Sleep Apnea

[Guest]

Can someone Please provide advice (or point me in the right direcrtion). I'm typical OSA patient--"obese"--235, 5'7", white male, 33

After being diagnosed with Sleep Apnea in August of 2000. Through lots of self reflection, I've come to realize I've ALWAYS had a "sleeping problem" However, here is where I need help.

CPAP does not work for me. I ALWAYS feel worse when using the CPAP (I'm 100% compliant throughout the night). However, during both baseline study and CPAP tritration (sp?) study, I had ZERO REM sleep, in addtion to ZERO stage 3,4,5 sleep. Now, here is the RUB..NONE of my Dr's seem "concerned" about this!!! (I'm on 3-Dr's because I'm still EXHAUSTED).

I have EXCESSIVE daytime sleepiness, and "self medicate" by drinking 2-3 Red Bulls, about 6+ Cokes---should I not do this..I have extreme lethargy (however, I've never fallen asleep at an "inappropriate location/time/at work, etc.). In addtion, I'm so tired that this past weekend, I took 600 mg of Provigil and 3 hours later took a 5 hour "nap".

I can look back, to when I was a teenager, "fit", etc. and would DAILY come home from school and take a 3-4 hour nap before dinner. (and "excessively difficult" to wake up in the a.m.).

Here is the question, Shouldn't my Dr. be concerned with my lack of stages 3,4,5 and REM even with CPAP? I've done 3 seperate studies over the last 3 years, and each time I FEEL WORSE on the 2nd study with CPAP. (and NO improved sleep). EACH TIME, I don't get REM, or Stage 3,4,5 sleep, EVEN WITH CPAP?!?!?!?

I had surgery in 2001 with hopes that it would "cure" me, but to no avail. However it did "cure" the SEVERE Apneas, but in my latest study the instances of Hypopneas increased (over my first study).

I am taking an anti-depressant--Paxil (nighttime, 40 mg) and was recently told this COULD affect REM. I'm currently (day 2) weaning off and switching to Effexor.

I am 100% convinced that my lack of REM and other stages of sleep, and excessive daytime sleepiness (with CPAP compliance) is due to something "more" than simply OSA, but can't get my DR.'s to listen. (I've gone to a Pulmonologist, Neurologist, and Internal Medicine Dr. and most recently to Psychiatrist -today) and suprisingly EACH does not seem "concerned" with lack of these stages.

And when I say lack, I mean ZERO, NADA, NIL (my last test did not show Central Apnea, but first one--pre surgery--- showed 5 instances)

Please, please help if you have experienced this or can provide direction or questions I can ask my DR. to see what's up. I DESPERATELY want a good night sleep and cannot remember the last good night sleep.

I've tried everying, Multi-Vitamis, Melatonin, etc. etc. You name it, I bet I've tried it.

(Oh and by the way, I've used the Nasal Mask and "insisted this last time" on a "full mask" in case I am exhaling through my mouth. (I'm not married so don't know if I'm exhaling or not, but in my lab studies I have very little mouth exhaust).

In addtion, I have the strap around my head to keep my mouth closed. AND, have even used an Ace Bandage around my head and mouth to make "extra sure"-I am keeping my mouth SHUT--*laughing*...I told you I"M DESPERATE

Although it's obvious I need the CPAP (due to the Hypopneas, etc.). Why is my sleep hygeine not IMPROVING with CPAP? Shouldn't I get rem and "deeper sleep" I ALWAYS, 100% of the time wake up feeling like I got ZERO sleep.

I'm 100% compliant with the machine (no pulling off at night, etc.) and I DON'T feel uncomfortable wearing the mask, the air, the humidifier, etc.

The ONLY THING making me "uncomfortable" is MY LACK OF GOOD QUALITY SLEEP!!!

Funny side bar, I do sleep "deep enough" that I joke a TORNADOE could rip the roof off my house and I would not wake up, however I'm NEVER EVER "rejuveniated" when I get up from an 8+ night of sleep. (On the weekend, I've even turned off the alarms to let my body sleep as much as it wants....sometimes waking up at 4 PM!! (16+ hours of sleep) and STILL feel like I had ZERO sleep.

Any advice, GREATLY appreciated!!!

Tired in Atlanta, GA

[Guest]

Robert, I've had some success by cutting out alcohol and caffine. It definitely had made progress for me. I also went on the Atkins diet and lost some weight. Atkins keeps me full without needing sweets to keep my energy up during the day.
A machine called a bipap may help. It has variable pressure. Higher on the inhalation and lower on the exhalation.
Good Luck
Al

[quote] Can someone Please provide advice (or point me in the right direcrtion). I'm typical OSA patient--"obese"--235, 5'7", white male, 33

After being diagnosed with Sleep Apnea in August of 2000... [/quote]

[Guest]

I am going through the same thing. The lack of concern really bothers me exspecially when you hear of how damaging this can be to your organs and you can have increased risk of heart attack and sroke. I'm seriously concidering asking my doctor to put me on a stimulant during the day so I can function.If you find out anything I would be interested in hearing about it.
[quote] Can someone Please provide advice (or point me in the right direcrtion). I'm typical OSA patient--"obese"--235, 5'7", white male, 33

After being diagnosed with Sleep Apnea in August of 2000... [/quote]