Little over a year with sleep apnea, using CPAP faithfully at a pressure of 9, I thought nothing further could happen to me.

This past summer, I started to have numbness in my arms and legs.  I had  a MRI of the cervical spine and later and MRI of the brain.  The first MRI of the cervical spine suggest possible MS.  First MRI of the brain suggest possible MS.  

Nearly three week ago, I couldn't move my legs.  When in the hospital they repeated the MRIs and did a Lumbar puncture(no fun), they showed no MS.

While in the hospital they put the pressure up on the CPAP to 11.  Last Thursday it was up to 13.  In two weeks I believe it will have to be put up even higher.    My  AHI is coming down from 31 and AIs are 1 and under, but  are still very high

Today I went to another neurologist, to find out what I was dealing with.   I was shocked to find out that I was having mini strokes.  These mini-strokes were brought on because I didn't take care  of my sleep apnea.  I thought once I had my CPAP machine, I would never have to worry about sleep apnea, I was cured.    

Anyone with Sleep Apnea has to take care.  Sleep Apnea won't go away, and can get worse.  If you start coughing, gasping for air, becoming more tired, snoring with machine on it's best to have another sleep study done.  

I am lucky I only had mini-strokes.  It could have been lot worse.  I could have had a massive stroke or heart attack.  

I am glad I found this site.  It is very informative, and the support is much needed.

Hugs   Gerri

Gerri -
I'm so glad you find out what was wrong! Mini-strokes    Scary to say the least.  It's a good thing you're looking out for yourself and doing what you need to.


_________________
Sher

WOW!!!  I thought that sleeping with my machine ws all I had to do, too!!  In fact, the neurologist that sent me for the study said that unless something else happened, that I never needed to come back.  So, tell me folks, what are your Dr's saying?

your problems could perhaps be from anxiety, look up fight or flight response on the net which is a possible cause of numbness also mini strokes are often confused with panic attacks, details also on the net

Hi Guest

I wish the mini strokes I have had were just panic attacks.  I was diagnosed with mini-strokes by a neurologist.   Panic attacks did not cause the neurological problems I have.  The mini-strokes were brought on because my sleep apnea wasn't under control, causing my blood pressure to become dangerously high.  It has also cause me to have diabetic problems.  

It is a fact if Sleep Apnea is not taken care of it can lead to strokes, heart attach and death.