(03-03-2015, 01:43 PM)jls954 Wrote: Ive been a cpap/bipap user for a decade.
I currently have a Resmed S9 VPAP Auto, my normal AHI is usually under 1.
However the last month it has suddenly increased pressure from around 16 to 23cm H20 and my AHI is hovering over 20 and I am having Central Apneas from 12 to 20 AHI depending on the day.
I have been extremely short of breath and had palpitations at times. Was Hospitalized 2wks ago and Nuclear Stress Test was fine---checked my AHI for that night and it was over 50 with a pressure of 22.
Any ideas for such a dramatic increase?
I did have an episode changing a car battery and was shocked and it burned my wedding band off my finger so I'm thinking perhaps the 12V shock could have done something to cause this.
I have the same machine. Just a guess, but, I think your centrals are pressure induced. Ask your doc about setting IPAPmax to perhaps 18.
The machine should not raise pressure due to centrals; so it must be raising due to flow limitation, snore or obstructive apnea.
I never wear jewelry -- especially rings around car batteries. As you found out, it can melt a ring -- but that's due to its high current capability. I used to test car batteries with a length of 12 gauge solid copper wire held at each end with pliers -- then touch the pliers to the terminals. A good, well charged, battery will heat the wire quickly to red hot, them melt it.
As for 12 Volts causing a shock -- your body impedance limits the current to
generally safe levels. Also, the accident you had likley limited current flow in the body to your hand -- not across the body/chest.
Now, for anyone with a cardiac condition or an implanted ICD or pacemaker -- it would be good practice not to pass the current from even 12V DC across the chest.
Now, back to your issue. That burn from the melted ring must have been painful -- are you taking pain meds such a Vicoden? That will up your event rate.
Short of breath and palps does suggest a cardiac issue. I assume you were on a continuous monitor during your hospital stay. If not, you should be on a Holter monitor for 24 hours to check for sporadic A-fib.
Ask for a the report from you nuclear stress test. (I ask for all reports for every procedure I have.)