Sleep Apnea - I'm Scared!

[Guest guest]

Dear Group,

I am MAD and very SCARED all at the same time. During the tongue course -

which is still pending-Iam off pred and really feeling every movement- I

started to have a strange gasp/shudder like I couldn't breathe, I always had it

at

night but now in the day time.My husband was giving me a bad time about

gasping at night and jerking, and loud snoring. I was having problems with the

tongue and blamed it on that, but it continued. I called my Dr. and he sent

me to a sleep clinic, after completing their forms they wanted to do a sleep

test (spend the night there-wired for sound, etc.) immediately, but I waited

until the next night. I did not expect to have it. I have few of the typical

symptoms. Well, the tests showed that I stop breathing 275 times per night,

and it is for longer than 10 seconds. All the gasping, jerking, choking,

sitting up, etc. were my bodys' way of making me breathe! I now have a machine

CPAP that I wear at night, I am really having trouble with it, to keep my

airway open. It helps me get " deep " sleep and real rest, but really scares me.

My Dr. said I MUST use the machine, even if I nap in the chair! I know

this is a small thing, and it is good that I found out, but I am really feeling

sorry for myself about it. I'm just now doing well with it, I feel

overloaded and I can't get the blooming thing adjusted right - I get red welts

on my

face (if it is too loose the air blows in your eyes and doesn't work). I just

don't like this.

If you have loud snoring at night and your partner complains, or if you

wake up choking and gasping for air please talk to your Dr. You don't always

have to fit the criteria to fit the illness. It is too easy not to wake up.

Please take care,

Carol M. in CA