I have a special needs child w/ multiple medical problems.  For the past several months he has been waking up w/ his face and neck and sometimes eyes swollen.  To make a very long story short, well i will try to.  I have taken my son to the doctor to have blood work done to see if we could figure out what was causing this.  Blood work was in the norm for him.  Tonsils and adenoids r fine.  Taken him to cardio for a echo and all looks good from what they can c.  Taken him to ENT and they suggested a C1 blood test.  The results were normal so he does not have edema.  CXR was of the norm.  Took him to sleep med/ pulmonary spec. and have set up a sleep study.  This will be interesting if he may need the CPAP.  When the tech put it on him so he could get used to it well he fussed and took it off.  She sent it home w/ me to try to get him used to it.  RIGHT.... We also increased his thyroid med even though his level was in the norm as well.  I have noticed that the swelling isn't as bad.  Still snores and still swells when he lays down.  The doctor said it was possible he could have a blockage of the superior vena cava.  We r trying to avoid a MRI or Heart Cath as much as possible.  My son has coded during a cath and also has stopped breathing for another scan for his back.  My son would have to be put to sleep for a MRI because of his disability.  The risk is very high.  My question to whom ever can help.  Has anyone w/ sleep apnea experienced facial swelling when laying down and or waking up w/ a swollen face?

I'm so sorry Bubba.  As you can see from the lack of anwers to your post, obstructive sleep apnea is not related to facial and neck swelling (at least in adults!).  I'm sure this has been extremely worrisome.  Since it has been awhile since you first posted, post again and tell us how your son is doing.

Vicki


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That which does not kill you makes you stronger-Friedrich Nietzsche
Friedrich must of had apnea.

Thank you Vicki for responding.  I have not heard yet on my sons sleep study results.  Of course he didn't sleep but maybe three hours while we were there.  I do believe a MRI and or a Heart Cath is what our next move will be.  I have also noticed for the past few days his ankles and feet are swelling as well.  The tech was a tad confused to why we were there.  She stated that facial swelling like you had mentioned is normally not an issue.   I have been consumed of worry and frustrated because I do not have answers yet to what is wrong.  When my son was born the cardiologist stated they didn't think he would live past five years and he is now 17.  To be very honest I am very scared.