Hi all my name is Mike and I was just told I have very bad OSA. I had the sleep study on a wednesday and the hospital called me thursday and wanted to admit me.. Talk about a scare.. I don't understand all the details yet.. But I stoped breathing on average 191 times an hour and my Blood oxygen lev dipped to 51% at it worst with an episode length of 58 seconds. I am only 32 and this feels like it's ruining my life (i'm being a little over dramatic here haha)
I am on day 3 with a machine and I can't sleep to save my life.. I feel like I can't get enough air and when I go to bed all i can do is concentrate on trying to breathe and lay awake. I have been reading and you guys seem to say it takes time to get used to it.. Well between the anxiety before bed, soar nose, and less sleep now than i ever had before I HOPE it gets easier.
I have slept on my stomach for my whole life so it's tough to change. AND I have bad sinus problems. I actually functioned pretty well with the apnea. I am always on the go and work several jobs (by choice) I DO need to lose quite a bit of weight and now I have the motivation to do it.. lol
Sorry about the long post.. just wanted to let someone know how i feel. The doctor basically told me to deal with it.. Nice huh?
Just Diagnosed with OSA
13 posts
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Severeena
- Posts: 821
- Joined: Sat Mar 26, 2005 3:54 pm
- Location: 907 Main Street, Union Grove, WI 53182
- Contact:
Hi Mike, what type of machine and mask are you currently using?
Your start pressure may be to low is one reason you feel you cannot breath.
My hubby, Tom taught me a relaxation breathing technique that has worked for me on my anxious nights. You breath in through the nose and out through the mouth. I am a mouth breather so this is very easy with a full face mask.
The type of mask I use, I can sleep on my side. See signature
Your start pressure may be to low is one reason you feel you cannot breath.
My hubby, Tom taught me a relaxation breathing technique that has worked for me on my anxious nights. You breath in through the nose and out through the mouth. I am a mouth breather so this is very easy with a full face mask.
The type of mask I use, I can sleep on my side. See signature
_________________
| Mask | |
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Sharon
Trust in the Lord with all thine heart and lean not until thine own understanding ..... Proverbs 3:5-
Not all Masks work for everyone. Each Person is Different.
Trust in the Lord with all thine heart and lean not until thine own understanding ..... Proverbs 3:5-
Not all Masks work for everyone. Each Person is Different.
When I first got my mask ( I have only been on CPAP for a month) I had very bad anxiety because I felt like I could not inhale. I realised that the way the mask sat on my face, while it was not squeezing my nostrils or anything, it was pinching off my airway which I didn't even feel in my nose. I also felt like the mask was sitting on my upper lip way too much. I tried a smaller length mask but with a wider bridge and it cleared my breathing problems right up. Hopefully it is something as simple for you.
I have had other problems with my mask. From reading on here it is notorious for leaking, which I have been fighting a lot lately. Either it is too tight and uncomfortable to sleep, or its comfortable and it leaks when I move.
I will hopefully be receiving a Swift tomorrow, my DME would not get me an AURA. This will hopefully help with my leaking issues, may be something you want to look into as well. I am told most insurances will provide a mask and a nasal pillow system without making you wait your set time between masks.
I have had other problems with my mask. From reading on here it is notorious for leaking, which I have been fighting a lot lately. Either it is too tight and uncomfortable to sleep, or its comfortable and it leaks when I move.
I will hopefully be receiving a Swift tomorrow, my DME would not get me an AURA. This will hopefully help with my leaking issues, may be something you want to look into as well. I am told most insurances will provide a mask and a nasal pillow system without making you wait your set time between masks.
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Sleepless on LI
- Posts: 3997
- Joined: Mon May 30, 2005 6:46 pm
- Location: Long Island, New York
Mike,
Welcome. I'm sure everyone here sympathizes with your plight. I read what you wrote but have so many questions before I can even offer a suggestion.
Why did they want to admit you? What did they tell you was the reason to do that? Also, do you have any other physical problems, such as enlarged tubinates perhaps or other anatomical abnormalities or conditions, that could be causing you to have trouble breathing on the mask? How long have you felt tired and symptomatic? When did you put this weight on or have you always had a problem with it your whole life? What was your AHI at your sleep study and what pressure were you titrated at? What mask and machine did you end up getting? Do you remember the mask type they used during your study?
