Odd post myocarditis symptom - unable to fall asleep without gasping for air

[clearbrian]

I wonder can anyone help with an odd side effect of myocarditis.

My partner suddenly complained of chest pains in may 2019.

He'd be taken to A&E, find his heart and his Troponin showing no sign of heart damage. Given morpine (sometime) sent home.

After many visits he finally hospitalised with Myocarditis an inflammation of the lining around the heart.

After a few months of Colchicine he still complained of chest pains but cardiologist say MRI showed myocarditis gone.

And lately sleeping at night became difficult.

COUGH FOR MONTHS

He had a bad cough for months, was tested for COVID-19 antibodies but none found.

An Xray yesterday found no damage to lungs.

The cough has dissipated but the sleeping at night has become worse.

JOLTED AWAKE ALL NIGHT

He tries to relax and nod off but 30 seconds later will be jolted awake by his heart and lungs gasping and thumping in his chest.

Normally we sleep in separate room as I need to work to pay the rent.

But yesterday after stressful night I slept beside him.

As he tries to dose off I can hear his breathing getting shallower and quieter.

Then ..too quiet and seconds later he'll be kicked awake by his heart and lungs gasping.

Sometime sitting bolt upright in a lot of pain.

After hours of this he finally sleeps through exhaustion.

Later when in deep sleep it's all fine. Breathing normally and even heavily ...so nothing physically blocked?.

Then in the morning as he's waking the kicking starts again while he's asleep! so seems to happen in REM sleep not deep sleep.

I thought he might have some form of sleep apnea but I thought that was for people with body weight issues.

Also that it was a physical such as swollen tonsils or air passage obstructed due to weight.

But that doesn't explain how he's fine when he's deep sleeping.

Could he have sustained some damage to his diaphram/oesophagus for months of coughing that triggers spasms like a nervous tick?

Is it psychological through stress of poor sleep for months and worry over it being his heart.

SLEEP CLINIC

I'm going to ask doctor to send him to a sleep clinic.

The cardiologist says his heart and lungs show no issues.

I think he needs monitoring for sleep issues now.

Some possible clues

At 14 had chemo so has reduced immune system - catches every cold

Tonsilitis - can be inflammed every few months with colds etc - could this add to sleep apnea.

Has hay fever - pollen count in London at them moment is very high. Nose regularly blocked. Possible causing him to breath at lower rate at night if he doesn't open his mouth?

He took sleeping pill last night for first time to help but he had difficulty breathing and had to call ambulance but hospital just sent him home even though he could show the effect of his heart kicking if he stays still even while awake!.

he has suffered from stress and panic attacks years ago and is sensitive to pain and new drugs. Though Id be stressed too if I couldn't sleep for months and had constant pain.

ANY IDEAS? MEDICAL or otherwise. As we're running out of options. We're emailing the GP / CARDIOLOGIST today about sleep clinic. But just thought someone on here might have had similar problems.

This guy had similar issues - but hasnt replied

reddit.com/r/medical/commen...

[Silverfox2]

I'm no expert but it does sound like sleep apnea to me. I've experienced the same sort of symptoms in the past.

[Pop007]

Or a REM disorder ... .

[Hidden]

Hi Clearbrian,

It does sound like sleep apnoea. You don’t need to be overweight to have it and there are two types, obstructive and central (where you just stop breathing until your brain suddenly realises it needs oxygen and kick-starts everything with a jolt!). I have both and weigh 12.5 stone.

Your doctor should be able to refer You to get a sleep test, which will probably be done at home with a machine that you take back.

Good luck!

[Cookie95]

I had myocarditis and pericarditis and had a lot of trouble sleeping because of the chest pain when lying down, as well as ocasional shortness of breath. What helped me was a wedge pillow, that someone in this group recommended me! You can find them in Amazon and they do wonders.

I know it can be frustrating because doctors tell you everything is fine while the symptoms are still there. While my myocarditis and pericarditis disappeared in a week, it took 9 months for the pain and shortness of breath to fade away. Patience, lots of rest, a healthy diet and no stressful situations helped!!