Anyone suffer from or been tested for sleep apnea?

[AZBlue]

I'm going in next Thursday for my initial appointment with a sleep disorder and pulmonary clinic. I don't know what the next step would be - perhaps an overnight stay where they monitor my breathing? I'm pretty sure I have sleep apnea - I've been told I stop breathing in my sleep, I'm tired all the time, I have headaches, sometimes I wake up in the middle of the night gasping or coughing, etc.

I'm ready to really lose the extra weight and I want to look into sleep apnea as a possible complication. I read more and more lately about apnea contributing to weight gain, a possibility I never considered before. So, I was just curious if anyone else here had any related experiences.

[Systematic Chaos]

1. I was officially diagnosed with sleep apnea in 2002.

When you have a sleep study, it's just like a normal night's sleep except that you will have a bunch of wires attached to you. For the most part they're unobtrusive although they do have to put a little of this gunk in your hair for the ones they attach to your head. Anyway, once you are wired up you sleep in a room with a camera that can see you in the dark, and a microphone to hear your breathing and snoring. If, during the first hour or two, your breathing stops more than a certain number of times, you are automatically hooked up to a CPAP machine which the tech can adjust periodically until you have enough air flow forcing your soft palate open that you are able to sleep without breathing issues.

I have the mother of all sleep apnea cases. My breathing stopped over 90 times in the first hour of my test and my blood oxygen was at 72% and still dropping when I was put on the machine. I slept the remaining 4.5 hours of the study without moving an inch and woke up feeling like a whole new person. I've been using a machine since and I hope there will come a day when I can give it up, but for now it's a real lifesaver. It doesn't take long before you forget you even have the mask on at night. If you have sleep apnea you will see just what a difference a CPAP will make! I wish you the best of luck with your sleep study. Please come back and let us know how it goes. :)

[AZBlue]

2. Wow! What a huge difference!

I hope I have as much success. I can imagine what you felt like when you woke up that first time - I never feel good waking up now, I only feel like I want to sleep some more! And I'm foggy and cranky and blah.

Glad it helped you so much - I'll keep you posted on my results. Thanks so much!!

[54anickel]

3. AZBlue, howzit going? Did you have a sleep study yet? Hubby goes in

tomorrow night for his. We are hoping they can do something for him that's similar to Gentle Giants success.

I know a handful of people that have a CPAP and all but one are very happy with the results and adjusted to them in a very short time.

[AZBlue]

5. Not yet - had to reschedule due to work, so now I go in next Tuesday.

I'm very excited to go and can't wait - after filling out their questionnaire, I really think I do suffer from it. I would LOVE to actually wake up refreshed one day! I'll keep you posted.

How did Mr. 54anickel's test go?

[54anickel]

7. He got the "Congratulations, you qualify for a C-PAP" line from his technician...

We'll get the actual results at the follow up appointment on Oct 4. Hubby said he didn't feel a whole lot different, but his color was nice and rosy and he didn't doze off that whole next day (normally he falls asleep as soon as he sits in his recliner).

He says they woke him up to put on the C-PAP, then woke him again to roll over onto his side, then again to roll over to his belly or other side. He never checked the time between wake-up calls but said they seemed really short. I'm guessing he was pretty sound asleep and fell right back to sleep after complying with each of Wally's roll over commands. I know when I nudge him to roll over he thinks he just did when it was more like 2 or 3 hours ago.

He said the C-PAP didn't bother him at all but feels weird when you open your mouth while it's hooked up.

[AZBlue]

8. That's great!

I mean, that they found something and he's getting treatment. I'm sure the C-PAP isn't the greatest thing to wear - I'm not looking forward to that - but if it helps, it's worth it.

[54anickel]

9. Oh yeah, he is looking forward to getting one. He has heard so much

about them from a couple of guys at work that have one. His own dad had one a few year back but (hate to admit) we didn't pay much attention back then. Dad called it his breathing machine and his provided oxygen as well because of athsma. I just remember the big oxygen warning sign on the door.

[54anickel]

11. Update on Mr. 54anickel--- They bumped his follow-up up to today, said he was

pretty bad and didn't want to wait until next Thursday if possible. They wanted him to come in right away yesterday. Wonder if they're worried about liability or something. :shrug:

We're going in this evening, I'll try to update when I know more but I've got late classes tonight and we're heading out the door at 5am tomorrow so it might not be until the weekend. My guess is that it's bad enough that the worry about him dozing while driving or operating the machines at work.

