Chiari and Sleep Apnea

[TheresaBart]

I am not sure if these are sign of sleep apnea so requesting so feed back.
I was diagnosed with Chiari (states is mild and tonsils are low lying) and Syringomyelia. They do not feel that my issues are related to those diagnosis so they are now testing me for Fibromyalgia and Pheripheal Neuropathy.

I do snore and over the past few monts I have been awakend by a awful feeling as if my throat is closing and I can not breath.  I then keep swallowing as if pushing air down and this then causes me to puke.  The last episode frightened me as it seemed more severe then the other two times.  I put a call out to my neurologist and left a vm with his nurse with the details and rather I should be seen and have yet to hear back from anyone.  I tried calling back two days later and still have not heard back.  The nurse told me that my chart is on the doctors desk with details of my call and along with my mri results,  I have yet to hear back.  He said that the doctor is really busy this week and that the doctor has seen the most patients he has ever seen since he started working there.  I am sympathetic to the other patients.  However, I am also a patient and deserve some answers.
If anyone could respond to this then that would be great:)

[TheresaBart]

I typically sleep on my left side.  I have a contour pillow that forms around my neck so that is is leveled.  
I am going to make another call to his office on Monday and if I do not get a answer then I am going to contact my family physician.
I will not be able to attend the Dr Park chat.  I was hoping that posting my question there he may respond as well.
Thank you all for your feed back.

[selmaS]

Hi...if u r being awakened at night gasping for breath...puking or not...seek immediate help......
I see u found the thread on sleep apnea that Dr Park did....I hope u r available to participate in the chat.....u can submit questions ahead of time to the dr....


"selma"

[pamk5]

Hello, I have had that same thing happen minus the puking.  I wake choking and coughing.  Is pretty scary.

I have also dealt with a few doc's office like that.  Usually calling the office manager will help.  If it is a hospital owned clinic calling patient excellence will also get them on the ball.  I my opinion sounds like sleep apnea.

Do you sleep on your back?  I have found this is the only time it happens to me.  Try rolling up a pillow to position your neck straight and sleeping on your side.  This seems to help me.  

Good luck to you and keep pushing for your health!