Sleep Apnea

#1      
I did a sleep study last night. I failed. Then again, I knew I would. I have snored for years. Decades. When I spoke to the doctor a couple of weeks ago he had a list of questions. I said yes to almost all of them.

Questions like:
Do I want to take a nap after lunch? (Really who doesn't?)
Do I fall asleep watching tv? (I said it depends on the show.)
Do I get sleepy while driving on long trips? (Every time. Scared the heck out of my wife. I was trying to be the man and take on the burden of driving. She has never been impressed about it.)
Do I fall asleep when I am a passenger on a trip over an hour? (I really try not to but I nod off a few times. My wife complained that she and her sister went to Tennessee for their grandmother's funeral. Her sister slept the whole trip and my wife had to do the driving. I try not to do the same thing.)
Do I want to sleep during a meeting or at the movies? (I said that is two different things. Meetings, of course. A good engaging movie, no. She didn't ask but I have been known to sleep during baseball games too.)

20 years ago I had a sleep over for my son's scouting camping trip. Two years in a row I got second lace for the loudest snorer. I was actually louder but not as regular. My son loved it but even then I knew it was not a good thing. Over Christmas I was at my son's place. When I got up in the middle of the night I heard my daughter in law's cousin snoring in the next bed room. It was so loud I was sure the wall was falling when I first heard him. I decided if I am anything like that, I have a real problem.

This morning I had to complete a survey. How many times did I think I woke up? How long did I think I slept? Did I get a better night's sleep? Things like that. At the bottom there was a place to add any comments. I wrote that it would be nice if they recommended that men shave their chest hair. It was the worst part of the whole experience. I felt like I was Robin Williams. It hurt so much that I removed the 4 from my chest but forgot to get the two off my side. SOUVENIRS!

The reason for this post is to tell you, if anyone has expressed concern over your snoring, get it checked out. Speak to your primary physician. In a simplified explanation, you are swallowing your tongue and the body is trying to wake you up. Over time you get used to the nudges the body sends you and it is harder and harder to wake up and open your air way.

I'm sure a doctor will have a better explanation. I yield to the good doctor's version.
 
#2      

pruman91

Paducah, Ky
Having never been a snorer I can't fully understand your dilemma , but I applaud your approach to try to get help for your situation ......I used to go on many manager conference's and sometimes got paired up with a snorer , so i can appreciate the problems they cause with first hand knowledge....

There are numerous products I have seen online that state they can help decrease snoring , but since I don't have the problem , I haven't needed to use them...Have you tried any ?...................I had 3-4 agents that had to sleep with a mask on attached to an oxygen bottle years ago and there have been upgrades to that ........

I also had a couple of relatives that had narcolepsy and would fall asleep at anytime of the day even while doing daily activities ....that would be scary to me , to just nod off while vacuuming or washing dishes , etc............

I hope you get relief for your problem .......I really really do......

VacantAnnualIncatern-size_restricted.gif


Suddenly I'm very sleepy ...night night ............lol
 
#3      

Ransom Stoddard

Ordained Dudeist Priest
Bloomington, IL
@wpr I went through about exactly the same thing you described. I've been on a CPAP for about 10 years and it has made a huge difference in my health. I sleep better (duh), but my heart is also healthier, and the combination of those 2 things has impacted most other aspects of my general physical and mental health. My docs say that losing some weight (!!!) will help even more and is probably a factor in the snoring due to a more restricted windpipe.

Listen to the docs, wear the device. It sucks at first but you'll get used to it. Best of luck.
 
#4      
pruman I don;t think most OTC items will be effective. For example a nose strip or the spray bottle won't stop a blockage in your throat/trachea. The mouth guard I see ads for might help but are probably not as effective as they suggest.
Thank you for your concern. It's appreciated.
Ransom, I wasn't so sure how effective the CPAP was during my test last night but I can see how it has possibilities. I went to a funeral today that lasted about 2 hours. It was for the patriarch of a very large family. Everyone wanted to get a chance to say good bye. Well not everyone. His family is around 100 strong now. Anyway, a few times I closed my eyes to think about a comment made or to focus a little better. About the third time I did so I realized that I didn't need to fight to stay awake. That's not all bad.
 
