Question:
What is it?

For anyone with some knowledge of breathing patterns like "Cheyne-Stokes" (sp??) I don't know what it is but for the past 5-6 years, I've had this abnormal breathing which I was told resembles sorta like a "cheyne-stokes" type breathing pattern. I've been on CPAP for Obstructive Sleep Apnea since May 2001 at a setting of 11, but I notice when I yawn, I have like a double-yawn almost like gasping for breath. The same thing happens when I cry or have cried. It doesn't hurt, but scares some people around me. It's involuntary. What could this be and do you think it will interfere with my upcoming surgery? Will the anesthesiologist know what to do for this? I'm kinda scared!    — yourdivaness (posted on July 19, 2002)

July 19, 2002
Hadiyah, you will have a pre-op interview with an anesthesiologist or nurse anesthetist prior to your surgery. If you have any reports from a previous sleep study, or consultations with a pulmonologist, or pulmonary function tests, bring copies of those reports with you and give them to the anesthesiologist. You should explain your breathing patterns at that time, and also discuss your fears or concerns. The anesthesia department will then be completely prepared to address any problems that might arise, as well as to inform the Recovery Room staff and floor nurses to monitor your respiratory status closely. Your surgeon needs to be made aware of these issues during your pre-op appointment as well. Most patients discover a rapid improvement in their respiratory "issues" as they experience the initial rapid weight loss in those first weeks and months post-op. Hopefully, that will be true for you as well. :-)
   — Diana T.

July 20, 2002
Hi. In specific answer to your question, Cheyne-Stokes respiration is a very specific breathing pattern that is typically seen when one is very near death. I am sure that the key here is that you were told that the pattern was "Cheyne-Stokes"-LIKE. JK, RN
   — Joya K.