Another Anniversary Thanks (Sorry Long)

I started my use of the CPAP one year ago on December 10, 2006 when I got out of the hospital for what they thought was heart failure. After 4 days of tests my Doc decided maybe it was not a heart problem after all (no increase in heart enzymes) but maybe it was sleep apnea and made me go directly from the hospital to the sleep center and they did a split night study. My AHI was 60.4. I never asked how many strings he pulled to get me in so quick. The next day by noon I had a machine/full face mask and was told to go home and put it on when I went to sleep. I used it every day for six months and kept trying to get someone to read my card. My Doc nor my DME had the program to read it. The Doc at the sleep center would not read it. Just kept asking “how do you feel?” (sound familiar) (relative to when?). Finally another DME that I contacted said if I brought it in the card they would read it for me just this once since I was not their patient. The print out said my AHI was still 22.6 average on CPAP.

I found this form and joined on 06/18/07. The people on this form helped with so much information and helped me find the software and reader as well as to learn to use it so I could read the card myself. You also taught me to access my machine and adjust the settings. (yes, that dreaded change your own pressure thing and no I did not ask anyone) I’m not going to name any names because I would surely leave someone off the list but you know who you are and how much I appreciate your help. Thank You, Thank You, Thank You, if it had not been for you people I don’t think I would have made it to this milestone.

I worked up the nerve to change my pressure and go to a nasal mask along with Polygrip Strips on 07/26/07. I have since trained myself to keep my big trap shut and don’t need the strips much anymore ( my DME said you could not learn to do that). My DME also said I could not have a nasal mask because I mouth breathed. Yea, I’m stubborn and I bought it on my own. I am quoting the dates because I would like for you to look at my data to show you how much you helped and I can prove it. I lost most of the early data due to the DME erasing my card ( I have the printout) and I erased a little before I found the “do not erase box“ in Encore but there is still enough for you to see the trend. The data that got erased was worse that what shows. The red arrow is pointing at the day I changed mask and pressure.






Yes, my last three month AHI average is 0.3 and my OAI is 0.1 (Sorry if it sounds like i'm bragging, well maybe just a little ) and it has been years since I have felt this good. I owe it all to the people on this board and not to forget Johnny Goodman for making it available.

Sorry to be so long but I just wanted you all to know how much you have helped and how much I appreciate it!

Jerry (Who owes everyone!)

Wow - congratulations, Jerry!!!

It's so great to hear the good results and you deserve a lot of credit, too, for sticking with it.

Way to go

Mindy

Congratulations, Jerry!!!

Good numbers.

Den

Very impressive trend ... congrats on your success!

Congratulations, Jerry! And you are SO RIGHT! About this forum - AND we CAN learn to NOT mouth breathe. Now ... the doggone lip flutters .... that's a whole new ballgame that still seems to require the PoliGrip. *sigh*

Geez Jerry, who knew you were so "new"! I easily put you up with with the veterans, you've been so smart and helpful to me and so many other people!!!!

And I personally am THRILLED that my loud mouth has equalled such a low AHI for you!!! Now you can teach ME how to get such a low AHI with the same mask! I haven't been able to get below 2. But you know I'm lazy and not diligently tracking numbers like I ought to be.

I'm so glad I met you!!! You're the light of my day. I always look forward to your posts! Keep them coming!!!!

Cyber Hug,
Babette

Jerry,

Your are simply great!!! You have been a big help to me and to many others!!

Congratulations on your success and may it continue in the future!!!!

That is what is so great about this forum -- no matter if you are having a bad day, serious problems with machine - mask - or other, or having a GREAT day we all come together for support!!

6PtStar wrote:Yes, my last three month AHI average is 0.3 and my OAI is 0.1 (Sorry if it sounds like i'm bragging, well maybe just a little )

Jerry, that's wonderful! You have good reason to brag.

And you know what? You're thanking people here, but we also all thank YOU. Your posts are helping so many sort through their own treatment issues, too. Good job, Jer!

Wow Jerry.
That data is very impressive. Congratulations!


O.

Congrats Jerry And thank YOU for all your posts and information You help out tremendously.

Congrats Jerry, and for the time you've been here you've been a great help to many others yourself so thank you for all you've contributed.

*Huggles*
Christy

Three cheers for you, Jerry!! And you know, you've helped me, too! Hoping I can earn similar bragging rights one day.

Congratulations Jerry! You have done so well your first year! You have also been a big help to me as well as a great inspiration. I just clicked over my first 500 hours, with your help and all the help from my friends on this forum. Your posts have helped keep me going when the going got tough..



Joyce