Is this reaction to Apnea normal?

[Daz1980]

Hi.
I've had apnea on and off for many years. I either mostly don't have it or I quickly resume sleep and have no recollection the following morning.
The times when I remember are when I would suddenly sit up forcing air in & out (often making a loud noise). This is more likely to happen when I'm very fatigued.

I had an incident a few nights ago that is very worrying. I woke up, not breathing, but unlike previous occurrences I couldn't get any air in or out, none whatsoever, my throat was completely blocked. I was in this state for about 30 seconds when suddenly I found I could breathe through my nose.
I've seen my primary doctor who tells me that it would always clear. Is he right? Is my experience nothing to worry about? (other than sleep loss of course).
(Currently I don't use any apnea device.)

[OpalRose]

Your doctor seems clueless. You are describing some classic symptoms of Sleep Apnea. If you are waking up gasping for air, that's a problem.

Sleep Apnea doesn't come and go, it will only get worse as time moves on. And untreated SA can have negative affects on your health.

I don't know the procedure in your country, but be a bit more forceful with your doctor and seek to get a sleep study scheduled.

[Daz1980]

Hi, thanks for taking the time to reply.

My main concern is that I had a completely blocked throat and despite being awake trying to breathe it took about half a minute before I could breathe again.
My worry is: is there any likelihood that my throat doesn't unblock and also what can I do to help unblock it? - my doctor said lie in the prone position.

[Crimson Nape]

Laying on your back allows for the airway to collapse when your muscles relax. The best position is to face downward and let gravity help open your airway.

[Sleeprider]

We have a slightly different take on "positional apnea" than most doctors. Read our wiki and see if you think stabilizing your chin to prevent chin-tucking might help http://www.apneaboard.com/wiki/index.php...onal_Apnea It has turned out to be a very common problem and many members get relief that they cannot get from CPAP alone.

[jaswilliams]

If your concerned get your GP to refer you to a sleep specialist they will send you home with a kit to wear whilst your asleep and then its possible to see if your really are suffering from sleep apnoea. Its not the waking up being unable to breath that is the big issue. Its the wakeup and disturbed sleep that can cause high blood pressure tiredness and a risk of falling asleep at any time. Get the test done then you'll know suggesting you don't lie on your back is pointless.