Posted by RenoTom on May 19, 2002 at 17:10:53:

In Reply to: Re: Re: Diagnosis after Oximetry test posted by Enigneer on May 19, 2002 at 15:12:39:

When you have an apnea, your airway closes, and you are not able to breath. Your O2 level drops, your CO2 level goes up, your brain starts to become oxygen deprived, it dumps some adrenlin, and your kidneys tell your heart to start pumping to move some oxygen. Your diaphram is pumping trying to move some air but not achieving anything. Your heart is pumping blood but carrying no oxygen, and because of the increased rate the blood pressure goes up. The distress increases until you wake enough to tense your tissues and open the airway.
Your now able to breath, and while your replenishing oxygen to your brain, heart, and other organs, and then to the rest of your body, your breath and heart rate remain. It eventually returns to normal, until you have another apnea.

The idea is that the oximeter will pick up the low O2 levels, and the heart rate will be recorded, and you can tell how many apneas a night you have. But if the device only reads every 30 seconds, then it could conceivable read near the start of an apnea, and near the end of an apnea, and not show the true picture.
there are other things that can cause some of these readings also, or other conditions.

Yes, I would expect that apnea would cause readings that you are reporting. But if it is apnea or not, I don't know. I also think the symptoms you describe sound like apnea. It is very possible that that is what your problems are. But should you spend the money on the CPAP equipment to treat it based on this. I can't tell you that.
I would think that if you could get things moved up, perhaps through a cancellation, that would be the way to go. I understand that if you have to fly, it would make it more difficult. It would have to be discussed with the sleep center.
What are the results of waiting for 4 months. Perhaps a slight worsening of your condition. mostly problems involved with the stress and anxiety that comes with the condition. That is something that you have to evaluate.
There are some things that make living with sleep apnea a little easier. Try to avoid alcohol. If you use any sleeping medications or other medications, have your doc clear them for use by people with sleep apnea. Sleeping in a reclining or sitting up position is helpful. Sleeping on one side is sometimes better than others. If possible try a short "power" nap in the afternoon. Around 1 oclock corresponds with a low point in our circadian rythums. About 20 minutes works. Watch activities where alertness is necessary if you feel sleepy a lot.
Hope this helps.
RenoTom

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