[Guest]

Hello,

I apologize in advance for the long post...but I've come to the end of my rope....

I have had problems with sleeping for as long as I can remember. However, last year I finally got to the point where I was falling asleep everywhere...at work, school, while driving, etc. I then finally had a doctor suggest that it may be sleep apnea and direct me to a sleep clinic.

Since then I've had two sleep studies, both showing mild Obstructive Sleep Apnea. I also did the Nap Testing both times, which showed severe daytime sleepiness levels. Because of this they decided to start me on a CPAP. I went in for another sleep study to have the CPAP titrated, etc. However, after trying the CPAP for several months, and finding that the majority of the time I could not use it at all due to sinus congestion, infections, (have recurrent sinus infections and allergies), I finally gave up and turned the CPAP back in (was renting it).

I then went back to my sleep doctor and an ENT. The ENT says it is no suprise to him that I could not use the CPAP or that I have OSA. He says I have a very deviated septum, large turbinates, and a very small airway. He has scheduled me for sinus surgery next month to correct the septum and reduce the turbinates.

Last year I was also diagnosed with PCOS (Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome). I have since been on Glucophage, and have lost some weight (40 lbs), and my testogerone levels have went down some (they were fairly high when diagnosed). While looking at the messages, I noticed that you said testogerone can aggrivate the OSA?

I'm wondering if the sinus surgery will actually help enough to make a difference? I'm to the point now that I'm almost willing to try anything, as my quality of life has become very poor. I am trying to work, and finish school, but with the constant lack of sleep, concentration and memory problems are making things very difficult. I've also become afraid of driving. However, since I attend school 4 days a week and work the other 3..and I have to commute 25 miles one way to work...and am single, so there's only me to do the driving...there isn't much I can do about it. I can't afford to miss work or miss classes. The sleep doctor has given me some medication to take 30 minutes prior to having to drive on my commute...some type of simulant that is supposed to help keep me from falling asleep while driving. I can't tell that it really helps any though.

In reading on the website, I also was amazed to read about DSPS...which could not describe what I've been dealing with since childhood any better. Is it possible to have OSA and DSPS? If so, is there any hope that I may one day have a normal life again?

[Guest]

There is increasing evidence that PCOS may have increased problems with OSA. However, patients with mild OSA who are not obese(congrats on losing weight!) are the ones who do best with surgery. That being said, it is not 100% guarantee that it will help the OSA. It may however help you tolerate CPAP better as many patients with deviated septums have difficulty tolerating cpap. It is also possible to have OSA and DSPS. If you really believe you may have that, you should go see the sleep doctor again. There is hope of you feeling better but it may take some time to get this all corrected.
[quote] Hello,

I apologize in advance for the long post. ... [/quote]

[Guest]

HI TXJESSEY:

I KNOW YOU POSTED YOUR MESSAGE AWHILE AGO, BUT WAS READING THROUGHT ALL OF THEM. I ALSO HAVE SLEEP APNEA, AND HAVE TRIED THE CPAP MACHINE FOR ABOUT FOUR MONTHS. I CAN'T TOLERATE THE MACHINE OR THE MASK, AND HAVE THREE DIFFERENT MASKS NOW. I WENT TO A SINUS SPECIALIST, AND I DO HAVE SOME SINUS INFECTIONS AND ALLERGIES; BUT SHE GAVE ME SOME NOSE SPRAY AND I STILL CAN'T USE THE MACHINE.
I WONDERED IF YOU HAD YOUR SURGERY, AND HOW IT WORKED. I AM ALSO THINKING OF THE LASEUR SURGERY THEY HAVE FOR THE BACK OF THE TONGUE, BUT DON'T WANT TO HAVE ANY SURGERY AT THIS TIME.
I STILL HAVE PROBLEMS DURING THE DAY WITH BEIGH TIRED AND CONCENTRATING.
WOULD APPRECIATE AN E-MAIL. THANKS
SHELAN
[quote] Hello,

I apologize in advance for the long post. ... [/quote]

[Guest]

I have no helpful info for anyone. I just wondered if you had the sinus surgery yet? Did it help?

Thanks, sharjoe
[quote] Hello,

I apologize in advance for the long post. ... [/quote]