Sleep Apnea (not sure of spelling)

[jean2579]

Does anyone know much about sleep apnea? My Husband has been diagnosed with this and has been booked into a sleep lab for investigation. The doctor was not very forthcoming on causes and possible long term problems.

[*mrgrizz*]

you need to have the sleep study to diagnosed

your husband carries a few kilos?

losing weight is the best cure, especially atound the neck area

[happyroo_bunji]

I was diagnosed with sleep apnea late last year.  There isn't a single cause of apnea. Long term problems are increased risk of heart attack, stroke, diabeties.  If the apnea is bad enough your husband may be banned from driving.

If you google 'sleep apnea' there is heaps of info out there. Feel free to PM me jean if you like

[jean2579]

Thanks Mr Grizz. He is overweight due mainly to the cocktail of meds he takes for another illness. He is nearly 70 and finds it very difficult to lose weight.

[jean2579]

Thanks happyroo I will check google, and thanks for the offer. I am very worried as he keeps falling asleep at odd times. He has not driven since he started to feel unwell.

[siggie-reported-by-alarmists]

They need to measure how many times an hour he stops breathing.

There are appliances (worn in mouth like plates)  he can have made to bring his bottom jaw forward to maintain his airway when sleeping. This will stop him snoring, and reduce the number of times he stops breathing.

Fix this, and he might be able to reduce the meds he takes.

All the best,

[debra9275]

Is he a heavy snorer Jean?

Occasionaly my OH does a big snort in and doesn't breath out again for a few seconds,. but it only happens occasionaly, it always worries me when i notice him do that, but he does have a stent in his heart. So I guess I'm really always on alert

[happyroo_bunji]

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@*mrgrizz* wrote:

you need to have the sleep study to diagnosed

your husband carries a few kilos?

losing weight is the best cure, especially atound the neck area

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Losing weight will lessen the severity of the apnea but it won't cure it. I know people who lost weight but still have apnea.

There is no cure

[jean2579]

Thanks Siggie, but the meds he takes are related to a very different illness which he has had for almost 50 years and he can't stop taking. But I am very worried about him and find myself constantly checking to see that he is still breathing.

[siggie-reported-by-alarmists]

When is his sleep test?