I just want to know if anyone has has heard of this or have this problem. What could it be?
While trying to fall asleep (before sleeping...during the transition...not during sleep), my whole breathing pattern changes suddenly upon TRYING to sleep -- gasping starts/ labored breathing/ feeling of suffocation in lungs/mouth opens/swallowing starts/labored breathing/stomach turning starts -- which itself is so scary n then I just can't proceed ahead. The breathing change problem is so severe that I must necessarily take something like zolpidem/clonazepam, but even with that I will wake up in 1-2 hours max (if I do actually sleep at all). The breathing change/swallowing/suffocation happen simultaneously when I try to relax for sleeping n prevent me from sleeping (as my lungs begin feeling starved of oxygen), even though I am extremely tired and about to collapse now with no sleep for the past many months.
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ejaji
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Hi, there's something called sleep apnea but really you need to see your doctor. The sooner you do the sooner you'll get the tests for a diagnosis
Sounds like sleep Apnoea could be a possibility although perhaps you can no longer lay flat when sleeping, I have my upper body elevated which helps with easier breathing.
Do chat with your doctor / consultant / respiratory team about your symptoms
Your doctor may wish to refer you to the hospital to be fitted with the 24 hour monitor to determine what is happening with airways and heart.
Hi ejaji, are you also tired in the morning and are falling asleep in morning, if you are it sounds very much like Sleep Apnoea, I would speak to your GP or if you are under a Respiratory Consultant, ask them if you require a Sleep Study this is a test you do at a sleep clinic (normally Hospital) or at home, this involves wearing a kit similar to this: resmed.co.uk/healthcare-pro... you wear this at bedtime whilst you are sleeping, it measures your oxygen levels, heart rate and it also monitors if or when Apnoea attacks happen.
When you you have completed this test it will determine if you need to CPAP or BiPAP to treat your condition, if your condition is not so bad you probably won’t have to use either.
I had a Sleep Study 4 years ago, I don’t have Sleep Apnoea but I do suffer from CO2 retention, I suffered similar symptoms to yours, I also suffered violent body tremors and left untreated is very dangerous, I now use BiPAP and oxygen at bedtime and since being on BiPAP I’ve gone from using oxygen 24/7 to just ambulatory oxygen and BiPAP and oxygen at bedtime, it has completely changed my life for the better.
How was ur CO2 retention diagnosed? Did u get an arterial blood gas test done? If I get ABG done, will it show? I also had violent internal tremors. What r they due to?
Hi ejaji, I was admitted to hospital in April 2017 suffering from Type II Respiratory Failure, my SAT’s were dangerously low and I was immediately put on oxygen and yes I had numerous arterial blood tests for the week I was in hospital, I was having at least two a day they told me then I would probably be on BiPAP for the rest of my life, I used it for about four days when I was in hospital, when I was discharged I couldn’t use a knife and fork to eat, because of all the arterial blood tests I’d had.
I’m not really sure what causes it, but when you retain CO2 your blood can’t produce enough oxygen and this causes your vital organs to slowly start failing, especially your heart and brain.
Unfortunately no, the only way check your CO2 levels is with an arterial blood test, the oximeter only shows an approximation of your blood oxygen levels.
I have sleep apnoea and the time lag between being aware you are not breathing and waking up gasping is very un nerving.
Get yourself a diagnosis from your medical team,and once you have that rest assured there are treatments available and you don't have to suffer without support.
I support all the advice you have been given. A sleep study does seem to be the way forward. Do let your GP know what is happening and get help to break this cycle you are in. It must be so difficult for you. My very best wishes
Here’s a link to a a Webinar from Hope2Sleep, they are a Sleep Apnoea/Sleep Disorder Charity, Kath Hope who runs the charity is a member here I think.youtu.be/kB-Bg9cG8Ss
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