RE: Undiagnosed but suspecting sleep apnea
In just got diagnosed at 40...and I waited way way too long to see a doctor. I still probably would not be diagnosed if it wasn't for my wonderful wife pushing me endlessly. And I have very very severe apnea.
I think I've had it atleast 15 years. When I was in college I had a crazy scare when I woke up with a nasty nasty panic attack for no apparent reason. Doc at the time never even mentioned apnea as a possibility. Been suffering panic attacks ever since until I started therapy.
Therapy has literally, almost certainly saved my life at this point, but who knows how much da age was done?
Best thing you could do right now....get a pulse oximeter off amazon and record your O2 sats at night. If you find readings below 93% at your age...you need a sleep study asap.
Mine was as low as 55%... I'm lucky I'm still here...
RE: Undiagnosed but suspecting sleep apnea
Nursejosh,
Before CPAP, I was never able to sleep on my back. Experienced the same as you, waking up gasping for air, sometimes feeling paralyzed in that position. I never sleep for more than 2 to 3 hours a night. Now after 8 months on CPAP, I can pretty much sleep on my back or side. Usually sleep a solid 7 to 8 hours. Sometimes wake up once or twice, but fall asleep quickly.
Your symptoms point to sleep apnea, but your should set up an appointment with your GP, and get checked out.
Just to let you know that when I had my sleep study, I pointed out to the technician that I couldn't sleep on my back. They told me to sleep however I was comfy. It turns out that the report showed I actually did sleep on my back even though I didn't remember doing it, so don't worry so much about the sleep test. The main thing is get it done ASAP, because depending where you live and how things are handled, it could take 2 to 3 months from sleep study to actually having a machine.
07-13-2015, 11:52 AM
(This post was last modified: 07-13-2015, 12:27 PM by tedburnsIII.)
RE: Undiagnosed but suspecting sleep apnea
(07-12-2015, 10:41 PM)Cygnus Wrote: Best thing you could do right now....get a pulse oximeter off amazon and record your O2 sats at night. If you find readings below 93% at your age...you need a sleep study asap.
Mine was as low as 55%... I'm lucky I'm still here...
I don't know age of OP.
Wondering where Cygnus came up with readings below 93% as the cut-off.
07-13-2015, 11:56 AM
(This post was last modified: 07-13-2015, 12:00 PM by tedburnsIII.)
RE: Undiagnosed but suspecting sleep apnea
(07-13-2015, 10:53 AM)OpalRose Wrote: Just to let you know that when I had my sleep study, I pointed out to the technician that I couldn't sleep on my back. They told me to sleep however I was comfy. It turns out that the report showed I actually did sleep on my back even though I didn't remember doing it, so don't worry so much about the sleep test. The main thing is get it done ASAP, because depending where you live and how things are handled, it could take 2 to 3 months from sleep study to actually having a machine.
You may have slept on your back of your own accord or they repositioned you to supine. They are required to move you over to your back if you are not complying, otherwise they will not be able to obtain an optimal pressure for you.
RE: Undiagnosed but suspecting sleep apnea
(07-13-2015, 11:56 AM)tedburnsIII Wrote: (07-13-2015, 10:53 AM)OpalRose Wrote: Just to let you know that when I had my sleep study, I pointed out to the technician that I couldn't sleep on my back. They told me to sleep however I was comfy. It turns out that the report showed I actually did sleep on my back even though I didn't remember doing it, so don't worry so much about the sleep test. The main thing is get it done ASAP, because depending where you live and how things are handled, it could take 2 to 3 months from sleep study to actually having a machine. D
You may have slept on your back of your own accord or they repositioned you to supine. They are required to move you over to your back if you are not complying, otherwise they will not be able to obtain an optimal pressure for you.
Ted,
I questioned if they came in at all, they said they didn't and that I rolled to my back several times. I never thought I slept that sound during titration, but it must have been sufficient for them.
Anyway, I hope OP schedules this soon.
RE: Undiagnosed but suspecting sleep apnea
Hi Josh,
Just thought I would add my two cents worth.
I agree with others that your symptoms suggest OSA & that you should have a sleep study asap.
For me I had OSA for years & didn't know it. I had fatigue issues, snoring & needed to sleep frequently. Then I put on some weight, more than I had ever before. I would wake gasping for breath. I believe the extra weight made a bad situation worse.
The gasping for breath did it for me. I made a b-line for the doctor.
As it turned out a major hospital in my area was doing a twelve month sleep research study which I signed up to. Because I signed up they had me in there for assessment & an over night sleep study within a few days instead of the usual 4 months.
I had severe OSA & need a CPAP machine immediately the specialist said. They lent me a ResMed S9 for the 12 month study free. One of a number of free benefits for being in the study. Maybe see if any sleep study research is current in your area to sign up to.
Can I mention that I could sleep in any comfortable position during sleep study. I was not required to sleep on my back! If it turns out you need a xPAP machine you won't need to fear gasping for breath any more or sleeping on yor back etc. If machine is set up correctly it's got you covered for a restful sleep.
My CPAP machine has help me greatly I encourage you to not delay seeking help, as it may make a substantial difference to the quality of your life.
Regards SleepingBear.
RE: Undiagnosed but suspecting sleep apnea
(07-12-2015, 10:16 AM)Nursejosh Wrote: Hello my name is Josh, I'm 30 and have been have sleep problems for 10 years. I wake up sleepy and tired every day. I never get the restful sleep I got at the age of twenty. I'm wondering if anyone with diagnosed sleep apnea has had the same problems. In the beginning I would wake up after four hours of sleep and the only way I could get back to sleep was with melatonin. Then when the melatonin stopped working I used Tylenol pm. After some years of this I stopped using Tylenol pm and just dealt with it. My sleep improved to the point where I don't wake up after four hours but I remember waking up multiple times during the night and fall back asleep. I continue waking up in the morning sleepy and remain drowsy throughout the day needing coffee and nicotine to maintain alertness(started using both because of sleep problems). For most of the last ten years I could sleep in any position(back, both sides, and stomach). Gradually, I got to the point I couldn't sleep on my back(waking up gasping, or with sleep paralysis), then I couldn't sleep on my sides, and now the only position that provides any sleep is my stomach. I'm at my wits end and I'm terrified that one day I won't even be able to sleep on my stomach.
Symptoms: fatigue, lethargy, weight gain, lowered sex drive, high blood pressure, daytime drowsiness, an inability to focus, and increasing deficits in memory.
Can you do a sleep study on your stomach or not? It is literally impossible for me to fall asleep on my back regardless of how tired I am. Has anyone here had a similar experience to me?
Sounds just like me - hope things go well for you 
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