#5      

bdutts

Houston, Texas
pruman I don;t think most OTC items will be effective. For example a nose strip or the spray bottle won't stop a blockage in your throat/trachea. The mouth guard I see ads for might help but are probably not as effective as they suggest.
Thank you for your concern. It's appreciated.
Ransom, I wasn't so sure how effective the CPAP was during my test last night but I can see how it has possibilities. I went to a funeral today that lasted about 2 hours. It was for the patriarch of a very large family. Everyone wanted to get a chance to say good bye. Well not everyone. His family is around 100 strong now. Anyway, a few times I closed my eyes to think about a comment made or to focus a little better. About the third time I did so I realized that I didn't need to fight to stay awake. That's not all bad.
so what’s the next step for you? Edit: glad you got it checked out. Guys are pretty bad at getting stuff checked out.
 
#6      
so what’s the next step for you? Edit: glad you got it checked out. Guys are pretty bad at getting stuff checked out.
It will take about 3 weeks to get everything finalized. The sleep doc looks at the scan. Then there is a sleep apnea group that takes over to recommend which CPAP and headset are best. I think. Ransom is prob better at the details than I am. As the text was explaining it to me this morning I was thinking about getting home and getting ready for the office. I did catch that I won't walk out the door with a machine this morning. After that I will wait and let them come to me with the next steps.
 
#7      

illini80

Forgottonia
I tried a sleep test once. It’s been several years now. Couldn’t sleep to save my life. Cost me $2000 bucks and I was so mad I never wanted to do another one even tho I know I should. Part of the problem is I’m a terrible sleeper anyway. There are nights I know my breathing wakes me up, but generally I’m lucky to sleep more than an hour without waking up. Sometimes I get back to sleep, other times it make be an hour before I do. I’ve always felt like the CPAP would be something else to keep me from falling asleep because I can’t imagine it’s comfortable. I have friends who have them and think it really helped them and others that gave it up after a few months. Absolutely hated it.

I guess I’ve been hoping they come up with something better and been waiting. Like a Botox injection to tighten up whatever is getting loose. Idk. It’s something I know is a problem, but I hate going to doctors because I seldom feel like I really got my problem fixed. Typical stubborn man I suppose.

I hope it works for you wpr. Let us know and maybe it will be enough to get me off my butt.
 
#8      
My wife has apnea and been on a cpap for a few years. I have been wanting to go for a sleep study myself. I wake up in the middle of the night to use the bathroom. I assume it’s because I drink a ton of water (literally about 150oz a day). But I’ve been told even so I shouldn’t be able to wake up to use the bathroom if I’m sleeping deep enough.
 
#9      

pruman91

Paducah, Ky
I tried a sleep test once. It’s been several years now. Couldn’t sleep to save my life. Cost me $2000 bucks and I was so mad I never wanted to do another one even tho I know I should. Part of the problem is I’m a terrible sleeper anyway. There are nights I know my breathing wakes me up, but generally I’m lucky to sleep more than an hour without waking up. Sometimes I get back to sleep, other times it make be an hour before I do. I’ve always felt like the CPAP would be something else to keep me from falling asleep because I can’t imagine it’s comfortable. I have friends who have them and think it really helped them and others that gave it up after a few months. Absolutely hated it.

I guess I’ve been hoping they come up with something better and been waiting. Like a Botox injection to tighten up whatever is getting loose. Idk. It’s something I know is a problem, but I hate going to doctors because I seldom feel like I really got my problem fixed. Typical stubborn man I suppose.

I hope it works for you wpr. Let us know and maybe it will be enough to get me off my butt.
I ordered some CBD gummy bears online b/c of my arthritis and it has helped somewhat ......I have some of the same problems you listed in your post...
I've been taking the gummy's for almost a month and I have seen a big improvement in my sleep patterns ....used to be like you said , 1 hour here and there , finally getting up at 2 am and making coffee and then trying to get some sleep later on ......I am now getting 3-4 hours uninterrupted sleep and feeling better and more rested .......Even had a 7 hour sleep episode with no pee parade also......

i haven't changed anything else so i think the CBD's are the reason for me....
 
