It's nice to know why I was so tired!!

Breathless · Post by **Breathless** » Sun Jan 16, 2005 3:57 pm

Hi Everyone,
I'm a newbie. I just took the horrific overnight sleep study and the tech told me it was apnea for sure. I haven't heard from my doctor yet to find out how mild or severe. I am overweight, and plan on doing something about that now. Nothing like death to motivate ya right? I saw that scary mask, and I don't think I'd be disciplined enough to deal with it. I'm high maintenance and fussy, so I'd be like...ugh...forget that!

Can weight loss really make a difference? Is there hope to get healthy and be free of masks? I want to know if this is life without parole or if there's hope... )

RubyKat · Post by **RubyKat** » Tue Jan 18, 2005 8:29 pm

I don't know if weight loss would be enough to sleep mask-free -- it would depend on how severe your sleep apnea is. But one thing is for sure -- a CPAP with a mask is a heck of a lot better than the old-fashioned treatment of getting a tracheotomy! And it's a lot better than not having CPAP too. The mask doesn't have to be big and frightening -- I use a mask that just covers the nose; it's worth trying out a few different masks to find one that suits.

Don't think of it as a big ugly mask -- think of it as being like a fighter-pilot's oxygen mask. You're a Top Gun in your sleep! (grin)

Breathless · Post by **Breathless** » Tue Feb 15, 2005 5:59 pm

Thanks for the advice. I was officially diagnosed with moderate sleep apnea in the past month, and now my health care provider wants me to do another sleep study with a cpap to determine the correct "titration" level/percentage for me before they approve my cpap. I'm not looking forward to it, but I sincerely appreciated your response and advice.

RubyKat · Post by **RubyKat** » Tue Feb 15, 2005 7:03 pm

You're very welcome.

scott54 · Post by **scott54** » Tue Feb 15, 2005 8:07 pm

I'm with you - I was diagnosed with sleep apnea last week. It's a relief knowing what's wrong with me.

I have an appointment with respiratory therapy on March 15 - I wish it was sooner but at least by then I should have a little knowledge and I should be able to ask questions.

Scott

LDuyer · Post by **LDuyer** » Tue Feb 15, 2005 9:12 pm

scott54 wrote:I'm with you - I was diagnosed with sleep apnea last week. It's a relief knowing what's wrong with me. I have an appointment with respiratory therapy on March 15 - I wish it was sooner but at least by then I should have a little knowledge and I should be able to ask questions.

Did you have the sleep test? If you did or when you do, make sure you get a copy of the report. You'll be glad you did. Ask lots of questions. Make them earn their salary. ......Gosh, can you call and ask real nice repeatedly for them to move up your appointment? Tell them it's unlucky to have an appointment on the Ides of March. But really, see what you can do, ask to be available for a cancellation. You will rest easier (and quicker) the sooner you get started. Good luck.

It's nice to know why I was so tired!!

It's nice to know why I was so tired!!

Back at ya RubyKat

Scott