New here - finally on the right track!

[hoseknows]

I've had quite a journey with sleep apnea. I was first diagnosed in 1998 (at age 25). After trying CPAP and hating it, I had the surgery and it reduced my apneas from 32/hour to 16/hour (which was considered acceptable back then). I did okay for many years, until I had twins and gained 50 pounds taking anti-depressants (when they turned 2...aack!).

My sleepy symptoms got worse and worse until I just couldn't take it anymore. I finally had a sleep study a month ago (scoring 20 apneas/hours during REM), and have been on CPAP for almost 2 weeks now. I tried the nose only mask with the chin strap but I developed a bad blister at the bridge of my nose. Today I exchanged it for the full face mask and they also gave me the Comfort gel thing to put on my nose to avoid more blisters.

I'm excited and hopeful. The masks are SO much better than they were 12 years ago...trust me! It's amazing there is a treatment for this all too common problem.

Thank you so much for the success story thread. I am looking forward to posting my own story there soon!

BTW, my twins (who are now 7) both think my mask is cool. My husband is also entertained by it (I think he's jealous).

[kteague]

Welcome, and better late than never, right?! Does your husband need a machine and mask too? You wouldn't be the first couple to have dueling... I mean dual, equipment on their matching nightstands. You've got a great attitude going back into this, and I'm guessing it will get you into the success story thread in record time.
Kathy

[KatieW]

Welcome to the forum. Glad to hear that equipment has improved, and will be more comfortable for you this time around. Wishing you success!

[RipVW]

Hello & Welcome, hoseknows! Glad you found this forum—SO much useful info and everyone here is so willing to help!
You're lucky to have found this forum as you begin CPAP—took me almost year before I found this place and, with the help of folks here, got my CPAP therapy working as it should. It does take time to get everything tweaked and working at its best, so patience is key as one begins CPAP.

"You are getting sleepy . . ."