Hypopnea? Elevated (and getting higher) RBC counts? - Sleep Disorders Message Board

T4T3hell · 08-09-2008, 03:54 PM

I've had sleep and fatigue problems most of my life---in addition to testing for Cushings (after being dx'd with hashimoto's and now hypopituitarism),
my new pcp has alerted me to my rising RBC counts.

According to him---this means one of several things---my hypopit. and undx'd endocrine problems are causing this, I have a bone marrow issue, a kidney tumor, or it's due to my hypopnea---which they're trying to figure out.

Anyone have anything akin to this?
Thanks.

PS---I've burned through two sleep doctors---I'm getting ready to see a third one---who was receptive and validated my edema/endocrine problems---which the others ignored.

bethsheba · 08-09-2008, 04:25 PM

T4T,

No, I'm sorry I don't have a similar experience but I wanted you to know that I wish you the best. And good for you for trying a third sleep doctor. You'd think that being specialists in the field, they'd know a little something, don't you?

Please let us know what you find out...I think that in this day and age we sometimes learn more from each other than we do from our doctors.

Bethsheba

T4T3hell · 08-09-2008, 06:50 PM

Thanks B---
I've found out the hard way---when you have something weird---you're screwed unless you dig like crazy to find an answer---or find folks who've been through similar circumstances.
I was impressed with this doctor---she actually listened and did a whole lot more testing on me than either of the two. In fact---she is the one who informed me that I did not have sleep apnea---but hypopnea instead.
I haven't seen her for nearly a year---but after I did see a real specialist---who dx'd my hypo-pituitarism---and secondary hypothyroidism, I did go back to the sleep doctor's office for a routine office visit---and the n.p. (doctor was on maternity leave) was astounded at how much better my lung function was---after an increase in thyroid medications.
I keep thinking that all my problems keep coming back to thyroid/hormone problems.
Hopefully this doctor and my new pcp will be able to figure things out. I've been thrown out of too many doctors offices to give up when things get kind of tough.
Only the persistent get answers!
Thanks again!

bethsheba · 08-10-2008, 06:33 PM

T4T,

Just a quick note to let you know I read and enjoyed your post! Am too tired to respond now, but will try to get back tomorrow.
Am anxious to compare notes.

Bethsheba