Sleep Apnea Support/Questions Thread

[Don Fernando]

i must admit, the first couple of years I wasn't using my cpap regularly, used it for weeks, then used it not for weeks untill Al posted the topic on CS. I posted my irregular use and a few botl's, including Al and Conch, told/begged me not to play Russian roulette with my life. Been using my cpap ever since and I will even bring it with my on my US trip next month.

[icehog3]

Originally Posted by Don Fernando

my doctor (and my own internet research) advised me not to go with surgery as the chance the symptoms would go away are not high and would be only temporarily. That's why I went with the respironics cpap.

True, the surgeon advised me the surgery only has a 60% success rate...not great odds. I was lucky enough to have my apnea reduced significantly, at least for the last 4 years.

[azherfer]

Hi, my name is David, and I had sleep apnea.

It nearly cost me my life and my mind. I gained a significant amount of weight and at one point was diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer's. I could barely function on my job and nearly lost it. I suffered mini-seizures which caused ruptures on my right cornea.

Sleep apnea is not a joke. During my sleep study, I scored one of the worst results tested at that facility. For many years I knew I had a problem, and I let it go. One night, I woke up unable to breathe and went into a severe panic because my brain wasn't telling my lungs to function. That was the final straw.

14 months ago I underwent Gastric-bypass surgery and as of today, I've lost 200 pounds. My sleep apnea is cured, my hypertension is cured, and my memory and cognitive skills are back to where they were at the age of 25. I am in top physical shape and weigh less than I did when I graduated high-school.