something to make himself healthier. And I despise the fact that there is nothing else I can do. Which is why I'm asking for advice - not insults.

• ANSWER:
  I'm just an outsider looking in, but it sounds to me like both of you need some help. First, I think if you love someone, you love someone. No matter what they "look" like. When my husband and I first started dating, his weight was at about 135. Now he runs between 185-210 depending on what time of year it is. I love him just the same as I always have. I have to say, we are 10 years in, and our sex life is still running on a full throttle. I do think that his lack of a sex drive could be a big problem. I also think that sleeping in searate bedrooms would definitely put a wedge in your relationship. It does sound like he has gotten lazy. His lack of willingness to even try to lose weight is sad. Especially since it is affecting his health. People tend to get comfortable with each other after a period of time and start to let themselves go. I do think you need to give him an ultimatum. Either he starts taking care of himself or your gone. Not because he is "fat" and your not attracted to him. But because you love him and would like to have him around for another 20 or 30 years. Your definitely not in a healthy relationship figuratively and literally speaking. Tell him your going to leave him if he doesnt change his ways, and voice all your concerns you have told us about. The kid thing and his health and the sex. Hopefully that will put a spark under his ass. If it doesnt, then he obviously doesnt love you like he should and you need to end the relationship. Good Luck.