How long to keep trying?

THier · Post by **THier** » Thu Oct 20, 2005 1:18 pm

Well, its been a week, EVERYTIME I go to sleep with the mask on I wake up with it off, A short about one hr nap today and the mask was off again. I have been lucky to have been off of work due to foot surgery, because I am more tired now than ever, but I am seriously thinking of giving up the cpap. It takes me longer to get to sleep, and the short time I wear the mask I don't feel I am sleeping that good, I kind of remember "wakingup" enough to think I can't breath, but don't remember taking the mask off.

I probally go back to work next week, so I need to get more rest than I have for the last week. I have been trying to get a hold of my doc for two days now, to no avail. I feel like I have failed in this treatment and that really irks me.

I can't change equipment without a new RX.

Tom

WAFlowers · Post by **WAFlowers** » Thu Oct 20, 2005 2:54 pm

THier wrote:I can't change equipment without a new RX.

You don't need a Rx for a mask which is the most likely source of problems; all you need is money. An ill-fitting (uncomfortable) or leaking mask could be enough to have you pulling it off your face in your sleep.

The only times I've removed my mask was due to rainout, which is in keeping with the "uncomfortable" scenario.

peg · Post by **peg** » Thu Oct 20, 2005 3:04 pm

Tom,

Have some patience with it. Maybe try the old wearing the mask while
watching TV or reading trick in order to get used to it. Have the machine on and running while you do this. Could you be on any meds that might be disrupting your sleep patterns?
I read a comment in another thread today that you had made about this.
You really are getting discouraged. Frustration doesn't help you. Hang in there some people just seem to take a while to get used to it.
You haven't fail in the treatment, you just haven't mastered the mask and machine yet.
Maybe your DME could send a different mask for you to try.
good luck!!!

Jan in Colo. · Post by **Jan in Colo.** » Thu Oct 20, 2005 3:13 pm

I don't remember what machine you are using...does it have Cflex? I don't need that, but maybe problems with exhalation is what is making you uncomfortable. And I'd definitely try new masks....I'm on the mask a month club myself. I get a new mask every payday, lol. My goal is to have a whole drawerful! My AHI at my sleep study was 85...arousal rate of 77. I don't even take a 15 minute nap without CPAP...what's the point if I'm going to hit "arousal" that many times?

If this treatment isn't working for you....then the answer is to get back to the sleep doc or whoever you are using and get that new RX. How long do you keep trying? How much do you value your health? You keep trying until you figure this out. You NEED this CPAP stuff.

But don't fight it and don't get frustrated. My 17 year old son made the comment that it made him sad to see that I have to have CPAP and masks and whatnot. I don't think that way at ALL. Sad would be having a condition that didn't have any sort of possible treatment! This treatment does work...all you have to do is embrace it and make it yours....Harvey the Hose and I will be best friends forever. Even if he IS a bit annoying!

Best of luck to you...get back to the sleep doc and find out why you are not getting along well with your new best friend!

Jan in Colo.

gar729 · Post by **gar729** » Thu Oct 20, 2005 3:28 pm

THier, I've been through the same stuff with ill fitting masks. Leaks, falling off or ripping them off in frustration. However, after almost a year I've settled in and found that if I don't use the cpap I feel so horrible thats it is not even an option not to use it. I find that masks need continual tweaking. What worked yesterday may not not work today. I have four different masks and just purchased another that I rotate. If one mask isn't working for me I switch to another one for a few days. The therapy works, you have to put the time and effort into find the mask, or set of masks, that you find comfortable, or at least tolerable. I have no doubt that if you perservere you will get through this.
For me life without the cpap is not much of a life at all, even with all the problems I've had with the adjustment. The therapy has certainly NOT restored me to 100 per cent, but better than without it. Hang in.
Gary

yawn · Post by **yawn** » Thu Oct 20, 2005 4:38 pm

Tom,
Please don't give up. What you're going through is completely normal!!!! You just need to be patient and keep trying. I think Bill was right about trying another mask. It really does take a while to get used to all of this and find the right mask that works for you. I tried at least 8 different masks before I found 2 that I like (more or less).

Stopping CPAP would be so bad for your health. Apnea puts alot of pressure on your heart. According to my Dr., the effects of Apnea on the heart is even worse than "they" originally thought. That scared me into staying with CPAP...I don't want heart trouble or high blood pressure.

Please don't give up!
Amy

Sleepless on LI · Post by **Sleepless on LI** » Thu Oct 20, 2005 4:39 pm

Tom,

The mom in me is coming out so now you're in big trouble, mister! ONE WEEK??? You don't give up after one week, not with something as vital as complying with this therapy is. One week is not long enough to get used to anything this life-altering. For your own sake, my friend, be strong! It probably took you longer than a week to break in a baseball glove as a boy growing up and you stuck with that, and that wasn't a matter of ruining your health or not. You cannot give up after one week. I won't let you!!!

Now, do you want to take back the idea of giving up or are you going to make me give you a speech about all the horrible things that can happen to your health if you don't stay on the therapy? You have been given a lot of helpful suggestions by the others, so I won't double up on them by repeating it all. I think one of the best ones was finding the RIGHT MASK. It has been said before by others on this site that it's not the machine usually that makes the therapy so tough, but finding the right mask. Obviously, your subconscious does not like the one you're using and as soon as your back is turned, it takes it off without you knowing it.

Seriously? Please don't give up. It may take you two weeks or two months, but this is so important that you need to toughen up and stick with it, regardless if you don't see things working right now. They will and you will be so much better for it in the end.

