Did You Have Sleep Apnea and Not Know it?

[m&nsmama 0]

UHC isn't going to budge on the 5 years of BMI >40, despite only missing it by one weigh in in 2003 that put me at around 38. Sigh. So, my next step is to submit under BMI >35, but with comorbidities. I have insulin resistence, but not diabetes, so that one's out. The only one left that I might have is sleep apnea. My question is this: was anyone out there shocked to discover they had sleep apnea?

My husband thinks I have it because I am always tired and wake up constantly at night to use the bathroom (true). I also snore all night long, according to him. :w00t: However, he never hears me gasp for breath or anything like that. I'm going to get the sleep study done regardless, but isn't this something that he would notice me doing, if not me?

Thanks for the replies! :eek:

[PinkLady76 0]

I snored also, but I didn't grasp for air either, so when I took the sleep test it showed that I did have sleep apnea. Alot of what you said is what I experienced. I was always tired and also woke up with headaches. In the afternoon I would get sleepy. Doc told me these were all the signs. I was surprised at the outcome of the test. Also I have UHC and I just got approved and having surgery Nov 19th, so good luck and don't give up

[m&nsmama 0]

Um, wow. I am always tired in the afternoon and wake up with headaches all the time.

I can't believe this is a strong possibility because I don't wake up gasping, but maybe it is.

[ncsoutherngirl 0]

I also had sleep apnea and did not know I had it. I was tired all the time and wanted to sleep all the time. My husband also said I snored but he never said I gasped for a breath. Luckly this was one of the test my doctor required that I have with all the other test for lap band and I'm so glad I had the sleep study done. I received my cpap machine and within a couple of days I had more energy than I have had in a long time. Since I have had the surgery and have lost 30 pounds I haven't worn the machine in a while. My husband says he no longer hears me snore (Thank God) and I'm not tired anymore. Get the test done because it is a proven fact that people who don't sleep good tend to be overweight. Good luck and keep us informed on how things go.

[shassy 0]

Just had my sleep study Tuesday and I had 27 apnea events!!! I had no idea........I don't really even think I have a huge snoring issue, but the test tells different..........Good Luck!:w00t:

[RestlessMonkey 7]

You don't have to snore or gasp to have apnea. Being tired during the day, able to fall asleep sitting up in a chair (for example), waking with a headache are all better indicators. It's worth it to get it checked!

[RedTulips3 0]

I was required to get a sleep study done before surgery. I never had issues with being very tired during the day or having headaches, but I was surprised to find out that I did have mild sleep apnea. The apnea wasn't severe enough that it warranted getting a cpap, but nonetheless, I still had it.

My sister has sleep apnea and she had no idea. She had headaches everyday and was always tired even after a full night's sleep, which wasn't so full because she was always having apnea episodes. She finally went for a sleep study, and sure enough she had sleep apnea. Now she sleeps with a cpap every night and feels much more rested throughout the day.

Sounds to me like you might have sleep apnea. If you were gasping for air, you may not realize it because your body brings you out of a deep sleep so you start breathing again, but you may not be fully awake. If you need another comorbidity to qualify for surgery, then you might have found it! Good luck with everything!

[pstroud100 1]

DO NOT GIVE UP HOPE!!!. I was required by my surgeon to have a sleep study done even though I felt like I slept fine. I was not one to snore but I would toss and turn. I would get up sometimes 3 to 4 times a night to go to the bathroom. I was fine on the weekdays but on the weekends I was tired and often took naps. I found out that my oxygen level dropped to 67% when I was sleeping. I was shocked! I was put on a CPAP at a very low level and was told that after I had the surgery that I would be re-evaluated and probably taken back off. Have the study done. I think you may also be surprised. Good Luck!!!

[acadiamom 0]

You didn't believe me, did you? I didn't know I had sleep apnea either....as a matter of fact, I had been nagging my husband to get tested because I had been listening to him stop breathing and then gasp for years. He had sleep apnea (no surprise!), but the BIG surprise was when I was tested. I figured this was the surgeon being thorough and they would not find anything.....was I ever wrong! I have a pretty severe case and I never even knew it--of course hind sight, etc, etc....I had a lot of the symptoms...snoring, tired during the day, headaches upon waking, etc. Get that test! I'll send you a PM and let you know the latest with our corporate friends....I'm hoping I'm almost there now. According to the latest report, UHC "now understands the intent of our benefit plan"....SHEESH!!!

[m&nsmama 0]

:biggrin: lol Acadiamom! You're email the other day to me actually gave me hope! I was praying your situation wasn't just an anomaly and other people experienced the same surprise diagnosis. Yes, let's talk about our corporate friends. I'm glad UHC seems to be understanding the intent a little better. Funny how that works. But, seriously, if Friday's phone conference was any indication (not to mention the other things coming down the pipe), we need to get our surgeries ASAP!

[Janine 0]

I'll say one thing, once you lose enough weight that the sleep apnea goes away or subsides it is the best feeling ever.

I only had a small window between feeling great from the sleep apnea gone and losing my band and gaining and starting over. I am fighting the ultimate fight in getting back down again to feel so good.

[Crummy78 0]

About a month before my consult with my surgeon, I actually went to a psychiatrist to find out why I was so sleepy all the time...I actually assumed I was depressed (geez I wonder why:glare: I was overweight and hated it). Anyhow, the psychiatrist actually sent me for the sleep study...

Well she knew what she was doing because I stopped breathing 63 times:eek:. I was shocked, I never knew anyone that had sleep apnea, and no one ever mentioned the fact of me gasping for air in my sleep, but my son was always complaining about my snoring. I got the machine, and it was like a miracle.....I felt better, I was more alert, could concentrate better, and even my skin tone looked better.....

I wouldnt be surprised at all if you have it, as Ive come to realize that it most common in overweight individuals.

As a side note also, I was also in your shoes, and just barely fell in to the eligible list for surgery....

I hope all works out for you!

[m&nsmama 0]

Wow! Thanks for sharing your story. The more and more I hear, the more I am convinced I may actually have sleep apnea.

[creed2474 0]

I have sleep apnea also. My signs were always wanting to sleep... wake up with headaches.... and I would be tired the rest of the day. I remember driving and sometimes fighting to stay awake.

I was diagnosed with it in 2003 and during the test I stopped breathing 98 times an hour while I was sleeping!

My CPAP machine is set to a 9. So, it's not as bad as most are.... but 98 times an hour is alot!!

I'm ready to get the surgery.... I start back my federal job Nov 3rd and i'm going to the doctor as soon as I can to start the process. I hope I get approved and have the surgery in a month! LOL

[creed2474 0]

I start Nov 3rd and i'm going to the doctor the next day! :grouphug: