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[Diagnosis] Got my results and am now afraid to go to sleep
#1
Got my results and am now afraid to go to sleep
Today, I saw the pulmonary dr. We went over my results. They are not good. First, I NEVER get into REM sleep. It took me 3 hours to even get into a measurable sleep level. Then, I would stop breathing an average of 35 times an hour....between 20-40 times an hour all night (well from 3-6).

I am going to have my CPAP titration next tuesday. I was fitted for a mask today. I am very very very concerned. Even my dr was very concerned. But, I suppose, my question is.....WHY arnt they moving faster to get me a machine. I am so scared to fall asleep....that tonight will be the night I stop breathing and NOT wake myself up (which I had no Idea was happening anyway).
Is this a normal feeling after getting results?
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#2
RE: Got my results and am now afraid to go to sleep
Amen Sister!

Yes, freaking is normal.

Your AHI (that's the 35 times an hour) is slightly above the moderate level. (see chart here) I wish they would re-do those because it just causes people to freak more. I got a call from the sleep doc's office. I had an AHI of 69, a low O2 of 83%, twitched like mad, and could hold my breath an average of 35 seconds with the longest being 45 seconds.

So I turn to the wonderful Internet and almost immediately freaked. If a "severe" is over 30 and mine was what?? And the O2 should stay above 95%??

Yeah, I panicked. Absolutely freaked. It was hard sleeping for several nights. I kept waking up (I'd been waking up umpteen times a night for a very long time, only now I noticed them since I was hyper-aware of them) and not being able to go to sleep.

But I survived. And you will too. Try to keep calm. Just go to sleep and know that you'll get your machine soon and all will be well.

Push for a data capable machine, one that keeps track of stuff other than hours used. Don't let them tell you the data would be over your head. It might be at first but you'll learn it all. Honest.
PaulaO

Take a deep breath and count to zen.




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#3
RE: Got my results and am now afraid to go to sleep
I am glad you have taken the first steps in fixing your sleep problems. I understand your inital aprehensions about going to sleep now that you know how severe your sleep problems are. If you have a recliner you might try sleeping in that for a week or so until you get your triation study and machine. That way your airway will stay open better..
It is just a suggestion
Someone once asked me how I adjusted to CPAP so well--I thought for a moment and said I had two choices CPAP or DEATH..The choice was easy..
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#4
RE: Got my results and am now afraid to go to sleep
I'm not abnormal here, 107 events per hour during my sleep study and O2 sats down to 60%.

You have some adjustment ahead! Keep us up to date and maybe we can help. Anyway, we're here to listen or provide a tip or two.
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#5
RE: Got my results and am now afraid to go to sleep
Yeah, freaking is pretty normal. I didn't - believe it or not, I'd done my research before I ever went to my GP for a referral to a sleep specialist. I knew what I had... and honestly, when the lab tech woke me up in the morning and said "I'm going to rush your results to your dr, and suggest they get you on a loaner machine, like, tomorrow..." I really wasn't surprised.

Even when I found out that I was having 68 events an hour... well... honestly that surprised me. I figured it was low - must have been a good night for my study. :-)

Where I freaked was a few months later, when the power went off, and I discovered that there was no way at all that I could sleep *without* the machine. Good thing I have a generator... slept on the couch that night, where I had access to power from the generator.
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#6
RE: Got my results and am now afraid to go to sleep
Why you have been fitted with full face mask? imo full face mask shouldn't be first choice you,ll do better with a nasal or pillows.
I understand your concern about getting a machine sooner but suggest take the time to look at various types of machines and your insurance cover especially for periodically replacement parts (masks, cushions, hoses, etc...)
Good luck with next Tuseday titration.
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#7
RE: Got my results and am now afraid to go to sleep
I would say the mask is more important than the machine. The machine could have all the bells and whistles in the world but be useless if you can't tolerate the mask.

Ask the supplier what their trial period is. Some it is a week, others 30 days. Not every nasal mask is the same, not ever nasal pillow is the same either. Keep trying until you find one you like or at least can tolerate.
PaulaO

Take a deep breath and count to zen.




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#8
RE: Got my results and am now afraid to go to sleep
(04-25-2012, 09:25 PM)EPSAHM2 Wrote: Today, I saw the pulmonary dr. We went over my results. They are not good. First, I NEVER get into REM sleep. It took me 3 hours to even get into a measurable sleep level. Then, I would stop breathing an average of 35 times an hour....between 20-40 times an hour all night (well from 3-6).

I am going to have my CPAP titration next tuesday. I was fitted for a mask today. I am very very very concerned. Even my dr was very concerned. But, I suppose, my question is.....WHY arnt they moving faster to get me a machine. I am so scared to fall asleep....that tonight will be the night I stop breathing and NOT wake myself up (which I had no Idea was happening anyway).
Is this a normal feeling after getting results?


Don't sweat it. My AHI was 94 and my O2 levels dropped to 72%..... I made it until I got a machine.

You will be ok.
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#9
RE: Got my results and am now afraid to go to sleep
(04-25-2012, 09:25 PM)EPSAHM2 Wrote: that tonight will be the night I stop breathing and NOT wake myself up

nothing has changed since you had your test. you always, at least in the foreseeable past, have slept with this condition and didn't die. if people stopped breathing and didn't wake up, none of us would be here to help you. the main problem with apnea is not dying in your sleep. the main problem with apnea is the long term negative effects on your heart and other internal organs that can lead to some bad things.
First Diagnosed July 1990

MSgt (E-7) USAF (Medic)
Retired 1968-1990
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#10
RE: Got my results and am now afraid to go to sleep
(04-25-2012, 10:40 PM)zonk Wrote: Why you have been fitted with full face mask? imo full face mask shouldn't be first choice you,ll do better with a nasal or pillows.
I understand your concern about getting a machine sooner but suggest take the time to look at various types of machines and your insurance cover especially for periodically replacement parts (masks, cushions, hoses, etc...)
Good luck with next Tuseday titration.


I did try the other two. I actually would prefer the full face mask. I felt like I couldnt breath with the other 2 around my nose.....AND, I know I sleep with my mouth open and would have air leak out my mouth.
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