Posted by jerrympls on May 22, 2003, at 20:58:52
In reply to Re: scared, lonely and dread going to bed » jerrympls, posted by noa on May 22, 2003, at 2:35:05
> Sleep apnea?? Definitely get that taken care of. I have sleep apnea. I'd probably be dead if I hadn't gotten my cpap.
>
> I self-diagnosed because I knew I snored--had always snored--but started having signs--like waking up suddenly to a dream about animals growling. Then, it was waking up in sudden panic, but no idea why. Then the horrible horrible really horrible acid reflux that would totally choke me and I'd see my life flashing before my eyes and think, "Ok, this time is really it, I seem to be checking out here." (PS--I later learned after getting my cpap that I wasn't really going to die from this choking--what was happening was that in an automatic self-preservation reflex, my vocal chords were clamping shut to prevent the acid from damaging them, and that they also automatically release after about 30 seconds.).....NOA- I could have written that very same paragraph (above). I wake up 2-3 times every night CHOKING on acid that seems to shoot up my esophagus. Not only that, but I've gotten it in my lungs - which is - THEE most horrific, intense pain I have ever experienced. I have to down half a bottle of Mylanta and make myself cough it all up to clear it from my lungs. I couldn't figure out why my voice has been so hoarse until I read your post and put it all together. I even take a proton-pump inhibitor (Aciphex) twice a day to stop the acid - but it hasn't been working. I'm VERY worried about erosion of the lining of my esophagus which could lead to cancer - my grandmother suffered for many years with the same thing.
I also found out recently (after having my sister spend a couple nights at my place recouping after surgery) that I snore and snore VERY LOUDLY. I had NO IDEA that I snored.
Also - I wake up gasping many times a night, wake up many times to urinate and no matter how long I sleep I NEVER - EVER feel "refreshed." It's horrible.
I'm SO glad to hear that after having your sleep apnea treated that so much has gotten better. I need to get a sleep test done and soon. If not - I'm going to burn myself out completely.
Anyway, THANK YOU to everyone who has given advice and shared experiences - it helps SO much! Keep 'em coming and I'll keep you all update!
Thanks!!
Jerry
poster:jerrympls
thread:228021
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/social/20030517/msgs/228451.html