Chiari, back issues, and now apnea?

[ASumrall]

So My neurologist sent me for a sleep study to check for sleep apnea and the preliminary report say's I have severe sleep apnea and once the dr looks over the entire report I will get set up with a CPAP machine. They said I stopped breathing around 35 times an hour. And anything more than 15 is severe. My question is... Any advice for navigating sleeping with the machine? My issue is chiari (6mm), neck issues and lower back issues that keeps me from sleeping on my back. But with the machine I'm understanding that's how you sleep. :(  

To add to my list of concerns I have Crohn's and have been pretty much in remission for the last couple of yrs. now recently had my check up- lab work is a must every three months- and my counts are all off. My inflammation markers are going up( I'm having a lot of abdominal pain) and my WBC is the lowest it's ever been so they are adjusting all of my medicines to try and fix it. Which has thrown my body into revolt! All my joints- especially neck and back- are not happy. And on top of it all I caught a cold from my lovely children:) and that has caused the headaches to come on with a vengeance. Not to mention the danger associated with the WBC and being sick. Not that I can't stand to lose a few pound, but I've been so ill I have lost like 20 pound in the last few months without even trying due to nausea.

[ASumrall]

Thank you both! From a tiny town in AR. Omaha. But on the border of MO. So my dr's are in Branson and Springfield. I will keep posted.

[selmaS]

  So glad the C-Pap is working well for you and you are now getting the rest you need...that will help  you over to feel better....praying the good news continues.

[memax123]

I have both central and obstructive apnea.  I was diagnosed 5 years ago.  I use a Vpap.  I can sleep in any position I need.  Right side, left side, back, and even on my stomach.  Once you are completely comfortable with your Cpap you will learn all the ways to sleep.  You will love your machine and will sleep so much better.  Best of luck to you.   Where are you located?  I am in Phoenix AZ.  I am not on the community often but will try to be to see if you have more questions.  

[ASumrall]

I have received my CPAP machine and have been using it for the past week. I have to say, I do feel more rested. I also have found that I can change positions through out the night with minimal effort. The machine is so quiet. My husband said that when he came in last night, he had to put his hand on my chest to make sure I was breathing:) he's not used to me not snoring.

I will have a follow up with dr after about two weeks, but now have been told my dr is  no longer there. They will have an interm dr. Story of my life!

[selmaS]

  Glad that this is just preliminary and more answers are yet to come...I did make a request to the other member.....I do hope they choose to share info with you.

[ASumrall]

I was really nervous at first but the techs were great. The hardest part was getting comfortable with all the wires stuck everywhere. I've been told though that I will feel a lot better after the machine is put to use.  Hopefully a lot less fatigue and morning headaches!  I'll try to keep every one posted as I move along.

[ASumrall]

They talked like it was obstructive, but that was at the preliminary appointment. I won't have all my answers until the dr goes over the report.

Thank you a head of time for any info you can push my way!

[baccalynnwv]

Oh my gosh. I have been suspected of having sleep apnea, but have avoided going through the sleep study because I'm stubborn. I have been planning to ask for the sleep study though. But that would be my nightmare. To not be able to sleep on my side. I have horrible pain from sleeping on my back and must be in a certain position on my side to support my head and neck. Good luck. Keep us posted!

[selmaS]

  I agree with you there we do need info....

May I ask do you know if you have central or obstructive type apnea?

I know a few of the older non active members that have had to use a C-Pap and if I can, will try to get someone to post here to share their experience with it.....

  

[ASumrall]

Thanks for the kind words:) I will make sure to address my concerns with the sleep dr. At the next appt. but as you all know it's good to have some information ahead of time so you know what to ask for. Like the apnea, If I hadn't done research on my own, and asked the dr about it I would just keep going like I was. Once I asked him, then he was all" oh ya you should be checked for sleep apnea, chiari can cause that". We need to be our own advocate. I like information:)

[selmaS]

  Hi.....I am so sorry you are having these issues and I am sure you have a bit of anxiety as well.....

Talk to the Dr and explain the issues with Chiari and the other possible face masks for the C-Pap....not all will resort you to sleeping on your back...they have so many options now.....

I wish I could add more, but since I myself do not use a C-Pap I can not say much more....but from others that have, and from what they shared I have seen it possible to be relaxed and comfortable while sleeping with this sleep aid.

Good luck and do keep us posted.