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If you have PF, have you had a sleep study?
As patients living with a chronic illness like IPF, we’re used to navigating multiple medical appointments. Oftentimes, when I share with friends the number of appointments a typical clinic day is made up of, they’ll often say to me, “That must be exhausting”. I always answer with a short confirmation that it is, which is why I try to avoid extra appointments whenever possible!
I really adore my Family Doctor; he is very supportive, validating, and thorough. When I mentioned my recent levels of fatigue, after I visited him following an ICU admission in December, he ordered a sleep study to check the quality of my sleep. Honestly, it makes sense that the quality of my sleep is compromised by a lung disease, so I don’t feel great about going for another appointment, even though I’m grateful he’s taking my concern about fatigue seriously.
Has anyone had a sleep study that was particularly beneficial or informative for the management of your IPF? If so, please share with the forums community what was found that was helpful!
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1 Reply
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Charlene,
I had multiple sleep studies prior to transplant. Two of the studies were conducted overnight in the hospital setting. A third study was conducted as a home sleep study. The studies showed that my breathing slowed or stopped multiple times during the night. My saturation levels would drop with my breathing. A CPAP device was prescribed, and it made a big difference. Subsequent sleep studies led to adjustments in the CPAP pressure settings. When supplemental oxygen was prescribed later in my journey, the oxygen supply was ported into the CPAP hose.
Subsequent to transplant, my care team had me stop using my CPAP. I have not had to go back to it, and my sleep has not been impacted. The initial concern about the CPAP use post-transplant was the pressure applied to the airway. Sam…
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