Sleep Apnea Support/Questions Thread - Page 11

hotreds · 09-30-2009, 07:11 PM

Well, back for try #2 on Tuesday. I only slept 2 hours, not enough to really come up with good results. Doc said he thinks I might have apnea, but 2 hours not enough to really come up with a valid diagnosis. Fine, might as well get this right! I'll take the damn sleeping pill!

Tenor CS · 10-06-2009, 01:38 PM

So, it's been about 2 months since I was given the machine, and I've been able to sleep the whole night with the mask on for 4 or 5 nights in a row now. But I always get only 7-8 hours of sleep. My body won't let me sleep longer, even on an off morning. Anyone else have similar experience?

10-06-2009, 01:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tenor CS

So, it's been about 2 months since I was given the machine, and I've been able to sleep the whole night with the mask on for 4 or 5 nights in a row now. But I always get only 7-8 hours of sleep. My body won't let me sleep longer, even on an off morning. Anyone else have similar experience?

Are you rested with 7-8 hours sleep?

I can't imagine sleeping more than that.

kelmac07 · 10-06-2009, 01:50 PM

eber - Erik Tested - Sever Apnea - Has his machine!!!
beeradvocate - Travis - (Father-In-Law)
dentonparrots - Carl
kaisersozei - Gerard TEST DONE! AWAITING RESULTS!
tripp - Tripp
ggainey - Greg
emjaysmash - M.J.
awsmith4 - Albert
jkim05 - Jeremy - (Dad - awaiting results)
junior - (wife) - Read thread and is going to schedule test! Great news!
nozero - Michael
Kelmac07 (wife) - Sleep study scheduled for 18 Oct (hoping for matching CPAPs...LOL!!)

Biglizard1 · 10-06-2009, 02:22 PM

eber - Erik Tested - Sever Apnea - Has his machine!!!
beeradvocate - Travis - (Father-In-Law)
dentonparrots - Carl
kaisersozei - Gerard TEST DONE! AWAITING RESULTS!
tripp - Tripp
ggainey - Greg
emjaysmash - M.J.
awsmith4 - Albert
jkim05 - Jeremy - (Dad - awaiting results)
junior - (wife) - Read thread and is going to schedule test! Great news!
nozero - Michael
Kelmac07 (wife) - Sleep study scheduled for 18 Oct (hoping for matching CPAPs...LOL!!)
Biglizard1-David Diagnosed 2 years ago Moderate to Severe Apnea

10-06-2009, 02:25 PM

So David,

Do you use your machine? Are you feeling better? If you can share it helps those that are on the fence or scared of what it's like.

If you don't want to thats cool as well!

Biglizard1 · 10-06-2009, 02:33 PM

Well like the post above says, Diagnosed 2 years ago, and immediatley tried the CPAP and was not successful. Some of you may know that I am a career firefighter and sleep in at the station on every third day. So combined with the emergency calls and moving from home to the station CPAP didn't work well for me. In addition, the CPAP even at its lowest setting gave me feelings of way too much pressure in my chest. With the results of this brief test my doctor and I decided to have surgery, UPPP, it has worked for me only real side effect has been nose regurg of liquids and some dificulty when swallowing certain things. It has helped my health and definately changed my sleep. I can tell that I have more energy and dont have the exhaustion based sleep episodes. It has been successful for me and now to lose more weight to make the total change.

UPPP resulted in larger airway in back of mouth, Uvulaectomy and tonsilectomy as well.
Still need to have septum undeviated.

Graphic description follows:

Absolutely worse part for me was the tonsilectomy, nearly bled to death when the scabs released 1.5 weeks after surgery. Local ER couldnt' stop bleeding with cauterization and had wife transport two hours by car to surgeon. After 2000 CCs of NS at the first ER, Surgeon came to ER #2 and fixed problem with cauterization and when they got my pressure back up with an additonal 3K cc of NS and LR's they let me come home.

Being an EMT and the wife a Paramedic this was hard for us, I had to during the drive cough up blood and try and maintain pressure on the inside of my throat to lessen the bleeding. My wife said I was white as a ghost upon arrival at ER #2 and they moved very quickly, I dont remember my vitals but they worked quick to fix me.

hotreds · 10-06-2009, 03:49 PM

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

kelmac07 · 10-06-2009, 03:53 PM

Quote:

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.

10-06-2009, 09:35 PM

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!

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!

Tenor CS · 10-12-2009, 08:11 PM

UPDATE: I've had my CPAP machine since August. I'm pretty much used to it by now. I can sleep all night with it. My wife loves that I no longer sound like someone sawing logs from my snoring. She says the sound at this point is pretty much non-existent. And the machine is much quieter than she thought it would be. I don't know if I necessarily feel better or more rested, but I'm using the machine and it seems to be working well for me.

htown · 10-12-2009, 09:22 PM

Was diagnosed about six months ago with moderate apnea. Had trouble adjusting to machine, but now use it for 4-5 hours of uninterrupted sleep a night. I do have a little more energy now.

