I posted a few weeks back questioning whether I could actually have sleep apnea because I am not overweight and don't snore. Well, I had my study done and I do have sleep apnea. I don't have my full results yet but she did say my AHI was 30 and that they didn't get any sleep time on my back. She wants me to try and sleep on my back when I go in for my titration study in 2 weeks.

Lately, something else has been going on. I have been feeling like something is restricitng my airway, like a flap of some sort. It started by happening mostly at night, right as I am about to doze off. The more relaxed I get, the more this flap closes. Then about a week ago it started happening during the day. Now I have this constant feeling like something is there and there a periods of time throughout the day where it feels like it is closing up. It feels a little better if I swallow, but only for a couple of breaths. When I had my initial appt. with my Dr. she did look in my throat and said everything looked fine.

Well yesterday, while I was at the store, it started to happen again and I got really short of breath and started feeling dizzy. So I went to my car and sat for a few minutes. I felt a little better and decided to drive myself the 4 blocks to get home. As I pull out to the first stop light my hands and feet start to tingle and I got real dizzy. My hands clenched up and I couldn't move them. I felt like I was paralyzed. The tingling started moving up my neck  and I couldn't breathe. I really thought I was going to die. Anyway, I ended up at the ER. They did a chest xray & ekg and said that everything looked okay. They thought it was a panic attack. I'm guessing brought on by the original shortness of breath I experienced while at the store when I felt this flap closing up.

What I'm trying to figure out is if and how this is all related to my apnea and would like some input if anything like this has ever happened to anyone else. I had a hard time sleeping last night. I still have that feeling in my throat. I did sleep, but not sure how long. I'm going to try and see my Dr. 1st thing Monday, but I sure wish I had that CPAP machine right now! And to make matters worse, my husband is out of town

My problem is probably different to yours but I could relate a bit because last month on my way to work  I was having nausea, feeling like I was dying, crying, and it was anxiety/panic attacks and then I threw up.  When it happened again another day on my way to work I went to the ER and they did all kinds of tests but found nothing wrong.  It was due to me being upset about having to use the C-Pap and trying to sleep with it and not getting my proper sleep. It was all new for me and difficult to deal witth. So mine was emotional and now I am better.  A bif part of me getting better has to do with coming on this site and reading that others have problems and people giving suggestions and me getting used to the mask and all that goes with it.

Quote:

A bif part of me getting better has to do with coming on this site and reading that others have problems and people giving suggestions and me getting used to the mask and all that goes with it.

AMEN Grateful!


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BiPAP Auto M 13/8 Mirage Nasal Swift. 20 years+ undx'd. RLS/PLMD, Hypersomnia & more.

Vette,

good luck with the doctor.  I think you may have something else going on as well as the apnea.  Then again, I notice my apnea's much more now (I am in between diagnosis and getting my machine) and often feel like I don't breathe deeply enough during the day.  I don't know about the flap thing your talking about.  Anyway, it is likely that your apnea has caused other issues as well and over time your going to heal a lot of different things.  Good for you on following up even though you don't snore nor are overweight.  I don't snore either (so said my hubby - tests showed otherwise).  I am overweight but haven't always been and I  trace back my symptoms to times I was thin as well.

Vette wrote:

Well yesterday, while I was at the store, it started to happen again and I got really short of breath and started feeling dizzy. So I went to my car and sat for a few minutes. I felt a little better and decided to drive myself the 4 blocks to get home. As I pull out to the first stop light my hands and feet start to tingle and I got real dizzy. My hands clenched up and I couldn't move them. I felt like I was paralyzed. The tingling started moving up my neck  and I couldn't breathe. I really thought I was going to die. Anyway, I ended up at the ER. They did a chest xray & ekg and said that everything looked okay. They thought it was a panic attack. I'm guessing brought on by the original shortness of breath I experienced while at the store when I felt this flap closing up.

Hi Vette!

My first thought was that you could have some ear problems, but you have not mentioned anything about your ears.

Then it maybe could be Hyperventilation. Hyperventilation is also associated with SA.

