Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea

by Springrich - 2022-10-29 11:26:44

I have sleep apnea and it is common for people with it to have heart rhythm issues. I know others     When your breathing stops, your heart may pause also. I know mine did. My EP kept insisting that there was a problem with my CPAP because of nighttime pauses. She was right. I partially blame my PM on not treating my apnea seriously enough. 

sleep apnea

by new to pace.... - 2022-10-29 13:03:31

Interesting that this appeared.  As just attended a workshop on using the patient portal on doctors websites.  When i mentioned the fast heart beats at night , the gal suggested i do a sleep study to see if that would help to see if that is what is causing my problems.  No one else has mentioned i do that.

new to pace

Sleep Apnea

by AgentX86 - 2022-10-29 14:27:35

Sleep amnea is one of the only early indicators or causes (I'm not convinced of the causality vector) of AF.  The other cause is endurance sports. Yes, sleep apnea is serious.  I had a sleep study (a RPIA) immediatly after I was diagnosed with AF but it was negative for any kind of sleep disorder (except perhaps the content of my dreams 🙄).

IMO, it should be tested immediately after being diagnosed with any rhythm disorder. It can be done at home now so it's not the PITA is was. I know people who have done an early test themselves by using a phone to record their sleep, then going back to review it.

CPAP

by MinimeJer05 - 2022-10-29 18:53:23

Hello,

Sign me up as another longtime snorer that got a PM installed and noticed worse sleep afterwards and finally did the study and got diagnosed with a CPAP. I can't sleep without it. Noticed almost immediately how much more refreshed I was in the mornings and how much more energy I have. 
 

Had I know how easy it is to use and how much better I sleep, I would've gotten one years ago.

Jer

Sleep apnea

by Beni - 2022-10-30 14:28:15

 Well, here is my two cents worth.

 I was diagnosed with severe Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OBA) almost 20 years ago. I would experience an apnea moment every 6 or 7 seconds.  The sleep specialist was a bit amazed how I was still able to function.  Looking back, I wonder about that, too.

Like Angry Sparrow and MinimeJer05, I noticed immediate results as soon as I started using my CPAP machine.  I experienced a tremendous improvement in my quailty of life.  They ain't sexy (heaven knows) but they work!  I am also 100% compliant.  I use it every night and for naps, too.

I see you are in Alberta.  I don't know how your provincial health system works, but here in Ontario, the government has a program which will pay a certain amount of money towards the purchase of a CPAP machine and mask.  The amount they pay is usually enough to buy a base model only.  (But the amount is nothing to sneeze at.)  Anything above that becomes your expense (or your insurance company if you have private insurance).  My only advice is this:  try several different models of CPAPs and, especially, masks.  If you are able, don't go for the lowest price one or even the model that is suggested to you by the staff.  You will be using this, it is likely, for the rest of your life and you want to get something that will be comfortable and fit you well.  This selection of equipment is very personal. Over the years, I have tried several styles of masks and finally settled on a model which suits me well. 

Same goes for the actual CPAP machine.  So many people I know opt for a less expensive model and then fail to use it because it is too noisy or the air pressure it provides is too intense and cannot be adjusted  (remember, I got my first unit just after they put away the covered wagons and most units  were not adjustable) or it is too restrictive.

I am in complete agreement with Agent X86.  You absolutely should get this investigated.  And keep in mind, in the sleep apnea community, the old adage is this:  Not everyone who snores has sleep apnea but everyone who has sleep apnea, snores.

Then maybe, if it turns out to be sleep apnea, you can simply tell your wife you love her instead of "snoring" it to her.  I am willing to bet she would prefer that.  If you don't believe me, you can ask my husband. ;)

Any comments about the implantable sleep apnea devices?

by Persephone - 2022-11-02 17:08:46

Would be interested to know any opinions on the implantable sleep apnea products now on the market. Thanks.

Thanks

by BradyJohn - 2022-11-04 00:50:43

Thanks everyone for your comments and insights.  I see my gp this weekend so I'll ask him as well. 

Cheers, 

John