Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Hi Guys

I have COPD and also (recently)osa and for the last two nights have been at my wits end as my throat closes when I fall asleep and I wake up startled in blind panic because for a second or two I cannot breath.

Visited the out of hours GP at local hospital who confirmed this is what was happening and to try and adjust my ‘sleep position’ to enable better breathing.

Spoke to another Doc on phone today who also advised the same and Pharmacist advised some mouth moisture gel to perhaps prevent the collapse.

Fell asleep some time soon after 10 about 90 minutes ago but 20 mins back same thing.

Panicky now and trying to strap myself upright in armchair as I can’t think about falling asleep in bed, panicked me.

Last resort will be to sit in the car with seat belt on, a couple of blankets and some pillows trying to keep me upright when I fall asleep (it may work).

I don’t want to bother the hospital again as it’ll just be the same advice, so if there’s anyone looking at this time that may have some experience of osa and what to do in this type of circumstance you thoughts and/or advice would be greatly appreciated.

I have been referred to the sleep clinic alas not for another 5 weeks.

Best regards

Simon

[Lybra]

Hi, I have had OSA all my life, as it was a little known condition it took 57 years to diagnose. But once it was, I was swiftly tested in the sleep clinic, I was supposed with a CPAP machine, with which a mask is worn, and air under pressure blown up the nose. I very quickly got used to this, and had immediate relief, no more nightmares or hallucinations. I fully commiserate with you, and can only say have patience in waiting for your Clinic appointment. As to your fear of choking to death, I was unconditional assured that this would never happen, as the bodies automatic defence clicks in ,and wakes you up, with a big gasp , but always does.

[Hidden in reply to Lybra]

Hey Lybra

Wow!

Thankyou so much Lybra.

To read your words means I’m not going crazy, my throat does close when no one is looking. and I am jolted uptight in bed gasping for a breath to then be hit with a dizzy lack of oxygen thanks to Mr COPD.

Lybra, I am feeling so much relief right now it’s literally dripping from my eyes.

I have my referral to sleep clinic in about 5 weeks or so, which is not a long wait in comparison to yours, but just knowing that, by inevitably going to sleep, I am very likely going to start to choke (by my own throat) will wake up (best alarm clock ever) doesn’t seem that bad now. Just knowing that it’s not just me. It must have been dreadful for you to suffer with this for all those years, absolutely dreadful.

Anywho, thankyou again Lybra.

For closure on last nights episode.

I did, as you would know, drop off to sleep, eventually to be woken by the dreaded, ‘osa nap attack’ as I have named it.

Firstly in some sort of absurd ‘A’ framed pillow structure on the sofa, totally wedged up-right, not a good result.

I decided to give the car a miss, what would the neighbours think? So, yes back to bed and after what seemed like forever trying to find the perfect position in which to fall asleep without immediate ‘osa nap attack’ , awoke, quite calmly, looking at my bed room upside down from what appeared to be the ceiling, mmm, strange I though, slowly realising I was on my back, on my bed with my head hanging loosely upside down over the edge of the bed, feeling not too tired, not choking and not that out of breath. Isn’t nature wonderful?

I’m not sure if I would fall asleep in that position, I guess I’ll find out tonight.

Lybra, wishing you a great, stress free day, wherever you are and whatever you’re doing.

best regards

Simon