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Has anyone had papilledema (swlling of the opic nerve) due to sleep apenea or increased intra cranial lpressure?

I was diagnosed with OSA back in 2002. I was put on CPAP therapy (at a pressure of 8)  BUT I did not stick with it. The machine I was given was one with a pass over (cold water in the bin). I would say I used it for about a month and then on and off as I would wake up gasping for breath. Anyhow, in May of 2006, I started having rapid heartbeats, irregular heartbeats and was being treated for atrial fibrillation. After reading about it, it can be caused by UNTREATED sleep apnea.  I had gained alot of weight and the apnea really got bad. I was constantly waking up and gasping for breath so I decided because of the severity of the apnea events and the heart palpitations, I went back to my pulmonogist who ordered another sleep study. The result were that the OSA was worse (as I had suspected). The pressure was now up to an 11. Since my machine was old and I told them I needed a humidifier, they ordered me a brand new one. My pulmonologist said to use the machine for 30 days straight (due to insurance reasons) and to follow up with her to see how I did with the therapy. I remember waking up on the day I had to follow up (30 days later) and my head felt so light (not lightheaded) but as if someone had taken a weight off my head. The thoguht hit me, "WOW, is this how my head is suppose to feel?"  I did not think anything of it except I fwelt so much better! I continued with CPAP therapy every night for about 7-8 months, then lke habit, I started to ween off of it. Before I knew it, it was March of 2007 and I had gained more weight and the apnea events were waking me up again so I went back to CPAP again. Throught 2007, 2008 and 2009, I was flucutating in my weight and using my CPAP every now and then. In September of 2009, I had some vision issues (long story - after surgery) and was told it was a condition called pseudo tumor cerebri. After much research, it can be a secondary cause of sleep apnea. I had lost 52 lbs so when I went to see my pulmonologist, they had to do another sleep study because I had lost 52 lbs. The sleep study came back and they said I did not meet the criteria to be CPAP'd during th study, whcih made me mad, because I needed to get a new tiration. I went back and ask for another study adn they did one again, smae results, DID NOT MEET CRITERIA. Since I did not meet criteria, my pulmonologist ordered an APAP with a range of 5-15.  I have been using APAP now for 5 months and just changed to a full face mask because I was having some leaks from mouth breathing. Anyhow , I am testing to see if 30 days of straight , uninterupted, leak free nights will help wihit the intra cranial pressure. Looking back at the first time I used CPAP for 30 days staright and I had that experience with my head feeling lighter, I wonder if it may take that much time or longer. Any ideas on how long therapy with APAP may take and if it can help pressure?

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Well - you've been through quite a lot!  Sounds like you have a realistic perspective, after all.  Everyone is different in how much and how quickly they respond to xPAP therapy.  Considering the comorbidities you have already experienced,  there would not be a simple answer.  Sounds like a wise pulmonologist to me, that put you on the APAP, rather than having you stop xPAP use because of the "did not meet criteria" status of your sleep studies.  The APAP will adjust to your needs, even if they vary from night to night.   Sounds like you have the opportunity to turn your health around, if you can maintain and continue to improve the lifestyle changes that have helped you lose weight, and be consistent using your APAP.  Be sure to check out any complimentary ways of supporting your eye health, like antioxidants, and keeping your blood pressure in a good range.  The tissues and nerves of the eyes are so tiny and delicate, I've read they are easily affected by many of the body's systems.  

 

As a fellow patient, I see xPAP therapy as a way to prevent a myriad of other serious conditions.  Which ones an individual gets, and how quickly depends on many personal factors. You've had some close calls already.  I hope you'll be able to develop a strong motivation to make your APAP therapy part of who you are, long term, adjusting as needed, but not stopping, even after you see improvement.  I believe I did read about something like the condition you describe, but haven't heard anyone talk about having it.  More often, it is macular degeneration or cataracts that develop.  You've already shown yourself you can do this.  Find a way to keep it up. 

 

My brief review of pseudo tumor cerebri - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pseudotumor_cerebri

also indicates potential effects on brain health, potentially leading to "Cheyne-Stokes respiriation" or central apnea.  

Also, intracranial pressure - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Intracranial_pressure 

- the complexity of this makes it possibly challenging to diagnose and treat.  Sounds to me like the APAP is just one of the things you need to treat this condition.  If that doesn't work, you may need to use a VPAP.  (servo-ventilator)  which you can find out about on other SG threads.  Hopefully, your pulmonologist knows about this, but maybe the APAP will do fine. Keep in touch with your doctors, and, maybe start a journal to keep track of your experiences to share with your doctors. 

As I'm not a medical professional, please take my comments with that perspective.  

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