#10      

bdutts

Houston, Texas
It will take about 3 weeks to get everything finalized. The sleep doc looks at the scan. Then there is a sleep apnea group that takes over to recommend which CPAP and headset are best. I think. Ransom is prob better at the details than I am. As the text was explaining it to me this morning I was thinking about getting home and getting ready for the office. I did catch that I won't walk out the door with a machine this morning. After that I will wait and let them come to me with the next steps.
Good luck, man! Keep us updated on your progress.
 
#11      

illini80

Forgottonia
I ordered some CBD gummy bears online b/c of my arthritis and it has helped somewhat ......I have some of the same problems you listed in your post...
I've been taking the gummy's for almost a month and I have seen a big improvement in my sleep patterns ....used to be like you said , 1 hour here and there , finally getting up at 2 am and making coffee and then trying to get some sleep later on ......I am now getting 3-4 hours uninterrupted sleep and feeling better and more rested .......Even had a 7 hour sleep episode with no pee parade also......

i haven't changed anything else so i think the CBD's are the reason for me....
Thanks for the tip pruman. I’d sure be willing to give it a shot! Anything in particular to look for? I’m guess there are 100’s of them out there at this point.
 
#12      

pruman91

Paducah, Ky
Thanks for the tip pruman. I’d sure be willing to give it a shot! Anything in particular to look for? I’m guess there are 100’s of them out there at this point.
yes , there are many places to examine....mine stated they had improved the absorbtion rate by 450 % due to a water based layering instead of an oil base.....i was at the point of trying anything for the pain and got an added bonus of better sleep.......

I will caution you when you start looking that many sites have a built in monthly subscription charge that they try to slip by you .....And don't purchase anything without the standard checkout feature that lists in detail all the charges being applied;........standard stuff you probably already know but doing your due diligence is necessary....................good luck and i have a couple of sites i trust if you need help......
 
#13      
I tried a sleep test once. It’s been several years now. Couldn’t sleep to save my life. Cost me $2000 bucks and I was so mad I never wanted to do another one even tho I know I should. Part of the problem is I’m a terrible sleeper anyway. There are nights I know my breathing wakes me up, but generally I’m lucky to sleep more than an hour without waking up. Sometimes I get back to sleep, other times it make be an hour before I do. I’ve always felt like the CPAP would be something else to keep me from falling asleep because I can’t imagine it’s comfortable. I have friends who have them and think it really helped them and others that gave it up after a few months. Absolutely hated it.

I guess I’ve been hoping they come up with something better and been waiting. Like a Botox injection to tighten up whatever is getting loose. Idk. It’s something I know is a problem, but I hate going to doctors because I seldom feel like I really got my problem fixed. Typical stubborn man I suppose.

I hope it works for you wpr. Let us know and maybe it will be enough to get me off my butt.
1. Thanks. I appreciate it.
2. Today a friend told me he did his test at his own home. It was a lot less expensive. My clinic didn't offer that option. Some do.
3. My son has had one for a few years. Apparently it helps people with PTSD. He told me this evening to try a number of different head pieces. The one I had really hurt my nose. Another will probably work better. My friend said the secret is to wear it all night long for about 6 months. Watching tv. Doing dishes. The whole bit. You get used to it.
4. I was stubborn for at least 30 years.
5. I have to pay for mine. $2000 just MIGHT save your life. Personal question, is your family worth it? My perspective changed now that I have a 3 year old and 3 month old grandsons.
6. I was awake off and on all night but the tech got enough data.
 
#14      
My wife has apnea and been on a cpap for a few years. I have been wanting to go for a sleep study myself. I wake up in the middle of the night to use the bathroom. I assume it’s because I drink a ton of water (literally about 150oz a day). But I’ve been told even so I shouldn’t be able to wake up to use the bathroom if I’m sleeping deep enough.

