what to expect

Hello all,
I am a 57-year-old mom of four, nana of ten, wife of one - who has been very patient as I turned into a sleeping, brain fogged zombie over the last few years. I have gained weight, lost energy, lost interest and have basically quit living an active life. Recently changing PCPs, I told my same ol story of no energy, sooo tired and he immediately sent me for a polysomnogram. My prior PCP listened for many years, put me on sleeping pills, antidepressants, Provigil, thyroid medication, heart - blood pressure medication, but never considered I might not be sleeping properly. My husband has told me I snored for a long time, but I thought he was just harassing me because I nag at him because he snores. The test showed I have sleep apnea (I don;t know what kind) and they called and said I was going back to the sleep center at U of M for a CPAP sleep test to adjust settings? I see you talking about various kinds of masks, machines and I am trying to get some pre-appointment advice on what is the best. I think I breath through my mouth most of the time and I have allergies and nasal stuffiness a lot of the time too. Is there anything you can tell me. I am so excited that I might feel normal again. It was hard to explain to people that I haven't felt "here" in such a long time. I hate being so tired and so mentally incompetent. My memory is nil and it really was scaring me. I sure hope this is going to help me. I will sleep until someone wakes me -
12-14-24 hours later. I can fall asleep talking on the phone, reading, watching TV. I have stopped driving because I could not keep my eyes open. People don;t get how I can be sleepy and tired when all I do is sleep. It's crazy. I hope this helps. Thanks for your experience. Linda

Hi Linda,

You mentioned, "I think I breath through my mouth most of the time and I have allergies and nasal stuffiness a lot of the time too."

I'd suggest you stress that when you get to the sleep clinic for your titration study. Or even call them a few days ahead of the appointment to discuss your inability to breathe well through your nose.

A lot of time could be wasted during the titration if they put a nasal mask (covers only the nose) on you, or try to put a chin strap on you to make you breathe through a nose that air simply isn't going to go through well.

Ask them if you can be titrated (that means finding the best pressure for you) with a full face mask. Despite the name "full face", a FF mask doesn't cover the entire face. It will cover only your nose and mouth and will allow you to breathe through your mouth and still get treatment.

Good luck.

well welcome to the world of brain fog memory loss restless sleep. Your not alone I think most if not all of us have been there or in my case are still trying to find that right combo of machine masks, etc. to dig my way out of it. The biggest thing I've learned and believe me its been rough to except but you must stick with it!!! try sitting with the mask on during the day hours for an hour or so to get adjusted to the feeling. Some people seem to adjust quickly and if your like me you'll fight it the whole way!! But get equipment thats comfortable for you. I have started off on a full face mask because I thought I was more of a mouth breather but am considering changing this out for comfort reasons. Like I said stick with it and find what works for you. good luck!!!

Hi Linda!

By the way, I like your name!

I think Rested Gal's idea is smart. The sleep study place may do the right thing, but some don't. So it's best if you do prepare them and tell them you need to be tested with a full face mask. Good to be prepared, so they won't waste your time.

Yes, this sleep apnea thing can rule your life, for sure. I too had a doctor who treated me for high blood pressure and thyroid levels, but I know that the high blood pressure problem was a very recent developing problem, as maybe were the other problems (most likely a result of the apnea). Luckily, my doctor did finally mention the sleep apnea thing. It seems to be quite common, that many doctors don't know enough about sleep apnea.

Yes. The exhaustion! And losing interest in everything and feeling miserable. Like you, the exhaustion began to rule my life. Thankfully I got this treatment. I just know you will be doing great soon!

Good luck to you. I hope you stay in touch. This forum can really be a help. I bet you'll be feeling better in no time. If there are problems initially, don't worry. Just don't give up, and let us help, if you need us.


Linda

Thank you all who responded so quickly to my post. I am going to have the trial Saturday night at U of M. I will call them tomorrow and let them know I may need the full mask. Thanks for you advice. I am scared to sleep tonight now that I know that I stopped breathing l54 times and my oxygen saturation was very low. I do not have obstructive sleep apnea, it is hypopnea or something like that. I am angry at my prior doctor for never suggesting this and I am so anxious to have a good day (after a good nights sleep). Thanks again, Linda

I guess I was wrong - I do have apnea and hypopnea if that confused anyone. Tomorrow night is the test - I am very anxious. I hope it works, I hope it works, I hope it works....... Linda