Hi all, I was diagnosed yesterday.  The doctor answered some of my questions, but like most doctors, tried to rush me out the door as soon as possible.  So, any help you guys can provide is greatly appreciated.  My sleep disturbences per hour was 82, which I have come to find out is very high, which has me very worried.  I will not be getting my cpap for at least a month because the doctor did not originally prescribe a split night study for me (he didn't think I really had it), so I still have to do my cpap titration, which isn't scheduled until November.  Questions; is this too long to wait since my apnea is so severe?  Should I be sleeping on my stomach until then, possibly on a massage table (I have heard this can reduce or eliminate sleep disturbances, is that true?)  My sleep study also reported 4 cental apneas and 40 mixed apneas during the night in addition to the obstructive apneas, is this common?  Are the central and mixed anything to worry about?  With a sleep disturbance number that high, am I in danger of meeting my end?  I realize I've probably had apnea for 15 years and have survived fine, but you hear the news, and all the sudden you get pretty worried.
That's all the questions I can think of for now, thanks again to all that respond.

Hi Josh,

I can't answer all of your questions, like about the types of apneas, hopefully others can.

A month waiting for the titration part of the study is long.  It's a shame they did not schedule it at the time of the first study, which is the responsible thing to do.   Yes a month is a long time, especially when you're suddenly anxious to get the show on the road!  But it could be a lot worse.  There are places where the wait is so much longer, some even years!   You might check with the sleep lab and ask to be placed on a cancellation list.  Can't hurt.  I was on one and was able to get in earlier.  And you might check with your doctor.  He might have some clout with the sleep lab and be able to get you in earlier.  It's always worth a try.  

As to how to sleep, I don't know.  I've heard some people have slept with their upper body elevated.  Don't know if it helps.  
Try and be calm.  But if it worries you enough, you might ask the doctor to arrange for a temporary rental autocpap machine.  I don't normally recommend that, for I feel the wait isn't so long and in no way should you avoid the titration part of the study, for that is SO important!!!  But it is an option so long as you follow through with the rest of the sleep study.  But take it easy.  Do what you can to relax.  And if changing a sleep position seems to help, give it a try.  Are you alone?  Or is there a spouse or partner?  If there is, that person might be able to tell you how you sleep in a different position, like if there is any less of the type of snorting sound often associated with sleep apnea sleeping.

Oh, you might consider registering here as a member.  You needn't, but you might like it, for it gives you some nifty extra features that come in handy.  As a member, you can post to the other forum sections and you can use the Private Message (PM) feature if you like.  Registering is easy, free and safe.  Just a thought.  

Hang in there and keep in touch.


Linda

JoshB wrote:

Hi all, I was diagnosed yesterday.  The doctor answered some of my questions, but like most doctors, tried to rush me out the door as soon as possible.  So, any help you guys can provide is greatly appreciated.  My sleep disturbences per hour was 82, which I have come to find out is very high, which has me very worried.  I will not be getting my cpap for at least a month because the doctor did not originally prescribe a split night study for me (he didn't think I really had it), so I still have to do my cpap titration, which isn't scheduled until November.  Questions; is this too long to wait since my apnea is so severe?  Should I be sleeping on my stomach until then, possibly on a massage table (I have heard this can reduce or eliminate sleep disturbances, is that true?)  My sleep study also reported 4 cental apneas and 40 mixed apneas during the night in addition to the obstructive apneas, is this common?  Are the central and mixed anything to worry about?  With a sleep disturbance number that high, am I in danger of meeting my end?  I realize I've probably had apnea for 15 years and have survived fine, but you hear the news, and all the sudden you get pretty worried.
That's all the questions I can think of for now, thanks again to all that respond.

Hi JoshB,

You have very severe apnoea. You should be having a titration study as quickly as possible. Has your doctor tried to move you up the list. Try for a cancellation.

The other alternative is to get your doctor to prescribe an auto adjusting machine, or even to hire one (beg, borrow or steal one) for a week or two. This would be the equivalent of a titration study as your requirements will be recorded. You would also have the protection that cpap offers.

I think you need to light a fire under your docs b**t.

Daniel


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

(Anon)

Thanks Linda!  My doctor actually runs the sleep study center, but he didn't seem too concerned about getting me in quickly.  He is a sleep specialist and very knowledgeable, but not big in the 'bed-side manner' department.  I do live alone, so pretty much on my own there.  I have heard from others that sleeping sitting up is good too.  Does anyone know if sleeping on your stomach is better or worse?  I probably will join at some point.  Thanks for the info!

For many people, back sleeping results in the highest number of apneas, side and stomach sleeping often shows a lower number.  If you get a copy of your sleep study, it will show the degree body position effects you personally.

I have always been a stomach sleeper and it didn't seem to matter how I slept - I always felt awful during the day.  Sleeping in my recliner seemed to do me the most good while I was waiting for my CPAP.

Good luck!

Try calling the sleep center and talking to whomever does the scheduling, and ask them if there are any cancellations you can grab (or to call you if they get any).  My CPAP titration study was originally scheduled for Oct 20th, but I called them last Friday and they had someone cancel the last Sunday, so I was able to get in much earlier.  I think a lot of people cancel out of anxiety.


_________________
--Frank (FJC)