[AZBlue]

12. Wow - well, it's good they are so diligent!

Hopefully this will help alleviate his sleepiness!

[54anickel]

14. Well now we know why they wanted to get started right away...

He stopped breathing 79 times in the first hour, it looks like almost a solid blue bar on the graph. His oxygen levels dropped into the low 70s for extended periods during REM sleep. They labeled it a severe case, hence the rush.

Yesterday was his first day after a good nights sleep at home with his new machine. He says he doesn't really feel much different, but we hit the road at 5am, he drove the entire 3 hours without any drowziness, then we walked around the festival all day (9 hours) with 3 short sit down food/drink breaks AND he drove all the way back home! Might not sound like a big deal, but he's NEVER been able to drive much over 45 minutes without getting sleepy, and normally a seated beer break would pretty much signal the end of the day for him. So, from my vantage point there's a HUGE difference whether he "feels different" or not. That first night he just never moved an inch once he fell asleep (REM rebound?).

I don't know how he's feeling yet today, he left for work at 4am and I never woke up to ask him. I do remember waking a few times and noticed him moving. Guess I'll have to wait to find out this afternoon. I gotta tell you, I haven't slept this good in a long time...absolutely no snoring and the machine is very quiet. The first night the silence was deafening, since the breaks in his snoring were usually my cue to make sure he was still breathing, but once I fell sound asleep there was no snoring to wake me to start the vicious wake-listen-nudge cycle. I'm loving that machine as much, if not more, than he does.

[AZBlue]

16. Well, it sounds like a win-win!

Both of you see benefits. Yes, it is good they brought him in earlier than scheduled - and I'm encouraged by his increased energy. That's my biggest complaint and what I'm hoping will be most affected (positively).

My appt. is now Thursday - scheduling changes at work interferred with Tuesday - and I can't wait!

[54anickel]

18. AZBlue, did you get in for the sleep study yet?

[AZBlue]

19. No, not yet.

I had to put it off because of financial strain - but I've rescheduled it for the end of this week and I can't wait!!!

Thanks for checking in! :hi:

[54anickel]

20. While not at all scientific, just had to share the latest finding with Mr 54anickel -

We've been monitoring his blood glucose in an attempt to refute his Dr's diabetic label. His glucose has been higher in the am than at bedtime (though still below the newer diagnostic level of 126). At first we figured it was mainly due to "the dawn effect". Now that we've taken time to review the journal we've noticed that the overnight rise in his numbers doesn't happen when he gets his butt to bed with his CPAP. Old habits die hard and he still occasionally falls asleep in the recliner "CPAPless". Anyway, in reviewing the numbers we've noticed he was experiencing "dawn effect" before the CPAP and on the mornings he doesn't go to bed with it at a decent hour. He's been very good this week at getting to bed with his CPAP by 11 pm and the dawn effect seems to have disappeared.

I know it's only anecdotal, but it appears to help in "normalizing" pre-diabetes blood glucose.

Hope you are able to get your study done soon. I''ve become a firm believer in the health benefits of a good night's sleep.

[AZBlue]

22. WOW! That's a side effect I'd never heard about before.

It's really unbelievable how much effect sleep has on us. Our bodies are just incredible and we need to be more aware of everything we can do so they can function correctly - given the right circumstances, our bodies can do amazing things.

Unfortunately mine will now have to wait a little longer, LOL. They had to reschedule me - and now I'm scheduled for Nov. 8th! Aaaahhhhhhh!

I know the time will pass quickly - it is only 3 weeks - but still, I'm anxious to go!

[54anickel]

23. Yep, I don't quite understand it myself. I know how the lack of sleep can

cause cravings and weight gain, but have never seen anything about a direct effect on blood glucose. His blood glucose throughout the day has been good all along, there was just that weird "dawn effect" thingy going on. Haven't found anything that relates the two. Like I said, it's just anecdotal. He goes in for labs tomorrow and will get the results Tues night. I'll ask the Dr about it then - though I doubt he'll be able to offer any enlightenment.

Edit to add this link I came across while trying to quench my curiosity:
http://jap.physiology.org/cgi/content/full/99/5/2008

[AZBlue]

24. While I can't medically explain the connection, it makes sense to me.

I'm no doctor, so I can't tell you why - but I just read "UltraMetabolism" by Dr. Mark Hyman and am even more convinced that the various systems within our body interact and rely on one another and that one seemingly unconnected problem or reaction in one area can have effects in other areas we'd never consider (like the butterfly and the hurricane story).

