FInally Diagnosed With Sleep Apnea

[linn]

I barely slept for my sleep study, however, the apnea was caught. :grin:

The Dr. said that he caught an apnea during my REM sleep - he mentioned the word "moderate" and the number "11" (not sure what all this means) Because I didn't sleep much, he says that he didn't have a lot of info to create an average.

I start self titration on Monday and have been prescribed an autoCPAP.

The doctor said that if the CPAP doesn't help me, I will have to take stimulants daily because I can't stay awake. He said that I was very symptomatic.

I am dizzy a lot (don't feel all that steady on my feet) and I am wondering if this if caused by sleep apnea? Does the dizziness go away with the CPAP?

If anyone has any feedabck - I would love to hear it.

This has been a very, long journey and I feel like I am starting to find my way back.

[AlanE]

It's possible the dizziness is from lack of sleep. Hard to tell, there are so many reasons and more unrelated to sleep deprivation. Great that you got a machine! Stick with the machine, force yourself to use it if you must. It will take awhile to get used to it and to wearing the mask all night.

Did you get a copy of your sleep report? What pressure was prescribed?

P.S. don't forget to fill out the machine and mask in your profile.

[linn]

It's possible the dizziness is from lack of sleep. Hard to tell, there are so many reasons and more unrelated to sleep deprivation. Great that you got a machine! Stick with the machine, force yourself to use it if you must. It will take awhile to get used to it and to wearing the mask all night.

Did you get a copy of your sleep report? What pressure was prescribed?

P.S. don't forget to fill out the machine and mask in your profile.

My prescription says:

autocpap 5-20cmH20 for 1-2cmH20

I start the titration in a week - perhaps then I will be given a pressure number?

Thanks for the support :-)

[Evpraxia]

SO glad you are getting an AutoCPAP!

Dizziness Could be related to being sleep deprived; but it could be caused by other things as well (as you already know).

Please be sure to give us updates as you start your therapy.

[trish6hundred]

Hi linn,
It sounds like from what you said in your post above, that Your doc has written a range of pressures from 5 to 20 CmH2O on your prescription.
Probably after a week or so, he/she will tell you what pressure will work best for you.
Hang in there for more suggestions and answers to your question and good luck to you as you start your CPAP therapy.

[linn]

Thanks everyone :-) I will be back with updates.