I need advice badly :(
Posted , 2 users are following.
I am being refered as an emergancy to the sleep clinic, as i have constantly stopped breathing in my sleep.. To the point where i lose sleep because i'm too afriad, yet i then get to that point where i am too tired to stay awake and it is a vicious cycle.. Im not sure when i will get an appointment, i guess they will call and let me know, the issue is that i am going on holiday in 5 days with my bestfriend.. And now i'm not sure if i should go or not, incase it is a risk, or that an appointment will be made for me during that time, do i still go on holiday? 
or do i blow it off to get these issue's looked at, i dont want to be riddled with anxiety whilst im in another country, but i also dont want to waste the change of me facing my fears of flying and going on adventures and making something of my life.. Might i add that i also have chiari malformation, a brain condition, which i believe is all related to my sleep issues.
What do i do.. I am so afraid
0 likes, 4 replies
lily65668 livvy_smiles
Posted
Hi Livvy,
I'm assuming you're in the UK. Last time I looked, the NHS had a facility whereby you could notify the hospital department of your holiday dates. Maybe that's no longer the case, but it would surprise me. I think you should call the hospital asap to look into this. In any case, knowing what I do about the NHS (worked in it as a nurse for 10 years, but that was a long time ago, when there was more capacity) I doubt whether you'd get even an emergency appointment in a sleep clinic within the next few weeks.
As to whether or not it's safe for you to go on holiday, I'd say yes. If your problem is down to Chiari malformation you must always have had it - or at least all your adult life. And you're still here.
Get on to the hospital immediately, explain the whole situation, and see what they say. Obviously, if they say there's a strong chance you'll get a call in the next few weeks and missing it will mean waiting months, then you might need to think about cancelling your holiday. But if you can negotiate a solution with the hospital, go and enjoy your trip.
If you're sharing a room with your friend it might make you feel a bit more secure about sleeping too. And have you tried sleeping with an extra pillow? That's not the whole answer to sleep apnoea, but it can help a bit. (I have it too.) Hotels will usually provide extra pillows if you explain it's for health reasons.
livvy_smiles lily65668
Posted
lily65668 livvy_smiles
Posted
Well, the answer to the first question is the same as above - you've survived so far with Chiari malformation + possible sleep apnoea without a CPAP, so there's no reason why you won't survive without one for at least the next few years!
The alcohol question is a bit more difficult, and it certainly isn't ridiculous, it's very sensible. To be on the safe side I'd say no. However, this depends entirely on whether you're used to drinking. If you're used to drinking small quantities of alcohol it would obviously be safe to continue. After all, nothing has changed, has it, except that you now know (or at least suspect) that you have sleep apnoea? If, on the other hand, you're not used to drinking alcohol, this really isn't the time to start.
Even if you're used to drinking, I still have one BIG caveat. You look very young in your pic (if that is you, of course). I'm old enough to be your granny, or maybe even your great-granny, but I still remember what it was like to be young and a bit silly. Can you trust yourself not to go over the limit once you've started drinking in a party atmosphere? If you're going somewhere where it's hot, it can be very easy to guzzle beer or cocktails to slake your thirst. Make sure you drink plenty of non-alcoholic drinks at the same time as alcohol, to make sure you don't get too thirsty. Also, is there a chance you're going to smoke weed or do any other drugs on this holiday, with or without alcohol? Weed is a respiratory depressant too, as are many other drugs - even the ones that make you feel more awake.
Your worries about drinking are well-founded. Only you know yourself. If you have the slightest suspicion that the holiday atmosphere is going to push you over the edge into drinking too much, I'd say stay on the wagon. This is especially true if you're not normally used to drinking, in which case it would have more of an effect on you. (Same goes for drugs of any kind.)
And one last thing, which I'm sure a sensible young woman like you is already well aware of. For goodness' sake never leave a drink (alcoholic or not) unattended or accept a drink from someone you don't know - on holiday or at home. This is important for all young women, but especially you, as a date-rape drug would be much more dangerous for someone whose respiration is already depressed.
Provided you're going to be sensible (which I'm sure you are) and you can sort out something with the hospital, I see no reason why you shouldn't go on holiday and have a wonderful time!
livvy_smiles lily65668
Posted
Thankyou so so much!! I deffinately know my limits when it comes to alcohol
and i'll make sure i drink plenty of water in between, i did used to smoke weed but i quit, me and my bestie will look after eachother, its wonderful that she totally understands how im feeling and she said she will stand by me if i end up not feeling too well and we can just relax, i know its going to be very hot over there so i need to drink plenty of water, im very careful now when it comes to my body and i listen to everything it tells me in symptoms, i really appreciate your response lily x