Hello everyone, this is my first post.
I had my sleep study done last night at the local sleep disorder center.  I've quite likely had Apnea for many years based on my well reported snoring habits, but in the last few months my daily fatigue has become a problem.  My hobby is bicycle racing and I am at a serious disadvantage due to fatigue.  I can't nap, as I feel worse afterwards.  So I finally went to the lab.  My new Dr presrcibed a split night study.  so after getting hooked up to all the electrodes, I tried 2 different masks. the first was a gel type mask that fit all around my nose.  the second was a smaller device that just had 2 protrusions that fit inside your nose.  I chose the smaller device, it felt better.  the deal was that I would go to bed around 10pm, and then if the machines determined that in fact I had apnea, they would hook me up to the prefitted mask.  around 1:30 they woke me up and said it was time for the mask.  I used it until 5:30am when the study was over.  here are some thoughts on the night:
1.  I must have apnea or they would not have started treatment
2.  I am so used to waking up at 4:30 to go to work, my body rythms woke me up around the same time today, although I allowed myself to drift off again.
3.  It took me much longer than usual to fall asleep.  for lots of reasons: new room, new bed, I was being watched/monitored, the wires were uncomfortable, etc
4.  I feel like I slept very lightly all night, including with the mask. I also feel like I woke up alot.  it will be interesting to see what the machines say
5.  I feel a bit off today.  not so drowsy, but a little foggy.  not entirely sure why
6. I did not wake up today feeling like "it was the best sleep I can remember"
7.  The technician was not at liberty to disclose details(I don't know why), but she did say:
     - she saw "enough" in the first few hours to start treatment
     - the machines detected a "significant" change after I started with the mask
     - she said it "was the best of times it was the worst of times".  I can only interpret this as I was pretty bad without the mask, and then pretty good with it.
8.  Sleeping with the mask was not a big deal for me.  it was a CFlex unit, but it still takes some getting used to - exhaling against some resistance.
I have my consult on Friday with the doctor to review results.   I will find out all my "numbers" then.  I am expecting the mask to make a big difference in my life.  I hope I am not disappointed.

bauerb wrote:

Hello everyone, this is my first post.
I had my sleep study done last night at the local sleep disorder center.  I've quite likely had Apnea for many years based on my well reported snoring habits, but in the last few months my daily fatigue has become a problem.  My hobby is bicycle racing and I am at a serious disadvantage due to fatigue.  I can't nap, as I feel worse afterwards.  So I finally went to the lab.  My new Dr presrcibed a split night study.  so after getting hooked up to all the electrodes, I tried 2 different masks. the first was a gel type mask that fit all around my nose.  the second was a smaller device that just had 2 protrusions that fit inside your nose.  I chose the smaller device, it felt better.  the deal was that I would go to bed around 10pm, and then if the machines determined that in fact I had apnea, they would hook me up to the prefitted mask.  around 1:30 they woke me up and said it was time for the mask.  I used it until 5:30am when the study was over.  here are some thoughts on the night:
1.  I must have apnea or they would not have started treatment
2.  I am so used to waking up at 4:30 to go to work, my body rythms woke me up around the same time today, although I allowed myself to drift off again.
3.  It took me much longer than usual to fall asleep.  for lots of reasons: new room, new bed, I was being watched/monitored, the wires were uncomfortable, etc
4.  I feel like I slept very lightly all night, including with the mask. I also feel like I woke up alot.  it will be interesting to see what the machines say
5.  I feel a bit off today.  not so drowsy, but a little foggy.  not entirely sure why
6. I did not wake up today feeling like "it was the best sleep I can remember"
7.  The technician was not at liberty to disclose details(I don't know why), but she did say:
     - she saw "enough" in the first few hours to start treatment
     - the machines detected a "significant" change after I started with the mask
     - she said it "was the best of times it was the worst of times".  I can only interpret this as I was pretty bad without the mask, and then pretty good with it.
8.  Sleeping with the mask was not a big deal for me.  it was a CFlex unit, but it still takes some getting used to - exhaling against some resistance.
I have my consult on Friday with the doctor to review results.   I will find out all my "numbers" then.  I am expecting the mask to make a big difference in my life.  I hope I am not disappointed.

Hello, and welcome!