I can see where a lack of sleep would affect the body's glucose and insulin reactions - perhaps not for everyone, but since we need a good night's sleep to function correctly on all levels, it would certainly affect some of us that way. If I'm reading the journal article correctly (again, I'm no doctor) it seems that the affects of sleep deprevition or interruption on blood glucose start in the brain, which then affects both the sympathetic and parasympathetic systems. I don't think that modern science considers the role of hormones enough and needs to "catch up" in this area. It will be interesting to hear the doctor's take on your husband's results.

[Wapsie B]

4. I do and love it.

Although I must tell you losing weight does not always mean you'll not have sleep apnea. I've seen gastric bypass patients lose 150 pounds and still have OSA. Body-builders too for that matter.

[AZBlue]

6. I can't help but wonder if I haven't always had it to some degree.

I'm sure it's gotten worse because I'm so overweight now, but I've had some of these symptoms literally for as long as I can remember.

[supernova]

10. I think I do

have sleep apnea, at least part of the time.

I wake up some days and am falling asleep at my desk by 11am, despite having 2 cups of coffee. :wtf:

I am pretty sure it is a combo of being overweight and having my head proped at a wierd angle while I sleep (too many pillows and my head just folds into my chest. I fall asleep w/ the TV on a lot.)

edit: Forgot to say that I have not been to a sleep clinic to get tested. I am hoping to lose enough weight to be able to sleep properly again. Although I have a long way to go to get back to my ideal weight, I think for sleep purposes, even 15 lbs would do it. I don't recall having this problem before when I was heavy. But I was never as heavy as I am now; I am the heaviest I have ever weighed.

[AZBlue]

13. I used to feel the same way.

But then I found out that not only does being overweight increase your sleep apnea, having sleep apnea can add to your weight! I started seeing articles and programs on it and that forced me to go for testing.

Not having enough energy, sleep apnea obviously interferes with exercising. But, it also screws up your hormones: "It may all have to do with two hormone - leptin, a hormone that suppresses appetite, and Grehlin, a hormone that increases food intake and is thought to play a role in long-term regulation of body weight. Sleep deprivation lowers the levels of leptin and raises levels of grehlin." (http://sleepdisorders.about.com/od/obesity/a/sleepweight.htm)

I also saw a program with a woman who lost 30 pounds in 6 weeks just by being treated for sleep apnea. Not that I'm looking at this as a fast weight loss solution - far from it, I'm sure she was a very unique case. But, if it can affect someone's weight, then it's not helping my diet efforts any by allowing it to continue.

On that same program they talked about the fact that if you suffer from sleep apnea not only might you eat more, but you're going to want the "bad" foods, the ones that give a fast energy boost. And that made a lot of sense to me.

Just some food for thought....no pun intended! ;)

[MissMillie]

15. Yes

I was diagnosed w/ obstructive sleep apnea in 2000. I wore a CPAP for a few years, until I lost about 100 lbs.

Apnea does contribute to weight gain, and vice versa. Apnea also has negative effects on blood pressure, and there is a high correlation between Apnea and depression.

The overnight diagnosis may not be the best night of sleep you ever have, but once you get (and get used to) treatment (CPAP) you will begin to feel so much better.

I promise!

[AZBlue]

17. Yeah, sleeping in a lab hooked up to machines with people watching me

isn't my ideal night, but it's very worth it if I'm diagnosed. I do suffer from depression and have begun to wonder if the apnea wasn't part of it so it's interesting you said that - seems like apnea would deplete my energy which is already low because of depression. Then, having no energy and sleeping too much in itself depresses me because I'd rather be doing something. Quite a cycle.

[susanna]

21. I'm glad you got (are getting?) checked.

Though I do not have sleep apnea, my mother does, and her situation shocked me. Read on.

My mother had undiagnosed sleep apnea for many years, long before doctors really started testing for it. She would stop breathing for short stretches, had trouble staying awake during the day, was constantly fatigued. She gained a large amount of weight, all out of proportion to what she actually eats. Early this year, she was hospitalized with a heart arrythmia. They advised her to get a sleep study done, which she did a few months back. Turns out there is some evidence that the two (sleep apnea and arrythmias) are related.

