The Alexander City Outlook

Take sleep apnea seriously

Most folks in Alexander City probably don’t realize how fortunate we are to have such an extensive medical facility like Russell Medical Center. People who live in cities of comparable size in Alabama have to drive at least 50 miles to reach a healthcare facility that offers similar services.

To be honest, I was surprised to see a hospital of this magnitude when I first arrived in Alexander City. When I checked out the hospital Web site, I discovered a number of medical resources that included a first rate cancer center, excellent cardiology services and even a sleep disorders center.

This last item was especially interesting to me since I’ve had some experience with this type of medical care.

About 10 years ago my wife began to notice I was having difficulty breathing during sleep. As time went by she began to poke and prod me during the middle of the night. She feared I would stop breathing one night and felt the need to constantly wake me up.

At first I was very annoyed at this constant harassment. Feeling a sharp elbow dig into your ribs is never a pleasant feeling, especially while you sleep.

After several months of her carrying on about how I was on the verge of death every night, she finally convinced me to go and see a specialist about my apparent problem.

It was during this visit I first learned about sleep apnea. The doctor told me this disorder occurs during the night when a collapsed airway prevents air from reaching the lungs.

The most surprising thing I learned during my visit was roughly 20 percent of Americans suffer from this malady. The most disturbing thing I learned is that it can cause death.

The doctor suggested I visit a nearby sleep clinic in Birmingham in order to properly diagnose my problem.

In spite of his recommendation it took me two years to schedule an appointment. To be honest, I hate going to see doctors in the first place and I especially disliked the possibility of spending the night in a strange bed with wires attached all over my body while technicians monitored my every move.

As the months went by my problems became more severe. I had terrible bouts with reflux during the night as I struggled to sleep. I was tired all the time.

Finally I broke down and made the appointment. I simply was tired of being tired. Plus, I couldn’t take my wife’s nagging anymore.

As I expected, spending the night at the sleep center was no picnic. It seemed I was wrapped from head to toe in wires that monitored everything from leg movements to my pulse. They also attached a mask to my face that forced air down my throat. Not surprisingly, I had to take several sleeping pills to get through the ordeal.

When morning finally came the doctor stated I had the worst case of Sleep Apnea ever seen at the clinic. She recommended I start using a CPAP machine, which essentially keeps your airway from collapsing by forcing air into your lungs while you sleep.

It took about three months getting used to the machine but now I cannot sleep without it. It’s amazing how much better I feel. Plus, my wife no longer jabs me in the middle of the night fearing the end is near.

Odds are there are plenty of folks in our area that suffer from sleep apnea. We’re fortunate that Russell Medical Center can diagnose and treat this malady.

If you’re having sleep problems, get it checked out. Feeling better is well worth the price of one night of wires and strange machines attached to you.

Roger Steele is the general manager and advertising director of The Alexander City Outlook. His column appears each Thursday.