It's a mystery at this point. I'm honestly not sure what I will decide to do. Here's the update.
I went to the sleep doctor because my PCP and Cardiologist wanted to rule out sleep apnea as the culprit for my heart's irregular heartbeat. The sleep doctor agreed with me that I have no symptoms of sleep apnea. At her encouragement, I decided to take the home sleep test to make my other two doctors happy. The results came in. I have "mild sleep apnea."
Immediately, the sleep doctor wants to prescribe a CPAP machine for me. Not so fast, I say to myself. After doing some online research, I learned that some doctors recommend not treating mild sleep apnea this way. I have resistance to beginning treatment for this condition that, in my humble opinion, isn't a problem for me. Would starting to use the CPAP machine cause some part of my system to get weaker rather than strengthen it?
I got in touch with my PCP but he is out of town for a few weeks. I will wait to make my decision until I speak with him.
It looks to me like I have fallen into some sort of loop that doesn't make sense. No symptoms. Test shows a "mild" case that might not be a case at all. The establishment immediately wants me to start treatment that some say I shouldn't do and don't need. Is this how we end up losing our self-determination in regards to our health? At what point do we take the risk to follow our intuition rather than societal pressure?
I am quite sure the medical professionals with whom I am dealing are all good people. I believe they are each sincere in their own way. I believe they believe that what they are saying and doing is right. I also know they are subject to insurance companies and larger organizations who want to be sure they cover their physician "butts." Is this always in the interest of the patient?
At this point, I am taking no action. I am waiting for my PCP to return and will talk with him. In the meantime, I am getting better and stronger every day doing the things I am doing. Less is more sometimes. I think this is one of those times. I guess we'll see!
I was diagnosed with 'mild' apnea almost 20 years ago (stopped breathing 6 times an hour). What is your rate?. It was considered important to address due to my hypertension at that time. Do you have high blood pressure? Are you waking up in the mornings feeling as though you are not getting enough sleep? Do you routinely get drowsy during the day? The Sleep DR gave me a prescription for a CPAP and I have been using this on and off since then. I noticed a big difference after starting it: I stopped feeling drowsy in the middle of the day was one of the most important changes, I felt refreshed upon waking up in the mornings and actually felt as though I had a good sleep, I was able to sleep throughout the night. Now, almost 20 years later I still use it. My hypertension has also gone through the roof and am now using drugs to control the high BP. My PCP stated several years ago that he noted positive changes in BP when his clients were using their CPAP machines. I would like to know why some would suggest not using one because I have often wondered if they could cause declines in some physiological functions to certain individuals. I also know a number of people who refuse to wear their prescribed CPAP devices because the 'devices' are such an intrusion to one's comfort when attempting to sleep. I never had a problem adapting to the feel on my face primarily because I am a scuba diver...so the concept of wearing something strapped around my head and covering my face for survival is within my 'comfort zone'. If you want to talk please call me at 360-461-3155 Charlie Comstock Sequim, WA.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Charlie. I don't have high blood pressure and I wake easily and not tired - I don't have any symptoms of sleep apnea which the sleep doctor said herself! I am not adverse to wearing the face mask. I just don't want to do something I don't really need....I don't know why some doctors recommend not using a CPAP machine if your range is only "mild." Mine is 8 - and the top for mild is 15....This is why I am waiting to talk to my PCP - he will be back in the office next week. I want to run all of this past him and see what he says. Thanks so much for sharing your experience with me - it really does help. This is quite the journey, that's for sure! Blessings to you! Krysta
DeleteI SO admire how you are walking through this healing process while being so present and aware. Whatever you decide will be the right decision. It always is.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much!
DeleteIf I may add my 2 cents to the discussion. I began wearing CPAP while sleeping about 15 years ago. I was having numerous episodes per hour. The very first night I used it, I was amazed at how much better I felt in the morning. I had forgotten how "good" felt.
ReplyDeleteYes, the mechanical aspects of wearing the apparatus while sleeping takes some getting used to, but it is not nearly as problematic as it would appear when you see the gear for the first time.
I haven't used CPAP for several years and really need to get back onto it. My own downfall was developing a need for a different kind of mask than the one I had been previously using, but due to the "enlightened" medical community, the machinations I would have had to go through with Drs, insurance, etc were just too much trouble.
Now that I am at a different place in life, I am going to again pursue getting back onto the system.
Thanks for sharing this, Harvey --- sound like the machine was good for you and you had good results! We'll see what happens once I can talk to my PCP next week - maybe I will get one -- and maybe I won't! Sounds like it would be great for you since it did you so much good in the past. I know what you mean about having to jump through so many hoops! Such a complicated system has grown up around health care! Blessings to you! Krysta
DeleteI think you told me once "listen to yourself and your body", you will find the answer. Think you might have all ready "heard" your answer on this. lol My heart does what I call back flips and wobbles. They don't know why but my medicine works well. Wishing you the best health.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Gloria! Yes, we listen to ourselves and to messages sent to us on the winds of inspiration!
ReplyDelete