We use cookies and other tools to enhance your experience on our website and to analyze our web traffic.
For more information about these cookies and the data collected, please refer to our Privacy Policy.

Sleep Apnea, Inflammation and Bowel Disorders

1 post
Was this reply useful? Learn more...
   
[-]
AmbitiousChocolateCormorant +0 points · over 6 years ago Original Poster

Hi!

This is my first post, but I have a lot of questions, so probably not my last!

Long before I was diagnosed with severe obstructive sleep apnea (about a month ago) I was having problems with my gut; any time I'd have a bowel movement I'd feel swollen and in pain, and I assumed the fatigue I was experiencing was somehow related. I took a fecal calprotectin test and it showed that I had an elevated level of 300 (I think a normal amount is something like 50), which indicated that I had high levels of inflammation. My doctor ordered a colonoscopy, but they didn't find any bowel disorders. This was actually my second colonoscopy, my first being when I was 18. They didn't find anything then either. I've had body aches and back pain for a number of years already, and I'm only 31 now.

When I found out that sleep apnea is linked to widespread inflammation, it made me wonder if anyone else has seen a noticeable decrease in inflammation, body pain and bowel pain since starting treatment for sleep apnea. I've only been using a CPAP machine for a few weeks now, but I'm anxious to learn if I'll feel relief of these other symptoms.

Christopher

Please be advised that these posts may contain sensitive material or unsolicited medical advice. MyApnea does not endorse the content of these posts. The information provided on this site is not intended nor recommended as a substitute for advice from a health care professional who has evaluated you.