Why, whenever I go to see a doctor, consultant etc and i need an examination do they ask if I'm ok lying down? Is this an issue for those of us with lung disease?
Just curious. Thanks
Marie x
Lying down...: Why, whenever I go to... - Lung Conditions C...
Lying down...
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Yes it can be, I can't lay completely flat. I find it more comfortable with chest raised slightly.
I can't sleep in bed very often, mainly because I roll over and end up laying on my front, then wake up in a panic and very short of breath etc. I've also been diagnosed with sleep apnoea, even my wife comments that she worried that I'm not breathing at times, it gets that shallow. I don't seem to need a lot of air when I'm sleeping, as I don't appear to suffer from any issues there.
I've tried all sorts, extra pillows, bolster down the middle, a foam wedge, mattress topper - softer, more comfy, but does not stop me rolling over. So, I tend to sleep in a chair downstairs most of the time, sometimes I take to the sofa. It's the same when I'm awake. I cannot lay down in bed to watch TV, I have to be propped up. Otherwise I feel like my chest is very tight and I get breathing problems.
Things seem OK when I'm awake and sat up. Strange how this effect works, it's not as though I'm trying to run up stairs or anything, but the tightness and breathing can feel that way. If you're not getting these sort of symptoms, be glad!
in reply to Gordon57
Are you getting treatment for your sleep apnoea Gordon57? I hope you are because this can be serious. A work colleague of mine had it and was telling me all about it. He had treatment - a mask i think - which woke him when he stopped breathing x
Gordon57 in reply to
The consultant had me do an overnight test with a gadget on my finger, I've not had the results of that yet - will be seeing him later this week.
I seem to cure it myself by rolling over onto my front, which wakes me up! I only have issues in bed. When I'm downstairs in a chair, I am fine.
Hi Gordon ,
I have sleep apnoea , i used to wake up at night , about once or twice a month , thinking i had been dreaming i was being strangled , couldn't breath heart pounding , rest of the time just sob and tired in the moirning and falling asleep after each meal and waking up for the next , this went on for years . When i was in hospital for an exacerbation i mentioned yhis to the resp nurse and she organised an overnight test , they found my sats were dropping to just over 60% at times and put me on a CPAP , a year later i am on a BIPAP , brilliant , instead of waking every 2 hours sob i now sleep for 8 hours most nights and feel i have slept , priceless . I hope it works out ok for you Gordon , and glad you are back xxxx . xxxx Dinny xxxx
What is a BIPAP,my husband has a CPAP,& had this for about 3 years Edwina x
Bilevel positive airway pressure (BiPAP) is a proprietary name of Respironics, Inc. for continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) with pressure support breaths. It is used during noninvasive positive pressure ventilation.
Position is important in air flow. Most breathing problems are at night, even if your disease is controlled. I sleep, on my side, propped up by 5/6 pillows but find that in the morning I've slid down the bed and my breathing becomes more difficult.
I have never been asked this question but I do know that when you are lying down its very common to start coughing and feel sob. Its because the lungs are at a different level to when you are sitting or standing. x
I used to go to sleep on my side, but would wake up in all sorts of positions. On the occasions where I go to bed, I have a wedge under my pillows now, so I am propped up - but still have the tendency to roll onto my front, which is not comfy with the wedge there!
It can be an issue yes. Pete finds it harder to lie flat because it makes him choke. He has throat problems so being propped up a bit helps lots. Snoring is a problem too but Pete has been tested for sleep apnoea and it has not shown up to be a problem. xx
I'm an expert at lying down now, a couple of pillows and i can make a bed anywhere dont bother sitting anymore its so 90s .
The recovery position i find very good just prop my head on the pillows and off i go to sleep or if im watching telly kick every one off the sofa lay on my back, hands back of the head 2 pillows fantastic if you get pins a needles in arms move and shake one at a time dont want to over do it and tire yourself out WARNING do not fall a sleep on sofa method if you have children as they do tend to jump on stomach .
What position you lie down make the most of it i cant lie on my back anymore as the amount of phlegm almost chokes me and it happens so fast i then bring up loads of it, just hope that happens because i stopped smoking and im clearing out .
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