PeteSB75 · 10-13-2009, 07:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by htown

Was diagnosed about six months ago with moderate apnea. Had trouble adjusting to machine, but now use it for 4-5 hours of uninterrupted sleep a night. I do have a little more energy now.

You will see more benefit sleeping longer each night. I know I was down to 4 or so hours a night, since it didn't seem to matter how much I slept, I was still tired. Once I started using my CPAP, 6-7 hours is amazing.

Emjaysmash · 12-27-2009, 05:22 PM

Just an update-
After cancelling my last sleep study due to poor scheduling on my part, I have re-scheduled for this tuesday. I am going to ask them for the lseeping pil- I want to get this done in one go. Hopefully I can get all of my apparatus (if I have apnea) by the beginnning of the smester.

hotreds · 12-27-2009, 06:00 PM

After a month I must admit I'm not finding any difference. The sleep doc said that he did want me to continue to use the contraption, so I will.

Don Fernando · 12-28-2009, 01:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Emjaysmash

I am going to ask them for the lseeping pil- I want to get this done in one go.

Are you sure you wanna do that? Don't you think a 'natural' sleep will give a more honest result?

Emjaysmash · 01-12-2010, 02:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Don Fernando

Are you sure you wanna do that? Don't you think a 'natural' sleep will give a more honest result?

They thought just like you, Ferd. I wasn't allowed to get a sleeping pill, unless I had a lot of trouble sleeping.

For an update: I had my sleep study and they sent me home telling me I didn't have sleep apnea (very surprising to me and my family!) It was only after I had gone to work when the nurse called back, telling me the had scored my full sleep study and I actually DO have sleep apnea.

I am scheduled to go in this friday for another study with the CPAP.

CigarNut · 01-12-2010, 07:48 AM

I love my CPAP. So does my wife

. I actally bought a second machine (on my dime) -- I have a "full size" Respironics at home:

and a much smaller, lighter weight Respironics for travel:

The pictures are not to scale -- the travel unit is much smaller than the home unit. The catch with the smaller unit is that it makes more noise.

Peter, make sure you try several different kinds of masks to get one that fits well and that you can sleep with.

pnoon · 01-12-2010, 07:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CigarNut

Peter, make sure you try several different kinds of masks to get one that fits well and that you can sleep with.

I will. Thanks.

You can bet I will be using this thread and speaking with one or more of you to get feedback on this life-changing step.

09-30-2009, 07:11 PM	#1
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, back for try #2 on Tuesday. I only slept 2 hours, not enough to really come up with good results. Doc said he thinks I might have apnea, but 2 hours not enough to really come up with a valid diagnosis. Fine, might as well get this right! I'll take the damn sleeping pill! __________________ God loves you so much, that he made you read this, just to let you know.

10-06-2009, 01:50 PM	#4
kelmac07 Resident Maduro Whore!! Join Date: Apr 2009 First Name: Mac Location: Newport News, VA Posts: 27,322 Trading: (218)	Re: Sleep Apnea Support/Questions Thread eber - Erik Tested - Sever Apnea - Has his machine!!! beeradvocate - Travis - (Father-In-Law) dentonparrots - Carl kaisersozei - Gerard TEST DONE! AWAITING RESULTS! tripp - Tripp ggainey - Greg emjaysmash - M.J. awsmith4 - Albert jkim05 - Jeremy - (Dad - awaiting results) junior - (wife) - Read thread and is going to schedule test! Great news! nozero - Michael Kelmac07 (wife) - Sleep study scheduled for 18 Oct (hoping for matching CPAPs...LOL!!) __________________ Dom in the MLB thread "I could probably get you to wear a Yankee hat for a Maduro!"

10-06-2009, 02:22 PM	#5
Biglizard1 LLG turned CAI Join Date: Oct 2008 First Name: David Location: Earth Posts: 226 Trading: (8)	Re: Sleep Apnea Support/Questions Thread eber - Erik Tested - Sever Apnea - Has his machine!!! beeradvocate - Travis - (Father-In-Law) dentonparrots - Carl kaisersozei - Gerard TEST DONE! AWAITING RESULTS! tripp - Tripp ggainey - Greg emjaysmash - M.J. awsmith4 - Albert jkim05 - Jeremy - (Dad - awaiting results) junior - (wife) - Read thread and is going to schedule test! Great news! nozero - Michael Kelmac07 (wife) - Sleep study scheduled for 18 Oct (hoping for matching CPAPs...LOL!!) Biglizard1-David Diagnosed 2 years ago Moderate to Severe Apnea

10-06-2009, 02:25 PM	#6
ahc4353 Guest Posts: n/a	Re: Sleep Apnea Support/Questions Thread So David, Do you use your machine? Are you feeling better? If you can share it helps those that are on the fence or scared of what it's like. If you don't want to thats cool as well!

