Daily breathing problems and sleep apnea?? - Sleep Disorders Message Board

Alex24 · 06-25-2007, 06:31 PM

Hi..about 2 months ago I woke up at night and could not breath. Felt like someone was stepping on my chest. I could not get satisfied even with deep breath attempts. Went to many doctors. First CT scan of my lung (no problems of any kind). Had Nuke stress test for heart (no problems). Had PFT (pulmonary function tests) (again passed). All times oxygen level normal in my system. Still had trouble breathing even during the day, and especially before going to bed. Perhaps it is anxiety causing the problem. Had a sleep study done, and yes I do have sleep apnea. Could not do the CPAP test that same night (was a disaster trying to sleep), so I need to go back. One Dr. said he thought it was caused by acid reflux even tho I had no symptons of heartburn. I am on medicine for that. I am 6' 2" tall and weigh 245. Not really overweight, but losing anyway. I just had septoplasty (deviated septum) surgery and am hoping that breathing thru my nose again will help me with the CPAP testing and solve my breathing problem. Has anyone out there had similar problems and how did you solve it. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

aleet7 · 07-02-2007, 09:52 PM

From time to time my husband would awaken gasping for air. It turned out that he has sleep apnea. I would remember him jumping out of bed struggling to breath. He also would mention not feeling as if he could get enough air into his lungs. Since he started wearing the CPAP machine he has not had an episode like that again. I hope that you are able to start wearing the machine. It has helped my husband significantly and I hope it helps you.

Good Luck!