breathing trouble suspected at night, apnea?

[barny1]

I suppose this is the best support group for this condition. I recently began recording my sleep sounds via an app on my phone every night for about a week out of curiosity as to whether I snore, not sharing my bed doesn't allow me to know for certain. I've listened to many sounds that worry me, I have trouble staying asleep throughout the entire night and once I'm awake usually around 2-4pm I have great difficulty going back to sleep but usually do eventually, albeit it leaves me feeling drained throughout the day. I've got a mood disorder which is treated fairly well with Sertraline/Zoloft that I've taken for years and always presumed I woke up because my mood/circadian rhythm was disturbed as it's recognised symptom of depression.

When I wake up there's usually no reason for it and I'm not gasping for air or wheezing (I've got asthma so i'm accustomed to the feeling when my airways are narrowed). But listening to the audio recording there's times when I've woken up and just before it I sound like I'm gagging briefly before taking a breath. Long story short, I've gone to the GP he says it sounds like the soft palate of the mouth is constricting the airways, but stopped short of giving me a diagnosis of sleep apnea. I've been given a nasal steroid spray to try and the standard advice about losing weight, don't drink, etc. which doesn't apply to me. I'm 32 year old man, as healthy as I can be and hope to live for a good many years yet if only I can get atop of these ailments. The GP also recommended I try a Mandibular Advancement Device but then told me the NHS cannot help with this and that I have to see a dentist! If I'm under their care, don't they have a duty of care to me? I'm being advised to use one, surely they should at the very least make referrals to approved providers? Seems like they're washing their hands of it. It's not a trivial matter after all. Luckily, I have private dental care but not all dentist practices provide this service and who knows if quality differs between dentistries? Seems like this is an uncommon request to my dental practice.

After seeing the GP I thought I'd come away more certain and reassured. Although, it's paradoxically comforting to know my concerns were valid and a previously unknown condition (apnea?) has been identified knowing there are good treatments (if unflattering) and that treatment for apnea? may help my sleep quality, mood disorder and quality of life. At the same time, I feel lost, not knowing whether any treatment will work, whether or not I have a formal diagnosis and many other questions I'd like answers to. I know you only get 10 minutes with a GP and they do the best they can, but I feel this is something life-changing that needs to be discussed in detail. I was hoping to be referred to a specialist with a little more expertise, but leave feeling I've been past off as unimportant. Sorry to rant.

[Badbessie]

You have a number of complex problems which could affect your sleep patterns. It could be caused by a number of things from medications to your mood disorder. Obviously no one can diagnose online but I would visit my GP to discuss ways in which to eliminate possible causes. It may be a slow process.

[winnabago]

talk to your cp about a cpap machine.

[panda22]

Which app do you use?

[Hunnydipt]

Wow! Medical Care sure does differ between the US & UK! You are only allowed 10 minutes with your doctor? That's barely enough time to first explain your symptoms. I'm so sorry! I do want to address your issue though. I've been diagnosed with Sleep Apnea about ... ohh, 6 or so years ago. Here, I had to see my Pulminary physician who ordered that I do a "Sleep Study", which was a sleepover in a hotel type of building (it was not a hotel. It was a satellite of my Medical Clinic. Before going to bed a Technician visits you and hooks you up to several cords (similar to the type they use for a cardiogram) snd you're also visually recorded (if my memory serves me correctly). It's actually very interesting! After your physician reviews your information you will learn whether or not you actually quit breathing, if you're a snorer, ect. I was quickly diagnosed and they set me up with a Medical Supply Store who also specialized in breathing & CPAP equipment. It (to be honest) takes some getting used to) really does make an incredible difference! I tend to enjoy a better nights sleep and I don't quit breathing while using it.

There's another option you might want to try (and it's far less expensive than a CPAP if your medical doesn't cover it) which is "Nasal Strips"! A lot of the time I'll use my strips vs my machine. It opens up the nasal passage & it's far less intrusive than CPAP. HOWEVER ... I do hope that you're able to see a Pulminary Care Provider and discover just what is really going on. I'd love to hear if you give the strips a try and see if they give you some relief.

Take care my friend & all the luck in the world to you!