Sleep Apnea

[heatwhip 166]

I did my sleep study a week ago and the surgeons office just called to say that I have to go have another study because I do have it. This time I have to sleep with the cpap machine. I was concerned about not being approved for surgery because I really had no comorbitities and a BMI under 40. Now I am scared and worried. Anyone have a second study?

[joatsaint 2,814]

I had to do it 2 times, once to diagnose my apnea, once to calibrate the cpap machine.

[johnlatte 1,232]

It is very typical. If you have been diagnosed with apnea, a second study is done with the cpap machine in place.

[heatwhip 166]

I was pretty sure that I had it because I snore extremely loud but now that I know I have it I am kind of nervous. Will I have to sleep with the machine at home too? The only upside is that this is what I needed to guarantee approval.

[joatsaint 2,814]

Will I have to sleep with the machine at home too?

No, there's an app for that! LMFAO

[kari61 128]

I was in the same situation as you. My insurance denied me last year for no co-morbidities, my Dr sent me for sleep study test and I do have sleep apnea as well. My insurance has since approved my surgery and tomorrow night I go for me second sleep study test for the CPAP machine. Yes you will have to sleep with it all the time now for the sleep apnea, but I'm hoping after the surgery and with some weight loss, I won't need it anymore after that. Nothing to be nervous about, I'm glad I had it to get approved for surgery, not looking forward to the machine, but hopefully won't need it for long!

[heatwhip 166]

An app for that! You got me there!

[joatsaint 2,814]

If you don't NEED the machine to sleep well, then you don't have to wear the mask. I got to the point where I was waking up dozens of times an hour because my throat would collapse and without the air pressure from the CPAP machine, I couldn't breathe in. So in my case, I can't sleep without it.

[heatwhip 166]

That was why I was asking. I know I will need it during surgery, but wasn't sure if it was so bad that I would have to sleep with it at home. I know I snore and I know I wake up a lot at night, but don't seem to have any other problems. Thanks everyone!

[Lori228 60]

If you wake up a lot at night you might find it comforting (after getting used to it) to be able to sleep. I hate to admit it but I actually like my cpap because I CAN sleep and not wake up and actually feel like I slept. If you do have to use it, it may be reversed with the surgery so it may be short lived. Maybe this is a blessing in disguise.

[Shrinkingmom 218]

If you don't NEED the machine to sleep well, then you don't have to wear the mask. I got to the point where I was waking up dozens of times an hour because my throat would collapse and without the air pressure from the CPAP machine, I couldn't breathe in. So in my case, I can't sleep without it.

From a Nurse standpoint as well as a patient standpoint, if you are diagnosed with sleep apnea you ALWAYS sleep with the mask until a study proves you don't need it. Sleep apnea is most linked to heart attacks which occur in the early morning hours. Mine was so bad my oxygen was dropping into the 50s at night and I thought I was sleeping fine. I just had memory loss, severe headaches in the morning, and a very tired feeling. I fell asleep every time I tried to sit down to do something. Now that I have lost 108 pounds they have been able to reduce the pressures but you may or may not be able to come off it no matter how much you lose. When you first get it, sit up and read with the mask on for a while before bed. This will help you get use to it. I feel so much better, I haven't slept one time without it since I got it and don't want to. It's not as bad as it seems! Good luck with it!

[sharedmedia=trackers:tickers:6868]

[Shrinkingmom 218]

That was why I was asking. I know I will need it during surgery, but wasn't sure if it was so bad that I would have to sleep with it at home. I know I snore and I know I wake up a lot at night, but don't seem to have any other problems. Thanks everyone!

If a study shows you need it, you need it anytime you are sleeping at home or otherwise until another study shows you don't. You don't always realize you have problems when you are sleeping.

[sharedmedia=trackers:tickers:6868]

[heatwhip 166]

I love this board. Thank you so much for all of the information!

[devichan 79]

My husband just got his CPAP in December and BOTH of us sleep better now. Like you, he was nervous. I can tell you they have several kinds of CPAP. He actually found out he sleeps best with the full mask, but others' milage varies and you should try different kinds of facial appliances until you find the right one for you.

My husband no longer wakes up a lot at night. He used to be a two- or three-bathroom-run guy, but now he sleeps right through. He no longer wakes up with headaches or groggy. His snoring is virtually gone, and when he does snore it's because he's gotten himself into a weird position or has a cold. I sleep better because I'm no longer waking up and nudging him to start breathing or shift position to ease snores that used to be audible on another floor.

Yes, this is getting you approved for surgery, but being diagnosed is really a gift. You will have so much more energy later. Please do the second study and let go of your worries. Like the surgery, this is taking steps to protect your health before something drastic happens. **hugs if you want them!**

[Nyx2891 15]

I LOVE my machine.... I fall asleep so much faster and sleep steadily for a normal amount of hours. I wake up invigorated and ready for my day .

Before the machine i was having crazy sleep issues and was drowsy all day