Sleep Apnea?..Sypmtons Please..... - ThinnerTimes

Cherylharr · 05-13-2008, 06:07 AM

Hi Everyone,

Can someone put me straight with regard to the symptons of sleep apnea? I have asked around, and it appears that snoring is a sympton, which I already gathered...but most obese people snore dont they? Also, is there such a test that could be carried out to find out if I suffer with it or not?

I think I mentioned it to my surgeon, as it was one of the questions on the original forms, but that was back in November 2007, so unsure now. I think I put a question mark next to the question!!

Anyway, if I do have it, how will this effect my surgery? Do they keep the breathing tube down your throat for longer? or for a precaution maybe? or forever more??

I just dont know.

I feel irritated with myself that I never mentioned it the last time I was in clinic, which was February. I am due to have the lap RNY bypass this summer, I am reluctant to delay my surgery any further, but if it is essential I tell the surgeon on my next visit, I will. I obviously dont want to raise unnecessary concern, if I havent got it.

Please help me? I just dont know what to be looking for.

My husband just says I snore (for England..how rude?) but he doesnt know if I stop breathing or anything, and short of staring at me all night, how can we find out? Besides which that would freak me right out with him peering at me for an 8 hour stretch!!

Many thanks in advance

Cheryl xx

Andie · 05-13-2008, 06:17 AM

Sleep apnea can be tested by doing a sleep study which is required here in the states before surgery. The syptoms of sleep apnea is snoring but also feeling tired after sleeping. Because you stop breathing you wake up several times a night and don't really get a good nights rest. Also because of the lack of oxygen you can get headaches. You may have frequent urination at night because of the numerous times you wake up also...I'm sure there are other things as well but these are a few I remember. After my cpap machine I was as good as new...took a while to get used to it but once I did, it became my best friend. Now one year later after surg, I no longer need it! Yippee! GL!

VTMoondog · 05-13-2008, 08:59 AM

Snoring, tiredness, irratability.....all that stuff. I've had sleep apnea for years, and now, 5 weeks post-op...its GONE.
Sleep apnea is no joke. The wear and tear it puts on your heart will at the very least shorten your life, and can be fatal. Get a sleep study done ASAP, if it's not already required.
Several times stopping breathing? try over 100 times an hour for me!!! this is not good ....clearly.
AS far as surgery goes, i had to bring my cpap, and it was only for my sleeping comfort post-op....no worries.

scott

AToM · 05-13-2008, 10:14 AM

For me the biggest sign was falling alseep on night while driving and hitting a power pole at about 30 mph. Snapped the pole in half, totaled a new Honda Accord and ended up in the emergency room for xrays.

I knew I had it before but really put off doing anything about it. I worked 3rd shift at the time and if I was sitting at a computer for even a few minutes, I was dosing off. I often struggled to stay awake while driving - not even counting the story mentioned above.

On the plus sign, since I was already being treated for it, I didn't have to have a sleep test prior to surgery.

nikkibeat · 05-13-2008, 10:43 AM

Snore Score - American Sleep Apnea Association - ASAA
here is a link to a quick test to see whether you should talk to your dr about getting tested for sleep apnea...

My hubby has it and it's obvious that he stops breathing when he's asleep. If your hubby can hear you snore, he should be able to hear if you stop breathing.

My hubby will breathe out and try to breathe in (with no success), then breathe out a little more, then try to breathe in again (with little or no success), until he partially awakens and gasps for air. When I hear it, I usually nudge him to make him take that grasp of air.

Now, there are differing degrees of sleep apnea. Not everyone stops breathing for over 30 seconds at a time. But, the website can give you an insite to see if you should be concerned...

rappaport · 05-13-2008, 10:44 AM

To put it simply, if you snore, you suffer from sleep apnea. Question is, how bad? Other symptoms that would indicate that you might have a more severe case that needs therapy would be tiredness during the day, waking up constantly at night (sometimes feeling like you can't breathe), night sweats, short-term memory loss, cognitive thinking issues, unexplained pains/pangs in your head (indicating possible strokes). A lot of this is caused by the fatty tissues in our throats that comes with weight gain, blocking air passages.

This is a serious health issue. I exhibited all of these symptoms above and did nothing for years, thinking I was just stressed. I've been on CPAP therapy for a year now and all of the symptoms are gone.

If you even have any doubts, ask you doctor for a sleep study referral. Don't let it get worse.

MiladyB · 05-13-2008, 10:58 AM

For me it was the snoring, constant tiredness, falling asleep almost every time I sat down in a comfortable chair, dosing off while driving. Those were the big ones. I didn't wake up a lot at night...I actually slept too much. A sleep study test is how it is diagnosed. I was diagnosed a year before surgery and was put on a CPAP machine. I know my surgeon requires a sleep study before surgery unless you were already diagnosed and were using a CPAP.

In regards to the surgery? The only difference for me is that they had the CPAP machine available for me as soon as I got out of surgery. I didn't need it but the OR staff wants to be aware of the fact that there might be a problem after surgery and have the equipment you might need there and ready. It doesn't change when they take out the breathing tube at all.

shereeks · 05-13-2008, 12:17 PM

All of the above symptoms of course but I think the biggest two that made me aware my husband suffers with it was night sweats and stopping breathing a ridiculous number of times throughout the night - something over 100 times per hour I think they recorded.

Do get it checked out - I'm sure it won't delay your surgery - it will just help them look after you better to know beforehand.

Good luck!

katzz87 · 05-13-2008, 10:55 PM

As with all the other symptoms posted I experience waking up for unknown reasons with my heart pounding in my chest. Didn't know why...until I understood sleep apnea better. I experienced...total daytime fatigue, headaches, jaw pain (from clenching teeth), snoring, and sore throat due to mouth breathing.

I had a sleep study performed and only on "moderate" sleep apnea...because I would not (really could not) lay on my back as instructed. The doctor said it was probably because I learnt to sleep on my side because on my back I COULDN'T breathe!

If you have any thoughts that you might be suffering from sleep apnea...get tested...it's not a big deal and you'll feel so much better with the CPAP/BiPap machine if it's needed!

Cathy

PS~ My CPAP machine goes EVERYWHERE I go...PERIOD!! It's my BFF! LOL

Cherylharr · 05-14-2008, 03:50 AM

Hi Guys,

Well, what a response. Thankyou all so much for offering me such sound advise. I am overwhelmed by it....you are a truly decent bunch of people....I am amazed. Bless you all.

I am going to speak with my doctor first of all. Plus, advise my surgeon on my next visit to clinic which is 2nd June. If I can have a sleep test with my doctor first and possibly get the cpap set up pre-op all the better.

I will now have vivid images of swallowing my tongue and my tonsils blocking off my wind pipe (or maybe not...I've had them out!) Anyway, I will not leave it, thats what I am trying to say, its obviously far too 'life threatening' to ignore.

Your replies have made my day.....Cheers Guys

Cheryl xx