Waking Up Choking

[notsochubbybritneyspears 4]

In the past few months, about once a month I wake up chocking and gasping for air. I am under a great deal of stress due to my mom having a stroke and work stuff.

I have never experianced this before -- from what I have checked on the web it points to sleep apnea, however I have no issues with sleep. Also went to the doctor about this when it first happened and I did poorly on the respiratory test and she prescribed me an inhaler - but I discontinued because I didn't find it helpful.

I know my weight may be a factor -- I have my last 3 month insurance required nutrition meeting this week - finally.

Its really scary to wake up gasping for air and choking like that and was curious if anyone else ever had this?

Thanks

[Lilu 65]

In the past few months, about once a month I wake up chocking and gasping for air. I am under a great deal of stress due to my mom having a stroke and work stuff.

I have never experianced this before -- from what I have checked on the web it points to sleep apnea, however I have no issues with sleep. Also went to the doctor about this when it first happened and I did poorly on the respiratory test and she prescribed me an inhaler - but I discontinued because I didn't find it helpful.

I know my weight may be a factor -- I have my last 3 month insurance required nutrition meeting this week - finally.

Its really scary to wake up gasping for air and choking like that and was curious if anyone else ever had this?

Thanks

I have been thru pre-op hell and cried alot about it, but I have reflected on the issue about why. I was honest about my health which you should always be. I went to a neuro, pulmo, Pysch, and cardio specialist. Due to the helath issue have had alot of test from these doctors so they could clearence me. I still have not got clearence from the neuro doctors because i show some problem in the MRI and now the clearence has to come from stroke doctor. I understand now why the stop, I could have died on the table because I didn't do all I have done and Honesty was the best choice. So by telling you this I think you should see the pulmo spec. and ask for a sleep test. I was told I have sleep apnea and I did not have trouble with my sleep but I did wake up choking or with dry mouth. But I past the breathing test. We are all different so it is better to be safe than sorry Good luck

[Beadingnurse 116]

Have you had a sleep study? It sounds a lot like sleep apnea and losing weight should help you with this too! I know it is very scary to wake up gasping for breath like that. Talk to your doctor pronto and tell them what you told us. Good luck!

[notsochubbybritneyspears 4]

Thanks Beading Nurse.

[mb20mom 9]

Sounds like sleep apnea to me also. I developed this at 270lbs when I had gained a lot of weight, especially around my neck and chest. I would wake up gasping also. I would often dream I was dying in some way and struggle to wake myself up. As soon as I lost about 30lbs it got better and better and eventually I gave up the CPAP machine altogether. Now I sleep great. Get yourself in for a sleep study just to make sure.

[MrsPositive 5]

Yes sounds like sleep apnea. I'm a physical therapist and I know many patients who had this as their first sign they had a problem. Most likely you have stopped breathing long enough that you are actually activating your survival instincts!! You choke yourself awake...gasping for breath. Ahh!! Please go get a sleep study. Not worth messing around with. Goodluck!! Joan

[christina420 3]

Wow that is exactly what happened to me. I thought I was a great sleeper. Slept like a rock most Nights. I'm mostly a side sleeper but as soon as I would rol over on my back I would do this weird chokey thing. I didn't think too much about it but then my work ( school bus driver) to take a sleep study test. turns out i have moderate to sever sleep apnea now i sleep with a c-pap. Hopefully after surgery this will be resolved.