Patient Stories - Lee Ann's Story

It Could Save Your Life

I am a 58 year old woman and I was diagnosed with dilated cardiomyopathy in 1991. It was a moderate case but over the years, even with medication, had worsened somewhat. I felt reasonably well except for being sleepy all the time. I could go to sleep at a stop light, reading a book, in the middle of a conversation, etc. Anytime, anywhere, I would nod off. This had been going on for 15 or 20 years.

Finally in October 2000, a doctor sent me for a sleep study. I quit breathing numerous times, one time for almost 2 minutes, and woke repeatedly. Before they "woke" me to put a mask on, I never did get to the REM sleep mode.

Since then, I have slept with a mask and CPAP machine every night. It took a couple of weeks to notice a difference, but then the difference was amazing. I felt like I had my life back.

For my dilated cardiomyopathy, I have an echocardiogram every 6 months. In February 2002, the results of my echo were astonishing. I had gone from an EF (ejection fraction) of 28% to 30% to 57%. My left ventricle, which is enlarged, is smaller now.

I asked my cardiologist if it was because my sleep apnea was being treated. He said that researchers are finding more and more relationship between the two illnesses. He weaned me off one of my heart medications but I still take the others. (I still have a leaky valve). Hopefully my August 2002 echo will be as good.

I don't know if the improvement is permanent or not. I believe sleep apnea can do serious damage to the heart. I hope anyone who reads this and has sleep apnea will use their CPAP machine every night without fail. I have talked with people who tried but ended up with their CPAP machine in a drawer or closet because they couldn't get used to sleeping that way. It is worth the trouble and any adjustment you have to make to do it.

It could save your life!

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