The most commonly noted symptoms of hyperventilation syndrome are an ill-defined lightheadedness associated with perioral and digital paresthesias, tightness in the chest, a lump in the throat, sweating, trembling, palpitations, and possible ringing in the ears.

Hyperventilation syndrome is one of the most common causes of dizziness.

Here is a link to an article:

http://www.chiroweb.com/archives/12/04/03.html

You can find a lot of more on the internet.

Henning

What you are describing was how I felt when I would have a panic attack, almost exactly! I also found out that I had acid reflux and the ENT said that was what was causing my throat to feel like it was closing. When that happened I would start to feel like I couldn't breath and basically just "freak" out and have the panic attack. About a month after I went on pills for that and the CPAP (at the same time), I have felt fantastic.


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Started CPAP 4/08, pressure 10
nights camping with CPAP: 11!

My doctor explained it to me like this:

Imagine you take your hand and hit it slightly against a counter about 30 times an hour for 5-10 hours a day non stop.  Basically that is what is happening in your windpipe.  Each time that an obstruction occurs it is an irritation to your windpipe.  Over and over minute by minute, hour by hour you have an irritation there.  This will cause some further inflammation that eventually will even be seen in the day time as the area never really gets to recover.

It took a few weeks before I noticed a difference in my daytime ability to move air.  I am sure that there is an anxiety component there too.  I mean, who WOULDN'T have anxiety about not being able to breath with ease?!!

This clearness lasted for many months but lately it is creeping back. I am needing to tweak my numbers.  Apnea is sometimes tricky, when we think we have it under control it can change on us.  NEVER give up on the cpap.  I know that starting can be hard, real hard for some of us but always use your machine and check back here often.  We are an awesome group, very willing to listen and to support each other through the hard times.  Good luck and keep us posted.


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~ElleMarie~ One day at a time, ARE YOU KIDDING ME! Sometimes it's just a minute at a time.



AHI 100 -Diagnosis June 2007-

Thank you everyone for your replies and support. This is such a great group of people. I just came back from seeing my regular Dr. and she said it was most likely a panic attack in response to the shortness of breath I was experiencing. She ordered some tests and gave me some Xanax. I've never had a panic attack before, nor have I ever been an overly anxious person, but the mere thought of experiencing that again is, well, making me...PANIC!  

She didn't seem to think the breathing problems were related to the sleep apnea, but I think I might have to disagree. As some people mentioned on here already, it seems the apnea can start to affect your daytime breathing. My husband has several relatives and friends with sleep apnea and ever since he found out what happened to me, he has been calling everyone to get their input. Two of them have had the same problem where thay started having breathing problems during the day. One of them even said "night started to carry over into day" for him.

So, hopefully I will get my machine soon and that will take care of my night time and day time problems. My titration study is scheduled for the 29th and I'm on the list for any cancellations. Before, I was kind of apprehensive about sleeping with a machine every night, but now I can't wait.

It's so great to have a place to come with your questions and concerns. You guys are AWESOME  

Vette wrote:

Thank you everyone for your replies and support. This is such a great group of people. I just came back from seeing my regular Dr. and she said it was most likely a panic attack in response to the shortness of breath I was experiencing. She ordered some tests and gave me some Xanax. I've never had a panic attack before, nor have I ever been an overly anxious person, but the mere thought of experiencing that again is, well, making me...PANIC!  

She didn't seem to think the breathing problems were related to the sleep apnea, but I think I might have to disagree. As some people mentioned on here already, it seems the apnea can start to affect your daytime breathing. My husband has several relatives and friends with sleep apnea and ever since he found out what happened to me, he has been calling everyone to get their input. Two of them have had the same problem where thay started having breathing problems during the day. One of them even said "night started to carry over into day" for him.

So, hopefully I will get my machine soon and that will take care of my night time and day time problems. My titration study is scheduled for the 29th and I'm on the list for any cancellations. Before, I was kind of apprehensive about sleeping with a machine every night, but now I can't wait.