I know that I just asked you a lot of questions but I think it can help everyone here to help you. I think that weight does have a lot to do with people having OSA, but not always if there are other physical and/or medical conditions accompanying it. The thought that perhaps you are starting off, as Severeena/Sharon said, at too low a pressure could be the reason you feel like you can't breathe or it could be something like enlarged tubinates that are not allowing the pressure to get through. Sometimes a nasal pillow interface MAY help if you don't have a physical problem causing this since it sort of injects that pressure directly up into your nasal airways instead of having to suck it in.
I know that it's probably the worst time now to tell you this, when you are stressed over hearing your diagnosis, and probably very unfamiliar with all of this, like most of us were before we found this site, and all you want to do is get some rest so you can feel better and now they have you rigged up to equipment that makes you feel like you never will, but it does get better and it does work. The beginning can be the hardest part until you find what works best for you. There are masks to try, pillows to try (bed pillows), different methods of administering the therapy, such as straight CPAP, autopap and bi-level. There are so many variables.
In the meanwhile, try to stay positive and thank God that you were diagnosed and are being treated. This will save your life since your OSA is as bad as you say it is. One suggestion, if I may, is to wear your mask before the nighttime comes. If you are going to read or do something that will have you in one place, while you are awake, put the mask on and run the machine so that you may get more used to it before you go to bed. This can help a lot.
Please let us know how you're doing. You have found the best lifeline out there, this site. I can't tell you how wonderful the people are here and how much they know and are willing to impart to you. You have hundreds of shoulders to lean on now and to get help from. Take advantage of it. Stay positive, my friend, and you will be amazed how much easier it becomes as time goes on. Best of luck.
Welcome. I'm sure everyone here sympathizes with your plight. I read what you wrote but have so many questions before I can even offer a suggestion.
Why did they want to admit you? What did they tell you was the reason to do that? Also, do you have any other physical problems, such as enlarged tubinates perhaps or other anatomical abnormalities or conditions, that could be causing you to have trouble breathing on the mask? How long have you felt tired and symptomatic? When did you put this weight on or have you always had a problem with it your whole life? What was your AHI at your sleep study and what pressure were you titrated at? What mask and machine did you end up getting? Do you remember the mask type they used during your study?
I know that I just asked you a lot of questions but I think it can help everyone here to help you. I think that weight does have a lot to do with people having OSA, but not always if there are other physical and/or medical conditions accompanying it. The thought that perhaps you are starting off, as Severeena/Sharon said, at too low a pressure could be the reason you feel like you can't breathe or it could be something like enlarged tubinates that are not allowing the pressure to get through. Sometimes a nasal pillow interface MAY help if you don't have a physical problem causing this since it sort of injects that pressure directly up into your nasal airways instead of having to suck it in.
I know that it's probably the worst time now to tell you this, when you are stressed over hearing your diagnosis, and probably very unfamiliar with all of this, like most of us were before we found this site, and all you want to do is get some rest so you can feel better and now they have you rigged up to equipment that makes you feel like you never will, but it does get better and it does work. The beginning can be the hardest part until you find what works best for you. There are masks to try, pillows to try (bed pillows), different methods of administering the therapy, such as straight CPAP, autopap and bi-level. There are so many variables.
In the meanwhile, try to stay positive and thank God that you were diagnosed and are being treated. This will save your life since your OSA is as bad as you say it is. One suggestion, if I may, is to wear your mask before the nighttime comes. If you are going to read or do something that will have you in one place, while you are awake, put the mask on and run the machine so that you may get more used to it before you go to bed. This can help a lot.
Please let us know how you're doing. You have found the best lifeline out there, this site. I can't tell you how wonderful the people are here and how much they know and are willing to impart to you. You have hundreds of shoulders to lean on now and to get help from. Take advantage of it. Stay positive, my friend, and you will be amazed how much easier it becomes as time goes on. Best of luck.
