Posted by TemporarilyBob on September 8, 2012, at 12:46:35
In reply to Re: Anyone using/benefiting from CPAP? » TemporarilyBob, posted by Chris O on September 8, 2012, at 11:43:37
I must have forgotten to confirm my response ... Oh well, here we go again....
Chris, it does sound from what you said that weight loss is totally out of the question for you. But don't put the cart before the horse. I don't think you're indicating that your mental issues are the cause of your apnea and even given that, maybe they are. But the specialist I worked with always told me that structural problems in the airway could give someone rail-thin apnea. He wouldn't consider any surgical options until I had returned to a decent BMI, and it sounds like that is where you are.
Are you seeing your family doctor for your apnea or a specialist? An otolaryngologist would know what measures could be taken. I know there are even out-patient laser procedures that could provide the relief you need. It seems to me that CPAP is most effective for people like I was where fatty tissues created the airflow obstructions and so could be kept in place with the high air pressure CPAP provides; which given your weight might explain why it is ineffective for you.
I don't know your insurance situation, so I can't even guess if any such procedure would be covered. But it sounds to me like you need to be seeing a specialist, if you are not already. The otolaryngologist who helped me is somewhat of an expert in the area of apnea's affects on mental functioning, and from what he told me time and again improving your apnea will improve your mental condition. The brain simply isn't meant to function well with your blood oxygen below 95%. It truly can be a life threatening condition, so you need to seek out the best, most specialized care you can.
Great wits are sure to madness near allied,
And thin partitions do their bounds divide.
poster:TemporarilyBob
thread:1024801
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20120830/msgs/1025134.html