Gasping for air

[Maggie69]

Does anyone wake up.gasping for.air this happens to me.at.least.5 times.per night I'm on 10 mgs predensione and slowly tapering. TIA

[SnazzyD]

Hello. This really doesn’t sound right for PMR and should be checked out. Previous posts have said you had been getting increased weight because of wanting to keep eating. If that is still the case, it is possible you have a problem with hypoventillation or even apnoea at night due to this now and you may need help with a CPAP mask. A couple of people on this forum have had to use the same apparatus. Did you ever start the CBD or try adjusting your diet? What dose are you on? In any case this is one for the doc I think, not something to put up with because it seems like too much of an ordeal, especially with all the Covid complications.

[Maggie69 in reply to SnazzyD]

Hi there SnazzyD thank you for replying so quickly x yes I have managed to get my eating under control and have stopped binge eating and have lost weight x

[SnazzyD in reply to Maggie69]

That’s great news, and well done! It is so much harder to to start when you’re in a pit like you sounded you were, so good on you. Would you say you are still carrying extra round the neck? Have you changed your pillows or pillow height? Did you get any joy with CBD, or even try it? Do you get breathing problems any other time of the day?

[Maggie69 in reply to SnazzyD]

Still a some extra weight round my neck 🥴never got around to trying the CBD (even though I bought it months ago ) 🙈it only happens at night and wakens me x it feels like there is something trapped in my throat, and I waken making such a gasping gulping noise x

[SnazzyD in reply to Maggie69]

I found this from searching sleep apnoea on this forum which explains the neck problem though I’m not endorsing the product as I have no idea about it.

kudosnore.com/updates/Sleep...

I would still see the doc. If it is ‘just’ sleep apnoea you still need to address it because chronic sleep deprivation can lead to health problems.

[Maggie69 in reply to SnazzyD]

Awkkk thank you greatly appreciated x

[SnazzyD in reply to Maggie69]

I’m not endorsing the product by the way!

[mgrogers99 in reply to Maggie69]

Sounds like sleep apnea. Ask to be tested. A CPAP does wonders if you have apnea. I would not purchase the product mentioned in the link above. It is similar to a mouth guard.....I wear one but it doesn't help the apnea......the CPAP does 100% even though it isn't the most comfortable thing to wear!

[SheffieldJane in reply to SnazzyD]

Your post has completely explained my recent breathlessness and oxygen starvation. My neck has really swollen since the initial GCA dose. It is a frightening feeling that I had when I was on the early doses of PMR too and it just passed as I lowered. I was wondering about an asthma inhaler, but it happens mostly in bed. I sleep propped with a fan blowing in my face. I also find swallowing difficult and have a lot of phlegm.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to SheffieldJane]

An asthma inhaler is unlikely help - works far further down. I think a discussion with the Sleep lab would be far more useful.

[SheffieldJane in reply to PMRpro]

Unfortunately, I doubt they are offering sleep studies at present. Thanks for the information about asthma inhalers. My throat has definitely narrowed, I am prone to choking too. I go down to 10 mgs tonight, I hope it just goes again.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to SheffieldJane]

If you don't ask. And you will be in the queue ...

[PMRpro Ambassador]

My immediate thought is that you need to ask the GP to be referred for sleep studies. It sounds very possible you may have sleep apnoea - and that can have wide repercussions,

[Maggie69]

Sorry everyone forgot to mention that it only seems to happen when I'm lying on my back x

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Maggie69]

Doesn't make any difference - that is a position that is likely to make the airway close, especially if you carry much fat there.

[Hidden in reply to Maggie69]

What I suffer from, from time to time is being unable to wake up. My brain has but my body is still in the sleep mode, it's terrifying. Nothing to do with the steroids it's been happening on and off for yrs. I just lie there and tell myself that if I relax I will be able to move again soon and will be able to open my eyes. Trying to open my eyes is impossible.

Has anyone else suffered this ?

Anne

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Hidden]

webmd.com/sleep-disorders/s....

[tangocharlie in reply to Hidden]

I get that connected with histamine intolerance. If I have an attack it's like I've been drugged and can't move or even keep my eyes open, but I'm not asleep.

[Richnroo in reply to Hidden]

Google sleep paralysis

[SnazzyD in reply to Maggie69]

Yes, that’s the worst position for it. By the way, when my father-in-law was thought to have it, he was given an overnight thingy by the sleep clinic at the hospital (referred by the chest physicians) that monitored for sleep apnoea. I never saw it because he wouldn’t show me, so I have no idea how it worked, but there’s definitely a thingy!

[tangocharlie]

I had that and it turned out to be sleep apnea. I was referred to the sleep clinic at the local hospital and wore a monitor overnight at home. I now use a CPAP machine and everything is more under control. Sleep apnea is very common with people who have autoimmune illnesses and especially if you are a bit overweight.

[Hidden in reply to tangocharlie]

Not over weight. I've gone from 9st 8lbs to 10st since starting Pred back in Dec 2019...so not too bad. Like I've said, I've suffered this on and off for yrs. Not sure what causes it to come on out of the blue....could be anxiety I suppose. It's called sleep paralysis. I'm probably only in that state for a matter of minutes, but seems like hours to try and move and open eyes. I don't even want to think about it and so frightening. Been ages since it happened. I also suffer migraines without the headache. I get the aura with ziggy zaggy lines....that last about 20 minutes, haven't suffered that in quite a while either.

[SheffieldJane in reply to Hidden]

Lucky you! That’s my goal weight. I have had occasional sleep paralysis and find it terrifying. Also dreams extending into wakefulness. I even get up and look out of the window.

[Hidden in reply to SheffieldJane]

So your body can't be paralysed then Jane....I can't move at all. My eyes must flicker with me trying hard to open them and I see things all wonking. You're right it is terrifying and so glad it doesn't happen that often.

Hope you're doing okay

Anne X

[SheffieldJane in reply to Hidden]

No that is a separate thing. I dreamt people were whispering in my garden and came too looking out of the window.

Thanks for asking, it’s one of those, one day at a time phases.

There is a scientific explanation for sleep paralysis , it might help to read it.

[whitefishbay]

I would get checked for sleep apnea. Good luck.

[Maggie69]

Thank you so much everyone for your replies 😘😘😘😘