Sleep Apnea Support/Questions Thread

[hotreds]

Leaving in about an hour for try number two. This time will take the sleeping pill!

[kelmac07]

Originally Posted by hotreds

Leaving in about an hour for try number two. This time will take the sleeping pill!

Good luck Hugh!! Don't take the red pill.

I just ran across this thread and thought I'd add my case too.

I was diagnosed with mild sleep apnea in 2000 and started on a CPAP right away. The difference was pretty amazing. All these years of being tired all the time and not sleeping well from the time I was 17 or so (back in 1980) was all due to apnea. I've been re-titrated three times since and have had to increase pressure slightly each time. I've never considered the surgery since I don't have tonsils anymore and I like my uvula.

I started with a nose mask and that did ok for a long time but with the higher pressure my nostrils tend to close easily so I've been using nasal pillows for a few years now. Much better. But there are different kinds and you have to keep trying them until you find one that works for you.

For you guys that won't use your machine or even won't get in and get tested - you're putting your life at risk by not taking care of this. I had the start of pulmonary hypertension before the CPAP, that was completely gone after the first year. I don't doze off in the car or at work anymore. It makes a HUGE difference in your life and can kill you if not treated!

Originally Posted by gui_tarzan

I just ran across this thread and thought I'd add my case too.

I was diagnosed with mild sleep apnea in 2000 and started on a CPAP right away. The difference was pretty amazing. All these years of being tired all the time and not sleeping well from the time I was 17 or so (back in 1980) was all due to apnea. I've been re-titrated three times since and have had to increase pressure slightly each time. I've never considered the surgery since I don't have tonsils anymore and I like my uvula.

I started with a nose mask and that did ok for a long time but with the higher pressure my nostrils tend to close easily so I've been using nasal pillows for a few years now. Much better. But there are different kinds and you have to keep trying them until you find one that works for you.

For you guys that won't use your machine or even won't get in and get tested - you're putting your life at risk by not taking care of this. I had the start of pulmonary hypertension before the CPAP, that was completely gone after the first year. I don't doze off in the car or at work anymore. It makes a HUGE difference in your life and can kill you if not treated!

Thank you for sharing your story Jim. I'm with you on all counts!

[hotreds]

Well, even though I still didn't sleep well, enough data was collected that I was told I have "moderate" sleep apnea. Next step is to do the CPAP test when I get back from vacation in two weeks. Doc said it was ok to wait- I'm leaving on Sat and they weren't able to schedule me that quickly. He told me not to drink much- apparently drinking has a big affect on apnea.(Since I don't drink- no problemo!)

[Conch Republican]

Originally Posted by hotreds

Well, even though I still didn't sleep well, enough data was collected that I was told I have "moderate" sleep apnea. Next step is to do the CPAP test when I get back from vacation in two weeks. Doc said it was ok to wait- I'm leaving on Sat and they weren't able to schedule me that quickly. He told me not to drink much- apparently drinking has a big affect on apnea.(Since I don't drink- no problemo!)

Don't you get thirsty?

[hotreds]

Well, off to get my machine and fitting! I was told that I could pick up my machine tomorow morning at the sleep study center after they decide the pressures et al overnight. Will let y'all know how it goes/went!