Posted by SleepyTimeGal on August 04, 2009 at 08:13:34:In Reply to: Re: Trouble dealing w high pressures posted by ejy2 on August 01, 2009 at 07:12:19:
This may sound too simplistic to be real, but the shoulder tightness could very well be tension and anxiety. You do, after all, have much to be anxious about. Yoga/simple stretching exercises could do wonders. Gentle aquatic stretching exercises in a pool warmed to recommended levels for arthritis classes (usually 84 degrees) is also great. It may take awhile to get all the kinks worked out, but it is so worth it.
I agree that your pressures are high, but I would hold off on any surgery for just a bit. Have you tried using the machine while awake and watching television in the evening before bed? Could you get any sleep with CPAP while resting in a recliner? How about weekends; are you able to nap at all?
Are you able to monitor your own nightly pressure statistics? I think most of the new machines will track this data and it can be downloaded to your computer if you have the software. Pressure needs are usually based on a single night's sleep and sometimes are misleading. I was prescribed a pressure of 16. When I purchased an autopap (against the sleep specialist's wishes), I also purchased the software. I discovered I usually needed less than 14 most nights with occasional episodes up to 15. The autopap resolved that problem. Over time, my pressure needs gradually reduced a bit. My PCP thinks this ability to monitor my stats is the best thing ever. I get a sense that your pressure may actually be a bit too high, thus causing the agitation.
I'm not sure "cure" is the best word to use in relation to sleep apnea. Often it takes a combination of CPAP, good sleep hygiene, and overall sound practices that support health and well-being, including diet, exercise, stress and anxiety reduction. Any other health issues that you have going on, such as chronic pain, allergies, diabetes, can all complicate the mix, BUT it can be dealt with by taking one thing at a time.