First thoughts

[carbonman]

I am new here. I just discovered this group.
I am at the point of tears after reading the
Seven Stages of CPAP and What Is Feeling Good?
I have had my sleep study and diagnosed w/OSA.
I have not seen the specific results, yet.
I am at the stage of waiting for contact from the DME supplier.

I am feeling all those things listed in that article.
I am feeling a wave of relief wash over me, knowing that
I am not alone.
I have not slept well in years.
I had no idea I have such a problem.
As I write this I feel the fatigue of the day beginning to drag me down.

If I get nothing else from this site, thank you for that article.
For the first time in years, I have such a positive feeling that
I can take my life back from the fatigue that has consumed it for so
many years.

I am 57yrs young. I am an avid endurance cyclist.
Skinny tire, fast and far. I fight the fatigue and pain,
to be on the bike. Cycling is life, the rest is just details.

I have already learned so much from this site.
Thanks!!

carbonman

[deerslayer]

Welcome Friend, ROCK ON

[jasper]

Welcome carbonman. Even after a couple of years I learn something every time I log in here. What a great bunch of people. You'll be hard pressed to find a problem that hasn't been experienced by someone and discussed here. That's not to say your problem isn't new to you... it is. So, fire away, and someone will jump in and help with an answer.

Good luck with your therapy, and welcome to the family!

George

[mindy]

Welcome, carbonman!

As I'm sure you've read, relief may take some time and effort but it will be most definitely worth it!

Best of luck to you as you travel this pathway with the rest of us.

Mindy

[sleepydoll]

Welcome Carbonman!
As I was reading your poste, I thought you were talking about me a while back!
But It's really important to stick with it....it will get better...slowly...but YES it will!
We all hang on to hope...but tell yourself that if it isn't today, then it's tomorrow that will bring you a better night ( even if partial) !

Keep coming back to this great forum ( helped me in unimaginable ways!!!)

D.

[Mile High Sleeper]

Welcome, carbonman. I'm glad you found the article helpful. I'm glad that Mike Moran and Perry Holzman gave me an OK to post such heartfelt writing. Most of us can really identify, since we have been there and are moving through the stages.

If you read the articles under the light bulb icon about equipment, you will be well informed when getting equipment prescriptions from the docdtor and meeting with the DME.

Once you get your equipment, if you're struggling with it, you might also read the article on CPAP Adaptation Stages.

Your cyclist's resolve and focus will help you greatly with adapting to this therapy. Cycle on!

MHS

[RipVW]

Hello & Welcome, carbonman! Glad you found this forum--SO much useful info and SO many helpful people here!

"You are getting sleepy . . ."

[gasp]

I used to cycle centuries regularly and probably had apnea and didn't know it. I no longer cycle, but just typing this makes me want to dust off the bike!

If I were you, if you are prescribed a machine (which having been diagnosed with OSA most likely you will be), I'd make certain it is one that is small and portable - given you cycle "far" enough to stay overnight. I used to camp on rides and if I had a XPAP then, I would have needed a battery backup. Geez, just thinking about adding larger panniers, XPAP, battery backup, masks, and distilled water for the humidifier, makes me tired : ) But hey, a good night sleep would interpret to an amazing ride the next day instead of waking up more tired than when going to bed.

I like my Respironics AFlex because it's small (very small without the humidification chamber), it collects data (don't leave the card in the reader while storing unit in the bike), and because it provides superior exhale relief.

I'd wonder if these units can withstand the constant bumps from being in panniers.... anyway, best wishes. Let us know how you're doing as you go along this new adventure.

[carbonman]

Thanks everyone for the replies.


My first success.....I hope.
I went to pickup my system today.
My script was for an M series w/Cflex.

When I got there she had the stripped down model.
I listened to her and then said I need Cflex and
it needs to be software capable.
She looked surprised.
She asked why software cabable.
I said so I can be responsible for my own success.

She got me the M series pro w/humidifier.
.....and then told me that I don't need to buy the
software. If I bring in my card they will do the print
outs for me.
Is that a good way to go?????

I got a nasal pillow mask.

I will post the specifics as soon as I can.
I don't have all the nomenclature down, yet.

I'm excited. I felt so empowered, because of the
knowledge I was able to get from this site, in just
two days.

THANKS!!!!!

My journey begins.

_________________

CPAPopedia Keywords Contained In This Post (Click For Definition): nasal pillow, cflex

[carbonman]

I used to cycle centuries regularly and probably had apnea and didn't know it. I no longer cycle, but just typing this makes me want to dust off the bike!

gasp, get that bike out and go for it.

I don't think I would consider taking the "machine" on the bike.
.....but, I sure hope that with the sleep that is to come,
I will discover a whole new life on the bike.

[sleepydoll]

[quote="carbonman"]
She got me the M series pro w/humidifier.
.....and then told me that I don't need to buy the
software. If I bring in my card they will do the print
outs for me.
Is that a good way to go????? )
_________________________________
from the little I know, it would be better to have your own software...simply beacause you ca check it on a daily basis and know if how you feel waking up corresponds to the data registered.
Did they tell you at what intervals they will check the data for you?
I have ordered the software simply to be more in control of what my body does and how it reacts during my sleep-time. I see my breathing specialist once very 2 months...too far to wait for reajustments to be done, in my mind.
If I see that my AHI is too high, etc..., I can call my DME and get things changed...
Hey this is my personal opinion, I'M sure other people will join in and add theie own experience on this matter.
I'M really glad to hear that you're encouraged by it all.
We're with you!

[mindy]

If you find the software too expensive, having them print out data for you is an option. Be aware, however, that there is only enough space on the card for either 7 days or 7 sessions and do you really want to go to the DME weekly?

Also, early on in therapy, I found it helpful to check every day.

Just my opinion!

Mindy

[Pineapple]

I have a friend who uses the DME's datadownload service and is quite happy, but there are times on his report where the DME asks him "what was going on here?" He don't know, that was in the past and forgotten.

When you have your own software, you are more likely to download more often, and when there are anommolies you can figure out the cause. I also find that when I have a bad night or, like now I'm trying to tweak a mask, I can download the data and see how things went the night before if nothing more that for reasurance.

[Twilightcat]

Hello and Welcome Carbonman! You will find so many friendly helpful folks on this amazing forum.

Take care,
Twilightcat

[Hawthorne]

Good for you for pushing for a data capable machine right away! If I were you, I would definitely get the software and reader if at all possible. I doubt that you will be going in every day to have it read by the DME. It would be most helpful to have it youself. Then you will know, every morning, what went on with your therapy the night before. I have learned so much more about my therapy and sleep apnea since I got my software and reader in February (and with help from this forum, in interpeting and tweaking my therapy) than I have known in the almost 6 years I have had sleep apnea.