I was just diagnosed with sleep apnea

[Missy Vixen]

Okay, those of you with the CPAP machines: It seems I'm joining you. I thought I was safe because they didn't wake me up in the middle of the night to hook the machine up during my sleep study last week. WRONG. I evidently have a worse case than my husband does, too -- almost one incident per minute while I was sleeping.

I'm hoping the machine will help, but the doctor says he's concerned that even the machine may not help. At least now I have a reason for being tired all the freakin' time.

Julie

[Montauk6]

1. I've been using a CPAP for over 5 years

I didn't think I'd take to it at first but I got used to it quickly (the toughest part at the clinic was all those damned sensors they tape on your body).

[Missy Vixen]

2. The sleep study's a blast, isn't it?

:eyes:

I have to go again so they can fit the mask and get the correct settings on my machine. This time I'll have even MORE stuff hooked up to me...

Julie

[joneschick]

3. you will learn to love it

My husband has used his for about 3 years now. It's been wonderful for him and his health. His dad is now using one too and has nicknamed it "Binky" Do what you must to protect you health. :hi:

[KurtNYC]

4. My friend uses one

and it has helped him enormously. Sleep well! :hi:

[REP]

5. CPAP User for 9 Years

I'm a young woman, too (well, not as young as when I started using it). I was initially told I coldn't have sleep apnea because I was "too young, too thin and too female." Turns out not only do I have it, I have the most severe apnea seen in that unit.

I have mixed apnea, which is both obstructive (my tiny airways collapse) and central (my brain "forgets" to breathe). My CPAP unit helps immensely; I went from an O2 sat of 68% to 99% and I can almost always sleep through the night. When I can't, I usually only awaken once or twice with the "ohmygodIcan'tbreathe!" ... and sometimes that's because a cat has turned off the CPAP to get my attention!

It's not a 100% cure; most people report that while they feel A LOT better, they never feel completely untired and I have to say I'm one of them. It also won't undo any damage that may have happened if the apnea went untreated for a while (mine was to the point I was blacking out randomly and hallucinating and there is some damage to my short term memory - most people don't get that bad). The good news is that a CPAP is pretty easy to get used to (took me 1 night) and that the difference it makes is huge and wonderful. Plus your bed partner can now have a blow-up girlfriend - you!

[Missy Vixen]

7. Ah, the side benefit ;-)

>Plus your bed partner can now have a blow-up girlfriend - you!<

We'll have dueling CPAPs -- he also has sleep apnea. What a blast, hm? I'll tell him, though, that I'll probably be lots more fun to live with when I'm feeling better.

I'm glad to know that your CPAP has been so helpful to you. Kitty turning off the machine? :scared: We live with two 20+ pound Maine Coon boys. So far, they haven't learned that trick, but they've always spent more time on my side of the bed...

Julie

[REP]

9. 5 Maine Coons

Stewart, the black smoke, in particular thinks it's funny as hell to turn it off when he wants me to pet him. Fannie just likes playing with buttons - she turns the TV on and off, too (or maybe that's just what she wants me to think...). Thomas has a more direct way of waking me up to pet him - he launches his 22 lbs right at my diaphragm until I open my eyes to see a smiling, purring, tail-waving cat who NEEDS immediate attention. The other two are too dignified for that sort of nonsense, and the Siamese just yells - no need for her to do anything else.

When I modelled my CPAP for the Loved One, he said, "Now say 'Luke, I am your father.'"

[LynneSin]

6. I have a CPAP but pretty much quit using it

I couldn't fall asleep with it on unless I bombed myself out on Ambien and even then when I woke up in the morning it would be ripped off my face. Along with mild sleep apnea, I have insomnia too

[cwydro]

8. hey all of you guys

I've been wondering lately if I have that...have woken lately feeling that I can't breathe and when I drift off again...it seems like something is blocking my airway, and I hear myself snoring and wake up again. Horrible feeling. I'm not overweight and exercise regularly, but I know my dad has it. One thing however, I generally don't feel tired in the morning. It doesn't happen every night, I don't think. How did you get diagnosed?

[REP]

11. Sleep Study

Symptoms include: loud snoring, daytime sleepiness, excessive night time urination and night sweats.

It can only be diagnosed by a sleep study; either in a sleep lab or at home with a home oximetry unit.

[cwydro]

13. interesting

I do have night sweats more and more...I live in Florida, so I always chalk it up to that...but hell, I do have AC. Don't have the other symptoms, except the snoring perhaps...have to ask my cat....:shrug: Does anyone know any websites for sleep studies? I live in the Keys, not exactly a hotbed of research medicine down here...
hey thanks for the info... I need to look more into this..

[Tyrone Slothrop]

10. I'm supposed to have mine in a couple weeks

I'm slightly nervous, but slightly excited at the same time.

Anything that will help me feel more rested has got to be a good thing.

[REP]

12. Nothing to Be Nervous About!

Okay, a CPAP is not super-sexy, but neither is the kind of snoring apnea produces.

Most people have no trouble at all getting used to it. If you're one of the exceptions, don't worry - there's a bunch of different masks that can help, as well as humidifiers that can make a big difference, and even BiPAPs (different pressures for breathing in and out). Chances are though you'll be sleeping well your first night with it!

[Missy Vixen]

14. If the doc gave you a prescription for a sleep aid when you go

be sure and fill it.

It's tough to sleep under those conditions, but you'll be glad you went.

Julie

[dorktv]

15. I thought I may have sleep apnea because I was always getting up

with headaches so I started to lose weight and my headaches have already disappeared...

But I was never tested...is the test hard?

[Missy Vixen]

16. No, it's just inconvenient

>But I was never tested...is the test hard?<

You'll need to see a sleep specialist. It's also possible to test at home, but the sleep specialist is board-certified and has more treatment options. You'll stay overnight in a room in the clinic, be hooked up to various sensors and (eventually,) go to sleep. The test results will be interpreted by the sleep specialist.

Julie

[dorktv]

17. oh I hate sleeping in public because I snore but I will look into it.