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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To ask if sleep apnea is an emergency?

250 replies

Sleepapneaproblems · 16/12/2023 21:31

I have undiagnosed sleep apnea and am awaiting the sleep study for official diagnosis. After being in hospital for something unrelated the consultant I saw expedited the referral because I was struggling to wake and kept falling asleep during conversation.

I will fall asleep sitting up, sitting on the floor, with a coffee in my hands, eating etc, it’s getting really bad.

I get dizzy often and feel like I’m going to pass out when I stand up. I have a headache all day every day. I also get a frequent thundering in my ears which comes with waves of pressure.

this week the earliest I have woken is 1pm, my partner cannot physically wake me up and he’ll tell me he tried multiple times and I have no recollection of this.

This week has been particularly bad and I’m getting worried. I didn’t wake until 4pm and despite this still slept until 2pm today and im still exhausted. I had a fall two nights ago when I briefly woke up, stood up to go get some water and fell and face planted the floor. Currently have a nice big bump on my head.

Today im really feeling quite out of it and im getting a lot of palpitations and dizziness, and even standing makes me feel nauseous because of how light headed it’s making me.

I’ve barely moved off the sofa today because it’s literally exhausting me to move.

Really panicking about tonight/tomorrow because I hate not being able to wake up.

When does sleep apnea become an emergency, and is this something I should just wait to see GP/continue waiting for the sleep study?

OP posts:
DcatAnnie · 18/12/2023 23:01

DH (46) was diagnosed with heart failure this last July. He had headaches for a few months and then shortness of breath and ended up in emergency. He had lots of fluid around his lungs and heart. They did blood tests and an echo. He has dilated cardiomyopathy probably caused by untreated high blood pressure and sleep apnea.

It’s a shocking diagnosis at first but HD is just really an umbrella term meaning heart is not beating fully. He is now on 5 tablets and it’s doing really well and feeling so so much better. I have joined a few fb groups and there are many many people doing well. Google seems a bit outdated as there are lots of improvements in medicines in the past few years.

if you are dx with HF I suggest that you look on the British Heart Foundation website as it was really helpful. The most important measure seems to be ejection fraction (from the echo) so you will need this information going forward. I am really optimistic that there are lots that can be done for DH. All the best.

peachgreen · 18/12/2023 23:12

HF is not the death sentence it once was. I know coming from me that sounds trite, given my DH did pass away, but a) his wasn’t discovered until it was as severe as it can get, and b) he died from a cardiac arrest which is a VERY rare complication of HF. He had been put on medication to treat the HF that was genuinely working very well and we were optimistic about his future. HF is such an umbrella term and people with HF can live completely normal lives with a normal life expectancy with the right treatment etc. Try not to panic until you have a clearer picture – especially as it may not be HF at all.

Original poster
Sleepapneaproblems · 19/12/2023 18:09

Hi everyone, just an update.

I didn’t wake until 1:30pm today. I slept for 17 hours. I missed two very important work calls with new clients, my partner tried shaking me to wake up and I didn’t stir.

Had blood tests at 3pm. I got so breathless walking to the department and my legs hurt so much that I had to use a wheelchair on the way back to reception.

Called the surgery and they already have my results. Doctor yet to review them as apparently back to back today.

I think the surgery is closed now so I’ll receive a call in the morning.

OP posts:
SausageCasseroles · 19/12/2023 18:15

Gosh I really hope you get some answers soon.

Original poster
Sleepapneaproblems · 19/12/2023 18:42

@SausageCasseroles thank you. I’ll definitely get the call tomorrow. I’m so scared

OP posts:
FortofPud · 19/12/2023 18:51

That's good that things are moving in the right direction at least.

Also, please remember that you can, and should, still go back to a&e if your symptoms are getting worse and need immediate help (the breathlessness for instance).

EddieHowesShithousingMags · 19/12/2023 18:56

Mumsnet is so great sometimes, I’m just reading this thread now but I’m so pleased that so many posters pushed you into seeking extra help. I have everything crossed that you get a diagnosis you can work with.

VeganNugsNotDrugs · 19/12/2023 19:32

You must be very worried. Just so you know what to expect next, you'll likely be picked up by the cardiology team and have an echocardiogram (ultrasound of the heart) and probably an MRI in order to get a diagnosis - heart failure is the symptom, rather than the reason. There will likely be some medication and with any luck, you'll be looked after by a team of heart failure nurses who are usually fantastic. Also if there's a family history of cardiac problems, you may be given the option of genetic counselling/testing.

