I had my sleep study, actually two different sleep studies. Apparently the first study didn't go so well, which led to the second. I have been diagnosed with central sleep apnea. Not obstructive, central sleep apnea is when the brain doesn't tell the muscles to breath. Causes include medications like opiates. Treatment is with a servo ventilator at night. It is kinda like a CPAP machine except it also does the breathing out too.

There are lots of questions running through my mind. I have been surfing the net trying to get answers. I found some, though I didn't find anything from users of the machine or others with the disorder.

So,
Does anyone else on this forum have central sleep apnea?
If so, what is your treatment and how do you feel about it?
Does it frighten you?
Do you have any trouble giving over your breathing to a machine?
Do you sleep better and wake rested?
Has it improved your CRPS pain in any way?
Is it a miracle cure for CRPS?

A couple months ago I found myself out of breath with the smallest of activities, like walking to the frig or loo etc. I ended up at a doctor who diagnosed me with a form of chronic respiratory disease. He set me up for the first sleep study that concluded with the diagnosis of central sleep apnea. I had sleep apnea before and had the surgery where they worked on my nose and throat. Subsequently I was breathing much better. So much better that I was able to return the CPAP machine.

Now, I have times where I gasp uncontrollably. It is weird and happens when I am awake too. Sometimes it is out loud and gets other peoples attention, which is awkward. I am told that this is because I am either breathing too shallow or have stopped breathing all together. The gasps are my bodies way of saying I need air.

Ideally the servo ventilator will improve my sleeping, which will improve my breathing during the day too. I will be better rested. So then I am thinking ... if I am better rested then my CRPS symptoms will improve too ... right? I can already see myself out on the trail, in the rumba dancer size class, and most importantly playing with my Grandbabies.

Can anybody out there answer my questions or maybe just give some moral support?