While hooking all the electrodes to me she gave me a rundown on the body's progression of attempts to wake a person. I was still keyed up so I didn't pay close attention. Getting you to feel uncomfortable and roll over is one of the early ones. Shaking your legs (Restless legs syndrome). She went on and finally said, if nothing else works, the body tells you that you have to pee. I drink a lot of water. About a gallon a day. (You win.) I think about getting up every night but I don't want to take 30-60 min to fall back to sleep so I roll over and wake up about 5 times trying to ignore it.
 
#15      
So last thing to the evening. I didn't think the machine would have helped me much last night. It's something new. I wasn't at home. I have all the stuff stuck to me. I was cold. The pulse thing on my finger hurt. Bunch of stuff. One the "next morning" questionnaire I said I didn't think I slept all that well. When I didn't feel like falling asleep in church or during my 2 hour afternoon zoom meeting, I realized there was something to this. It's now going on 9 pm. I am not yawning at all.
 
#16      

Ransom Stoddard

Ordained Dudeist Priest
Bloomington, IL
@wpr Just to expand a little more on my experience--I did the sleep study after what was probably several years of complaints from my wife about my snoring. It would be so bad that she would leave for the couch or the guest room, so neither one of us was getting decent sleep, and then that generates a fair bit of interpersonal problems. I had a similar experience with the sleep study that you described--I didn't think I slept at all, but they said they got the data they needed, and that data was pretty dire. I was having apnea issues on the extreme high end of the scale, and the outlook was when--not if--I started exhibiting some significant heart issues.

The clinic then spent some time with me trying out different mask and headgear types. I've got a beard/stache that I'm unwilling to part with, so they tried to steer me toward nasal pillows, but ultimately a nasal mask (cinched very, very tightly) did the trick. The CPAP machines collect data on your sleep, and they were able to see a huge change in my sleep health within 60 days. I was able to see some of it via some fitbit data as well, and as I said in my earlier post, my overall health has improved with that.

It bears repeating--sleep health is incredibly important. I feel pretty lucky right now because I got it dealt with early on, and between the data I get from my CPAP, Fitbit, and my SleepNumber bed (that's right, my bed keeps data on me too...) I can see the trends. Nights I don't wear the CPAP for whatever reason stand out like a sore thumb.
 
#17      

bdutts

Houston, Texas
@wpr Just to expand a little more on my experience--I did the sleep study after what was probably several years of complaints from my wife about my snoring. It would be so bad that she would leave for the couch or the guest room, so neither one of us was getting decent sleep, and then that generates a fair bit of interpersonal problems. I had a similar experience with the sleep study that you described--I didn't think I slept at all, but they said they got the data they needed, and that data was pretty dire. I was having apnea issues on the extreme high end of the scale, and the outlook was when--not if--I started exhibiting some significant heart issues.

The clinic then spent some time with me trying out different mask and headgear types. I've got a beard/stache that I'm unwilling to part with, so they tried to steer me toward nasal pillows, but ultimately a nasal mask (cinched very, very tightly) did the trick. The CPAP machines collect data on your sleep, and they were able to see a huge change in my sleep health within 60 days. I was able to see some of it via some fitbit data as well, and as I said in my earlier post, my overall health has improved with that.

It bears repeating--sleep health is incredibly important. I feel pretty lucky right now because I got it dealt with early on, and between the data I get from my CPAP, Fitbit, and my SleepNumber bed (that's right, my bed keeps data on me too...) I can see the trends. Nights I don't wear the CPAP for whatever reason stand out like a sore thumb.
Great that you got it taken care of. Could not agree more, sleep is so important for overall health. And it's free, well, except if you have to wear a machine or take meds. But it's great news you're feeling better. Hope it stays that way.
 
#18      

bdutts

Houston, Texas
@wpr Just to expand a little more on my experience--I did the sleep study after what was probably several years of complaints from my wife about my snoring. It would be so bad that she would leave for the couch or the guest room, so neither one of us was getting decent sleep, and then that generates a fair bit of interpersonal problems. I had a similar experience with the sleep study that you described--I didn't think I slept at all, but they said they got the data they needed, and that data was pretty dire. I was having apnea issues on the extreme high end of the scale, and the outlook was when--not if--I started exhibiting some significant heart issues.