L o R i
Thanks
Thank you all for the encouragement and advice. I am sure it will get better.. It just bugs me that I actualy slept fine (In my opinion of cource) and was only tired when I awoke but pretty much fine after that. I simply atributed it to not being a morning person. haha. The lady who administered the sleep test said I was shockingly energetic for someone with the severity I have. The only reason I ever found out was from a friend on a recent trip with the guys to Vegas. We were all sleeping in the same room and in the morning he said (and only him) " Holy Crap. I thought you were going to die in your sleep!" I was sitting there saying huh? What are you talking about?
As for your questions.. My doctor said I had swolen Turbinates but he suspects this is due to my alergies. (typical dust, mold, pollen, stuff) They wanted to admit me to the hospital because of the severity I assume. I found a coworker had a similar incident after his diagnosis with the same sleep lab. (there is only one in my area). I have only had one sleep test and have had the cpap unit for 4 days. My doctor perscribed a pressure of 12 (which the guy who set me up with the unit said was a number pulled out of the air as a starting point) I don't go back for my second sleep test untill January. (Soonest they could get me in) I have always been overweight. I was born that way.. lol several atempts to lose it were not very successful.
The unit I was given was a Respironics REMstar pro2 with C-Flex (ooo lucky me I have the C-Flex.. lol whatever that is) w/passover humidifier and the mask is Mirage Swift Nasal Pillow system. I am actualy interested in the Nasal Aire II. Has anyone tried that? I have good insurance but I am more than happy to buy whatever will make this easier.
All this happened to me in a 4 day period.. So thats a bit overwhelming. But I truely appreciate everyones words of support.
As for your questions.. My doctor said I had swolen Turbinates but he suspects this is due to my alergies. (typical dust, mold, pollen, stuff) They wanted to admit me to the hospital because of the severity I assume. I found a coworker had a similar incident after his diagnosis with the same sleep lab. (there is only one in my area). I have only had one sleep test and have had the cpap unit for 4 days. My doctor perscribed a pressure of 12 (which the guy who set me up with the unit said was a number pulled out of the air as a starting point) I don't go back for my second sleep test untill January. (Soonest they could get me in) I have always been overweight. I was born that way.. lol several atempts to lose it were not very successful.
The unit I was given was a Respironics REMstar pro2 with C-Flex (ooo lucky me I have the C-Flex.. lol whatever that is) w/passover humidifier and the mask is Mirage Swift Nasal Pillow system. I am actualy interested in the Nasal Aire II. Has anyone tried that? I have good insurance but I am more than happy to buy whatever will make this easier.
All this happened to me in a 4 day period.. So thats a bit overwhelming. But I truely appreciate everyones words of support.
Lori:
I know you don't need to hear it, and you do not need to reply to me, but I just had to acknowledge the fact of what a caring, loving person YOU are as anyone reading the above post can see. There are not many people who would go to the lengths you do to understand a newbe's problems so you could give them the help and understanding that YOU are noted for!
There are many of us who thru thier occupations etc. did our best to make a difference in people's lives and many times the deeds went thankless, but I know the BIG GUY up there KNOWS and that was good enough for me.
There are so many great people on this site and YOU are high on that list if not AT THE TOP! Thanks for being the caring, loving, CLASSY lady you are!
ALWAYS THE BEST,
steve,
ufo13
I know you don't need to hear it, and you do not need to reply to me, but I just had to acknowledge the fact of what a caring, loving person YOU are as anyone reading the above post can see. There are not many people who would go to the lengths you do to understand a newbe's problems so you could give them the help and understanding that YOU are noted for!
There are many of us who thru thier occupations etc. did our best to make a difference in people's lives and many times the deeds went thankless, but I know the BIG GUY up there KNOWS and that was good enough for me.
There are so many great people on this site and YOU are high on that list if not AT THE TOP! Thanks for being the caring, loving, CLASSY lady you are!