Fast forward to last month: her arrythmia got markedly worse just before she received her CPAP machine for the sleep apnea. She was quickly hospitalized. The nurses in the cardiac wing told us that the ONLY time her arrythmias were under control was when she was wearing the CPAP. The doctors decided she required a pacemaker due to the by now constant nature of the arrythmia. They suspect it might have been brought on by the long years of untreated sleep apnea.

I guess I never realized the potential long-term consequences of sleep apnea, but if I start to show any signs, I'll be in a sleep study pronto. The good news is that she's doing great now and feels much better and has lost 12 pounds so far (it's only been a couple of weeks). The CPAP machine and pacemaker together have given her an animation and energy I haven't seen in years. I wish it hadn't gone on so long that she needed the pacemaker, but the alternative is much worse. I'm so thankful they caught the problems in what sounds like the nick of time (according to doctors) and gave me back my mom.

Take care and I hope you're feeling better soon.

on edit: realized the OP was a month or more ago! Changed a couple of things.

[AZBlue]

25. It was delayed but it's happening soon!

November 8th and I can't wait!!

I have heard that long-term sleep apnea can do damage to the heart - I first heard about that connection with the death of Reggie White. After he died they realized his heart had been weakened by years of untreated sleep apnea. Unfortunately it's really only gotten press recently, so many like your mom have gone undiagnosed for years and years.

I'm so glad they caught it in time! How fortunate for you both!!

[susanna]

26. Oh, AZBlue...

thank you. I was so distressed as all this went on (it's only been a few weeks). I was with my mom as much as possible, and what the doctors told me really sunk in. I've asked my husband to monitor me at night (I'm my momma's girl genetically). So far, he says I breathe constantly, sometimes to the point where it annoys him (he's a light sleeper, I'm a semi-coma sort). Gotta love that honesty. :-)

I guess I'm sensitive right now and just want people to know that sleep apnea can have consequences far beyond the 'lack of sleep' aspect. I'm totally honest here - I didn't know, until my mom's situation. As for a progress report, her blood O2 levels at the time of the sleep study (active sleep apnea) were 60 and below; her current readings are 90 and climbing. She feels a tremendous improvement in her life and health. Always a good thing.

Thanks again for your response and I hope your sleep study goes well!

-susanna

[AZBlue]

27. FINALLY! My initial consultation went well.

I finally got to my initial consultation for sleep apnea on Thursday and it does indeed seem that I suffer from it. I have a sleep study scheduled for the week after Thanksgiving to confirm (or disprove) that analysis and a follow-up appointment with the doctor two weeks after that. I'm glad things are finally in motion!

Thanks to all who have shared their experiences here - I'll keep you guys posted. Continued good luck and good health to all and your families!! :hug:

[LuckyTheDog]

28. I have it bad

The c-pap machine has changed my life. Have a sleep test. If you need it, get the "breathing machine" and use it. It's hard to get used to, but it makes a huge difference.

[flamingyouth]

29. My fiance has it.

He's only 23 and for some reason we'd been under the (mistaken) impression that he was "too young" for sleep apnea.

I couldn't sleep because of his snoring and I encouraged (okay, forced) him to see his GP about it. He sent him to an ear, nose & throat doctor. She took one look at him and said, "You don't have anything wrong with your sinuses, I think you have sleep apnea. I'm sending you to the sleep center."

We were surprised. But we're so glad he went there. After a long consultation and two studies he was diagnosed with a pretty severe case of apnea. He's always had pretty high blood pressure and he's often been tired, etc. And then there's the snoring (oh, the snoring). That CPAP machine has been a godsend, I tell you. He adapted to it right away; he didn't even need any pressure adjustments. Now he sleeps like a baby. We are so grateful.

And yes, the sleep doctor told us that he's had many patients experience weight loss after using their CPAP for a few months. So far, so good here.

Best of luck to you. I know it's a long and drawn-out process, but it's worth it. :hi:

[AZBlue]

30. I've had the symptoms since I was young.

Perhaps even in school still. I just didn't know what the symptoms all meant. Glad he got tested!

[AZBlue]

31. Sleep study last night!

Not the most comfortable thing, but it was ok. Worst part of it was the bed. It was the most uncomfortable bed I've ever been in. Not just "can't find a cozy spot" uncomfortable - it was "ow, my shoulder hurts" uncomfortable. I couldn't find a spot for an hour or two that didn't make my upper body actually ache!

