Anoj Posted July 4, 2012 Report Share Posted July 4, 2012 Are there any particular things I should be asking them or looking out for? I mean, in relation to POTS/dysautonomia. I don't expect them to understand my condition, but I want to get the most out of this experience, in light of my illness. My previous holter monitor found that my HR was extremely high upon waking, but I don't know what that means. Thanks in advance! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Katybug Posted July 4, 2012 Report Share Posted July 4, 2012 Where I had my sleep studies, there were only technicians, so asking a lot of questions wouldn't have gotten me anywhere. I will say that I am so glad I had both a nighttime and daytime study because the daytime study is what showed that I have hypersomnia (but also ruled out narcolepsy). I felt like it at least validated to the docs that I wasn't lying about the level of fatigue I was experiencing. It did make my PCP pay more attention. Also, the "sleep specialist" doc that I saw as a result of my test being abnormal wanted to, of course, label me as having depression and anxiety based on my other symptoms in conjunction with the hypersomnia. I also had an appt later that day with the cardio...she had just received my TTT results and dx'ed me with POTS. SHe said to ignore the sleep doc...that the POTS was more than likely what was making me so fatigued. My point being that if something shows up other than sleep apnea, don't be surprised if they want to talk about depression/anxiety. Incidentally, it was noted on my nighttime study report that I experienced tachycardia during sleep but the sleep doc felt no need to address that. My suspicion is he had no idea what to make of it. Have a good sleep!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DoozlyGirl Posted July 5, 2012 Report Share Posted July 5, 2012 After 90 minutes of laying there without falling asleep, the tech came in and said I'd have to come back for another test when the doc could order a sleeping pill. i then asked if I could check my bag, and I found a single Ambien, which I took and was able to get a valid study on that same study. If you have a prescribed sleeping pill, bring a pill or two in case you can't fall asleep and they want to reshedule your test. You need to be asleep for a minimum number of hours for the test to be valid. Best wishes, Lyn Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Alex Posted July 5, 2012 Report Share Posted July 5, 2012 Hi Anoj,this is interesting, my last Holter showed my HR being over 100 for a good part of the 2 nights I wore it.Also while being monitored my highest heart rate: 129 bpm was recorded at 2:30 AM while sleeping - that doesn't look normal to me as I am taking several meds to lower my heart rate - including propranolol at bedtime.My "specialist" didn't even blink when he read the Holter report, he just told me there is nothing there to warrant further investigations. Any particular reason why your dr decided to send you for a sleep study? Hope you'll have a positive experience.Alex Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
misstraci Posted July 5, 2012 Report Share Posted July 5, 2012 I've never done one before, good luck to you! let us know your results Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bellgirl Posted July 5, 2012 Report Share Posted July 5, 2012 I would suggest to take the maximum sleep aides that they will allow. I was already on Klonopin, but did not sleep enough for reading and testing with Cpap, so I had to return the second night, with Klonopin and Ambien, so they could decide on my prescription for Cpap. I have sleep apnea, too. About 30% of POTS patients have sleep apnea, and if you go to a reputable sleep specialist, they will test for many things such as EKG, EEG, limb movement, chest movements, respirations, O2 saturation, etc. while you are sleeping, and they will be familiar with dysautonomia. My doctor saw me right after my testing to evaluate me. The average size woman's neck for sleep apnea is 16 inches. Mine is 11 and a half. I find that funny . I sleep very well now with my machine, and love having it. I was awakened all the time being tachycardic, and would stay up for hours, and now on my beta blocker and Klonopin, I am so much better . I sleep like a baby Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Anoj Posted July 5, 2012 Author Report Share Posted July 5, 2012 i don't take any sleep aids, and frankly i wouldn't want to. i'd probably be near comatose. i just see this as a PITA. i see whatever sleep problems i have as related to POTS, and i have a strong feeling these people will look at it in the narrow tunnel vision of sleep apnea only. i just look forward to coming home tomorrow. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Anoj Posted July 6, 2012 Author Report Share Posted July 6, 2012 well, that was a bust. it got delayed. lol. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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