ALWAYS THE BEST,
steve,
ufo13
_________________
| Mask: AirFit™ P10 Nasal Pillow CPAP Mask with Headgear |
| Additional Comments: Also use ResMed N30 and ResMed P30i |
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Sleepless on LI
- Posts: 3997
- Joined: Mon May 30, 2005 6:46 pm
- Location: Long Island, New York
OMG, don't tell me they didn't titrate you immediately, yet they wanted to admit you to the hospital? I don't understand the logic in that. You simply cannot pull a number out of the air and place someone on it and expect them to have good results. That is ridiculous, I'm sorry.
Your machine has the advantage of two things, one which is the Cflex, which helps make your exhalation easier. You should be using it if you feel you have trouble breathing. 1 is the least amount of assistance, going up with 2 and 3 being the most assistance on exhalation. The other pro is the fact that it comes with a smart card that, if you purchase the software and card reader, you can actually see how many events and leak rates, not to mention some other data, you have each night. This I'm sure, though, is a rental. Are they going to have you keep this machine?
The one problem is, you are not on auto. Right now, since they haven't titrated you yet, you could be on an auto machine as it adjusts the pressure to your breathing patterns and helps to alleviate or eliminate your events per night. I would definitely insist they put you on an auto for now if they refuse to get you in for the titration part of the study until January. How irresponsible. I'm sorry. They tell you that you have SEVERE apnea so badly that you should be hospitalized, which I've never heard of since being on this site, and then put you on some random pressure and tell you to wait till January. You really need to speak up and either get in before then to find out what pressure you need or insist on an auto machine.
As far as the mask goes, hooray!!! The Swift, IMHO, is wonderful, especially if you have trouble with getting the air through. But if you have these problems with the tubinates due to allergies, unless you are either taking something to reduce the swelling or are planning on having that corrected, it will be harder to pass the air through, which can affect your therapy.
If I were you, I'd be on the phone tomorrow morning insisting they get me in for the titration now. They can't tell you that your case is severe enough to be hospitalized, yet keep you hanging until January to set your correct pressure. And guessing is ridiculous. If you need a pressure of 15 to keep your airways open and you're on 12 randomly, well, nuff said. It's useless to use the machine. OR I'd tell them to put you on auto until you can be titrated. But even then, the range will be a guess and you don't want to leave it too open. But in your case, you probably have no other choice.
I hope you get some success with these people who are handling your situation. Keep me posted, please! And think about talking to someone ASAP!
Your machine has the advantage of two things, one which is the Cflex, which helps make your exhalation easier. You should be using it if you feel you have trouble breathing. 1 is the least amount of assistance, going up with 2 and 3 being the most assistance on exhalation. The other pro is the fact that it comes with a smart card that, if you purchase the software and card reader, you can actually see how many events and leak rates, not to mention some other data, you have each night. This I'm sure, though, is a rental. Are they going to have you keep this machine?
The one problem is, you are not on auto. Right now, since they haven't titrated you yet, you could be on an auto machine as it adjusts the pressure to your breathing patterns and helps to alleviate or eliminate your events per night. I would definitely insist they put you on an auto for now if they refuse to get you in for the titration part of the study until January. How irresponsible. I'm sorry. They tell you that you have SEVERE apnea so badly that you should be hospitalized, which I've never heard of since being on this site, and then put you on some random pressure and tell you to wait till January. You really need to speak up and either get in before then to find out what pressure you need or insist on an auto machine.
As far as the mask goes, hooray!!! The Swift, IMHO, is wonderful, especially if you have trouble with getting the air through. But if you have these problems with the tubinates due to allergies, unless you are either taking something to reduce the swelling or are planning on having that corrected, it will be harder to pass the air through, which can affect your therapy.
If I were you, I'd be on the phone tomorrow morning insisting they get me in for the titration now. They can't tell you that your case is severe enough to be hospitalized, yet keep you hanging until January to set your correct pressure. And guessing is ridiculous. If you need a pressure of 15 to keep your airways open and you're on 12 randomly, well, nuff said. It's useless to use the machine. OR I'd tell them to put you on auto until you can be titrated. But even then, the range will be a guess and you don't want to leave it too open. But in your case, you probably have no other choice.
I hope you get some success with these people who are handling your situation. Keep me posted, please! And think about talking to someone ASAP!
