Apnea and Percocet
Been using the S10 for her for about 4 months now. I see a dramatic correlation between my use of Percocet (pain killer and also a CNS depressant) and the amount of CA's.
After 3 months, it looks like OA's are in the single digits. When I do NOT take Percocet, CA's are between 0 and 3. When I take Percocet, I see CA's up in the 20+ range.
I find this logical but I am wondering if there is a REAL danger.
I hate taking the Percocet but it is the only pain killer that works for me but sometimes I can go 2-3 weeks without needing any and I see the CA's drop to zero.
Am I causing some REAL and SIGNIFICANT problem using Percocet when I see this correlation?
RE: Apnea and Percocet
Do you mean you see a total count of 20 or a CI of 20? If the total count is 20, as in you have 20 events all night, no, you're not doing any harm.
If the CI (central index) is 20, as in you had 20 events an hour during the night, then that's a lot. However, my bet is without the pain aid, your sleep would have been even worse.
I take Vicodin and have chronic pain so I understand your situation. I would say you are not harming yourself at all when you take it. The relief from the pain from the occasional use far outweighs the central events. If you had to use the medication on a regular basis, then it would be more of an issue.
PaulaO
Take a deep breath and count to zen.
RE: Apnea and Percocet
Paula - thank you
I just checked the numbers from the ResMed software and am confused.
On the last night I used Percocet;
It says Apnea Index: 22.4
Obsctuctive 1.3
Central 21.0
AHI: 22.8
% Time in CSR 38.5
I have NEVER seen numbers this high.
RE: Apnea and Percocet
If you are going to need this class of drug on an ongoing basis, then you do need to get a different machine. Talk to your doctor about these results. A CA index over 20 is a serious concern, and may be related to significant SpO2 desaturation. You won't know unless you monitor using a recording oximeter.
People who take opiate drugs and experience complex or central apnea, generally require an Adaptive Servo Ventilator (ASV) with a backup rate that will initiate breaths for them. A regular positive air pressure machine is not capable of treating this condition. Your doctor can provide you with a letter of medical necessity or schedule a sleep study where you take the prescribed dose of your medication, so an appropriate machine and titration can be identified.
RE: Apnea and Percocet
Wow, yeah, that's a lot of central events in one night from one dose. I recommend you talk to your doc about another kind of pain medication before you switch machines. There are other non-opiate medications you can try. Have you ever tried Ultram? I am allergic to it so never got but two doses in but I've heard it works wonders. If you cannot find another medication, then you next need to see the sleep doc to discuss these results.
PaulaO
Take a deep breath and count to zen.