Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Mike on July 25, 2009 at 7:08pm

Hi Madeleine - so glad you're feeling much better using CPAP. it's great when this simple therapy works its magic on people who can tolerate it (like me!)

I'm confused about what you're asking. Certainly, depression and anxiety can in actuality be undiagnosed/untreated sleep apnea -- depression especially manifests itself in many of the same symptoms as sleep apnea. you might take a look at this article/comments on sleep apnea and depression

but are you saying that the hot/cold spells are part of that depression and anxiety? and that you're still experiencing all this notwithstanding having feeling more alert/energetic with CPAP?

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Linda McClure- Woodham on July 25, 2009 at 7:16pm

Madeline, a very wise doctor diagnosed me as being hypothyroid, when my blood tests were negative for any type of thyroid disorder. He diagnosed me based on other physical symptoms, i.e., fatigue, depression, anxiety, dry skin, hair loss (mine is on the outer third of both eyebrows) and insomnia. This was about 10 yrs. before I was diagnosed with Obstructive Sleep Apnea. The most glaring clue in your discussion is the hot/cold spells (unless you are going through menopause) which, I too, experienced before going on thyroid medication.

Bummed out and nervous could be depression, general anxiety disorder, or a long list of other disorders. These symptoms are worse for me if I don't sleep well, but you say you are more alert and rested, so the CPAP machine is working for you, it appears. Have you considered a psychiatric evaluation? So many of your symptoms could be traced to a chemical imbalance. I am not a doctor, but I have been to more than I can count, Don't suffer in silence. The right doctor could be the next one your see.

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by madeline shirley on July 25, 2009 at 10:09pm

Linda,
The doctor thinks my estrogen is the culprit and is trying different patches of the same stength because he said in Arizona because of the heat I might not be absorbing it well.
Here's the weird thing, I can be just talking to someone and I get the chills, I can get them from undressing and just out of the blue. I also get sweating alone or with the chills. Have you had this?
I have had psychiatric consults, they have put me on meds that make me a zombie.
I have been to gynecologists, internists, you name it.
I had a total hysterectomy in 1982, and I wonder if even though I did, I can be going through menopause at the age I normally would anyway.
I just don't want to take a ton of medicines.

Linda McClure- Woodham said:

Madeline, a very wise doctor diagnosed me as being hypothyroid, when my blood tests were negative for any type of thyroid disorder. He diagnosed me based on other physical symptoms, i.e., fatigue, depression, anxiety, dry skin, hair loss (mine is on the outer third of both eyebrows) and insomnia. This was about 10 yrs. before I was diagnosed with Obstructive Sleep Apnea. The most glaring clue in your discussion is the hot/cold spells (unless you are going through menopause) which, I too, experienced before going on thyroid medication.

Bummed out and nervous could be depression, general anxiety disorder, or a long list of other disorders. These symptoms are worse for me if I don't sleep well, but you say you are more alert and rested, so the CPAP machine is working for you, it appears. Have you considered a psychiatric evaluation? So many of your symptoms could be traced to a chemical imbalance. I am not a doctor, but I have been to more than I can count, Don't suffer in silence. The right doctor could be the next one your see.

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by susan mccord on August 5, 2009 at 1:43pm

I've been taking Xanax 1.0 mg TO HELP ME SLEEP for a long time Years.. Having read your post makes me wonder which came first? Have I been anxious at bedtime because I had apnea all this time and didn't know it????? I don't need Xanax any other time of day EXCEPT bedtime....

Jeez, I think this is fascinating.....anyone have any ideas?

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Tanina Agosto on August 5, 2009 at 5:18pm

Hello Madeline.
You should check out a book by Dr. Joyce Walsleben called "A Woman's Guide to Sleep". It's a very interesting read. Dr. Walsleben is considered an expert in women's sleep issues. If you're in New York City you should consider possibly looking her up and getting a consultation.

Best of luck to you.

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by RockRpsgt on August 5, 2009 at 6:01pm

Everything that we do is affected by the way we sleep. From our moods and temperment to the smallest of physical ailments. Bad sleep breaks us down physically and mentally. It is very natural for woman to have hot and cold intolerances. Sometimes these intolerances can be intensified by a lack of sleep. Not so much due to a physical problem, but because of lack of sleep we are less likely to be able to ignore it. We have all been a little more irritated when we have not slept enough. I would say keep working on getting good quality sleep. If every doc you have been to says your healthy than enjoy being healthy cause so many others with apnea are not.

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by KAREN JAFFE on August 5, 2009 at 10:42pm

Hi Madeline,
I used to have anxiety attacks quite often but they have gotten better. I still have depression but not as bad as it used to be. I'm no doctor but the anxiety and depression got better after using the CPAP for awhile. I think depression goes along with sleep apnea. I think about all the energy I used to have and I do become depressed. I get hot and cold flashes but mine are from menopause. Have you had your hormone levels checked? Depending on your age, many doctors don't bother to check this. I had to insist on having my hormones checked because I was only 44 years old. Well we found out I was going through early menopause. Hope this helps,
Karen

• ▶ Reply

▶ Reply to Discussion