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Permalink Reply by Mary Z on October 27, 2011 at 4:47pm

Well that raise in pressure seems to make sense with your AHI at 19 (should be<5) and actually I'm surprised she didn't raise it more.  Except because of your central apneas more is not always better.  I do better at 9 than 13.

I don't know what your pressure was and this may be a signicant increase.

I would try it out for a couple of weeks to a month and see how things go.

I would work on those leaks.

Keep us posted, Carolyn.

 

Can you check your AHI yourself?

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Permalink Reply by Carolyn Tipping on October 27, 2011 at 5:14pm

Thanks Mary. My pressure was raised from 10, I think. The only way I can chek ahi's is by the 7 and 30 day average, on my machine. I am just so very frightened.

Mary Z said:

Well that raise in pressure seems to make sense with your AHI at 19 (should be<5) and actually I'm surprised she didn't raise it more.  Except because of your central apneas more is not always better.  I do better at 9 than 13.

I don't know what your pressure was and this may be a signicant increase.

I would try it out for a couple of weeks to a month and see how things go.

I would work on those leaks.

Keep us posted, Carolyn.

 

Can you check your AHI yourself?

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Permalink Reply by Mary Z on October 28, 2011 at 8:01am

Carolyn, why are you frightened.? Something in particular or the whole situation? I know there are stages to learning to deal with a chronic disease.  You'll probaably have to use the machine for the rest of your life.  We all will.  But don't discount research and new technology.  Who knows what they will come up with in the future for treatment.  It sounds like you have a good doc who is on top of your treatment.  They are coming out with more sophisticated machines every year and new treatments such as Provent and the electrical stimulation.

Remember, it's just a matter of finding the right pressure.  Raising the pressure doesn't mean your apnea is severe (though it may be), but there is no correlation between how much pressure you need and how severe your apnea is.

Hang in there.  If you're using your machine you are safeguarding your health and that is a big positive.

Why don't you talk with us about what is frightening you and see if we can help?

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Permalink Reply by Carolyn Tipping on October 28, 2011 at 12:54pm

Hello Mary. Thanks for your reply. The thing that scares me so much is this. Four years ago I sat and held my lovely father's hand as he was dying. He had a stroke. His breathing was terrible. It would start and stop for ages, with him gasping for air. The noise was aweful. It really was horrific. I had a stroke when I was 33 and my eldest son had one when he was only 25. That vision of my father has had a very bad effect on me, I suffer terrible panic attacks thinking I can't breath. So this is why I am so frightened. My fear of not being able to breath is really bad. I am having therapy, but it seems like a load of rubbish to me.

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Permalink Reply by Carolyn Tipping on October 28, 2011 at 4:11pm

Thanks Mary. Did you see you wrote fater and not father. It's given me a giggle. I have a terrible sense of humour. I already take antidepressants and I have diazipam, which I only take if I have to. It's really nice to have a friend who understands.

Mary Z said:

CPAP is not a cure all for every illness.  I have no idea what was going on with your fater-- what was causing his labored breathing.  I know that sleep apnea doubles the risk of stroke.  Do some research on the Internet about sleep apnea and stroke.  Treatment is one of the best things you can do for yourself.  You sound like you have a doctor who is involved.  I hope you have shared your concerns with her.

For your panic attacks a mild tranquilizer, if you are not opposed, may help you cope with your fear that you can't breathe.

 

If you are having psychotherapy it may not be enough without medication.

Good luck, keep posting

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Permalink Reply by RockRpsgt on October 28, 2011 at 5:36pm

Carolyn, I understand your worries. 20 years ago I lost my grandfather and one of my first best friends. He was a drinker/smoker, but I believe untreated apnea may have sped things up a little. The difference betwee my Gfather and your father is that you ARE being treated. I have been able to keep a close eye on your situation perusing the 2 sites. Between your determination and the sleep centers efforts I believe you are going in the right direction.

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Permalink Reply by Carolyn Tipping on October 28, 2011 at 5:47pm

Thanks Rock. It's nice to know that you are keeping an eye on how I'm doing, it really means a lot to me. My father was a heavy smoker. I am now waiting for sleep lady to download last nights oxometer results, to see what happens next. She started to talk to me about a new machine to help centrals? but then she went off subject saying she'll have to look into it. Thank you so much for your help and just being there.

RockRpsgt said:

Carolyn, I understand your worries. 20 years ago I lost my grandfather and one of my first best friends. He was a drinker/smoker, but I believe untreated apnea may have sped things up a little. The difference betwee my Gfather and your father is that you ARE being treated. I have been able to keep a close eye on your situation perusing the 2 sites. Between your determination and the sleep centers efforts I believe you are going in the right direction.

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Permalink Reply by RockRpsgt on October 28, 2011 at 6:53pm

Unless they are talking ASV you are on the best machine possible.

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Permalink Reply by Kath Hope www.hope2Sleep.co.uk on October 28, 2011 at 7:13pm

Good post Rock and Carolyn I hope you can feel more confident  with his reply and keep reminding yourself that, unlike your father, you've been diagnosed and are on treatment.  Like Rock says, your sleep clinic are working with you, which is why at the moment I would not try to meddle with your settings yourself.  Try to keep positive that you're on the right track for a healthier life, and your lack of smoking, unlike your father, makes you at a greater advantage.  For your information, my mother had a fatal heart attack at the age of 49 and she was definitely an undiagnosed sleep apnoea sufferer.  I count myself very lucky that I have been diagnosed unlike my poor Mum who missed her beautiful grandchildren.

RockRpsgt said:

Carolyn, I understand your worries. 20 years ago I lost my grandfather and one of my first best friends. He was a drinker/smoker, but I believe untreated apnea may have sped things up a little. The difference betwee my Gfather and your father is that you ARE being treated. I have been able to keep a close eye on your situation perusing the 2 sites. Between your determination and the sleep centers efforts I believe you are going in the right direction.

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Permalink Reply by Carolyn Tipping on October 28, 2011 at 7:23pm

Thanks everyone. I feel a lot better now that I have a great back-up crew behind me hahahaha  Off to bed now. Night all. Good sleep all.

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Permalink Reply by Kath Hope www.hope2Sleep.co.uk on October 28, 2011 at 7:28pm

Glad you're feeling better.  'Hope' you can 'breathe easier' now - both puns intended lol.  Sleep well (my bedtime too).

Carolyn Tipping said:

Thanks everyone. I feel a lot better now that I have a great back-up crew behind me hahahaha  Off to bed now. Night all. Good sleep all.

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