Reminder to readers that I am 47, been using CPAP for 8 months, and have a Hiatal Hernia.  I wanted to list some of my continuing symptoms to ask if anyone else is experienced them.  I have had blood tests and heart tests that say I am in very good health for my age.  My blood pressure is normal.  Vicki has mentioned the Fibro like symptoms she experieced, but they went away after starting CPAP.

1. Muscle soreness in my shoulder, back, arms, and legs.
2. Brain Fog
3. Chest pain in top left near heart.  (had heart cath 1 year ago and came back very good)
4. Heart palpitations
5. Sleeping difficulties
6. Neck pain
7. shoulders and hands go numb much more often than they used to.
8. CPAP appears to be irrating my hiatal Hernia as I wake up with stomach pain.

This stuff is not slowing me way down now, but sure is annoying.  I also have anxiety that runs in my family.  I know the CPAP has done me some real good, but I wonder what else I can do to rid myself of these symptoms.  Many of you may read this and note that I have made comments concerning your conditions that I have experience at, but this one I need help on.  I don't smoke, drink, or do anything else to my body to cause issues.  I could be more active.



Last edited by laynei on Tue Sep 09, 2008 7:38 am; edited 1 time in total

laynei,

What does your sleep doc say?  Does your sleep know you are having these symptoms?  When was your last sleep study?  Your hands and arms going numb are not related to your CPAP unless you are sleeping so soundly you are sleeping on your hands or arms and causing them to go numb.

Besides ruling out apnea issues, it sounds like you need a very thorough physical exam.  If you are having neck pain and numbness in your arms and hands, then that it very suggestive of neck problems, like a disk issue, putting pressure on the nerves branches in your neck.

Vicki


_________________
Being defeated is often a temporary condition. Giving up is what makes it permanent.
Marilyn Von Savant

That which does not kill you makes you stronger-Friedrich Nietzsche
Friedrich must of had apnea.

I also have 1,3,4,6, and 7.  I have also been cleared for heart problems.  I have been on CPAP for less than a week.  I think in my case it is caused by anxiety about my health.  All the symptoms I noted can definitley be caused by anxiety and some of them are the main symptoms of anxiety.  Of course, since the thing I get most anxious about is my health (dropping dead suddenly and leaving my wife with two young children to be precise)I have the double whammy that the things I get anxious about are also the very same things that are caused by the anxiety.  I'll get a twinge somewhere in my body and the next thing I know it is off to the races and here come a couple palpitations and that freaks me out and here comes the other stuff.

Give the CPAP some time.  It will improve your life in a number of areas and give your kids back their dad.  I can offer you some advice as you go through CPAP as to things that worked and did not work for me.  I really do think my issues are a result of anxiety ad not OSA.  With all of the above issues (for me) gradually improving, I am getting better.  I tend to bring this pressure on myself as I have to be a Type A personsality.  I would have to say to you that I have started to accept that there are things in my life beyond my control and things that are within my control.  So stupid of me to have so many that I was foolish enough to think that I was in control of.  They say that its not so much that you have problems in your life, but rather your reaction to them.  I am sure that many of my symptoms are because of my reaction to them.  Your OSA will be fine.  Stay with the CPAP and realize that it won't be the sexiest thing in bed and its a royal pain to take on a business trip, but it will as many of the people on this forum will say, improve your life.  You may not ever sleep as good as you did pre-OSA, but it will help you.  You will also get use to the air down your throat, mask over your face, and the extra maintenance required of the device.  My pressure is high (18) and I do at times feel like it causes me issues, but fot the most part, my life is improved.  If you did not already know [Commercial link deleted] sells supplies for CPAP and you can even get some of the same masks on Amazon.  You also might like to know that the nasel pillow masks offer you to chance to feel less closed off, but some people do not like the things in their nose.  Good luck and I'm sure we will exchange informatiom .  I would love to know how you do as you proceed with CPAP.



Last edited by laynei on Tue Sep 09, 2008 7:34 am; edited 1 time in total

I do wonder if it could be in my neck.  It may be that I have strain in my neck due to the position I keep it in all day. I am trying to get away from my desk more often, but some days it seems harder to do.  My mom had problems with her disk.  I had a xray a few years back and they did not see anything going on, but this was my a chryopractor.