Can the BiPap machine cause Chondritis?

[germanyrose61]

In May of this year (2019), I was diagnosed with life threatening sleep apnea and also with hypothyroidism.  I also have arthritis (diagnosed at age 14), and lately I just feel like I'm totally falling apart.  I was a heavy smoker for 43 years and quit a little over 4 years ago with the help of Chantix which I took for 1 month. I have all the symptoms of having Hashimoto's since my hypothyroidism also has so many symptoms from the hyperthyroid spectrum. Anyway between chronic cough from Chronic bronchitis, and chronic fatigue from either sleep apnea or the Hashimoto's I'm having a really hard time keeping focused at work and currently I work 2 full-time jobs to be able to make ends meet. I work 7 days a week and with the chronic back pain as well from the degenerative disk disease (all 5 lower lumbar disintegrating), I've been going to a chiropractor and to Physical Therapy and they are the one's that told me I have chondritis because of all the pain I feel in my rib cage and sternum, so now wondering if the BiPap machine could've caused this?  I did have X-Rays, CT Scans, etc., and they found 3 nodules on my lungs but they said they're gonna wait at least 1 year to check them because they're small....just frickin lovely eh.  I don't know if I'm coming or going anymore but I do know I can't work much longer because besides all the pain and the breathing issues from asthma and the chronic cough I'm constantly falling asleep during the day.  I want to apply for disability but can't afford to quit work to see if I qualify.  Any suggestions?  I keep trying to lose weight, but not having any luck there, it's like I've hit a 'plateau' and it ain't going nowhere.

[cecivale]

Hi did you ever figure out what was going on? Were you able to go back to normal? I know this add is old, but I have an Endoscopy done, and after that I felt different symptoms one of them is breathing problems.

Please let me know. Thanks

[Sara_MHModerator]

Hello, I'm wondering if your issue has resolved?  Can you give us an update?

[Sara_MHModerator]

Hello and thank you for your question on the forum.  I'm really sorry to hear about all you have been through.  It sounds very complicated and difficult.  You are working with doctors and getting guidance from them which is the right approach.  What is their treatment plan for h diagnosed chondritis? Typically that is caused by a virus, bacteria or fungus and your Bipap machine 'could' be a source of that.  Certainly the tubing of the machine could be a source of that.  While cpap and bipap machines can be very helpful, there are some that have upper respiratory and lung issues with it due to the cleaning issue of the machine and mask.  I'd talk to your doctor about this.  You are not alone. There are some long threads on this site of people with similar issues.