I'll start by saying that I don't have much money and don't like doctors so I haven't spoken with one yet.  I've prefered to sleep on my stomach since I was a kid and never really knew that I had a problem until a couple years ago.  My wife woke me one night in a panic.  I awoke in a panic, could hardly breathe and my heart was racing so fast and pounding so hard it hurt.  I imagine that must be the way someone feels when they have an anxiety attack.  Once I calmed down my wife said that I had stopped breathing for a period of a couple minutes and then my heart stopped.  That was my first sign of trouble.  Then the dreams I've had over the years about drowning start to make sense (I've been able to swim since I was 6 but don't care much for it, wonder why?)  Now it seems if I'm slouching on the couch or in my lazy-boy and fall asleep watching tv I wake up gasping.  I'll probably take some time to check into this more, until then I'll try not to sleep on my back so I don't wake up dead.

Merlan wrote:

I'll start by saying that I don't have much money and don't like doctors so I haven't spoken with one yet.  I've prefered to sleep on my stomach since I was a kid and never really knew that I had a problem until a couple years ago.  My wife woke me one night in a panic.  I awoke in a panic, could hardly breathe and my heart was racing so fast and pounding so hard it hurt.  I imagine that must be the way someone feels when they have an anxiety attack.  Once I calmed down my wife said that I had stopped breathing for a period of a couple minutes and then my heart stopped.  That was my first sign of trouble.  Then the dreams I've had over the years about drowning start to make sense (I've been able to swim since I was 6 but don't care much for it, wonder why?)  Now it seems if I'm slouching on the couch or in my lazy-boy and fall asleep watching tv I wake up gasping.  I'll probably take some time to check into this more, until then I'll try not to sleep on my back so I don't wake up dead.

Hi Merlan,

While some of your symptoms MIGHT relate to sleep apnoea, they might also relate to other conditions. I think, as a matter of urgency, you should see a good GP first. Might be a good idea to bring your wife along as she would be best placed to fill in some of the blanks.

Daniel


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

(Anon)

it may also help to tape record yourself when asleep to see if theres any heavy snoring or gagging or choking noises