Sleep Apnea Support/Questions Thread

10-07-2009, 01:49 PM

Quote:

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 · 10-07-2009, 05:20 PM

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 · 10-13-2009, 08:32 AM

Quote:

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 · 10-28-2009, 04:06 PM

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!

kelmac07 · 10-28-2009, 04:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 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!

Good stuff Hugh!!

Remember...the first night is the worst. It gets easier after that one.

Nabinger16 · 10-28-2009, 10:34 PM

I was checking the data in my APAP yesterday and realized I have been using the APAP machine for exactly 1 year to the day!! I currently have a 100% 365/365 usage rate, and an AHI of 3.4 (HI of 3.0 and AI of 0.4). I've been averaging a pressure of 10.4.

IMHO... an AHI of 3.4 is pretty good considering I started off with a 97!!!

hotreds · 10-29-2009, 01:43 PM

Fit me with two masks- the nose cover and the nose pillows/stoppers. Thought I would like the nose mask at first, but after about 25 minutes it started to bother me. Slept with the pillows/stoppers, no problemo. Only thing that ticks me off is I was told I would get my machine today at the site, but that didn't happen. Tech said she didn't have a machine to give me. Makes me wonder why the hell they called me to pre-register specifically so I could pick up my machine at the sleep over site. ARGH!

So, now I'll hafta wait. Bottom line, the pillows really didn't bother me, so hopefully this won't be too traumatic a change!

10-07-2009, 05:20 PM	#2
hotreds Ephesians 2:8 Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: 5 miles past "Resume Speed" Posts: 11,673 Trading: (63)	Re: Sleep Apnea Support/Questions Thread 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!) __________________ God loves you so much, that he made you read this, just to let you know.

10-28-2009, 04:06 PM	#4
hotreds Ephesians 2:8 Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: 5 miles past "Resume Speed" Posts: 11,673 Trading: (63)	Re: Sleep Apnea Support/Questions Thread 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! __________________ God loves you so much, that he made you read this, just to let you know.

10-28-2009, 10:34 PM	#6
Nabinger16 Drowning Ex Gorilla Join Date: Mar 2009 First Name: Trent Location: Indiana Posts: 292 Trading: (8)	Re: Sleep Apnea Support/Questions Thread I was checking the data in my APAP yesterday and realized I have been using the APAP machine for exactly 1 year to the day!! I currently have a 100% 365/365 usage rate, and an AHI of 3.4 (HI of 3.0 and AI of 0.4). I've been averaging a pressure of 10.4. IMHO... an AHI of 3.4 is pretty good considering I started off with a 97!!! __________________ If you find yourself in a fair fight, your tactics suck!

10-29-2009, 01:43 PM	#7
hotreds Ephesians 2:8 Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: 5 miles past "Resume Speed" Posts: 11,673 Trading: (63)	Re: Sleep Apnea Support/Questions Thread Fit me with two masks- the nose cover and the nose pillows/stoppers. Thought I would like the nose mask at first, but after about 25 minutes it started to bother me. Slept with the pillows/stoppers, no problemo. Only thing that ticks me off is I was told I would get my machine today at the site, but that didn't happen. Tech said she didn't have a machine to give me. Makes me wonder why the hell they called me to pre-register specifically so I could pick up my machine at the sleep over site. ARGH! So, now I'll hafta wait. Bottom line, the pillows really didn't bother me, so hopefully this won't be too traumatic a change! __________________ God loves you so much, that he made you read this, just to let you know.