Grandma Barb’s This and That

Saturday, January 19, 2013

Light at the end of the tunnel

I was up before the sun on Thursday as I had an appointment with a sleep study doctor 90 miles away and had to be there by 9:30  There was only a few minutes you could see the sunrise as the clouds took over.  You can see by the foreground that we have had thawing weather as there's not much snow left on the plowed field.  That is changing as I write this.  We are headed for below zero weather, but not a lot of snow.



I was very happy with this doctor as he explained a lot of what my two sleep studies showed.  And it's complicated.  I have complex sleep apnea, which mean obstructive and central.  Obstructive is the air ways collapsing during sleep. Central means that you brain doesn't tell you to breath.  On top of that I have extremely restless legs which move 74 times an hour!  That's more than once a minute! With the combination of these 3 things I have  19 arousal's per hour.  It's no wonder I've been tired.  He is going to have me take another sleep study using a bi-pap machine rather than the c-pap.  The bi-pap will take care of both kinds of apnea where the c-cap only works on the obstructive.  He also gave me some medication for the restless legs.  After the sleep study I will get a bi-pap and that should take care of most of the sleep problems.

I also had a pulmonary function test and that showed I have asthma.  Therefore the shortness of breath.  I now have an inhaler with medicine to help with that.  I think I see the light at the end of the tunnel with my health problems!  At least most of the answers.

I'm linking this to Sunlit Sunday, Season 2, Week 3 over at My Little Home and Garden.

Thanks for stopping by and have a Sunny Sunday!

Barb

48 comments:

Anonymous said...

Barb, you're definitely going on my prayer list... you need rest & I'm thinking you need it pretty bad... restful sleep! God bless you, Barb.
Take it easy & maybe go for some walks? That might get you some fresh air & get you tired? My grandma's answer to just about everything was 'fresh air'! =)

Liz@ HomeandGardeningWithLiz said...

Nice sunrise picture! Well I guess you've got answers now... let's hope you get some better rest! I hope his recommendations work well and you can breathe better. Good thing they figured out your asthma too. You will be feeling better now that you've got the med for that.

Beth said...

Bless you Barb, you certainly have a lot to deal with. I am so glad that you have a competent doctor that you like!

The photo of the sunrise is beautiful.

Pamela Gordon said...

Well, Barb, you and I are in the same boat. I have sleep apnea too and am trying out a CPap machine. I've been on the trial since the first of December trying different machines but I think I've found the one that works best for me. I haven't used it in almost 2 weeks do the the bad cough/cold I have though. I have had issues for a long time and wondered why I was so tired all the time. I've been on sleeping pills for a few years and am off them right now thanks to the CPap. I'm glad you found out what's wrong with you and that you will soon be feeling more energetic. The machine takes some getting used to but I believe it has made me feel better. Hugs, Pamela

My Little Home and Garden said...

Dear Barb,

that is great news! I'm so glad you've found a doctor who is determined to help with your health problems, someone you can have some faith in to deal with the sleep issues.

Your "light at the end of the tunnel" is so hopeful! Thanks for sharing it at ☀Sunlit Sunday.

Warm Wishes to you,
Karen

TexWisGirl said...

i've been wondering about the sleep studies you've mentioned. glad they have identified what's going on. hope the meds help with the restless leg syndrome! and the machine can help w/ the apneas. lordy, don't know how you've functioned! i'd be a zombie w/o prolonged good sleep!

Anonymous said...

Sorry for your health problems, Barb. One would have been enough but three is dreadful.
I hope the machine and meds help you feel fit-as-a-fiddle real soon.

Lovely sky shot :)

Carole M. said...

I enjoyed the beautiful photograph Barb; a sunrise over the white ground is so different to anything I'll ever see. Glad that you're happy with specialist and you're getting the attention needed to help you through hiccup. Take care,

Anonymous said...

I'm thankful you rec'd some answers finally and I pray that you soon will be feeling much better.

Love, Live and Garden said...

May the light at the end of your tunnel get closer and closer until you are drenched in light, love, happiness and a great night's rest.

Brian King said...

Wow, I don't see how you sleep at all! That's gotta be rough. I am glad to hear the causes were finally identified! I hope help is not far off now. Your photo is beautiful!

Karen @ Beatrice Euphemie said...

Beautiful sunrise, Barb! So glad you are taking steps to remedy your sleep issues. I have heard that these things are very serious if not taken care of. Good for you! I do hope this all leads to many sweet dreams for you! xx

betty-NZ said...

I'm sorry for the reason you could give us such a lovely picture, and I do hope that you get some good sleep soon. I have my problems connect to my thyroid problems but not as bad as yours sound.

Ruth Kelly said...

I have the same sleep apnea problems and a Cpap helped for a couple of years but now I am on just oxygen and a TAP. I hope the bi-pap works for you. Your photo is just stunning!

Anonymous said...

I hope things all work out with the Bipap.. most people feel very resting after a nigh on bipap. I did a sleep study at couple of years ago but wasn't severe enough to have to use bipap or cpap. I hope this will be your light at the end of the tunnel..love your picture

Marlys @ Thisandthat photography said...

I hope everything works out with the bipap and is your light at the end of the tunnel. I did a sleep study a couple of years ago but didn't need either a cpap or bipap. Love your picture.

Snap said...

Beautiful sunrise and I know you are happy to see the light at the end of the tunnel with your health problems. Many hugs to you and Happy Sunlit Sunday!

Tomoko said...

So glad that you have found a good doctor to help you.
I have serious asthma. An inhaler with medicine is always with me except summer season. I try to listen to my body and care not to be tired.
I hope you get good sleep soon and feel better.
The sunrise photo is beautiful.
Green tomato

Crafty Gardener said...

