Sleep apnea

[jml1986]

I am having a sleep study tonight because my 02 stats went below 88% a few times. My question is, I have severe allergies, so my head and sinuses are always plugged, also when I had my hysterectomy this past July, they told me that my airway was blocked so they had to use some machine to incabate (sp) me. Can either of these problems contribute to my 02 stats being low?

[Abhijeet Deshmukh, MD]

Hello.

A dropped O2 saturation indicates that there is not enough oxygen 'reaching' the lungs. Even if the sinuses are plugged, the respiratory system compensates for it by increasing the respiratory rate.

Is your weight within the range for your age and height ?

I do not think this is related to the hysterectomy incidence.Please let me know what the sleep study shows.

Regards

[jml1986]

I did the test last night and all they said was that I would have to go back again, so I am sure they are going to put me on a cpap machine. The one thing I would love to know is if my sinuses can be part of the reason my osygen levels are low. Also I am heavy for my height. I was working out 5 nights a week, both cardio and weight training. I would go 2 hours a night and I power hit it. I got into running so I was running 3 miles 3 nights a week. I had my surgery and have not been back since but will be starting back the 1st day of February. It is very frustrating to work out as much as I did and not lose one pound. Even the trainers were stumped. But I need to workout anyway so I can't wait to start up again.

So lets say they put me on a machine, if I would get the allergies under control and lose some weight, will I have to keep using the machine?

[Abhijeet Deshmukh, MD]

Hello.

The sinuses are para-nasal. They do no directly interfere with the oxygen supply. It is less likely that the problem is due only to the sinuses.

The CPAP machine is not a life long prescription. Once you are able to lose weight and be fit again, you may slowly discontinue it, with your doctor's consultation.

Regards

[jml1986]

Thanks for the info. Now if I could just get my body to cooperate. Exercise is not a problem, but diet is. I have sooo many food allergies that it is very hard for me to lose weight.

[Sam888]

As a reminder, many people have OSA who are slim and fit.  

[jml1986]

I was beginning to think that I was the only person who has the problem. I am a very active person and I do workout 5 days a week for a couple hours a day. I have no clue how come I can not lose the extra weight. It is really starting to get me down.

[Abhijeet Deshmukh, MD]

Hello.

Only exercise may not help sometimes. You must have a dietitian's consultation. Have you taken any advice from a dietitian ?

The key is to keep the basal metabolic rate of your body low. This can be achieved by eating small quantities of food at frequent intervals.

Regards

[jml1986]

I have not worked with a dietitian yet. I live in a very small town and the closest one is an hour and a half away. I know that I need to because with all my food allergies, it is not something that I can do without help. I am looking in to seeing one on my next visit to the city but that will not be for another month. I have been searching the net to see if there is something I can do until I get there. I would like to stay proactive when it comes to my diet. My plan is as of now to eat my 6 small meals a day, but the struggle is to find the food that will work and I will not get an allergic reaction to. Any advice you can give would be greatly appriciated.

[Abhijeet Deshmukh, MD]

Hello.

You must be aware of the "big eight" food allergies. These eith food cover almost all the cases (over 85%) of food allergy. Which of these are you allergies ?

Milk and egg are at the top of the list.

The key is to identify your 'allergens' and avoid those. But I guess you have already been doing it, which must be leaving you with almost no food, except for some snacks, may be.

Shopping for organic foods, which have less allergens, might help.

I wish I could help more at this point.

Regards

[jml1986]

I really do try to eat healthy. The only time I really ever allow myself to have a (bad) treat is when I go out of town on a trip. Which is at the most 3 times a year. I have a great general practice doctor and she works with me on my diet as well as my exercise. The gym I use is connected to our local hospital and so my workout partners are either drs, nurses or physical therapist. They all say it is a mystery. The one thing that I was told was that I am insulan resistant which I understand makes it hard to lose weight. However I have tried several of the medications for it and once again I am allergic to them. I know I am grasping at straws on this but as continue to be diagnosised with other illness such as the sleep apnea it is becoming more frustrating that these illiness all stem from my weight.