My sleep study 4 years ago showed that I had 14 apneas per hour, numerous hypopneas with a low oxygen count of 93%. I also had 29 periodic limb movements per hour. At that time, the doctor said it wasn't bad enough for a cpap machine.. Does anyone think that I need a second opinion?     Mike  

malachi wrote:

My sleep study 4 years ago showed that I had 14 apneas per hour, numerous hypopneas with a low oxygen count of 93%. I also had 29 periodic limb movements per hour. At that time, the doctor said it wasn't bad enough for a cpap machine.. Does anyone think that I need a second opinion?     Mike   :roll:

Hi Mike,

I think you posted because you are uneasy about symptoms........maybe something has deteriorated since you study 4 years ago ?

14 Apnoea events per hour would have put you in the mild, bordering on moderate apnoea. The 93% blood/ox level is not great but if it was a low as distinct from avarage low, possibly not too bad. The PLMs while not 100% sure, I think should have been addressed.

After 4 years I think you should consider another study, maybe even a new sleep doctor. Sleep Apnoea (untreated) has a habit of deteriorating as we get older.

If you do go for the test, post the results here. Sleepydave is a whiz at reading them.

Kind regards,

Daniel


_________________
The untreated Sleep Apnoea sufferer died quietly in his sleep.......
Unlike his three passengers who died screaming !!!!!!

(Anon)

malachi,
  Hi, I would also ask, how are you feeling.  Are you having other symptoms of worsening apnea?
Are you groggy when you wake, tired and listless, do you wake with a dry mouth, or perspiration on you head and neck.  Do you wake with a headache or pounding heart. Do you have frequent night time urination?  Do you have frequent respiratory infections? Are you having more difficulty concentrating and with short term memory?  How about any high blood pressure (preferably checked early in the morning)?  Have you gained weight. Any lessening of libido?  Are you snoring and gasping for air?  Do you ever "dream" you are suffocating or drowning/choking?
  Are these symptoms enough of a problem that you are willing to make the adjustment to sleeping with cpap in order to feel more alert and energetic?
  You may also want to search and read about Upper Airway Resistance Syndrome..UARS.  
It isn't all just about the numbers, it's about how it is affecting our life and health.
  I would agree that another sleep study is in order, you wouldn't be posting here if you didn't believe your apnea was a problem.  Listen to your body.

Thanks for the replies first of all. To answer the questions posted, 1 year ago, I was rushed to the hospital and diagnosed with supraventricular tachycardia (268 beats per minute). I have been on atenalol to prevent any other tachycardias. I have gained 25 lbs in the last 2 years. I never remember my dreams and my memory short term memory has deteriorated. As far as going to the bathroom at night, I awake in the middle of the night frequently because of the urge to go but am way to fatiqued to get up. Thank God my bladder is still strong. I currently set my alarm 3 hours before I need to go to work because I have been late many times by snoozing the clock numerous times. I have awaken three times the last year with cold sweats and my ears ringing loudly and what scared me most was not being able to talk or move for a few minutes. I first thought it was a stroke but was fine a few minutes later. I visited a pulmonologist yesterday and will have a sleep study on Nov. 11 to see if my apneas are worse. I just learned that my hypopneas are just as dangerous as apnea. My hypopneas are pretty bad. My fiance said she frequently places her hand on my chect to see if I am breathing. She said it appears that I am not breathing until she sees that my chest is rising ever so slowly. Thanks for your info.    Mike

Anonymous wrote:

Thanks for the replies first of all. To answer the questions posted, 1 year ago, I was rushed to the hospital and diagnosed with supraventricular tachycardia (268 beats per minute). I have been on atenalol to prevent any other tachycardias. I have gained 25 lbs in the last 2 years. I never remember my dreams and my memory short term memory has deteriorated. As far as going to the bathroom at night, I awake in the middle of the night frequently because of the urge to go but am way to fatiqued to get up. Thank God my bladder is still strong. I currently set my alarm 3 hours before I need to go to work because I have been late many times by snoozing the clock numerous times. I have awaken three times the last year with cold sweats and my ears ringing loudly and what scared me most was not being able to talk or move for a few minutes. I first thought it was a stroke but was fine a few minutes later. I visited a pulmonologist yesterday and will have a sleep study on Nov. 11 to see if my apneas are worse. I just learned that my hypopneas are just as dangerous as apnea. My hypopneas are pretty bad. My fiance said she frequently places her hand on my chect to see if I am breathing. She said it appears that I am not breathing until she sees that my chest is rising ever so slowly. Thanks for your info.    Mike

Mike,

Very important that you follow up on the test. Phone and go on a cancellation list. Short term memory problems, nocturia (urge to go to bathroom at night) sweats and sleepiness all point to a problem. You need to deal with it sooner rather than later.

Daniel


_________________
The untreated Sleep Apnoea sufferer died quietly in his sleep.......
Unlike his three passengers who died screaming !!!!!!

(Anon)