bonnidee

[bonniedee]

I have ms since 1987 and i have sleep apnea,i use a bi-pap machine. I would like to knoe hoe the two conditions efect each other if at all. Can you help me with    an answer?

[twopack]

Enjoy the read everyone.

maxthecat - Did you have a ramp feature on your CPAP?  It allows you to decrease the air flow when you turn it on each night.  The machine then gradually increases the air flow rate over about 15 minutes until it reaches your proscribed setting.  Then again, if you woke up gasping there must be some other problem.  We certainly can't take new air in until we blow some old air out!  Hope you get it worked out because it really can make a difference in how we feel.

Mike_Shuswap - Let us know how you do with that new CPAP.  Be patient with the machine and yourself.  It's a therapy well worth sticking with but it does remind me of the adjustment period some of us go through when we start MS modifying drug therapy.  It takes some getting used.  Good thing with CPAP is the improvements are often more dramatic and don't take long to become apparent.

[Mike_Shuswap]

Having just started using a cpap 3 days ago I'd be interested in the link you mentioned.

Thanks

Mike

[maxthecat43]

OMG!!!  Thank you!  A bi-pap is probably what I need.  I couldn't breathe at all using a cpap.  I would wake up gasping.

[SarahL2491]

me too two pack!

[twopack]

There is clear and recognized link between MS and sleep disorders ---
at least some types of sleep disorders and
especially when MS lesions are present in the brain stem.  

MS can definitely cause a type of sleep apnea called central sleep apnea.  I'm wondering if you have that and if it might be why you need bi-pap instead of CPAP.  Do you have trouble exhaling against the constant air pressure of CPAP (if you ever used it, of course)?

I too am diagnosed with sleep apnea (mixed obstructive and central types) as well as MS.  I've used CPAP since 2006.  I may kick my friend out of bed once in a while but for the most part I consider the machine a life-saver.  I missed a lot of life before we hooked up and frankly I would have probably died behind the wheel years ago if we hadn't met.

I have a link to a good explanation of the relationship between MS and sleep disorders but it isn't one that is allowed here.  I'll send it to you bonniedee.  Look for it in your MedHelp Inbox.  If anyone else is interested, just let me know (here or via the MH note/message system).  I'll be happy to share.

[Lulu54]

I have sleep apnea and have a c-pap. While it is a nuisance to use, it does make a difference as to how I feel in the morning when I wake.  Sleep problems and apnea can be a very common concern in MS and if you go to the NMSS society page  (nmss.org)  and search 'sleep apnea'  you will find many excellent articles, including the link to the entire issue of their magazine in December 2009 devoted to the topic of sleep and MS.

[maxthecat43]

Hi Bonniedee,

Welcome to the forum. I think the jury is still out on that question.  A while back someone was collecting information about the way we sleep (stomach, sides, back) and if we had cold hands and/or feet- etc. I can't remember who asked the questions though.   This same person contacted another doctor:  Dr. Stephan Park, he had something to say on the topic- but again, I don't believe the answer to your question has been decided yet.  I think you can find this information by putting sleep apnea and multiple sclerosis into the search bar.

Someone else may answer with more information than I have been able to gather. I have sleep apnea too, so I'm curious about the answer as well.  

Tammy