10-03-2021, 10:20 AM
Correct Dx and correct machine
Hello! A newbie here and am hoping I can get some clarification.
I was prescribed CPAP in 2002 for mild apnea based on a sleep study. I never adjusted to the masks and would only haul the machine out during particularly stressful sleep periods, only to fail again, and struggle on. About 3 months ago my sleep pattern took a significant dive and I was more motivated to make the CPAP work. I had been experiencing sudden awakenings with headache, pulse rushing in my head, burning in my lower legs, preceded by a nightmare, which had previously been rare for me. My O2 sat monitor would register into the high 80s if checked immediately upon awakening. My heartrate trended into the 40s immediately before sleep. (I am 74 and NOT in-shape.) I was afraid to go to sleep!
The CPAP I am using is a RESMED S7, with no data card. With more motivation I was more successful in longer sleep intervals but again would experience these frightening episodes, although much less frequently. Random checks of O2 and HR remained unchanged. ( My PMD said no concern with HR if I was not dizzy. As I was lying down, not sure as to that assessment.)
I requested another sleep study which was completed 2 weeks ago. I was not given a copy of it and am requesting a copy. Prior to the test, my question and concern expressed to the CNP and acknowledged by the MD results letter was whether I had a central component as I've previously been diagnosed with some autonomic symptoms of unknown etiology. Last week I received a call from the RN in the sleep department who said I still had mild sleep apnea, she would refer me for a new machine with data capability but did not address the central aspect. Our phone connection was bad and the conversation poor. I said I would search for a machine online, to avoid their DME, and let her know where to send RX. With further research, I am not comfortable with knowing what my needs are. I don't want to buy a machine and then learn it doesn't work for me.
Here is the limited info I have from my study:
Total recording time 493, total sleep time 256.
Appropriate sleep latency but REM latency long at 418, 4% REM sleep, 8% slow wave sleep.
Average HR 56, max of 83. No ectopy.
Periodic leg movement index at 42
AHI 6.3 at 4%, AHI 9.1 at 3%. Low sat during night was 85%. Events much more common in REM sleep.
In addition, a fairly marked elevation in RDI of 17/hr.
My specific questions, is there anything here to suggest central sleep apnea? Does the RDI number have any relation to central apnea? If episodes occur in REM sleep, is there enough time to truly evaluate my sleep? Do I need raw data to get any information from this study? I will contact the CNP again with these questions but would appreciate any reactions from board members.
Thank you for any insight you may share.
I was prescribed CPAP in 2002 for mild apnea based on a sleep study. I never adjusted to the masks and would only haul the machine out during particularly stressful sleep periods, only to fail again, and struggle on. About 3 months ago my sleep pattern took a significant dive and I was more motivated to make the CPAP work. I had been experiencing sudden awakenings with headache, pulse rushing in my head, burning in my lower legs, preceded by a nightmare, which had previously been rare for me. My O2 sat monitor would register into the high 80s if checked immediately upon awakening. My heartrate trended into the 40s immediately before sleep. (I am 74 and NOT in-shape.) I was afraid to go to sleep!
The CPAP I am using is a RESMED S7, with no data card. With more motivation I was more successful in longer sleep intervals but again would experience these frightening episodes, although much less frequently. Random checks of O2 and HR remained unchanged. ( My PMD said no concern with HR if I was not dizzy. As I was lying down, not sure as to that assessment.)
I requested another sleep study which was completed 2 weeks ago. I was not given a copy of it and am requesting a copy. Prior to the test, my question and concern expressed to the CNP and acknowledged by the MD results letter was whether I had a central component as I've previously been diagnosed with some autonomic symptoms of unknown etiology. Last week I received a call from the RN in the sleep department who said I still had mild sleep apnea, she would refer me for a new machine with data capability but did not address the central aspect. Our phone connection was bad and the conversation poor. I said I would search for a machine online, to avoid their DME, and let her know where to send RX. With further research, I am not comfortable with knowing what my needs are. I don't want to buy a machine and then learn it doesn't work for me.
Here is the limited info I have from my study:
Total recording time 493, total sleep time 256.
Appropriate sleep latency but REM latency long at 418, 4% REM sleep, 8% slow wave sleep.
Average HR 56, max of 83. No ectopy.
Periodic leg movement index at 42
AHI 6.3 at 4%, AHI 9.1 at 3%. Low sat during night was 85%. Events much more common in REM sleep.
In addition, a fairly marked elevation in RDI of 17/hr.
My specific questions, is there anything here to suggest central sleep apnea? Does the RDI number have any relation to central apnea? If episodes occur in REM sleep, is there enough time to truly evaluate my sleep? Do I need raw data to get any information from this study? I will contact the CNP again with these questions but would appreciate any reactions from board members.
Thank you for any insight you may share.
