Struggling with the wait for CPAP

[Morningglory]

Hello. Glad I found this forum.

I knew that I had sleep apnea for a long time but always put off a sleep study. I had one a few weeks ago.I hit all the criteria early so they started titrating me, and I slept better there in in clinic with the mask than I have in ages. They said I had been waking up 103 times/hr on my back and 42 on my side. My oxygen was 85%. They sent all the notes, etc. to a home health org, but since I have Medicare (because I'm on SSDI), it's taking forever.

It'll be at least another week before I even know if mine will be covered or if I'll have to do something different, possibly even another sleep study. (Someone at the home health place brought that up.) Meanwhile, I'm a wreck now that I've finally tasted quality sleep, only to be denied it. Plus I have seasonal allergies which are exacerbating breathing problems night and day. I am constantly exhausted and irritable, I can't focus, and I constantly wake with headaches and coughing fits.

I called the sleep clinic to see if they could help expedite things and/or give me things I could do in the meantime. They just suggested things I already do, like propping up my head and sleeping on my side. I'm also trying Breathe Right strips and different things for allergies/respiratory symptoms.

I would love some tips on things I might do to get my cpap faster, if possible, and also anything that might help me feel a tiny bit more rested while I wait. I hate it that I'm having so many wasted days because I'm starved for oxygen and sleep.

Thank you all.

[Julie]

If you have a recliner, trying sleeping in that - it's the uprightness (not the back sleeping) that helps.

[chunkyfrog]

No matter how badly you hate waiting, a full data machine is well worth the extra wait, if necessary.
Read the blog at maskarrayed.

[HanzT]

Hi, Have you asked your sleep dr if he/she has a loaner? I was able to get one once when my machine was being exchanged. Just a thought.

[ClarkK]

I know about struggling during the wait. For me it unfortunately led to being treated for anxiety after some very dark episodes in the middle of sleepless nights.

For me -- I focused those episodes into a determination to be successful with the CPAP -- to learn all I could about the therapy and get whatever I needed to be more comfortable and successful. I started in January, and have used it every hour of sleep since day one -- and today I am reaping the benefits. More restful nights. Increasingly longer stretches of sleep. Fewer bathroom trips. Safer drive to and from work. I love my CPAP!

I hope your wait ends soon -- meanwhile, take some comfort knowing that better days are ahead!