All eight of your points are very typical.  It's not easy to sleep with all the wires, and you were only "masked" for a small portion of the night so it's not a surprise you didn't feel like superman right away.

You will get used to exhaling against the pressure.  At the end of the first week I remember waking up and thinking "Uh Oh!  Something's wrong...my machine stopped!".  Only to take off the mask and find it was blowing full steam.  Your body acclimates quickly.

It sound like you have a good attitude.  That's 95% of the battle in my opinion!

Welcome to the club! Based on what you said, yes, you have sleep apnea. The mask will make a huge difference in your life. You will not be reborn Superman, but when I look back on my previous problems, like almost falling asleep behind the wheel, circles under my eyes, inability to concentrate....overall it has been a pretty huge change. Best of luck, please report your sleep study findings! Neil

BarryKaraoke wrote:

You will get used to exhaling against the pressure.  At the end of the first week I remember waking up and thinking "Uh Oh!  Something's wrong...my machine stopped!".  Only to take off the mask and find it was blowing full steam.  Your body acclimates quickly.

That's sort of where I am now.  Tonight concludes week 2 on CPAP.  I was beginning to think something was wrong with my machine.  

bauerb, you're fortunate that they did the titration on you the first night.  Can you imagine going through another night of that just to wear the mask?  I had a very difficult time falling asleep in that environment, too.  When they started you on the mask, they regulated the pressure to determine just how much pressure it took to stop your apneas.  They'll use that data to calibrate the xPAP machine.  They don't always get the pressure right the first time, and I'm going through some of that now.  Good luck with the therapy.


_________________
REMStar Pro M w/ c-flex and heated humidifier
ResMed Swift LT nasal pillow
Encore View Software
12 cm H20, 13 cm H20
CPAP start date: June 4, 2008

1.  I must have apnea or they would not have started treatment
That is true.  But also keep in mind, your sleep apnea was likely severe enough to go through with the split study.  The docs authorize a split study but it's not always done.  There's a certain protocol.  You have to fall asleep early enough for both parts, and the severity has to be a certain level.  Apparently you met the protocol (criteria).  Even if they'd not done the second part, that doesn't mean it's not sleep apnea.

2.  I am so used to waking up at 4:30 to go to work, my body rythms woke me up around the same time today, although I allowed myself to drift off again.
3.  It took me much longer than usual to fall asleep.  for lots of reasons: new room, new bed, I was being watched/monitored, the wires were uncomfortable, etc
4.  I feel like I slept very lightly all night, including with the mask. I also feel like I woke up alot.  it will be interesting to see what the machines say
Yes, and you likely have difficulties sleeping normally as well.  They're testing you as you are, they know you won't sleep perfectly during the sleep study.

5.  I feel a bit off today.  not so drowsy, but a little foggy.  not entirely sure why
6. I did not wake up today feeling like "it was the best sleep I can remember"
Some people feel better the day following the titration, but not all do.  It doesn't mean the cpap therapy doesn't work.  Plus, you had a split study, so you had the cpap only part of the night.  And during that part, they increase the pressure gradually to see which pressure does the trick, so you weren't likely at full needed pressure for long.  Things will be a lot better when you use it at home.

7.  The technician was not at liberty to disclose details(I don't know why), but she did say:
     - she saw "enough" in the first few hours to start treatment
     - the machines detected a "significant" change after I started with the mask
     - she said it "was the best of times it was the worst of times".  I can only interpret this as I was pretty bad without the mask, and then pretty good with it.
Typically the techs aren't supposed to discuss the results of the study.  The tech does a lot of work, but it all goes through a reveiw process, with the final review done by the medical director, usually someone who specializes in sleep medicine.  She obviously saw enough in the first hours to start treatment, or she wouldn't have started it.  Sounds like she knows that cpap definitely works.

8.  Sleeping with the mask was not a big deal for me.  it was a CFlex unit, but it still takes some getting used to - exhaling against some resistanc
Some people do have problems with breathing against the exhale pressure.  The sleep study determines what resolution is best for that situation.  They may or may not have had the cflex turned on throughout the entire titration, they may have tried it without and then with cflex.  If the cflex isn't enough, they may recommend the use of a bipap or bilevel.


