Little Successes

A few weeks ago, I happened across a post by Rested Gal in which she said that folks who use C-Flex tend to have higher AHI numbers than those who don't. I'd never heard that before and since I never felt like I really need that relief anyway, I reset my machine's setting to one.

Around the same time, someone else pointed out that sleeping on your side generally reduces the number of apnea events, so I started making an effort to sleep mostly on my side. My numbers started improving. For the past week, my AHI has been consistently below 10 (instead of my standard 12 - 18) and for the past four nights, it's been in the 5.x range. Last night it hit 4.0! Except for back when I used a nasal mask and taped my mouth shut every night, I've never had numbers that good.

I know that many would consider these "little" successes, but I think they demonstrate that you just have to keep plugging away at this stuff. There are so many variables involved with successful treatment and sometimes it takes a long time and a lot of trial and error before you find things that work for you. I've been at this for a little over three years now and have had my share of desperate days. I'm sure that there will be more bumps in the road ahead, but tonight I'm pretty satisfied with the way things are going.

I just wanted to pass this along for the benefit of all those who are really struggling right now, especially the new folks. Believe me, as long as you're willing to stick with it and take advantage of the advice and support of the folks here, you'll have your share of success as well.

OCO

Thanks, Owl, I needed that. After being at this for about 10months as the caretaker for my husband's therapy, I've been getting frustrated that things are not "perfect" yet. I will try to practice your patience.

Congratulations. Way to go!

I sleep on my sides. Among other sleep related things that I have been observing and documenting, I have been keeping track of my numbers (AHI, time-in-apnea, etc.,) and which side I was sleeping on (for those numbers) since I started CPAP in late March. So far, I am getting somewhat better numbers sleeping on my left side. I need to sleep on both sides during the night otherwise my neck gets sore. However, since I am now getting up for my bathroom "visit" only 2x/night (was 4 in March and April), I start off the night sleeping on my left side. After my 1st bathroom "visit", I sleep on my right side. After my 2nd bathroom "visit", I sleep on my left side until I get up. So, by alternating left, right, left, I get my good numbers for 2/3rds of the night, and my "not quite as good" numbers for only 1/3 of my night. Maybe down the road, I can sleep all through the night on my left side (and not have a sore neck when I awake).

My son just visited and, when I shared this "left side sleeping is better for me" observation with him, he gave me some body anatomy/physiology reasons for why I am seeing these results. Within a month or two, I plan to give the Falcon sleeping position, recommended by Rooster and others, a try. My sleeping goal is to get consistently low numbers as I continue on with my "forever and a day" CPAP therapy.

Good to see you back on the forum OCO. I agree with you that there are challenges that pop up even after several years on CPAP. With the support of others who have overcome those particular issues, we can all optimize our CPAP therapy.

Yeah that Rested Gal has more answers than most of us have questions, but eventually we seek her posts and her multitudes of links to solve our particular issues.
Together we can do more than alone when it comes to treating sleep apnea.

Karen

OwlCreekObserver wrote: I just wanted to pass this along for the benefit of all those who are really struggling right now, especially the new folks. Believe me, as long as you're willing to stick with it and take advantage of the advice and support of the folks here, you'll have your share of success as well. OCO

The success stories, even if they seem insignificant, are just
as important and valuable as the question/support posts.
Every small success, over and over, leads to successful therapy....
which leads to a new life.

Thanks! and congrats.

Congratulations! I love reading success stories