Then they had trouble with the c-pap machine (yes, I do have sleep apnea) so they couldn't test me on that. Don't know yet if I have to go back for part two of the sleep test - definitely hope not, but will do whatever needs to be done.

I do wish this wasn't as lengthy a process as it is, but at least it's underway.

[supernova]

32. Glad you got

the first part over with, though. Sounds like you will get some practical info.

[54anickel]

33. Sorry to hear your experience was less than ideal, but at least you are making

progress. My guess is that you will need to return to assure the proper settings for your machine once they have a working c-pap again. It seems odd that they'd have trouble with the study machine - you'd think they'd check that out after each use...:shrug:

Hubby liked the bed and room for his study, said the whole place felt like he was in some posh hotel or something...nice lobby, continental breakfast, beautiful garden area outside to enjoy your morning coffee...would have loved it outside of the fact you're all hooked up and watched all night long.

Your's does seem like an exceptionally lengthy process, but I'm sure it will be well worth it in the end. Keep us updated on your progress. :hi:

[AZBlue]

34. wow!

Mine was some corner office in a cold office building. Next to the hospital - and apparently very very near the helipad (did I mention the helicopter that visited not once but twice during the night??).

Yes, I do have to go back for the c-pap part of the test - I'm asking for a different room, LOL, maybe they have different beds.

[54anickel]

35. Heh-heh. Here's an online tour - if you've got a decent connection, check it out

Place is posh and no more expensive than having a study at the local hospital. I just noticed they have special pediatric rooms.

http://www.sleepwellandlive.com/swi_about/facility.html

Oh well, as long as they're good at testing and setting you up with a c-pap, it will be well worth it in the end. Here's hoping for a more comfy room next time around!

[AZBlue]

36. Oh no....

Complimentary breakfast?
Garden? Fireplace?
TVs????
The place looks beautiful!

LOL....apparently he stayed at the Ritz and I'm at the Motel 5 (not quite good enough for a Motel 6).

Ah well...as long as it does some good in the end....

[cutlassmama]

37. Yes. I've had it since 1998. I think it was brought on by my

weight gain. I've been diagnosed with Diabetes too (a year ago) and also with Depression. Funny how they all seem to be related.

I'm thankful for the two CPAP machines I've had since because life before CPAP was unbearable. I had a long period of sleep deprivation. When my friends tell me stuff that I did back then, I can't believe it. Sleep affects every aspect of a person's life and their body functions.

I even lost my job over it. The calling in sick because I was too exhausted to even drive to work excuse only lasted a little while.

It is really important to have a sleep study done if you snore or wake up tired with headaches.

People die from sleep apnea.

To the OP, I hope you got your final test and your machine. Please don't put it off if you haven't.

[AZBlue]

38. I have the second part of the test on Thursday.

And then a follow-up two weeks later with the doctor to get the machine, etc. I'm looking forward to it - I'm excited to have a good night's sleep for once!

Thank you for your post - I have almost been there myself. It's very hard for me to get up in the mornings and go to work and I'm often "late" - but I'm fortunate in that I don't have a set time to be at work, just a time that I have to be at work by. Nonetheless, I never seem to be able to get there any earlier than that last possible time.

[AZBlue]

39. Finally had the second part of my sleep test last night.

Had to do it this week instead of last Thursday because my car died last week.

Anyway, still had trouble falling asleep, but definitely not because of the C-PAP mask - they used a new one on my that's just a bar under the nose with two nasal pillows that fit (very comfortably) into the nose. It was great. I probably had about 5 hours sleep total and was surprisingly awake. I'm definitely looking forward to getting the machine in two weeks!

And, if anyone has the traditional mask that fits over the nose and the mouth, they may want to check into the newer one. Even if you breathe through your mouth a lot, it might still work. It comes with a humidifier that you can use if you need to in order to keep your nose clear throughout the night (I usually get stuffed up after laying down, but I was completely clear and able to breathe through my nose and use the mask all night). This one is similar to the one I used - 5th down on this page:http://www.cpap.com/

[54anickel]

40. Good to hear you're just about set up now! So, did you get a room with

a view this time? Or at least away from the helipad? ;-)

Just a couple of weeks more and you'll be getting some well deserved and decent rest! Be sure to keep us posted on any improvements you may notice. :hi:

[AZBlue]

43. No view but a much nicer room.

And a more comfortable bed. Best of all...no helipad! :D

[54anickel]

41. AZBlue, Did you catch the article on the link between disturbed sleep and diabetes?

It was posted in the health forum the other day and made me think of our discussion up thread with hubby's impaired fasting glucose or "dawn phenomenon"....

