After the initial sleep study/titration, will I need another one somewhere down the line? Is this something I will only need if I start developing symptoms again?


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My Name is Charlie, but I am a female.

cbrannon86 wrote:

After the initial sleep study/titration, will I need another one somewhere down the line? Is this something I will only need if I start developing symptoms again?

Hi Charlie,

Like all things to do with OSA, no two people are the same.
If cpap is working for you, and you are compliant it is unlikely that another sleep study will be required anytime soon. If you notice a change (weight gain/loss) or other or return of symptoms you should notify your sleep doc. They may look for another study, they may make a small adjustment to the pressure (without a study) or they may order a limited home study or hook you up to an auto titrating PAP machine (at home).

The fact that your doctor has a baseline study for you means that he/she should be able to make decisions (within reason) by talking to you, discussing your situation.............for probably the next year or two. This is not to say that changes will be necessary. Personally, I had a number of changes in pressure during my first 3 years on cpap, and for the last 5/6 years there have been no changes. I attend my GP every 3/4 months and wear a 24 hour hypertension monitor, results of which are forwarded to my sleep doctor also.

Now that you have your diagnosis (get a copy of the report) you can keep an eye on any changes in your general health, such as hypertension etc.

Kind regards.

Daniel


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

(Anon)

Thanks Daniel. I've had hypertension since I was in my twenties, and I am now in my fifties. I have noticed that the diastolic and systolic numbers are going down, so maybeone day soon I won't have to take as many meds as I am right now.   


_________________
My Name is Charlie, but I am a female.

cbrannon86 wrote:

Thanks Daniel. I've had hypertension since I was in my twenties, and I am now in my fifties. I have noticed that the diastolic and systolic numbers are going down, so maybeone day soon I won't have to take as many meds as I am right now.   

Just for information Charlie,

Untreated sleep apnoea sufferers are at a higher risk of stroke during the hours between 12.00 midnight and 4.00AM.
Compliant CPAP usage can reduce hypertension readings by as much as 25% and reduce the incidence of stroke by 33%.

I think that your cpap machine might be having a positive effect on your numbers.

Its a good idea to use a 24 hour hypertension monitor every 3 to 4 months so that a hard record of your progress is kept in your doctor's file. There is a good chance that your medication might be reduced, but only with the numbers to back up the decision.

Kind regards

Daniel


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

(Anon)

As far as how often, my doctor recommends every two years, for a retitration, and/or if old symptoms return, or you have a substantial health change, major weight gains/losses, etc.

You might ask your own physician for his guidelines