The clinic then spent some time with me trying out different mask and headgear types. I've got a beard/stache that I'm unwilling to part with, so they tried to steer me toward nasal pillows, but ultimately a nasal mask (cinched very, very tightly) did the trick. The CPAP machines collect data on your sleep, and they were able to see a huge change in my sleep health within 60 days. I was able to see some of it via some fitbit data as well, and as I said in my earlier post, my overall health has improved with that.

It bears repeating--sleep health is incredibly important. I feel pretty lucky right now because I got it dealt with early on, and between the data I get from my CPAP, Fitbit, and my SleepNumber bed (that's right, my bed keeps data on me too...) I can see the trends. Nights I don't wear the CPAP for whatever reason stand out like a sore thumb.
How do you like the sleep number bed? Heard mixed reviews on it. I have a TemperPedic right now but would consider a Sleep Number bed since my wife and I like different mattress firmnesses.
 
#19      
@wpr Just to expand a little more on my experience--I did the sleep study after what was probably several years of complaints from my wife about my snoring. It would be so bad that she would leave for the couch or the guest room, so neither one of us was getting decent sleep, and then that generates a fair bit of interpersonal problems. I had a similar experience with the sleep study that you described--I didn't think I slept at all, but they said they got the data they needed, and that data was pretty dire. I was having apnea issues on the extreme high end of the scale, and the outlook was when--not if--I started exhibiting some significant heart issues.

The clinic then spent some time with me trying out different mask and headgear types. I've got a beard/stache that I'm unwilling to part with, so they tried to steer me toward nasal pillows, but ultimately a nasal mask (cinched very, very tightly) did the trick. The CPAP machines collect data on your sleep, and they were able to see a huge change in my sleep health within 60 days. I was able to see some of it via some fitbit data as well, and as I said in my earlier post, my overall health has improved with that.

It bears repeating--sleep health is incredibly important. I feel pretty lucky right now because I got it dealt with early on, and between the data I get from my CPAP, Fitbit, and my SleepNumber bed (that's right, my bed keeps data on me too...) I can see the trends. Nights I don't wear the CPAP for whatever reason stand out like a sore thumb.

Well we walk the same path but I am more stubborn or stupid I guess. I have a beard as well. With the kids out of the house we need two rooms in order to get sleep. After listening to the techs questions I told my wife she needs to check this out too.

A sleep number is one of the things we have been discussing for some time.
 
#20      

Ransom Stoddard

Ordained Dudeist Priest
Bloomington, IL
How do you like the sleep number bed? Heard mixed reviews on it. I have a TemperPedic right now but would consider a Sleep Number bed since my wife and I like different mattress firmnesses.
We like it a lot. We got one that was fully adjustable on both sides. In some ways it's like 2 twin beds pushed together, but the advantages far outweigh the minor inconvenience. Being able to set each side to the appropriate firmness helps both of us, and it also does some automatic adjustements both to help get to sleep as well as wake up. Expensive, but highly recommended.
 
#21      

bdutts

Houston, Texas
We like it a lot. We got one that was fully adjustable on both sides. In some ways it's like 2 twin beds pushed together, but the advantages far outweigh the minor inconvenience. Being able to set each side to the appropriate firmness helps both of us, and it also does some automatic adjustements both to help get to sleep as well as wake up. Expensive, but highly recommended.
Awesome, thanks!
 
#22      
Time to check back in.
I just got my machine today. Back in Feb I told the vendor that my insurance wouldn't pay for the hardware and that I would pay for it myself. They wanted to try anyway. I appreciated the gesture. When I didn't hear back from them I called again. I spoke to someone else. The person I spoke to the first time was in another office and was helping field calls. This person looked at the notes and told me there was an issue trying to reach the correct department. Again I said I would pay. Again they wanted to try. More time went by. I have to admire this person. When unable to speak with the right people, I was asked to send a copy of my insurance card. I asked for an email address or fax number but was told they don't do that. This tech told me to take a picture and send it to the tech's PERSONAL phone number. I was a bit shocked that anyone in this kind of a business would expose a private phone number. (Which reminds me I want to delete it from my phone.)
After calling the insurance company the tech was able to confirm no coverage for hardware. We set up a date (today) for me to come by and pick up my equipment. I am taking it for a test drive right now before I use it tonight.
 
