Posted by Pat (Seattle, WA) on October 20, 1998 at 23:40:18:

In Reply to: New patient posted by Ed on October 20, 1998 at 09:08:52:

Ed:

I didn't wake up either during the apnea. The sleep study showed that I had 60 incidents per hour. I did wake up two or three times per night, which I assumed was because I had to go to the bathroom. I had headaches too. It wasn't until a camping trip with friends that someone told me I was having trouble breathing at night. I was incredibly tired every day, and driving was a problem. I assumed it was depression.

You will have physical effects from the start of CPAP therapy; the doctor may not tell you. CPAP therapy increases your blood oxygen level, and your internal organs react to the change. I had swelling ankles (from the kidneys?), lightheadedness, sinus problems, and lower back pain. The symptoms do let up after a while, about two months in my case. A humidifier (heated) helps with the sinus problems.

It took me about three weeks to adjust to the CPAP. Even after two months, I still have bad nights occassionally when I'm too stuffed up to breath. I use a generic form of Afrin to clear up my nose, but it sometimes gives me nose bleeds. At two o'clock in the morning, I get desperate. Sometimes just a saline spray does the job.

As for the beard, I wouldn't know. I'm in that lucky 2% of women my age who get severe sleep apnea. What joy.

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