Intro/My Story and issues with compliance

SleepyBear83 · Post by **SleepyBear83** » Sat May 30, 2015 10:15 am

Hi,

Just wanted to take a moment and introduce myself and share my story. I am a 32 year old female and I was diagnosed with sleep apnea a little over five months ago I have had a CPAP for a little over three months now. I was compliant for about a week but after waking up more tired than I was without treatment, I gave up. However due to my increasing health problems (fatigue, GERD, wide spead muscle and joint pain, cognitive and memory problems and severe daytime sleepiness) I have decided to get back on the xPAP horse.

I had a sleep study done in December 2014 and was diagnosed with mild to moderate sleep apnea along with hypoxemia and after a titration was put on a pressure of 6cm and a ramp of 4, I am not currently on O2. I use the PR System One Pro w/C-flex and a Phillips Nuance mask, currently I am using PR's Sleep Mapper software to track my data, which I would post but I only have a weeks worth so far.

I don't really have alot to say since I really haven't been compliant with my therapy. I'm trying to get on board with the "hose train" but it has been a struggle. By going through this journey that is sleep apnea I have discovered that I am a vain person, which is odd because I've never been one to care about my appearance and how others see me; with my CPAP I find myself extremely aware of how I look and I hate it . I also find the thought that I might have to use this for the rest of my life rather depressing. When added to my PTSD and my grief over loosing my Mom it all becomes rather over whelming .

It is my hope that by joining this group that I will find the same type of support that I have gained from my grief support group and find the encouragement I need to comply with my therapy.

Sir NoddinOff · Post by **Sir NoddinOff** » Sat May 30, 2015 10:31 am

Bump... Your problems are extremely common on this forum and there will be people along who can help you get your head around this experience. I haven't had your problems so I'll stand aside and let the others chime in. You might consider adding to your subject line your bad feelings about adapting to CPAP. BTW, There are several mental health professionals who routinely visit this forum. To change your subject line go to your FIRST ENTRY at the top and hit the edit button, next go to the subject line and change it as required to get specific attention for your problems.

candlegirl76 · Post by **candlegirl76** » Sat May 30, 2015 10:33 am

Welcome! So glad you're back on board the hose brigade!! I'm pretty new at it, too. Diagnosed in Feb. and got a loaner machine end of March. I just got my actual machine and the Airfit P10 nasal pillows mask. I am still tired but have had significant improvement with my blood pressure, fewer migraines and less depression. If I couldn't see my data in Sleepy Head I'd think it wasn't working but it really is and I just need to stick it out long term. I really just wanted to say welcome, it's hard but keep at it and you will see improvement! take it one night at a time. I just wrote a blog about starting treatment and posted several pics of me wearing my mask. It was great therapy for me, because I hate how I look wearing it, too!

Cardsfan · Post by **Cardsfan** » Sat May 30, 2015 10:38 am

Hi Sleepybear. I am new too. - about 5 months into it. Welcome, and you will find lots of nice, helpful, knowledgable folks here. Keep trying.

postitnote · Post by **postitnote** » Sat May 30, 2015 10:53 am

Welcome and my condolences for the loss of your mom. That has to be hard!

chunkyfrog · Post by **chunkyfrog** » Sat May 30, 2015 11:24 am

I had no problem trading in the bags under my eyes for a morning cowlick.

SleepyBear83 · Post by **SleepyBear83** » Sun May 31, 2015 4:03 am

Just wanted to say thank you to everybody for the warm welcome. It's nice having support in this journey. A special thank you to Postitnote.

Candlegirl76 what is the URL for your blog I would love to read it.

Thank you again everyone for the warm welcome.

candlegirl76 · Post by **candlegirl76** » Mon Jun 01, 2015 12:39 pm

SleepyBear83 wrote:Candlegirl76 what is the URL for your blog I would love to read it.

I sent you a PM with the link, SleepyBear! Sorry it took so long to answer you! I was on my phone last night and couldn't do anything from that.

Karen

SleepyBear83 · Post by **SleepyBear83** » Tue Jun 02, 2015 2:07 pm

Karen,

Thanks for the reply. I read your blog your kids are cute. I'm glad your twins are doing so well.

candlegirl76 · Post by **candlegirl76** » Tue Jun 02, 2015 3:35 pm

Thanks, SleepyBear!

Janknitz · Post by **Janknitz** » Tue Jun 02, 2015 3:38 pm

Welcome, Sleepybear!

Please DO post your one week of data because it will help us see WHY you may have been waking more fatigued than without it. We CAN help, but you have to give us some info to go on.

At your age to have mild to moderate sleep apnea with any hypoxemia means that not using CPAP is NOT an option. You will be sick or dead far too soon if you don't hitch up your big girl panties and get going with this. Sorry to be blunt, but there it is.

I know it's hard, I know it stinks that you have to do this, I know you're concerned at how you look (do you even have a bed partner right now???), but this will all be things that can be worked out. What cannot be worked out is that you HAVE apnea and you MUST deal with it.

So post those charts and you WILL strap that mask on your face tonight and every night from this point on. Don't give up on yourself, we won't give up on you.

SleepyBear83 · Post by **SleepyBear83** » Wed Jun 03, 2015 12:52 am

Karen and Janknitz,

Thank you for your encouragement. I started a new thread to chronicle my recommitment to the Hose Head lifestyle. I'm happy to advise you that I'm on my third night of compliance and doing so much better this time a round, I'm not sure what it is but me and the hose just seem to be getting along this time around. Who knows I might even come to like it. (gasp!)

Anyway thank you both for your encouragement.

Intro/My Story and issues with compliance

Intro/My Story and issues with compliance

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Re: Intro/My Story and issues with compliance

Re: Intro/My Story and issues with compliance

Re: Intro/My Story and issues with compliance

Re: Intro/My Story and issues with compliance

Re: Intro/My Story and issues with compliance