"please keep me updated about oximeters "
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daytime breathing problems
hi...i have been using CPAP for over 10 years and have seen dramatic health improvements over non-use. lol when i can keep nasal pads in place i awake relatively symptom free. Of course it is a constant struggle to keep system in place and awake several time a night to "re-adjust". I have found that as a man with a beard the only comfortable configuration for me is "over-the-top" nasal plugs. i am convinced the use of CPAP has extended my life and given me a better quality life.
that all being said, recently i have been having trouble breathing when awake. it feels as if i am not getting enough oxygen when breathing normally and at times have resorted to laying down with my CPAP in place for an hour; after which the "symtoms" seem to lessen. my question is there any related study of long term CPAP use causing the body to "get used to" or demand the extra oxygen flow in awake state?
this is only one of several possible things i have considered. i have ran low-grade diabeties fever for a number of years, am morbidly obese, still smoke a pack a day ( i know, i know...i'm a junkie sad to say...tried everything from cold turkey to Chantrex all work well until first run to 7-11...sigh)
Recently i was caught in mid-month without the means to renew several medications and went thru a couple of weeks of hell, i assume coming off meds. It was like i had the flu for two weeks. Since; i can not walk from end to end of my home without sitting down every 25-50 feet. lol have chairs scattered everywhere. Obviously this is keeping me home and am having great trouble getting groceries, meds, etc.
i was just curious if anyone had similar issues and if walk around oxygen supply would possibly solve this issue? Might i need walk around CPAP?
Views: 48
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Judy on
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No, you don't need a walk-around CPAP, you NEED a full fledged in the booth pulmonary function test (PFT) and possibly even an arterial blood gases draw (ABG). You may be at the point of requiring 02 during the day for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). You may have developed pulmonary hypertension (PHT). You may be having asymptomatic atrial fibrillation (A Fib).
Mayo Clinic throws the book at smoking cessation techniques: a nicotine puffer, a nicotine cessation med, a nicotine inhaler, nicotine patches, nicotine gum, nicotine losenges, etc., etc. all at the same time. The problem w/nicotine is its addictive qualities. It doesn't do the damage to your lungs, it is the heat, the tars, the smoke, etc. that do the damage. You can, if necessary, stay on medical nicotine supplements indefinitely if necessary.
02 supplementation is NOT cheap, not even just the 20% Medicare copay is cheap. If I didn't have good secondary insurance I don't know how we would afford my Medicare copay for my 02 supplementation equipment and 02.
Your admitted morbid obesity could be putting a terrible strain on your lungs and heart. Have you considered or talked to your doctors about bariatric surgery?
Good luck and God bless.
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Permalink Reply by Mary Z on
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BJ, Judy hit the nail on the head. You have quite a few factors against you, Some of which you can address youself wth diet and mild exercise and quitting smoking. You may be a candidate for bariatric surgery. You have got to put the cigarettes down and follow the other advice given by Judy. She is right on with this one.
Good Luck,
Keep us posted.
Mary Z.
Judy said:No, you don't need a walk-around CPAP, you NEED a full fledged in the booth pulmonary function test (PFT) and possibly even an arterial blood gases draw (ABG).
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You also would do well to ask your doctor to script a 7 day cardiac event monitor. These symptoms could also be caused by cardiac arrhythmias. Your other health factors besides OSA such as obesity and smoking, etc. can contribute to cardiac arrhythmias. You are a walking time bomb, unfortunately. I hope you are able to pursue the above PFT and event monitor. Have you and your doctor given any consideration to bariatric surgery??
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