Just want to introduce myself

Bubsycooks · Post by **Bubsycooks** » Mon Jul 21, 2008 4:30 am

Hi All,
I've been reading this forum ever since I found out I was apneotic (if that's a word). My story is probably typical of some. I've been tired for literally over a decade. Maybe two. I'm 46 years old (can't believe it!) and I'm up earlier than my two children this morning (both under three y.o.) due to my apnea I suppose. Typical morning: I have a headache.
I remember being tired for so long. I certainly remember saying to my work collegue "I'm SOOOOOOOO tired" all the time. More as an under the breath statement, taking to myself than anything else. I stopped doing this since the typical reaction was "oh come on, stop being a slug and be more energetic". The last several years I have been involved is a small buisness startup and during this very difficult time, had two GREAT kids. I've begun to feel so OLD these last few years and like some people I've read about here, I see that's typical, however, I didn't know what was going on and didn't have any alarm bells go off in this regard AT ALL!! My doctor is an idiot for the most part. I've become a type II diabetic under her watch. I thought that the stress in my life which is pretty extreme was the culprit (along with my "laziness" in not exercising and so so diet). Anyhow, I was on a weekend vacation to NYC with my wife (and no kids ) about 5 weeks ago. I also had a cold which stopped me from being able to go off to sleep for 3 straight nights. This time I would know myself that I was snoring. After two days, my wife insisted I needed a sleep study (smart girl). I went to my Dr. and requested one. I had to wait so long to have it done (a week ago thursday). My night's sleep was typical, so I thought great... they'll say I'm normal and I won't have any answers. I don't know how bad off I am since they would not give me any information. All I know is that they wouldn't put a CPAP on me unless I had 20 or more events which I did "qualify" for so my minimum event frequency is 20 per hour. The night was not restful obviously, but at 3:30 am they put the mask on me and in the morning I felt as though I got at least 1 1/2 to 2 hours of quality sleep. I was very tired in the morning but I was thrilled that maybe I have a DIAGNOSIS YAY, YIPPE FIREWORKS ETC.
Anyhow, I don't get to see my sleep doc for some time and at present I am on my week of summer holiday. I can't wait for this holiday to be over. All I want is to start therapy SOOO BADLY!!!! I am clued into how bad my nights are and it's even worse knowing. I almost feel short of breath. Any free moment I check this forum for some information, trying to get a head start on what appears to be an overwellmingly complex therapy.
For those of you who have read to here, I appologize. Everyone is asleep here and I just had to vent a little. I feel like I need to perverbially stand up and say, "Hi, my name is Bubsycooks, and I am an obstructive sleep apneotic".
Regards to all.
Bubsycooks

peasantldy · Post by **peasantldy** » Mon Jul 21, 2008 5:03 am

Welcome and a pat on the back for recognizing the sleep therapy you need to feel rested and energetic again. It can be a long process to getting set up but you will get to that -(I was hoping it would take 6 months for me ) but it was all of about 2 weeks (my internist is wonderful ) So post and read all you can -there are very caring people on this site. Kt

tangents · Post by **tangents** » Mon Jul 21, 2008 6:40 am

Welcome to the forum, Bubsycooks!!

I am clued into how bad my nights are and it's even worse knowing.

Yup, I know just how you feel. That was my hardest time, too. On the plus side, when I did finally get my machine I was so happy that 16 months later I've only slept 2 hours without it. You're doing yourself a huge favor by reading this board and learning all you can about your options. It's not that it's so complicated, it's just that it's hard to get comfortable enough to drift off to sleep, to stay asleep through the night, and avoid strap marks on your face the next day. You'll get it though.

Welcome again,
Cathy

alnhwrd · Post by **alnhwrd** » Mon Jul 21, 2008 7:01 am

Allow me to add my welcome to peasantldy's! There are lots of new things in store for you, and hopefully it will end up with you feeling a lot better. I would suggest that you click on the "Our Collective Wisdom", the big yellow light bulb and read some of the articles there. Here is one of my favorites, I go back and read it again from time to time:

cpaptalk-articles/CPAP-stages-feeling-good.html

You will want to be sure get a fully data capable machine. This is very very important. Here is a thread that talks about some of the machines you should consider:

viewtopic/t33180/Oh-No-Another-what-CPA ... hread.html

Your doctor will likely send you to a Durable Medical Equipment provider, or DME, to get your cpap machine and equipment. A word of caution here. Some of these providers are staffed with kind and competent people who want to help others. Some are less kind, less competent, and are more interested in your insurance card than your well being, so be prepared. Try to get them to let you try as many different kinds of masks as they have so you can see which ones are the most comfortable and the ones you just can't stand. A good fitting will consist of you putting on the mask, lying down on a cot or bed, and adjusting the mask under pressure. Getting the right mask, one that is not unbearably uncomfortable and has minimal leaks is one of the biggest challenges to successful cpap treatment. Often people are provided with the wrong size or type of mask and wind up failing because it is too uncomfortable or they cannot get it to work properly. Do everything you can to not let this happen to you.

Like many things attitude is very important so expect obstacles and determine now that you will overcome them. Expect a few rough nights, everyone has them. Come back to the forum and the chat room and ask for advice, someone here has certainly gone through what you are experiancing and will be glad to help, advise and support you.

bap40 · Post by **bap40** » Mon Jul 21, 2008 7:30 am

I started out before my sleep study reading this forum and all the info under the yellow bulb and cpap facts so I was very prepared for treatment. I knew what kind of machine I wanted etc. I was also cautious about DME's and did end up firing my first one after several lies and decided that it was not going to be "her" way, it was going to be "my" way". My treatment, therefor my wishes.

In the meantime, read and learn as much as you can and try to absorb as much as you can. Relax because you are on the right track and all will be okay in the end.

Slinky · Post by **Slinky** » Mon Jul 21, 2008 8:30 am

Welcome, Bubsycooks. You are on your way to restful, restorative sleep. I hope the process moves along quickly and smoothly to getting your equipment.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Mon Jul 21, 2008 10:45 am

Great to have you here! Glad you found us!!!!

Now a warning - once you do start therapy, you're life is very likely going to take a sudden downward turn. Getting adjusted to therapy can be the most difficult thing you've ever done. Some people are lucky and adjust fast. Be prepared. Get some things in place so you can slack a bit at work & home. Come here often for help.

This forum saved my life. I would have killed myself or someone else in my first six weeks of therapy. It can be just that rough. But I got over it, and thousands more did too, and we're better people, living far more quality lives than we ever did before.

Hang in there, and we'll help you all we can!!!!

Cheers,
Babette

Just want to introduce myself

Just want to introduce myself

I'm glad you found some of us awake :)