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Central Sleep Apnea - need help

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Posted by justushw on June 03, 2009 at 17:00:54:

I am new to the forum. I could use some help. I was diagnosed with both Central Sleep Apnea and Obstructive Sleep Apnea four years ago. I use CPAP with humidity, but am due for another sleep study for VPAP titration and will soon be acquiring a VPAP machine for Central Sleep Apnea.

There are different kinds of Central Sleep Apnea, but my last sleep study (two months ago - showed Central Sleep Apnea is still there on CPAP and with oral mandibular advancement appliance in place)- didn't mention the kind of Central Sleep Apnea. The pending study probably won't, either.

I have a retrognathic lower jaw (mandible), which has been specified as the cause of the Obstructive sleep apnea. The Central Sleep Apnea, from what I've read, could be from the brain stem delay in sending the signal to breathe at end of exhale, or - also from what I've read - conditions in the cervical spine (neck), and I do have several conditions, ranging from arthritis, some stenosis, and badly bulging disks, to cervical spondylosis, Osteopenia, Osteoarthritis, and Fibromyalgia.

Conditions of the cervical spine can cause interruption of the signal to breathe, again, from what I've read.

I need a Central Sleep Apnea specialist who can look at this puzzle and put the pieces together - someone who will consider the retrognathic jaw position, which gives me daytime apnea as well (when I allow the jaw to be retrognathic i.e. back), figure out the kind of Central Sleep Apnea, whether the cervical spine is a factor, and track down the cause(s) of the Central Sleep Apnea if possible and tell me if anything can be corrected.

I am willing to consider mandibular advancement, because although it won't get me off CPAP or VPAP, I could breathe better (including during the day).

I am in the south suburbs of Chicago, but I'm willing to go to Stanford with my medical records/sleep study records, or anywhere else that may have a top-notch Central Sleep Apnea specialist who really listens and would really check this out.

Can anyone suggest a doctor who really, truly knows Central Sleep Apnea, its types and its causes?

Thank you.

justushw

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