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=222x29293



Here's a link to the article -

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/7163217.stm

snip>

"We had shown previously that restricting sleep duration in healthy young adults results in decreased glucose tolerance.

"The current data further indicate that not only reduced sleep duration but also reduced sleep quality may play a role in diabetes risk.

"The current evidence suggests that strategies to improve sleep duration and quality should be considered as a potential intervention to prevent or delay the development of type 2 diabetes in at-risk populations."

Dr Tasali added that chronic shallow sleep and diabetes are typical factors associated with ageing and more research was needed to find out if age-related changes in sleep quality contribute to such metabolic changes.

[AZBlue]

42. No, I missed it - thanks for the post!

I have a feeling we're just beginning to learn all the ramifications of sleep apnea (and all sleep disorders).

How's your hubby doing?

[54anickel]

44. Good to hear you had better accomodations the 2nd time around! Hubby's

doing well. He hasn't been using his C-PAP the past few nights because he picked up a nasty bug over the holidays - stuffed up and coughing keeping him up and he's afraid of "germing up" his "equipment".

Weight-loss-wise he's still going strong, averaging 2-3 lbs per week. His goal was maintenance for the holidays and he was successful. His last off-program meal was New Years Eve and he didn't really over indulged so we'll see how he does this next week. I'm betting that his being sickly and lack of rest will result in little to no weightloss. That's how it was pre C-PAP days anyway - great diet but little to no weightloss. We'll see how he does.

[AZBlue]

45. I never stress over my diet when I'm sick.

I usually maintain during it and I figure that's good enough. My body's busy fighting off the bug or germs, so maybe that helps burn calories, LOL. But I figure I need energy to get better and that's what I focus on and worry about the diet later.

Hope he feels better soon - and that you don't catch it! :D

[54anickel]

46. Thanks but alas too late, I've come down with it too. Not as bad as his

symptoms yet, and hopefully won't get that bad. He called in sick yesterday, first time in at least 20 years, so you know he's a sick little puppy. He finally broke a sweat in the late afternoon and felt much better after that. I've just mainly been a little stuffed up and started a nagging dry cough last night. Most everyone I know that's had this one ended up with a long-lasting cough when it all ended. So far I've had short lived, mild symptoms - here's hoping the cough is the end of it and doesn't linger.

This is my first cold since I've quite smoking, sure feels different. :shrug: Oh yeah, and unlike hubby my appetite has been ravenous while fighting this bug. Good thing there's no junk food in the house. My "binge" choices have been pretty limited to fruits or veggies or low-fat dairy selections. Finally baked myself a loaf of wheat bread from a South Beach cookbook to soothe the savage within. ;-)

[AZBlue]

47. Feeling any better?

I know a couple of people who are home sick. The weird thing is that no one is horribly sick, but it's a draining and exhausting kind of illness and one that drags on. So far, knock on wood, I've been spared.

So, I appear to be slightly jinxed regarding my sleep apnea tests, LOL. First I had to have it in two parts thanks to a difficult machine and a non-cooperative computer. Now, I have to re-schedule my follow-up thanks again to the new computer system - no one realized that my sleep test results were not in my file when I showed up for my follow-up appointment today! And, they weren't able to track them down, so I have to go back once they find them. They aren't lost - it's just that the sleep labs claims they faxed them and the doctor's office says they have no record of that.

Good times! :crazy:

[54anickel]

48. Yes, thanks. It looks like I've been spared this time around. Bit of a cough at night

but otherwise doing well. I'm back to caring for the 2 grand nephews and they're both sick with coughs and snotty little noses, hoepfully I won't get it.

You just haven't been able to get a break through this whole sleep study thing, have you? Here's hoping nothing ELSE happens to delay your getting set up for some well deserved rest. At least you have a sense of humor over it all. I think I'd be at my wits end by now and looking to strangle someone!

[AZBlue]

49. My CPAP was ordered today!

Yeah!!!!!!!!!!!

I apparently fall in the "medium" range - not drastically high, but not low either.

I CAN'T WAIT to get it - hopefully it will come in soon.

