03-15-2022, 11:42 AM
RE: First days of CPAP/APAP, not feeling better.
Yes, Dr. Krakow said I have UARS, anxiety and emotional issues. He also said that he hasn't used CPAP/APAP for UARS patients since 2005 since it does not work well, and bilevel/ASV would be the next step if I can get access to them. He was hopeful that the MAD device would work.
I think I'd be able to use them if they didn't cause me to choke and/or obstruct. I initially felt OK on CPAP until I started having these experiences.
I am not really being treated for anxiety. The doctor did write me a very low dose prescription for pregbalin (75mg) to help me fall asleep using CPAP, but at that low dose, it doesn't seem to do anything.
I am not insanely anxious. I am still, mostly, functioning. I have a full time job as a software engineer, I take care of myself and exercise rigorously. Dr. Krakow was adamant (as he is in his book) that there is definitely an emotional aspect contributing to my anxiety, but the main culprit is the response to my SBD and the state of my throat.
I'm not interested in taking any kind of SSRI. I keep xanax around for panic attacks, which I had an issue with about a year ago, but has mostly resolved now.
I made an appointment to see the sleep doctor again tomorrow morning. I think he may be as good as it gets unless I'm willing to travel. He is the head of the sleep laboratory at the hospital, an ENT surgeon, and an academic as well. He's aware of UARS and drug-induced sleep endoscopies. So I think my best bet is to just keep working with him, hence I started the 2 x daily 40mg pantoprazole he wants me to do, despite my objections. One thing is, that he doesn't seem interested in my APAP data. I try to show him what I'm seeing, and he seemed to dismiss it completely. Maybe I can get him to look tomorrow.
Aside, there is a dentist with sleep medicine experience that I'm seeing later this week. I thought it may be worth it to have someone knowledgeable look at my jaw and see if there are any obvious anatomical signs that would cause me to obstruct. He also makes custom MADs.
I think I'd be able to use them if they didn't cause me to choke and/or obstruct. I initially felt OK on CPAP until I started having these experiences.
I am not really being treated for anxiety. The doctor did write me a very low dose prescription for pregbalin (75mg) to help me fall asleep using CPAP, but at that low dose, it doesn't seem to do anything.
I am not insanely anxious. I am still, mostly, functioning. I have a full time job as a software engineer, I take care of myself and exercise rigorously. Dr. Krakow was adamant (as he is in his book) that there is definitely an emotional aspect contributing to my anxiety, but the main culprit is the response to my SBD and the state of my throat.
I'm not interested in taking any kind of SSRI. I keep xanax around for panic attacks, which I had an issue with about a year ago, but has mostly resolved now.
I made an appointment to see the sleep doctor again tomorrow morning. I think he may be as good as it gets unless I'm willing to travel. He is the head of the sleep laboratory at the hospital, an ENT surgeon, and an academic as well. He's aware of UARS and drug-induced sleep endoscopies. So I think my best bet is to just keep working with him, hence I started the 2 x daily 40mg pantoprazole he wants me to do, despite my objections. One thing is, that he doesn't seem interested in my APAP data. I try to show him what I'm seeing, and he seemed to dismiss it completely. Maybe I can get him to look tomorrow.
Aside, there is a dentist with sleep medicine experience that I'm seeing later this week. I thought it may be worth it to have someone knowledgeable look at my jaw and see if there are any obvious anatomical signs that would cause me to obstruct. He also makes custom MADs.