10-06-2009, 02:33 PM	#7
Biglizard1 LLG turned CAI Join Date: Oct 2008 First Name: David Location: Earth Posts: 226 Trading: (8)	Re: Sleep Apnea Support/Questions Thread Well like the post above says, Diagnosed 2 years ago, and immediatley tried the CPAP and was not successful. Some of you may know that I am a career firefighter and sleep in at the station on every third day. So combined with the emergency calls and moving from home to the station CPAP didn't work well for me. In addition, the CPAP even at its lowest setting gave me feelings of way too much pressure in my chest. With the results of this brief test my doctor and I decided to have surgery, UPPP, it has worked for me only real side effect has been nose regurg of liquids and some dificulty when swallowing certain things. It has helped my health and definately changed my sleep. I can tell that I have more energy and dont have the exhaustion based sleep episodes. It has been successful for me and now to lose more weight to make the total change. UPPP resulted in larger airway in back of mouth, Uvulaectomy and tonsilectomy as well. Still need to have septum undeviated. Graphic description follows: Absolutely worse part for me was the tonsilectomy, nearly bled to death when the scabs released 1.5 weeks after surgery. Local ER couldnt' stop bleeding with cauterization and had wife transport two hours by car to surgeon. After 2000 CCs of NS at the first ER, Surgeon came to ER #2 and fixed problem with cauterization and when they got my pressure back up with an additonal 3K cc of NS and LR's they let me come home. Being an EMT and the wife a Paramedic this was hard for us, I had to during the drive cough up blood and try and maintain pressure on the inside of my throat to lessen the bleeding. My wife said I was white as a ghost upon arrival at ER #2 and they moved very quickly, I dont remember my vitals but they worked quick to fix me. Last edited by Biglizard1; 10-06-2009 at 02:43 PM.

10-06-2009, 01:38 PM	#2
Tenor CS Feeling Better! Join Date: Oct 2008 First Name: Christian Location: Davenport, FL (near Orlando) Posts: 717 Trading: (2)	Re: Sleep Apnea Support/Questions Thread So, it's been about 2 months since I was given the machine, and I've been able to sleep the whole night with the mask on for 4 or 5 nights in a row now. But I always get only 7-8 hours of sleep. My body won't let me sleep longer, even on an off morning. Anyone else have similar experience? __________________ When the world itself seems lunatic, who knows where madness lies?

10-06-2009, 03:49 PM	#8
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 Leaving in about an hour for try number two. This time will take the sleeping pill! __________________ God loves you so much, that he made you read this, just to let you know.

10-06-2009, 09:35 PM	#10
gui_tarzan Guest Posts: n/a	Re: Sleep Apnea Support/Questions Thread 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!

10-12-2009, 08:11 PM	#12
Tenor CS Feeling Better! Join Date: Oct 2008 First Name: Christian Location: Davenport, FL (near Orlando) Posts: 717 Trading: (2)	Re: Sleep Apnea Support/Questions Thread UPDATE: I've had my CPAP machine since August. I'm pretty much used to it by now. I can sleep all night with it. My wife loves that I no longer sound like someone sawing logs from my snoring. She says the sound at this point is pretty much non-existent. And the machine is much quieter than she thought it would be. I don't know if I necessarily feel better or more rested, but I'm using the machine and it seems to be working well for me. __________________ When the world itself seems lunatic, who knows where madness lies?

10-12-2009, 09:22 PM	#13
htown Feeling at Home Join Date: Dec 2008 First Name: Mike Location: Sugar Land Posts: 877 Trading: (29)	Re: Sleep Apnea Support/Questions Thread Was diagnosed about six months ago with moderate apnea. Had trouble adjusting to machine, but now use it for 4-5 hours of uninterrupted sleep a night. I do have a little more energy now.

12-27-2009, 05:22 PM	#15
Emjaysmash The Hebrew Hammer Join Date: Oct 2008 First Name: M.J. Location: Milwaukee, WI Posts: 7,025 Trading: (76)	Re: Sleep Apnea Support/Questions Thread Just an update- After cancelling my last sleep study due to poor scheduling on my part, I have re-scheduled for this tuesday. I am going to ask them for the lseeping pil- I want to get this done in one go. Hopefully I can get all of my apparatus (if I have apnea) by the beginnning of the smester. __________________

12-27-2009, 06:00 PM	#16
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 After a month I must admit I'm not finding any difference. The sleep doc said that he did want me to continue to use the contraption, so I will. __________________ God loves you so much, that he made you read this, just to let you know.

01-12-2010, 07:48 AM	#19
CigarNut Fck Cancer! Join Date: Jan 2009 First Name: Michael Location: Clermont, Florida Posts: 18,042 Trading: (111*)	Re: Sleep Apnea Support/Questions Thread I love my CPAP. So does my wife . I actally bought a second machine (on my dime) -- I have a "full size" Respironics at home: and a much smaller, lighter weight Respironics for travel: The pictures are not to scale -- the travel unit is much smaller than the home unit. The catch with the smaller unit is that it makes more noise. Peter, make sure you try several different kinds of masks to get one that fits well and that you can sleep with.