That is a gorgeous sunrise photo.
Hope that all the tests etc you are going through at the doctors will find solutions to help you sleep and breathe better.

Sally in WA said...

I hope and pray the bi-pap gives you the sleep your body needs. Heading back to the deep freeze today. :-(

Debbie said...

gorgeous image, loved the title!!

as difficult as illness can be, it's wonderful to have caring doctirs and to know what you are dealing with!!

i hope you feel better soon, it really sucks when these things get in the way of having fun!!

Janet said...

Lovely sunrise over the melting snow. Now maybe you can get some good sleep!

Irene said...

It's a lovely sunrise. It's not a good thing that you have all these issues to deal with but definitely a good thing that you can do something to get a good nights sleep. Good News, I'm sure you're happy.

Amy Burzese said...

When it rains, it pours. It sounds like you are on track for a good night's rest from now on. Good luck!

Our Neck of the Woods said...

What a gorgeous sunrise! So sorry for your recent troubles. At least you are figuring out exactly what is wrong so the doctors can treat you and you can get better! Will keep you in my thoughts and prayers :)

Barb said...

Losing sleep really does impinge on general health. Hope you can find some healing rest soon!

Linda @ Itsy Bits And Pieces said...

Wow, lots going on, Barb...sounds like you have a doctor that wants to get to the bottom of it and help you!
Restless legs are awful...anemia was behind it for me. If they can get you sleeping well, it will make such a difference for you! XO

Karen Lakis said...

It sounds as though you're getting close to a solution. What a relief it will be for you to get some sleep. The sunrise is a beautiful side- benefit, though.

ellen b. said...

Oh Barb, I'm glad you are getting some answers. So much going on so I'm happy you see light...

eileeninmd said...

Barb, I am glad you are getting help. It is not a good feeling to be so tired. You need some good sleep. Lovely photo, have a happy week!

Prims By The Water said...

Hope the bi pap works for you. Hubby Bob uses a c-pap. Love the sunrise and we are going into a deep freeze too! Janice

momto8 said...

oh yes...that is definitely a light!!! knowing what your dealing with is knowing how to fix the problems...
good luck with everything going on.
hang in there...I took care of many patients who managed sleep apnea and asthma.

Pondside said...

Light indeed! You will be so happy when you get your sleep mojo back!

Dee ⚜️⚜️⚜️⚜️⚜️ said...

I had no idea you had sleep problems Barb. I'm so glad you are being treated. I hope you can get some much needed rest :)
Hugs,
Dee

JOY @ http://joysjotsshots.blogspot.com/ said...

So glad you are getting solutions to your problem and that its not super serious. JOY!

EG CameraGirl said...

I sure do hope you get some good sleep soon!

John's Island said...

Hi Barb, Beautiful sunrise photo! Best wishes to you on the sleep apnea. I like the way you explained the situation. I did not know all that about sleep apnea. Wishing you improved sleeping! Thank you for your kind comments on John's Island. John

My name is Riet said...

Your sunrise is beautiful Barb. Good to know what the trouble is and that something can be done about it. I had a lot of trouble too but I was told to take extra calciumtablets in the evening and that does help me so far. Hopefully you will get better now.

Nancy said...

You've got alot going on while you sleep, girlie! I hope everything gets resolved with the medication, etc... Such a pretty sky you captured!

Olive said...

I am so thankful the doctor has gotten to the diagnosis. I also have restless leg and take medication for it. It can make one miserable. When I worked at the hospital mine was far worse but I still have it. You will have so much energy with the Bi-Pap. I used to order the machines for my patients so know a wee bit about them. blessings, olive

Judy said...

I hope all goes well, it sounds like you have a good doctor, and I'll keep you in my prayers.

Cheryl @ TFD said...

It sounds like you are on the right track in finding help for your health issues. I haven't been sleeping well myself and boy do I really miss knowing what a good night's sleep feels like! I don't think I have sleep apnea, tho. Hope you get the help you need real soon!

Deanna said...

wow, that sleep study will really improve how you feel...isn't it amazing how many advances they have made in this area. So happy to hear that the Dr. has discovered and is making changes for you to sleep better and feel better. God is good.

Rose said...

No wonder you are tired with all of that! Hope all works our for you to start getting some real rest.

Liz said...

Wow, Barb!! As I read this I was empathising the more and more I read about your sleep problems. I understand from personal experience.
I too have asthma, severe Restless legs syndrome, Sleep Apnoea and a condition called "Alphs EEG sleep pattern" meaning my brain doesnt actually shut down at night. The last condition isn't treatable but the rest are as you probably have learned.
I'm due for another sleep study this month and I'm not looking forward to it as it means going off all my meds for a week and no sleep. The restless legs meds will be the worst to stop taking!
I'm so glad you have found a good doctor and you are finally getting treatment.
And that's a beautiful sunrise!

The Cranky said...

I'm sorry I missed this post Barb, but so glad you are finally getting the answers you need. Isn't that such a huge relief?!

I also have RLS (restless legs) and once the medication reaches the proper level in your bloodstream you will find it a tremendous blessing. So glad things are turning around for you!

Anonymous said...

how absent minded am I? as soon as i started reading, I knew i'd already read it! =)
Prayers coming your way...

I've been caught up in something i'm writing, possibly to be posted later, but not real sure, yet.

A Colorful World said...

I am so happy to learn that your sleep studies went well and that they are able to help you with your problems! My goodness, that's a lot of waking during the night! I know you will be much more comfortable with all things dealt with. Thank goodness!