Hi Vette!

After I have read both of your posts, I am now sure, that you have Hyperventilation syndrome. It is NOT dangerous at all. But when the symptoms is nearly the same as with heart attack, is it good you have got an examination by your doctor / hospital.

In a period of 15 ears (before my diagnose of SA) I had this Panic Attacks on and off. Tree times I ended on the intensive care for a few days. They found nothing. (They don’t check for SA)

But the third time they told me about this Hyperventilation syndrome.

In fact it is very simple. When you have these short breathings, your blood, body and your brain elevates the O2 level. This will give you the symptoms you are describing.

And believe me; you will panic every time it happens. (Even when you know what it is)

But the treatment is easy, and you can manage it by yourself. You just have to breathe into a paper bag for a minute or two. Then you will breathe your own air with carbon dioxide, and this will normalize your high level of O2 in a few minutes, and all your symptoms will disappear immediately. Maybe you will sweat a little afterwards.

In my opinion it is not a good idea to take this Xanax (diazepams) because they are contra indicated for SA, especially with untreated SA.

After I started with my treatment with CPAP I have never experienced these symptoms again. There are some studies that associate this syndrome with SA.

Unfortunately only a few doctors have attention on this syndrome.

So - good luck.

Henning

an easier alternative to the paper bag is to train yourself to take deep slow breaths and to avoid rapid shalliow panting

this panting can be fun and distract you, it is or was recommended for women giving birth, but its nbad for you, deep slow breathing is best


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resmed S6 lightweight, respironics comfort gell mask using CPAP since 1995, no humidifier
during my many years of severe fatigue, no doctor ever asked me if I snored

lynn543 wrote:

an easier alternative to the paper bag is to train yourself to take deep slow breaths and to avoid rapid shalliow panting

this panting can be fun and distract you, it is or was recommended for women giving birth, but its nbad for you, deep slow breathing is best

I agree with you!

But the paper bag is good for acute Panic Attack. In this situation there is not much time for training.

Henning

Henning, you are correct about the hyperventilation. I've been doing a little research myself and that's the conclusion I've come to as well. The breathing problems caused me to panic, which in turn caused me to hyperventilate (even though I don't recall doing so). I had all the symptoms. I even found the name for the tingling and clenching up of my hands. It's called carpopedal spasms. Very scary, my first thought was indeed heart attack. I still have that feeling in my throat, like something is blocking my airway. I think ElleMarie may have hit the nail on the head with the cause of that. So, I'm anxiously awaiting my CPAP machine. And, I'm not taking the Xanax either. I've never taken it before, so I was not familiar with it, but after reading the insert I don't feel comfortable taking it.

Hi Vette!

I’m glad to hear, that you have found the reason to your Panic Attacks.

The positive effect of this experience is that you will be very motivated to use your CPAP machine.

You don’t have to be anxiously about the treatment. But you can have some unexpended experience in the beginning of the treatment.

Before I was diagnosed of SA I think I have had SA for at least 15 years (maybe even 20 years), and the last 5 years before I also had high BP.

My regular Dr. didn’t know anything about SA, so I contacted the Sleep Center by myself. Within 3 days I have got a sleep study, and was on APAP.

The first 2 weeks was both positive and scaring. My BP went up and down (and I have to regulate my BP medicine by myself), and there happens a lot in my body. But already after the first night I felt much better. But I was alone with all of this. I wish I have known this forum before my treatment. (To day I have a new Dr. who knows a lot of SA).

But after 2 weeks my BP was normalized and I have the feeling of being 20 years younger. I’m well treated – I only have some trouble with Rhinitis, and I’m waiting for a Coblation treatment on my turbinate’s. (I also had this problem before my treatment with CPAP, but it is worsened).

I have been in treatment with CPAP for 3 years now.

I think you should look forward to have you CPAP. And as I can see you have a husband who is backing you up. So you have all the best conditions to success with your CPAP treatment. But remember, that you have to use it always when you are sleeping, also if you only take a nap.

Good Luck.

Henning