Okay. I'll stop preaching to you and hope you've really read through (or will) all these helpful posts and have reached deep down into your innermost soul and have found the strength and the brains to not give up.

neversleeps · Post by **neversleeps** » Thu Oct 20, 2005 4:44 pm

You are at a very crucial turning point. This is the period of time when the quitters quit. They found it uncomfortable, they were extraordinarily sleep-deprived, and they gave up. Those people are now at increased risk for suffering from a stroke, heart attack, hight blood pressure, depression, diabetes, obesity, sexual disfunction, etc. See these links:

Cardiovascular Disease and Sleep Apnea

and

The Risks of Sleep Apnea

CPAP therapy is not an easy thing to get used to for most people. It takes more than a week or two to adjust. The annoying thing is, here you are, finally using CPAP to help your sleep, and during the adjustment period you get even LESS sleep than you did before you started CPAP. IT IS EXTRAORDINARILY FRUSTRATING! But you CAN eventually get used to it and keep it on all night. It truly WILL happen!

I remember how shocked I was that sleeping with the machine was so much worse before it got better. Initially I thought, "Hey, this thing is supposed to help me get the restorative sleep I've been so desperately lacking, but now I can't sleep at all." However, with perseverance (and the acceptance that it will be rough for a while), you will prevail. You will become accustomed to the mask, you will sleep and your body will begin to reap the benefits.

It really is hard at first. But not using it? The alternatives are infinitely worse.

mikemoran · Post by **mikemoran** » Thu Oct 20, 2005 5:24 pm

Tom,

I have been on this for 6 months now and have to be honest and tell you its not easy. I still struggle with my mask and I don't see the big pay off that alot of people talk about. But as Neversleeps brought up there are alot more improtant reasons than feeling more chipper and alert. There are generally more good nights than bad now. If in the end I get extra years with my family then the investment is worth it.

How long to keep trying? That really isn't the right question. How can you afford to give up? Is

THier · Post by **THier** » Thu Oct 20, 2005 6:03 pm

I have the mask that I finished on during my sleep survey, I have a problem exhaling, I don't think it is a mask comfort issue. I CAN remember waking enough thinking I can't breath, and catch myself blowing through my mouth. I really think it is a pressure issue. I finally got ahold of my primary doc whos' name is on the invoice, she said she didn't sign the script. SSA (Sleep services of America) says they didn't write the script, so who did? I got into it with the DME and SSA and they are supposed to talk to each other and get this straight.( getting me a different machine, c-flex)

I also got into it about my wife reporting that I still snore at times with the cpap, and I want an auto, (REMstar auto with cflex) we shall see.

The biggest problem is I am more tired now than before the cpap,, it takes me an hr or so to fall asleep, I ramp 2 or 3 times, finally get to sleep and pull the mask an hr or two later. So I am losing an hr or so a night. I probally will go back to work on monday, so sleep will be at a premium.

It has been a frustrating couple of days, and I am running out of fuse.

Thanks for the words of support,, and letting me vent.

Tom

macoil2 · Post by **macoil2** » Thu Oct 20, 2005 6:15 pm

I have a mask fitted with a quick release clip but the mask can't be removed without pressing the clip.it works.The teck from the equipment company rigged it.

Paul V · Post by **Paul V** » Thu Oct 20, 2005 6:55 pm

Those of you who responded to the guy who was having difficulty are very fine people. Taking your time to try to help another who is suffering is an amazing thing for one as selfish as me to witness. Even if the guys gives up, I am sure you are aware of the many who lurk but need your words of encouragement.

I am past 2 weeks on CPAP and it has changed me life. I feel better than I have in 10 years. I owe it in part to what I read here. You guys described the pitfalls as well as tips to give me a better chance at making this work for me.

Thank you all.

neversleeps · Post by **neversleeps** » Thu Oct 20, 2005 6:57 pm

THier wrote:The biggest problem is I am more tired now than before the cpap,, it takes me an hr or so to fall asleep, I ramp 2 or 3 times, finally get to sleep and pull the mask an hr or two later. So I am losing an hr or so a night. I probally will go back to work on monday, so sleep will be at a premium.

It has been a frustrating couple of days, and I am running out of fuse....

This may not be very comforting, but in actuality, you are right on target. This is how it begins and it is very, very rough. Sleep deprivation is awful and it makes everything seem worse so your fuse is understandably short. I've been there... many of us have. Keep at it! Though it seems hard to fathom now, the sleep you're not getting currently (as you adjust to this) is a minor inconvenience in the big scheme of things. I kept telling myself, "Sleep deprivation now vs. a stroke or heart attack next year." It kept me going when I thought I no longer could.

Stay the course! This forum is a great place to come for suggestions and general commiserating!!!!! It saved me when I, too, was ready to give up!!!

jdschooler · Post by **jdschooler** » Thu Oct 20, 2005 7:18 pm

Lay around with the mask on while awake and gradually increase the amount of time you wear it at sleep time....Quit trying and just do it....you will succeed....you have to succeed...it's your life. If I can do I KNOW you can....I'm extremely claustorphobic...Soon you will not want to go to sleep without it....It took me a couple of months.....Now I wake up the in the same position I fell asleep in and often don't even feel like I am wearing anything when I wake up.

Stick with it

Jeff

george45 · Post by **george45** » Thu Oct 20, 2005 7:41 pm

You didn't say how bad your apnea is. If it is mild to moderate you might do better with a dental device. Check out the article at the top of this page under "sleep apnea news." http://rockymountainnews.com/drmn/state ... 11,00.html

How long to keep trying?

How long to keep trying?

Re: How long to keep trying?

keep trying

you guys

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