Subcutaneous Emphysema?

[ScubaSleeper]

Hi all,

My first post here so please be gentle ...

I've been on the hose for two weeks now great results ... Untreated AHI of +/- 60 came down to below 5 almost instantly, and I even had a zero AHI afternoon nap yesterday!

I am delighted with this outcome and I am still on a high from being well-rested the first time in 15 or 20 years.

I have not had any side effects, but this morning I noticed a patch of parallel, vertical lines on the left hand base of my neck ... sort of above the collar bone. I did a few minutes of googling and my lay diagnosis is subcutaneous emphysema. This would be indicated not only by the appearance, but also known lung barotrauma from a diving incident several years ago.

This is probably serious - the emphysema is not a problem in itself but the underlying problem has to be looked at. Before I'm off to see a medical specialist, I'd like to be prepared as best as I can. So a couple of questions:

- Anyone else with a similar problem? What was the outcome?
- I can imagine a lower pressure would reduce the incidence of SE. Are there effective ways to lower CPAP pressure (while maintaining efficacy)?
- Any sleep hygiene factors I may consider to alleviate the symptoms?

Many thanks!

Francois

[zonk]

Hi ScubaSleeper, welcome aboard
Check with your medical practitioner, I,m not familiar with the term

For me, drinking coffee late at night is bad, tea is okay
Sleep hygiene http://www.apneaboard.com/forums/Thread-...pful-Hints

[ScubaSleeper]

Thank you Zonk

I have traced a pulmonologist / internist who is affiliated to a sleep centre -- perfect guy to help me with this. Seeing him later this week.

Thanks for the link on sleep hygiene ... will have a look there.

[DocWils]

Get thee to thy physician. And have a look at how your hose is hanging , just to be sure it isn't the imprint of the hose. SE is not something you ask about on the Net, you go and check it out.

[ScubaSleeper]

Get thee to thy physician. SE is not something you ask about on the Net, you go and check it out.

Thanks Doc, advise taken. Made an appointment for 24 Feb - first the doc can see me

Doubt if it is the hose - the pitch looks larger than the hose I use, and the hose is suspended with Velcro tie straps from the headboard. If it is a hose imprint I will be hugely embarrassed ...

Thanks again!

[trish6hundred]

Hi ScubaSleeper,
WELCOME! to the forum.!
Sounds like you are off to a good start with CPAP therapy, keep up the good work.
Hang in there for more responses to your post and best of luck to you with your upcoming Dr. appointment.

[Peter_C]

Welcome hosehead

When I went to the ER (sure that I was going to be laughed at and told I just slept funny, and to go home and get some sleep), I had 3 Drs, and two nurses and two IVs within moments of describing the sharp stabbing pain every time I inhaled deeply (well, don't inhale deeply) - Multiple PEs - BOOM!

Fastest service I've ever had in an ER.

My point is sometimes we are concerned, and it turns out for no good reason, but sometimes, that 'concern' is the only thing to save your life~! Granted, the internet can make some well people sick, but... how lucky do you feel?

Just throwing this out there? I know nothing about the term at all, but might this be a time for the ER? Rather than waiting roughly a month?

[DocWils]

As I said, hi thee to thy healer. Not a time to wait a long time, but not an emergency, either - end of the week should be fine if the symptoms are reducing.

[3porpoise]

What about requesting to be placed on the cancellation list for each of your physicians (the one at the end of the week and the one Feb 24)just in case you can get in sooner.Just a suggestion.

[DocWils]

If you can't get an appointment for the end of the week and are still presenting by Wednesday, then you might consider a trip to the ER for then or Thursday. If you are not presenting, then push to get the earliest possible appointment with your doc.