central sleep apnea, pvc's, slow heart rate, digestive problems

[whitecrane]

I am a 49 year old male that was in excellent health until Jan 05 when I was diagnosed with central sleep apnea.  I also had day time breathing problems, shortness of breath, inability to take full breaths into my upper chest. I also had severe upper back pain at the time and bradycardia down into the 40's, and migraine headaches.  I also had acid reflux, poor digestion and constipation.  I still have episodes of all these symptoms especially after physical exertion like exercising.  Before all this started I used to work out regularly with weights, swimming and floor exercises.  I have been to cardiologists, neurologists, pulmonologist, and internist.  No one has been able to sufficiently explain why I continue to have these problems.  I finally went to physical therapy and the PT diagnosed me with Thorasic Outlet Syndrome and prescribed some stretching exercises, which did help.  A neurologist thought I had fibromyalgia and suggested psychotherapy.  When my muscles tense up in my neck, head and shoulder, I experience PVC's, headaches and nausea.  I think that my vagus nerve or other nerves are being affected somehow causing this roller coaster of symptoms.  Is there any way to diagnose and treat this?

[National Jewish]

You might well have the thoracic outlet syndrome.  However you should be thoroughly evaluated before accepting that the many symptoms you describe are due to this one condition.  The central sleep apnea and bradycardia along with nausea suggest that your problem might due to autonomic neuropathy.  You should consult with a doctor, probably a neurologist, familiar with the variety of problems that can occur with this condition.  Check with the academic medical center closest to you for this type of specialist.



What you have described suggests some type of neurological problem.  Please post your question with the Neurology Forum at http://www.MedHelp.org.  The neurologists at the Cleveland Clinic answer these questions.

[dllfo]

There is a new machine out designed to help with the central apneas, PVCs and cheyne-stokes problems. (I had all of this and more on my sleep study). I am not sure about mentioning brand names, but Resmed makes it and it has been out about a month.

VPAP Adapt SV is the name.  I have GERD, slow heart rate (in the low 40s while in critical a couple weeks ago), PVCs and central sleep apnea and cheyne-stokes...and more.  The above mentioned machine was not available when I took my sleep study.  Just my opinion, but get a copy of your sleep study test and see where they

had you for your titration.  Mine started at 4.0, which was starving me for air.  How about your study?  I am new to this forum, so I am trying be careful what I say. I am NOT a medical type person..that is, not a dr., nurse, etc.  Just a 61 year old

guy trying to make it to 62.



The people who run this forum are the BEST anywhere.  We are lucky

to have them.



Best wishes...Dave