Sleep disorders and Sjogren's

[MaryBee7]

Am so ... won't use the word.  I just opened my mail to find a letter from insurance company saying they've approved 3 units of "continuous airway pressure device".  So I'm going okay...hmm.  Hadn't heard at all from ANYone, medically, about results of my sleep study 2 weeks ago.  So now they're going to say get a CPAP machine.  Okay, I'm not saying I don't have apnea, but rheumy has tried to tell me that I probably do, because I shouldn't be as fatigued as I am, and that Plaquenil and Imuran should be making me feel just great.  I also realize that apnea causes fatigue but this doctor has minimized my POSITIVE LABS For Sjogren's SS-b  for godssake, which so many people never see!  Will have to muzzle myself and tie my hands before Tuesday's visit to his office.

[jazzlover]

I wouldn't look at it as his minimizing your illness. I'd look at it as a step toward feeling MUCH better once that CPAP is in use!!

[slccom]

Maybe, maybe not. I've used a BiPAP for years and have not noticed that it gives me refreshed sleep and energy. However, that said, it is probable that I would be a LOT worse without it. And certainly, my pulmonary hypertension would be much worse.

I also know a bunch of people who feel much, much better with theirs; I hope you are among that group!

Sharon

[irish]

I would bet that if a survey was taken it would be more votes for the positive effects of the CPAP. The world is just full of people these days who have issues.

People with autoimmune disease really seem to have an increased propensity for sleep issues. It comes with the territory. Also, sometimes the central nervous system issues can be very hard to identify but can cause some relaxation in the soft palate. This alone will cause apnea.

Just go with the flow and see what happens. YOu may be very surprised. Also, your rheumatologist may have a high incidence of autoimmune patients who are benefiting from a CPAP. Good luck. Irish