Sharing Good News

[mollym]

I hadn't even registered yet, so this is my first post, but this is too good to wait. The cats weren't properly excited but I knew you would be!

I have been tired for years. Got on thyroid meds which helped a little. Got on depression meds which helped a little (helped my migraines some too). Still tired, not concentrating, house a wreck etc.

A friend suggested a sleep study and sure enough I have sleep apnea too. I've been using a Remstar Plus for 1-1/2 months now. The first month with a Respironics Comfort Gel mask which freaked out the bridge of my nose (I broke it years ago) and the last two weeks with a ComfortLite2 (I love it because I sleep on my side and have Rosacea so no straps on my cheeks and no gear sticking out is fabulous).

I definitely noticed an improvement after starting CPAP. No more falling asleep at work! I didn't really feel rested though, and when I switched to the ComfortLite2 mask it felt like less air pressure (I'm only on 6) plus I didn't feel as rested.

I poked around this board a little and left a message for my doctor on Friday asking if we could try a higher pressure with the new mask. After a lot more reading on the board over this weekend, I realized I had a machine that wasn't going to help me or my doctor keep up with my treatment. I called back yesterday and amended my request to an Auto Pap (might as well go for the gusto right?).

I'm a computer programmer, so I normally would be itching to get at the software, but I'm so worn out right now I probably wouldn't bother.

Her first response when I had asked about the increase in pressure was no, but when I called back the second time, I mentioned that I had researched my machine and discovered that it was the lowest and oldest of their line and couldn't even give her my leakage or apnea rate information.

When I got home from work tonight I was particularly tired and discouraged, and just sat in the car for a while and cried. I finally dragged myself out to face too much to do and no energy left to do it. I went in and had a message from the doctor. She had approved an APAP!!!

I know this may not be a "magic bullet" but it was encouraging and it opens up so many options.

Thank you all for the time you have spent patiently answering people's questions. It would be easy to just get on with your own lives. You have just made a big difference to me.

Sorry for such a long post. I'll try to keep them shorter in the future.

[Goofproof]

Welcome to the group. Getting the Dr. to go for the APAP is great, now if the INS will sign on you will be on the way. Check your P.M.'s at the top right of the page. Jim

[papdaddy]

Congrats on the great news,

[SleepyNoMore]

MollyM, that is so wonderful! Welcome to the forum, I have been on for about a month now and the people are WONDERFUL.. I am so happy for you.. SleepyNoMore

[Wulfman...]

Welcome and congratulations on doing your homework and your success with your doctor.

Best wishes,

Den

[AdmiralCougar]

And congrats on the prescription for the upgrade. Good luck getting the unit you need. Keep us posted on how things are going.

Christy

[rested gal]

Way to go, Molly!

Be sure to check your Private Messages ... button wayyy up at top right of this page.

[j.a.taylor]

Molly,

Glad to hear the good news!

It really helps when it becomes clear that you know what you're talking about.