Sleep Apnea Support Group

Sleep apnea is a common sleep disorder characterized by brief interruptions of breathing during sleep. People with sleep apnea partially awaken as they struggle to breathe, but in the morning they may not be aware of sleep disturbances.

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Newbie questions

PacificDesigner
PacificDesigner
I have been using my CPAP for about a month now and my other conditions seem to changing/improving. I have been hypothyroid, had chronic IBS, atrial flutter and primary immune disease. All of these seem to be improving since I started the CPAP. Has anyone else experienced improvements or changes in other conditions once they started their CPAP?
deleted_user
deleted_user
Welcome..... I have Sleep Apnea and AFIB. I have been using a CPAP machine for 4 years. I notice when I do not use it the flutters and heart rhythm get worse. When I use it I find that my AFIB is pretty much under control.
harry3333
harry3333
yes a CPAP improves our general health
Liz1961
Liz1961
Oh yes. I've managed to lose some weight and am now on one blood pressure medication instead of two and have been able to cut my depression med dosage in half as well. I've been on my CPAP for 2 years this coming July, and I've been able to return to work full time. I can truthfully say that CPAP changed my life!
Tez62
Tez62
PacificDesigner, welcome, CPAP saved my life and I love it. I am almost off my antidepressants and I was on double the theraputic dose and was getting chest pains and could hardly walk. I am now back at the gym daily and jog 4-5 kilomteres per day. I feel refreshed everyday no more 'foggy' head. I'm still not a 100%, may never be but are a 100% better than this time last year when I was diagnosed with SA. Good luck and keep us updated or ask any questions.
Liz1961, fantastic result, hope you can eventually get off the antidepressants as well.
PacificDesigner
PacificDesigner
Thanks everyone for your insight. My doctors are skeptical, but I am definitely feeling changes in my health.
Tez62
Tez62
Listen to your baody and your brain not your Dr's, only you know how you feel.
MaggieSavedMe
MaggieSavedMe
Welcome Pacific,

I am new to the group too and I have only had my CPAP 2 weeks this coming Monday.

I have not noticed a difference for me Yet.. but am hoping to soon..

Hope you continue to feel better.

Cathy
deleted_user
deleted_user
Welcome Pacific

When we have sleep apnea, we are shutting off important oxygen flow to our brain and organs. When we begin to breath better during the night, those vital organs are now getting the oxygen richness they need! The first improvement I noticed in myself was that I used to get up 4 or 5 times a night to go to the bathroom. I now maybe wake up once a night which is perfectly normal. My doctor explained it as my kidneys no longer starving for oxygen during sleep.

Our brains also begin to get the full range, and so send better signals...etc. And certainly, our thyroid and other glands are now not being starved. And most importantly, our hearts are no longer working overtime to keep us in oxygen, reducing our risk of stroke.

SO congrats...you will do better everyday!!!