09-26-2013, 07:37 PM
Why I love my data-capable CPAP
The short version is: several years ago, I had a dramatic increase in my hypertension. After much tests and scariness, it was narrowed down to my sleep apnea. The doc increased the pressure and the blood pressure went down. At that point I had a huge brick called the ResMed S7 Lightweight.
Fast forward to the past two weeks.
I have been experiencing some scary heart stuff again. We are still working out the kinks but the good thing is, from the beginning, we knew what it was NOT. Because I have a data-capable CPAP, that was marked off the list right away. Had I not had one, we would have automatically raised the pressure and waited. Or it could have been much worse sooner because I would not know how I was doing sleep apnea wise. Instead, I've been empowered by this board and have the confidence I needed to take care of myself. I don't want to be in the ICU because my sleep apnea wasn't being treated optimally.
The doc asked how it was doing, I said fine, gave her the latest AHI numbers and was even able to tell her my normal sleeping and awake blood O2.
And actually it was the oximeter software that cued us as to what could be going on. I was feeling like crap so I put on the oximeter (CMS 50D+) and hooked it to the computer. I used the software to view my heartbeat "live". That's when I saw the missed beats. We decided to not have the stress test but to use a Holter monitor.
Normal sinus rhythm but huge amounts of PVCs. Still feel like crap but knowing my heart is relatively healthy removes a lot of worry! I may still have more tests to come but at least now I can literally sleep better at night.
Fast forward to the past two weeks.
I have been experiencing some scary heart stuff again. We are still working out the kinks but the good thing is, from the beginning, we knew what it was NOT. Because I have a data-capable CPAP, that was marked off the list right away. Had I not had one, we would have automatically raised the pressure and waited. Or it could have been much worse sooner because I would not know how I was doing sleep apnea wise. Instead, I've been empowered by this board and have the confidence I needed to take care of myself. I don't want to be in the ICU because my sleep apnea wasn't being treated optimally.
The doc asked how it was doing, I said fine, gave her the latest AHI numbers and was even able to tell her my normal sleeping and awake blood O2.
And actually it was the oximeter software that cued us as to what could be going on. I was feeling like crap so I put on the oximeter (CMS 50D+) and hooked it to the computer. I used the software to view my heartbeat "live". That's when I saw the missed beats. We decided to not have the stress test but to use a Holter monitor.
Normal sinus rhythm but huge amounts of PVCs. Still feel like crap but knowing my heart is relatively healthy removes a lot of worry! I may still have more tests to come but at least now I can literally sleep better at night.
PaulaO
Take a deep breath and count to zen.
Take a deep breath and count to zen.
