when I first came on here, I was very depressed and desperate and posted something to that effect. Then I began to get help and learn all this stuff mostly on here and some from other research. I learned all these things that were connected with my sleep disorders and health symptoms/disorders that I didn't realize were connected.

I did not know about things like mouth taping and mouth breathing, full face masks, autopap and autobipap, sleep study terms, hose length and so much more and from the sharing others did with me and through their help and answers, I learned more in 2 weeks than in the previous 15 years since my diagnosis.

I stopped being the easy patient--the provider couldn't just drop off the same mask every year and the doctor couldn't just write a prescription, say a few words and be on his way. No they had to see a little of how bad I really was, all the physical, emotional, and mental effects I was continuing to suffer (despite treatment nothing got better but morning headaches..and also many things I had I didn't know where connected to my sleep or lack thereof).

They had to read letters and answer a list of questions, send out records, explain things well, and thankfully, be open to what I wanted to try. I was assertive and I overstayed my time I am sure and I even felt at this one point this little group of office workers were gossiping about me ticked when I happened to see them just after the assistant left the office. (both myself and the provider woman felt that some of the staff were quite rude. I waited nearly two weeks for an answer to question I sent in a letter and another 1o days- for the prescription for the machine to be faxed, but finally it all worked out and worked out well.

I have gotten exactly what I wanted..an auto bipap, better settings, a full faced mask..

Today I finally got it all (I think it has been about 6 weeks since my study..the first one I have had in 5 or 6 years..another thing that I am never going to do again--put off the study due to fear that they would reduce the pressure like they did for three years from 16 to 6 in error it turned out and this made me scared to go again)

Soon I will hook it all up and take it for a spin and I am happy and excited and hopeful...hopeful that maybe after 25 years of suffering the tide will turn. Almost afraid to hope at the same time for fear of it failing. I wonder with anticipation --will I wake up feeling better soon? Will I not wake up every hour or so to use bathroom? Will I get some energy finally..it has been half my life or so I have waited,.. for that one. May it be so.

I still need to deal with my PLMD and my severe delayed sleep phase syndrome but I think I will be getting a light box soon that may help my circadian cycles. Then it just is figuring out what to do with the jerks that I am comfortable with.

But what I want to say is thank you to each and every person who helped me in some way. Just read the article sleeping with the enemy under the light bulb and reflecting on the many associated effects and health conditions apnea and sleep deprivation bring about, I am just amazed when I personally realized recently how it is all linked nearly everything I have...things I did not expect to be linked are linked --just tonight I learned of the massive amount of stress hormones flooding the body each night helping better explain the feeling that I seemed to have symptoms of adrenal exhasution but never realized I was stressed to the max not only in the day but in the night...this certainly is eye opening and makes one realize the importance of getting this problem fixed.

When I think about how nearly every emotional, mental, and physical problem I have relates to sleep apnea (and the 2 other sleep disorders I have) and its resultant sleep deprivation, and multiple up the suffering over at least 25 years that has resulted and then multiply that by 60 million people and all their effects and suffering, the totality of it all is just staggering..this great cost (not to mention the financial cost and cost to people who know victims of sleep deprivation and apnea. And here you all are making a difference in your own life and the lives of others. Please take a well deserved pat on the back.

Everyone on here helping others to do this and getting as many people feeling better and healthier as possible with their advice, insights, support, and sharing of knowledge is being an ambassador of goodness and truly using their time to make the world a better place.

As I anticipate going to bed soon for the first time with equipment that I never knew existed 6 weeks ago with pressures lead by advice I received, I realize but for the kindness of people on here, I would have continued not getting better as I didn't have the knowledge,

Realizing this feels my eyes with tears and me with hope that someday things will be better and my life will improve. As well as those of others on here. Never forget the great service you are doing for others in helping them and sharing what you know. I thank everyone who helped me.

Thank god for the Internet (though I am addicted to it far to much)..is all I can say.


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CPAPopedia Keywords Contained In This Post (Click For Definition): bipap, hose, Prescription, auto

Jane,
Here's hoping this is the beginning of good things for you. I was just thinking that delayed sleep phase syndrome can be a challenge to switch around, and wondering if it might help your adjustment to bipap and new settings if not working against your natural sleep patterns at the same time. Unless there is a reason you must change your sleep schedule right away, maybe saving that challenge for later will better help you know if any problems are because of the equipment or just because your body wasn't ready to sleep when you tried. Just one opinion. Best wishes.
Kathy

Good luck, Jane! I hope things get better and better for you starting from tonight!

sleepyjane

it was so weird to see your post, i was just thinking about you this morning and wondering how you're doing...

great to hear that you are feeling optimistic and empowered

best of luck to you, hope the good news keeps coming

sharon1965

SleepyJane,

Best wishes for a many a great night's sleep!

Sleepyjane, how's it going with the new equipment?

Regards,
Bill

Sounds great Sleepyjane !

I am very glad and excited for you. I am confident in your ability to take what you have done and make it even better by working slow and steady with your new knowledge and equipment. Don't get discouraged if it seems your health issues related to OSA don't go away overnight though. It takes time. Watch your numbers, learn what they mean, and get yourself under an AHI 5.0 average for a few months, and I am sure you'll be able to see some changes. Some get lucky and can see changes almost over night, others take a long time to adjust and can even feel worse for a time before they feel better. I truely hope that you are one of the lucky ones that feel better sooner then later. If not, take it one problem at a time and try to make just one thing better each night and keep asking questions on the forums here if something stumps ya and sooner or later it will happen for you. =)

Sleep Well

Darn thing. I was logged in too, hehe least thats what I thought.