Fingers crossed for some more answers tomorrow 🤞

Wowzel · 19/12/2023 19:34

It sounds like you might need some time off sick from work until you get things more sorted

Original poster
Sleepapneaproblems · 19/12/2023 22:01

I collapsed at home this evening and was taken into A&E by my partner because 111 told him to. My chest is tight and my heart is going crazy with palpitations. Literally sobbing because it was getting worse while waiting and isn’t very busy so I asked reception how long it would be to triage and explained i was struggling with my breathing and that I do have fluid on my lungs. She said well if you stop talking to me you’ll be able to save some oxygen, you’re here all the time aren’t you? Loudly in front of those who are here. I felt so embarrassed that I sat down and just cried like an idiot.

I was triaged and my blood pressure is high and I’m very tachycardic. They did an ECG and they said my heart is very tachy and they are going to speak to the doctor to see if I need bloods because I already had them today.

I feel like a fucking stupid idiot hypochondriac for being here but I feel so so awful and my GP said if things do escalate go to A&E.

im so embarrassed and really feel I should just go home. I am so sick of how I am living, i just want the world to swallow me up right now

OP posts:
notapizzaeater · 19/12/2023 22:03

Omg, I'd complain about the receptionist. Hope you get some answers tonight

DcatAnnie · 19/12/2023 22:08

I can’t believe they sent you home to be honest. It sounds like you need to be admitted to the cardiac department. You may need diuretics to get the fluid off your lungs. Surely they can access your blood results?

When DG was admitted he was understandably frightened at not be able to breathe, you absolutely belong in hospital.

Flyhigher · 19/12/2023 22:08

Resmed sleep apnea machines cost £1499 on Amazon.
Treatment is oxygen being blown into your nostrils while you sleep.

Sproutier · 19/12/2023 22:10

oh lovely. You collapsed and you were told to go to A&E. Random lady knows nothing about you and is probably deep in her own head worrying about her own stuff. I'm just glad you are in the right place.

peachgreen · 19/12/2023 22:13

Honestly at this stage I'd be borrowing money to pay for a private echocardiogram. It's about £350.

Original poster
Sleepapneaproblems · 19/12/2023 22:14

I have one tomorrow at 4pm @peachgreen

OP posts:
peachgreen · 19/12/2023 22:20

That's really good @Sleepapneaproblems, I'm pleased. Don't let the A&E receptionist upset you. You're in the right place.

Citrusandginger · 19/12/2023 22:31

You deserve to be treated with respect and dignity. And I can't believe that I having to point out that you are also entitled to professional assessment of your condition and appropriate treatment. I've been a nurse for 36 years and I am so ashamed to read about how you have been treated. Please believe me that most staff are not like this, however overstretched we are.

I hope you receive treatment starting tonight and that you make good progress. When you have the energy, please do complain. To PALs, to CQC, and to the Director of Nursing. Something has to change.

Thinking of you Flowers

HappyHamsters · 19/12/2023 22:33

Is this the same hospital wo sent you home on Saturday, the receptionist was rude, report her if you feel up to it. You are not a hypochondriac, wait and see the doctor.

Letsgetouttahere2023 · 19/12/2023 22:33

See your gp

What's your BMI?

HappyHamsters · 19/12/2023 22:36

Letsgetouttahere2023 · 19/12/2023 22:33

See your gp

What's your BMI?

She has seen her gp and is in hospital a&e

Rainbowhairanddontcare · 19/12/2023 22:40

So sorry you're suffering like this and have been made to feel even worse than you already do. Really hope you get to the bottom of it and get treated and your life improves massively. Sending hugs xxx

Original poster
Sleepapneaproblems · 19/12/2023 22:58

I just feel like I’m wasting peoples time. But I’m not right and I’m genuinely worried for my life. I am failing as a mum, at my job, as a partner. My body cannot do anything. Every day right now I just feel weak and like my body is struggling to survive. I know how dramatic this sounds but comments like the receptionists just make me feel like what’s the point? Am I being a hypochondriac? Am I not unwell enough? I feel stupid for the amount I have attended this week but I just keep thinking I need to be here for my little boy

OP posts:
Shroedy · 19/12/2023 23:17

OP, that the receptionist said is unprofessional, inappropriate and worthy of a massive complaint. But right now her idiocy is not your concern and you are absolutely right, you're there for your boy and your family. You know that if someone close to you said they were experiencing the symptoms you are feeling you would be telling them to get themselves sorted, no ifs, no buts, no delays. Don't question yourself. You collapsed, you are tachychardic and you have been unable to live your life. You are ABSOLUTELY in the right place right now. Don't be undermined by an idiot.