Just got back from my SS.......they put me on a BIPAP, because I did stop breathing.  I don't have my report yet so I don't know hown bad it was.  I've been on a search for the cause of a host of Neurological symptoms starting with a stroke 14 months ago.  Since then I've had lots of neuro symptoms,........pressure points in the head, burning sensations in the arms and legs,.........tingling and numbness on both sides of the face.  Could SA be the cause of all this?

I'm an otherwise healthy 40 year old man in the Army.

Thanks.

HI lancescott

Welcome to this forum.  Your will meet a lot of nice people here.

Quote:

Since then I've had lots of neuro symptoms,........pressure points in the head, burning sensations in the arms and legs,.........tingling and numbness on both sides of the face. Could SA be the cause of all this?

In November I was admitted to hospital with stress related paralysis of my legs.  Before that date I had everything you described.  They say I had mini-strokes.  My blood pressure was through the roof.  187/119/109  

At the time I didn't think my severe sleep apnea was the problem.  When my pressure on my CPAP was put up to 14 from 9, all the symptoms you described went away.  I even got the use of my legs  back.  My bladder infections have stopped.  I no longer have tingling and numbness in my face, arms or legs.  The burning sensations have stopped.  

If OSA is not controlled it can cause strokes, heart attacks, and death.   Just because someone is on CPAP doesn't mean it is being controlled a 100%.  You have to have your reading checked often.  Sometimes your pressure has to be increased.  Diet does help bring down the pressure.  There is no cure for severe sleep apnea.  

Gerri

Gerri,........thank you so much for your reply.  I have been at my wits end seeing the best Neurologist that the military has to offer (supposedly),.......and all they give me iis shoulder shrugs.  I have been diagnosing myself getting referrals to every clinic I could think of trying to figure this out and they all say they can find nothing.  This is the first medical workup that has found "something wrong".

The killer is now they say I have to wait 2-4 weeks to get my CPAP,..........my symptoms get worse every day and they tell me a few hours ago that now I have to wait another month.......oh well, the squeaky wheel gets the grease,........I'm about to start calling now.

Thanks again.

Hi Lancescott
Here is a few more thoughts that might help.

1)   Get your blood pressure checked and under control.  It might means starting on medication.

2)    Sleep on your side.  Apnea (s)  happen more often when your sleeping on your back.  Some have went so far as to      sew  a tennis ball in their pjs.  I have put a small throw pillow under my back.

3)     Change your diet,   from a large late meal at dinner to a large meal at lunch.

4)     If eating something at night, give yourself at least 2 hours before going to bed.  I make it 4 hours as I have acid-reflux, it can also cause problems for your sleep apnea.

5)    I also have asthma, I take flonase, and my other inhalers before going to bed.   This seems to help with the breathing.

6)    Some have asked their doctors to put them on a cancellation list to get in faster.   Some just bug.  Be a pest it could be life or death.

If I think of anything further I will post.

Gerri

Reminds me of my Army experiences, I am retired Army, now 68 yesrs old.  My only regrets in the Army was that I did not "push" the neurologists hard enough.  Always got that "I am stumped" or "are you goldbricking".  Don't forget, you are being seen by so called professionals, that have NO incentive to treat or cure you, in fact a large incentive to do nothing since "He who does nothing, does nothing wrong."  Keep the pressure up, pressure does not create a relaxed mood for them either.  Get LOTS of stuff on the record, so that later you can document things.  Voice of experience here talking.
Something that came to mind in my case, I have slept with a CPAP for many years, but it took a fluke to realize I had a deviated septum that was causing most of my problems.  Despite using nasal sprays, I would stop up mid evening and sleep terribly.  Deviated septum repair was the best thing that ever happend to me.

Exactly what I am doing Don,.........my medical record is pretty thick already.  Unfortunately, witht the symptoms I'm having, retirement isn't what I'm worried about, it's reaching retirement!

Gerri,......good idea on the nasal spray,.........I'll try it tonight.

Lance