Linda

I had a split study as well. Ended up that I have Severe Central and Obstructive Sleep apnea. My AHI at the sleep clinic was 116.4. My total Central, Obstructive, and mixed were 190 an hour. They also could not give me any info. My doc had to tell me. But they did tell me I did so much better with the Cpap. I still have my Centrals on the Cpap, but I have a Vpap on order which I hope will help my centrals out. You will feel so much better once you start your therapy. Give it time to get used to. I don't even notice the pressure any more. I am sure once I start my Vpap it will be the same way.

Going in with a positive additude is half the battle. Good luck and keep us posted.

Thanks

Wendy :o)


_________________
Severe Central & Obstructive Sleep disordered breathing
AHI:116.4
Lowest Sat 85% High96.1%
Total Central,Obst,& mixed 190/hr
Out of that total 66 were Hypopneas
IpapMin7 max16 Epap6
Bipap Auto SV
Resmed Mirage Swift II

Welcome to the Hoseheadian Society!  Enough said above...all typical feeling that you had.  You will not be disapointed unless you allow yourself to be.  Inch by inch, life is a cinch.


_________________

CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFO~ http://tinyurl.com/69q52a

BiPAP Auto M 13/8 Mirage Nasal Swift. 20 years+ undx'd. RLS/PLMD, Hypersomnia & more.

met with my Dr. last friday to review the sleep study test results. I don't have all the items, but the key values are:  apnea events = 17 per hour. avg duration = 32secs, max duration = 120secs.  my blood/oxygen saturation never dropped below 88%.  After 3 hours of being monitored without a mask, I was placed on the cflex machine and for the next 4 hours there were no apnea events.  can't wait to get my machine

I had my sleep study done 18 days ago I called in to talk to the nurse 5 days ago and she bit my head off calling to check the results of the test but I have not slept for months I called back in today 18 days later and she told me the doctor didnt disclose any details to her but I am suspose to come in next week some time to get or talk about a cpap so yes the at the sleep study I had several leg jerks and full body jerks stop breathing several times they put the mask on and I couldnt enter REM sleep and no they didnt tell me much after words Im tired of not knowing do I have it or not and how severe is it Im only 41 years old anybody?

awakehate wrote:

I had my sleep study done 18 days ago I called in to talk to the nurse 5 days ago and she bit my head off calling to check the results of the test but I have not slept for months I called back in today 18 days later and she told me the doctor didnt disclose any details to her but I am suspose to come in next week some time to get or talk about a cpap so yes the at the sleep study I had several leg jerks and full body jerks stop breathing several times they put the mask on and I couldnt enter REM sleep and no they didnt tell me much after words Im tired of not knowing do I have it or not and how severe is it Im only 41 years old anybody?

If they put you on the machine during your study that means most likely you have it. How bad the doc will tell you that. The reason why techs are not alowed to say anything is do to the fact that the doc has to go over all the info and they can't say anything do to liablity issues on there part. Any tech be in ultra soung, EKG and so on. The doc is the only one that can give the results or a PCP's assistant.


_________________
Severe Central & Obstructive Sleep disordered breathing
AHI:116.4
Lowest Sat 85% High96.1%
Total Central,Obst,& mixed 190/hr
Out of that total 66 were Hypopneas
IpapMin7 max16 Epap6
Bipap Auto SV
Resmed Mirage Swift II

Okay, AwakeHate, its time for you to take an active role in your health care. Diplomacy goes a long way, but firmness is needed. Especially w/the desk dragon who jumpted all over you for calling!! No one has a more vested interest in your health and health care than you do!

Since you were told 'next week some time' but not given an actual appointment I would FAX or mail a letter to the sleep lab requesting a copy of your scored data report from your sleep evaluation and titration. Its part of your medical records and if you are in the USA you have a legal right to copies under HIPAA. Keep your request polite and brief. They'll get the message that you aren't one to sit around and await the lesiure and whim of the medical profession but intend to take an active part in your health care.

NOW is the time to call your insurance company and ask what local DME CPAP suppliers they are contracted with. Hopefully you will have the option of more than one.

When you FINALLY ARE granted an appointment w/this sleep lab ask that you be given the script for your equipment rather than it being FAXed to a local DME CPAP supplier as you will want to shop for your equipment yourself. Also ask what mask was used during your CPAP titration. Depending on how comfortable the fit was you may or may not want to purchase that mask. Again you have a LEGAL RIGHT to make this request and to be given the original copy even if you have the option of only one local DME CPAP supplier. If you feel inclined to give a reason: one never knows when traveling out of town that their CPAP might be stolen, lost or broken or quit working and you would need your script as well as your sleep evaluation and titration study to replace it in a strange city. Don't let them dissuade you. DIPLOMACY AND FIRMNESS. YOU are paying the bill whether out of pocket or thru insurance, YOU have a LEGAL RIGHT to these items.