[AZBlue]

50. Been on it a week!

Definitely love it. Didn't take much getting used to, maybe because I'm using the Swift mask. I definitely have more energy, get up much easier in the mornings and have also noticed I'm not as hungry as I used to be/get full much faster. I also notice other things I didn't expect, like the fact that I fall asleep so quickly now - before I used to lie awake for a while, some nights for hours. I love my machine!!

[54anickel]

51. That's great to hear AZBlue! Please keep us informed of any additional changes

you notice as you begin your new restful journey.

[AZBlue]

52. Thanks!!

:hi:

I will!

[xultar]

53. I just got my machine on Saturday, and I had my first night on it Monday.

I didn't expect anything different but I kinda thought it was bullshit. I guess I still sorta do...but I slept well last night and I didn't move around which was cool. I also didn't wake up in pain and agony like I normally do.

It's gotten worse in the last 2 years but I think I've had a problem with it for a long time, since college maybe.

I feel stupid though. I wish I could explain why.

[54anickel]

56. I hear you. My DH felt the same way, like it was some sort of scam to

make a buck and not that bad. He does believe the results being reported, but because he never really "felt" there was a problem it was/is sort of hard for him to get beyond that feeling of being scammed. Not sure if that is similar to your feeling "stupid" or not.

For him, for some reason he doesn't "feel" any different now. BUT, he's not falling asleep the minute he sits in his recliner, he has much more energy, and he's lost a freakin' 55 lbs (which might explain his complaining of the C-PAP now drying his mouth and throat even though he upped the humidifier settings). He stopped using it for quite a while and started nodding off in that chair of his again. Got back on and is able to stay awake for his favorite huntin' fishin' shows
:eyes:- now I'M the one zzzzzzzzzz in front of the tube!

[AZBlue]

57. I've definitely noticed a difference.

I sleep through the night, I have more energy, I don't need naps like I used to and I don't feel the need to sleep 12 hours a night. It's been a general progress in that direction though - not all at once. Hang in there and I think you'll continue to see changes for the better. Plus, just think of all the good you're doing your heart!

[lachattefolle]

54. I came into this conversation a little late but thought I'd share my

experience with you. A year and a half ago I was monitored while I slept overnight at a clinic up in Tucson. The next morning I was told I had sleep apopnea, same as sleep apnea but with milder symptoms. I had the gasping for air/headaches/muscle cramps, etc. same as apnea sufferers. Anyway the doctor said I was eligible for a C-PAP machine but I decided not to get one because there is no way I would be able to tolerate a mask while sleeping, on a regular basis. It drove me nuts just the one night of the study. So, I heard this thing called exercise could work miracles. LOL. I HATE exercise but what the heck, I have three dogs and so we all went for walks. This was 14 months ago. I don't miss too many days and try to walk 3-4 miles. Lately it's only been one or two (it's cold, you know?). I didn't quit eating anything I liked, just ate a little less, and I did lose almost 30 pounds, 28 to be precise. After about the first 15, the gasping for air, leg cramps, headaches, etc. all went away. I had to finally go out and buy new smaller clothes for the first time in 25 years.
Just my personal experience. Best of luck to you!
:hug:

[AZBlue]

55. That's wonderful!

They do say that even a small weight loss can help the situation - I'm so glad it did for you!!

:hug:

[travelpet]

58. Been through the overnight sleep study twice and

while the apnea was confirmed with the first test, second test
necessary to confirm that my oxygenation level was in fact
less than 55%. Dr said they were ready to code me. That was
back in September.  Been on a cpap since and the extreme
fatigue is gone and the weight has been coming off on its own
because my metabolism is now near normal. I've lost about 36
lbs without dieting.

Good luck.

[Longhorn]

59. That's amazing!

What a difference! Welcome to DU! :hi:

[travelpet]

60. My Only Advice

Thank you..my only advise would be do EXACTLY what your doctor
tells you to do...if you aren't sure of something, ask
questions. Don't worry about taking up time...this is your
life at stake.

[Longhorn]

61. Thank you!

I agree completely! And I don't mind looking like an idiot either. ;) I tell my math students all the time that there's no such thing as a stupid question. I'll remember that at the doctor's office. :hug:

[AZBlue]

62. That's fantastic!

My weight's actually gone up a little, but that's completely unrelated - it's due to unbelievable stress and no time to plan meals properly. Nonetheless, I'm so much more rested and alert and sleep through the night now - I LOVE it!