Nightmare

Wow! “Sighing,” I sigh and had never thought of that as a ‘sign’!

Read James Franklin’s [i]The Science of Conjecture: Evidence and Probability Before Pascal[/i], about when signs were evidence and two witnesses of sufficient stature was ‘proof’. This is the ‘proof’ that was lacking to convict Jesus.

I sigh, and am confirming a diagnosis of Central SA as I have written elsewhere here.

I am Doug, 69 y.o., diagnosed and prescribed a CPAP about two months ago. My initial PSG AHI ~6. At my 30 day follow up AHI 15. Cardiologist sleep doctor right away volunteered Central SA and prescribed a titration PSG in a couple of weeks and an ASV to follow.

I am very pleased as I thought it would take a year of wrangling to get the CSA diagnosis. I hope that this is check off towards Athletic Heart Syndrome. On the way I have been through a diagnosis of Neuro-Cardiogenic Hypotension that cost an amazing amount of money. The ultimate prescription was a Beta-blocker that left me trying to do chores at 45 BPM. I AMA’d off the Beta-blocker.

At my initial cardiologist’s consultation he, jokingly, prescribed “More salt, more liquids, and put on 20 pounds.” So I took that to mean more potato chips, more beer and I put on 20 pounds. That was eight years ago, and I’ve been fine on the low blood pressure front - no fainting. A recent suggestion of PVC’s that I had taken to be AFib for my thought that I could auto-convert with Valsalva maneuver. (Ah, career submariner including civilian career in nuclear power.)

My complaint that led to seeking a sleep apnea diagnosis was waking during panic attacks; diaphoresis, tachycardia, anxiety. If I had known that nocturea was a symptom I would have been here years ago! Now I am sleeping 7 hours soundly and waking gently.

I’m 6’2” 235# 45 BPM resting, ~100 miles per week vigorous maximum 140 BPM bicycling (recumbent tricycle). Lifetime mountaineer, skier, Olympic grade swimmer, and now cycling in my seniority. Trained EMT in the Eighties.

My new guy experience. I had two home tests to recommend my PSG sleepover. ~6 AHI and my cardiologist sleep doctor prescribed a CPAP ResMed 10 Air Sense. At my 30 day follow up my AHI is ~15 and he realized, volunteered immediately, Central SA. Yes! So now I’m waiting about two weeks for titration PSG and an ASV.

I’m 70 and am working towards an Athletic Heart Syndrome diagnosis. At my follow up OV work up, my HR was 45 BPM with a normal BP despite rushing around.