Question:
Does anyone know why I would have stomache cramps in the morning?

I was recently diagnosed with severe obstructive sleep apnea and have just begun use of the cpap machine. My pressure is 15. I am doing okay adjusting to the cpap and have been able to sleep without much problems. However, I am waking up about 5AM and removing the mask and experiencing moderate cramping in the area just below my breast and radiating across my rib cage. It dissapates after 10 to 15 minutes. I think air is being pushed into my stomache. My concern, if this is so, is how will it affect my new, smaller pouch after surgery? I'm sure it would not be a good thing to have air forced into it. Has this happened to anyone else and how did you resolve it? Thankyou!    — Susan M. (posted on August 26, 2001)

August 26, 2001
My pulminary dr said not to use it a month after surgery. My surgeon said by all means use it after surgery.Thats what we got it for in the first place, but i was concerned to b/c of the air going other places besides the lungs, ie: stomach.bowels. Maybe that can only happen if your mouth opens up. Ask both doc's, have them communicate together, just make sure you let them know, specially pul. Dr. : )
   — Marie A.

August 26, 2001
I don't have any problems with stomach cramps. You should check with your Dr. My WLS surgeon said I would bring my C-Pap to the hospital. I can't breath/sleep lying down without it.
   — Pam K.

August 26, 2001
My CPAP was also at 15. If it's that high, you cannot afford to be without it. I took my own, too. That way it's set, it fits, it's YOURS. In theory, the air from your lungs needs to be IN your lungs, not wandering around to other organs. I'm wondering if the pain is in your rib cage from the lungs. YOu know, getting good breath all night when lying down, esp if you are not accustomed to it. But you can call the place who services your CPAP and ask them if air should be in your actual stomach (organ) or in your abdominal cavity.
   — vitalady

August 26, 2001
Yes you can inflate your intestines and right after surgery this can cause a leak. I never tolerated my pressure of 17 and my surgeon put me on oxygen post op for the apnea. Oxygen costs more but its much more comfortable espically when your pressure is 15. Call your surgeon. I am now down 44 pounds and my wife says I hardly snoar.
   — bob-haller