"please keep me updated about oximeters "
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Headaches
I just learn about a mouth ago I have sleep apnea. I received my apap on Wednesday and used it that night and last night. I feel much worse now than before I started using the mechine. My headaches are at least 2x as bad and nothing seems to help much. It seem to be the apap some how is causing this. Can someone shine some light on this issue ?
Views: 133
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Neal Buckner, LRCP on
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There are several issues that may be causing your issues. Simple reasons could be inadequate humidification causing inflammation in your sinuses and upper airway. Check you humidifier and increase the temp if it's set low. The mask may be on too tight or actually increases resistance in the nasal airway forcing you to mouth breath. If the mask has to be tighten too much to stop leaks it can cause headaches.
Complex causes include the increase of what's called central apnea. These are neurological pauses created by too much CO2 being blown off with each breath once positive pressure is introduced to the airway. These pauses are normal at first. But, can be dangerous if there are too many.
Steps I would advise.
1.) check humidification. Make sure it's adequate.
2.) have your mask fit re-evaluated.
3.) have your APAP downloaded. Both ResMed and Respironics APAP models will record Central apneas. If they are excessive you may need a change in therapy. Either BiPAP of ASV.
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Permalink Reply by ZolliStar on
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Wonderful advice from Neal. Also, be mindful that very, very few have immediate success with CPAP therapy. For every one of us, there is constant tweaking for the first few months, typically about six months. Keep at it, Twy, keep at it.
Also read current and past posts and comments on SleepGuide.com. You will find these pages filled with useful, actionable advice and help.
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Permalink Reply by Mary Z on
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I would second Neal's recommendations. Please keep us posted on how you're doing. This is a problem we see now and then and your answers will help someone else along the line.
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Permalink Reply by Twy on
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It Took hours looking for an answer but I found it.
Cause of my migraine level headache as well as feeling sick all over,
OUTGASING. My NP did not help me, the DME did not help me and the medical assist was rude. I felt like no one was listening to me. It almost felt like they were saying it was all in my head without coming out and saying that. The medical assist acted like it my fault. Well it is a long story. I would like to tell my story someday if that is ok. I was very angry and hurt that my caregivers did not seem to care. I am alone with family 2000 mi away,so the not caring impacted me. But anyway I am glad it is over. I felt so bad I almost went to the ER. Had the headache for48 hours then stopped using the APAP. Felt better not using it,then I knew for sure problem was connected to machine. RT told me I did not have to wash tubing,etc. for a week. That was not a good idea. I was reading jargon somewhere on the Internet related to this area of medicine and saw the word "OUTGASING". After learning about this I washed the tube etc. and used the APAP to see if that worked. I was happy that I felt fine the next day. Now I can go back to work. I want to say thank you to Neal for trying to help me
Mary Z said:I would second Neal's recommendations. Please keep us posted on how you're doing. This is a problem we see now and then and your answers will help someone else along the line.
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Thank you Neal for trying to help me. It turn out to be Outgasing. I learned about it while trying to learn some jardon of this field of medicine.
Neal Buckner, LRCP said:There are several issues that may be causing your issues. Simple reasons could be inadequate humidification causing inflammation in your sinuses and upper airway. Check you humidifier and increase the temp if it's set low. The mask may be on too tight or actually increases resistance in the nasal airway forcing you to mouth breath. If the mask has to be tighten too much to stop leaks it can cause headaches.
Complex causes include the increase of what's called central apnea. These are neurological pauses created by too much CO2 being blown off with each breath once positive pressure is introduced to the airway. These pauses are normal at first. But, can be dangerous if there are too many.
Steps I would advise.
1.) check humidification. Make sure it's adequate.
2.) have your mask fit re-evaluated.
3.) have your APAP downloaded. Both ResMed and Respironics APAP models will record Central apneas. If they are excessive you may need a change in therapy. Either BiPAP of ASV.
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TWY, you'll probably learn as much or more on this site than some medical people can tell you because we have been through it. Keep it up and keep posting.
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You may want to consider massage. My wife is a massage therapist and sees many people who suffer with migraines. This is not to say that MT will help everyone but there is evidence that tight muscles in the neck and head can cause migraines. Look for one that is nationally certified.
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