Question:
Hypoxia ~ Does anyone else have this disorder?

I just got home from a sleep study, the lady told me that she felt I had hypoxia and the doc would evaluate and determine if there was a need for a cpap. Any information would be appreciated? Does anyone know if this would be considered a comorbidity?    — Rebecca N. (posted on March 5, 2000)

March 5, 2000
Absolutely, hypoxia is a comorbidity. This is a condition where you have a below-normal level of oxygen (hypo means below, under, less than, etc.). There can be a number of different reasons for this. Many people who are overweight have a narrowing of the airways related to obesity (I did! I had sleep apnea, too) and wls helps that in a lot of cases. My sleep apnea was gone within a few weeks of surgery. Good luck, and God bless. Jaye Carl, RN, open proximal RNY 7-29-99, 94 pounds gone forever!
   — Jaye C.

March 5, 2000
Hi, I just had my sleep study one week ago. It was a night from "HELL"! I had a hard time falling asleep, it took about 1 hr. I slept until 2 something when the tech came in and told me I was waking about 60 times a hour. He tried to put the mask on me but I freaked and couldn't do it. The doctor told me the next day that I have severe sleep apnea, waking from 55 to 70 times an hour. This produces the hypoxia, when 02 levels go down and CO2 levels rise. the treatment is the CPAP machine which stands for constant positive air pressure. It is done with a small air compressor and a mask that goes over your nose. This forces air into your airway and helps keeping it from collapseing in your sleep, which is usually the cause of the sleep apnea in people, especially obese people. They sent me home with one to try out. I only could stand it for 1/2 hr. the first night. The second night I slept with it for about 4 hrs. and the third night I kept it on for 5 1/2 hours. I now have my own and it is getting easier each night. It is considered a co-morbidity, along with Hypertension, Acid Reflux Disease, Asthma, Arthritis, and Congestive Heart Failure. There may be more but these are the ones I know about. I hope this information helps. I was where you are a week ago. By the way I have always been a nose breather, so if I can get used to this thing at age 55, I'm sure you can. Good Luck!!! Jeanie
   — Jeanie W.