[Health] Fatigue and OSA

[Lojos71]

I am finding this site extremely informative.
I have had fatigue issues now since 2010 and was told I had Myasthenia Gravis and was given the appropriate medication after seeing neurologists for 3 years who could not agree on the diagnosis. Then a Nero wanted me to see a Prof who said he didn't want me on the immuno suppressants as I have had cancer twice but he wanted to know why my Spo2 readings were 86% after a 6 minute walk. Meanwhile we moved to another part of Australia and I hVe just had another test where it was $94-96% and on my sleep test it was 86%.
I have to say here that I was extremely fit before 2010 and throughout my life played a lot of sport I was a physed teacher.
The fatigue is in my proximal muscles and I have to pace myself walking up a hill is difficult.The final diagnosis I received was it was a CNS disorder . I am prone to a little asthma when I have a cold.
The respiratory physician I saw said my heart and lungs are working well although a CT scan I had years ago suggested I may have background COPD
Sorry to be so long winded but I am getting to you point but found it necessary to detail my history accurately
Has anyone here had these fatigue issues and have they improved with a Cpap?I am due too see the specialist again in 2 weeks

Thanks Lorraine

[Carbon]

Some people with OSA have fatigue rather than tiredness.
You do sound to have complex issues with daytime hypoxia as well. Perhaps you have some motor respiratory issue which could also occur in sleep, and perhaps some motor issue with your throat muscles - ditto. Maybe a complex pulmonary function study (ie exercise study) and a sleep study could clarify matters.

[holden4th]

Another Aussie PE teacher here. I suffered from daytime fatigue and it got worse after my triple bypass.I blamed it on the drugs they had put me on, especially the statin. After being taken to hospital last year after an extreme fatigue attack (it was suspected I was having a silent heart attack), I was put through a battery of tests by the hospital coronary department. The end diagnosis was fully functioning coronary, pulmonary and vascular systems. My cardiologist suggested that I take a sleep test and here I am, an APAP user.

So yes, daytime fatigue (not just sleepiness) is a function of untreated OSA. At least it was in my case. I felt the fatigue worst in the mornings and as my rising oxygen levels got to work on my vital organs I picked up and was usually OK by morning tea time. After lunch I tended to go down hill a bit but I didn't feel as bad as I did in the mornings.

Had my last check up on Tuesday morning, including an SpO2 reading which was 98%. My cardiologist was very happy to discharge me.

CPAP has definitely made a big difference to my fatigue levels. I know as soon as I get up whether I've had a good night on CPAP. I might feel slightly sleepy but I do not have that feeling of fatigue that just washes through my body 10 minutes after getting out of bed. Dragging myself to coach swimming is becoming a thing of the past and I'm sure my swimmers are benefitting from my more alert status. I'm far from 'treated' but am also well down the track towards those days where I will feel just great again.

I hope you find this helpful

[Lojos71]

Thanks Holden
My fatigue started occurring at anywhere between 11am and 1 pm depending what I was doing in the morning. Although I have to say some days making the bed and showering my arms would get tired.
I was down to a walker then a scooter 2 years ago ,which I could take on a plane or on cruises, but I literally threw it away - well it is in the garage packed away.
I spent 2 weeks in hospital having rehab in the gym in Melbourne Unfortunately it made me worse. Then when we moved up here I worked with an exercise physiologist in the water to strengthen muscles.
Since being on the machine my AHI s have come down and for the last 2 nights the compliance numbers were 10.45 and 10.00 although I am wary of this because it doesn't actually tell you how any hours of sleep. I am due to meet with the specialist in 2 weeks about this as he spoke to me on the phone and there are many qusestions to ask him.
My new GP up here is doubtful I will improve my fitness.
To me fatigue is different from tiredness which is a pleasant feeling and fatigue is bone weary overwhelming tiredness. I too dropped the statins but then was put back on them.
Maybe I am impatient to return to my previous fitness swimming Aqua aerobics , gym work , tending a large garden back in and up to 2008 when we were living in N Z. After all I am 71.

[Lojos71]

Holden
I can understand your heart issues.My husband has had so many issues since he was 56. A massive heart attack, a quadruple bypass a defibrillator and lastly a mitral valve clip 4 months ago (Here in Brisbane)which unfortunately hasn't helped his fatigue. Only a third of his heart is working . He passed out at the wheel in Melbourne so was told he had to use a Cpap or lose his licence
Lorraine

[Lojos71]

Carbon ,
I have had a sleep test and my readings were AHI 31 and Spo2 86%. A stress test by a cardiologist found I have a healthy heart and the 6min walking test ranged Spo2 94-96% The other breathing tests were fine although I improved a minimal amount with ventolin

Lorraine

[holden4th]

Somehow I avoided any heart attacks and given my condition going into surgery, the surgeon and cardiologist were astonished. I guess that I was very lucky and I'm now riding that stroke of luck the best I can. It's the reason I am happy to submit to CPAP, anything that can further improve my quality of life is a bonus.