#23      

bdutts

Houston, Texas
Time to check back in.
I just got my machine today. Back in Feb I told the vendor that my insurance wouldn't pay for the hardware and that I would pay for it myself. They wanted to try anyway. I appreciated the gesture. When I didn't hear back from them I called again. I spoke to someone else. The person I spoke to the first time was in another office and was helping field calls. This person looked at the notes and told me there was an issue trying to reach the correct department. Again I said I would pay. Again they wanted to try. More time went by. I have to admire this person. When unable to speak with the right people, I was asked to send a copy of my insurance card. I asked for an email address or fax number but was told they don't do that. This tech told me to take a picture and send it to the tech's PERSONAL phone number. I was a bit shocked that anyone in this kind of a business would expose a private phone number. (Which reminds me I want to delete it from my phone.)
After calling the insurance company the tech was able to confirm no coverage for hardware. We set up a date (today) for me to come by and pick up my equipment. I am taking it for a test drive right now before I use it tonight.
Excellent news, hope it goes well. Keep us updated on your progress.
 
#24      
It's been a few months now. I am sure it does some good I just don't notice anything. My wife says that I don't snore so that part is a good thing.
 
#25      
Back in the fall of 2020 I was diagnosed with moderate sleep apnea. I’d been having all the symptoms for years. I was “only” 39 and in decent shape. They immediately wanted to throw a CPAP at it and call it good. Something didn’t seem right to me and I hated trying to sleep with the machine on as I have a hard enough time falling asleep anyways.

I did some research on procedures that could help resolve the issue rather than just slapping an annoying band aid on the problem. I ended up seeing an ENT doctor in Joliet (Dr. Gartlan) who specializes in sleep apnea procedures, specifically “AirLift” hyoid suspensions.

He did an examination and felt I was a good candidate for doing this, along with a UP3 and tonsillectomy. He warned me that it’s a very painful recovery but after a couple of weeks I’d feel better than I had in years and if I could stay in shape and use alcohol in moderation (easier said than done) I would probably be good to go for decades to come. He recommended doing intermittent fasting (which I’ve done ever since) afterwards which has definitely helped my body composition and weight. I’ve also been exercising a lot more.

This was still during Covid and they were booked out a couple months. Went in to Silver Cross Hospital on January 13, 2021 and had all this done. He wasn’t kidding, it was incredibly painful for the first 11-12 days.

After the swelling went down and the pain had subsided somewhere around day 13-14 I slept a solid 7 hours one night and woke up the next morning feeling like a kid again. A month after the surgery I flew to Denver for a company steering committee meeting. I’d had issues for YEARS falling asleep during all day meetings like these, especially because I don’t sleep well in hotels the first night. Only this time I was wide awake and alert each day even through the dreaded early afternoon segments.

Coincidentally, the airline misplaced one of my coworkers’ CPAP machine on his inbound flight, and he didn’t get it until the next day. He was an absolute wreck that first day having not had it to sleep with the night before. It really kind of drove home the fact that despite a rough couple of weeks recovery, I’d made the right decision for me to deal with it in a more permanent fashion. A year and a half in and I wouldn’t change a thing.

I understand it won’t be for everyone, but it was absolutely life changing for me. I was on antidepressants for years and needed frequent doses of caffeine to function more often than not. Turns out the symptoms of the sleep apnea itself was apparently causing a great deal of the depression, and I didn’t need any meds after the procedure. I’m now 41 and haven’t taken any prescriptions in over a year, feel great, have great blood work and cardiovascular health, and bounce out of bed (most mornings) like I hadn’t done in ages.

Just passing along for those out there that might not be aware of such alternative treatments for apnea. Happy to answer any questions anyone has whether here or via DM.