Good luck.


_________________
Some people are like Slinkies... Not really good for anything, but they still bring a smile to your face when you push them down a flight of stairs.
Resmed VPAP Auto. Humidaire 3i, Simplicity & Micro masks, ResScan 3.4, S8 ResLink, Embla oximeter.

Crohnie is right. Having that sleep study helps a lot. I got mine right away when I requested it. Inless the sleep doc was not done getting the report up you should be able to get that from them. Even calling them and saying make a copy I am picking it up. That is what I did. They did not give me any argument over it either. If they do and get short with you and make excuses why they can't I would remind them of your rights


_________________
Severe Central & Obstructive Sleep disordered breathing
AHI:116.4
Lowest Sat 85% High96.1%
Total Central,Obst,& mixed 190/hr
Out of that total 66 were Hypopneas
IpapMin7 max16 Epap6
Bipap Auto SV
Resmed Mirage Swift II

Well I did just that I called back and told them that I would be down to pick up a copy. I got a copy ,"OH MY GOD" I have Restless leg syndrome also that explains the full body jerks and leg jerks right now my legs are jumping all over. and I really hate that too, just like I hate being awake for the last 3 months. Lame doctor he didnt even order the sleep test. I had a heart attack in march the cadeo ordered the test, so after the heart attack I was told I have atrieal fallibaration probaly did'nt spell that right,but In january I had my second back surgery two ruptured disk the other back surgery was in 2003 I have degenerative disk disk diecease so even after surgery my back still kiilin me my legs hurt I cant work I have a family to support doctors told me I have depression Im seeing a shrink I just had 4 steriod shots in my back with no sedative "WOW what else could go wrong

Never ask that. Murphy is always lurking around the corner!

So you are depressed? W/all you've got going on it would be a surprise if you didn't!!! Chronic pain can cause depression. OSA can cause depression. The back could be causing the RLS. The atrial fibrillation could be caused by the OSA. Its a vicious cycle.

I don't see you mentioning a Pain Management doctor or clinic. I'd sure be adding one to my list if I were you! I take it your "shrink" is not a psychiatrist?? A good one would have suggested or even referred you to one. Psychiatrists are medical doctors first then go on for psychiatric training. That's why they can script meds and psychologists can't.

A GOOD family doctor for coordinating your medical care, a GOOD sleep doctor and a GOOD pain management doctor (most of the best are anesthesiologists) would be making up my medical TEAM if I were you. Of course, a GOOD psychiatrist (if he isn't one who has forgotten his medical training other than to write scripts) could be your coordinatng doctor. Who cares if your coordinating doctor is a family practitioner or a psychiatrist - or even another specialty as long as he's interested in your ENTIRE well-being and you see to it that he gets copies of ALL you test results and consulation notes?


_________________
Some people are like Slinkies... Not really good for anything, but they still bring a smile to your face when you push them down a flight of stairs.
Resmed VPAP Auto. Humidaire 3i, Simplicity & Micro masks, ResScan 3.4, S8 ResLink, Embla oximeter.

http://lpn.advanceweb.com/editorial/content/editorial.aspx?cc=114912
"Studies find a strong correlation between sleep disturbances and cardiac arrhythmias, hypertension and cardiac deaths. Yet clinicians rarely include questions about sleep and snoring when assessing patients' risk factors for cardiac disease.Somers reported patients with OSA had more than twice the number of cardiac deaths during sleeping hours compared to the general population. Atrial fibrillation, nonsustained ventricular tachycardia and ventricular ectopy are more common in subjects with sleep disordered breathing.2 Obstructive sleep apnea doubles the rate of atrial fibrillation reoccurrence after cardioversion."


The more I read about S/A, the more I see post after post here filled with people suffering from untreated S/A, depression, anxiety, cardiovascular problems....it just makes me so angry. Angry for them, angry for my own years of apneas, my needless heart attack, etc.

I would really get nasty with them until you get your machine.

Neil