It IS my BIRTHDAY! What cpaptalk has done for me...

[birdshell]

It is my ! It is the 56th one, and a good day to celebrate.

Today is REALLY my birthday, and I thought I'd share a thought or two. (Babette, I don't know if it was my experience in England that allowed me to post the correct month and day, but it must have worked.)

PLEASE do not feel the need to post greetings...I'm just reflecting on things as I often do on anniversaries, holidays, or other special days. I'd rather hear about how cpaptalk.com has helped you!

First, I've been greeted so wonderfully by forum friends on private messages and on Live Chat this week! Thank you, as the birthday listing is a new feature of the new and improved forum. I certainly did not expect that.

Today, I came on the forum to look at a few posts and I couldn't help noticing the birthday cupcake, complete with candle, that appeared under my avatar and other info. Thank you, cpaptalk!

This is a great forum, the best on the 'net, IMHO. Thanks for all you have done for me to improve my life by improving my CPAP treatment. It has been a wonderful experience to become a forum member. I have made so many friends and acquaintances that I treasure.

As a result of the forum, I have made these adaptations in my treatment:

1. I use a severely deconstructed Headrest (aka Twilight NP, aka Aura) mask. I have a zero leak rate most nights. It is tied on with tights legs.

2. I use a hose cover and some strap covers that match and were made for me by Padacheek Karen. (BTW, we have the best first name in the whole world for us.)

3. I managed to get a ResMed Vantage APAP machine for Christmas (thanks for the sale, Johnny). It has changed my treatment soooo much. I cannot believe the difference.

4. I tape my mouth shut. I have yet to see any hard research showing that it is contraindicated. People who are in the medical profession are scientifically and research oriented and yet...they have no real evidence to back up their knee-jerk negative reaction to mouthtaping. There isn't anyone who has truly been able to refute it EXCEPT for comatose or drugged (or similarly impaired) people. This is true especially for me because I cannot wear a full faced mask or use a chin strip, and am physically unable to vomit (as a result of Nissen fundiplication surgery years ago).

Thanks to all Forum Folk who have wished me well and have helped me so much. This is what inspires me to be a part of the forum and to keep coming back. I hope that I have helped someone else in this same spirit, to both pay it back and pay it forward.

Karen,
Who is truly glad to be here

and

Is now qualifying for more discounts!

[Wulfman]

Happy Birthday, Karen!!!

I'm glad you're here, too.

Wishing you many, many more.

Den

[bdp522]

Happy birthday to you
Happy birthday to you
Happy birthday dear Karen
Happy birthday to you!

Brenda

[Babette]

Yeahbutt.....

Karen, we need to tell you how much we love you and am so glad you're here on the forum, or else you'd never know.

Birthday as good a time to do that as any.

KAREN, WE LOVE YOU AND ARE SO GLAD YOU'RE ON THIS FORUM!

Huggers,
Babs

[Bonnie]

Happy Birthday Karen.

My real birthday was Sunday but I also celebrate my Re-Birthday every August. After starting on Cpap I felt I was born again after so many years of being the perverbial walking zombie, hence the Re-Birthday celebration. What made my treatment work was what I learned here. That and my determination to suceed and get my life back and prolong it.

[ozij]

Well, since it is your birthday - here's another birthday greeting!
What cpaptalk has done for me:
Taught me to tape - took me 8 months to finally try it - but I did and am.
Taught me to adjust masks for my own comfort -and mine too happens to be an Aura/Headrest with tights legs.
Let me meet (only virtually, in my case) wonderful people: caring, intelligent, wise, compassionate, and full of humor.
Taught me the difference between machines - and the importance of software
Taught me about heated hoses and hose covers
And more and more and more.

I'm glad you're here, Karen.

O.

[fatfeminist]

happy birthday shell!!


i appreciate all you have done for ME!

[tattooyu]

Ditto, ditto, dittooooooo!



My birthday is on Sunday. My family asked what I might want gift-wise. I sent them links to the products at PAC and PurSleep!

[CollegeGirl]

Happy Birthday, beautiful!
What has cpaptalk done for me? Well, in a nutshell (as opposed to a birdshell) - tomorrow (I think - I can't remember for sure, but pretty close) is my 4 year CPAP anniversary. I never, ever would have made it without this forum, that is for sure.

[sleepycarol]

Happy Birthday Karen!!

Let me think -- here is what cpaptalk.com has done for me -- gave me back my life. Prior to getting diagnosed with sleep apnea I was among the living dead. I felt that I was going to zombie land and never return. I received my machine and found this forum the exact same day!! Whooaaa!! Thank goodness. Otherwise I would have been one the statistics that got lousy treatment or worse would have quit!! I literally owe cpaptalk for removing me from zombie land!!

[Catnapper]

Among the many blessings and benefits I have had from cpaptalk, I count having met you, birdshell, as one of the best. You have been very encouraging to me and helpful more than you know.

I am glad you finally converted to an auto and the Headrest mask. It does make a lot of difference.

[Bigburd]

Hey, another year is another year, congratulations and God bless.

[junie]

Happy Birthday, Since I found cpaptalk I'm starting to live my life again, thanks to all you members

[grumpygirl]

Happy Birthday Karen!! Hope the year ahead will be the very best yet!!
cpaptalk.com has really been a life saver for me too, so many caring people who go the "extra mile" to help, we are all very lucky to have such a great place to go to for help and even to be able to vent our frustrations and STILL be loved!!

BTW- my 56th B'Day is next week-seems like there are lots of us this month!!

[bast]

dear Karen,

it's such a joy to send birthday wishes your way -
such a great gift your friendship is to folks here, and especially my family of hose-heads!

i wrote another message but it disappeared... how did that happen?

and my brain is too tired to figure out what i said, but mainly it was
singing a different birthday song
(from the waldorf school - )
"now we wish you many happy returns and the best of love on your bir-irth-day..."

and with great ease and goodwill, hoping that your coming year is fulfilling, peaceful, inspiring, and more...

thank you for being here with us and for your characteristic thoughtful and engaging ways!

warmly,
Ella/Bast