L o R i
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HappyHoser
- Posts: 169
- Joined: Mon Jan 24, 2005 8:40 pm
- Location: Missoula, Montana
Ah, the resilience of the human body! It can compensate for a lot...but not forever. With oxygen levels down there I will bet that you'll be shocked to discover how much better it feels when your body finally gets some air! Don't hesitate to bug your dme until you start to get some results! I was perpetually congested so my Doc prescribed a heated humidifier versus the passover and now when I hit the button at night and my nose is stuffed I generally can feel my sinuses open almost immediately so that might be something to check into. Hang in there, ask questions, and keep us posted on your progress!
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| Mask | Humidifier | |
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Doug
HappyHoser
HappyHoser
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Sleepless on LI
- Posts: 3997
- Joined: Mon May 30, 2005 6:46 pm
- Location: Long Island, New York
Steve,
This is exactly what I am talking about when I say you are the sweetest thing ever! You could have just read my reply and said, "Good going, Lori" in your head or on reply yourself. Not you. You go that extra mile and write a posted reply saying those wonderfully kind things you did. And this is not the first time you, yourself, have gone out of your way to do this.
It means the world to me when you take the time to say such kind things. You, yourself, are very caring and just by your doing what you did, and have done, demonstrate that. Thank you so much for your lovely reply. It really does mean a lot to me. Know I think the same exact thing of you.
This is exactly what I am talking about when I say you are the sweetest thing ever! You could have just read my reply and said, "Good going, Lori" in your head or on reply yourself. Not you. You go that extra mile and write a posted reply saying those wonderfully kind things you did. And this is not the first time you, yourself, have gone out of your way to do this.
It means the world to me when you take the time to say such kind things. You, yourself, are very caring and just by your doing what you did, and have done, demonstrate that. Thank you so much for your lovely reply. It really does mean a lot to me. Know I think the same exact thing of you.
L o R i
Welcome!
livemix:
Welcome!!!
I did not answer you directly because you are in good hands and are being given great advice and support by Severeena (Sharon), Apneaat22, Sleepless (Lori) and HappyHoser (Doug) ! All of us are here for YOU!
Best to you!
steve,
ufo13
Welcome!!!
I did not answer you directly because you are in good hands and are being given great advice and support by Severeena (Sharon), Apneaat22, Sleepless (Lori) and HappyHoser (Doug) ! All of us are here for YOU!
Best to you!
steve,
ufo13
_________________
| Mask: AirFit™ P10 Nasal Pillow CPAP Mask with Headgear |
| Additional Comments: Also use ResMed N30 and ResMed P30i |
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snork2
you mentioned the nose congestion problems.
You need to see a GOOD ENT in ADDITION to the sleep doc.
CPAP just doesn't seem to work well at all unless your nose works.
I spent a year in frustration trying to get CPAP to work through clogged sinuses, including the starving for air effect. All the sleep doc would do is prescribe flonase and up the pressure to blast through it.
The ENT actually FIXED my sinuses and CPAP Finally works for me, at MUCH lower pressures and no more feeling of starving.
snork1
You need to see a GOOD ENT in ADDITION to the sleep doc.
CPAP just doesn't seem to work well at all unless your nose works.
I spent a year in frustration trying to get CPAP to work through clogged sinuses, including the starving for air effect. All the sleep doc would do is prescribe flonase and up the pressure to blast through it.
The ENT actually FIXED my sinuses and CPAP Finally works for me, at MUCH lower pressures and no more feeling of starving.
snork1
ufo13 wrote:Lori:
I know you don't need to hear it, and you do not need to reply to me, but I just had to acknowledge the fact of what a caring, loving person YOU are as anyone reading the above post can see. There are not many people who would go to the lengths you do to understand a newbe's problems so you could give them the help and understanding that YOU are noted for!
There are many of us who thru thier occupations etc. did our best to make a difference in people's lives and many times the deeds went thankless, but I know the BIG GUY up there KNOWS and that was good enough for me.
There are so many great people on this site and YOU are high on that list if not AT THE TOP! Thanks for being the caring, loving, CLASSY lady you are!
UFO13 took the words out of my mouth. I stopped in here a few times to look for info before I was diagnosed, but it was people like Lori, and all of the other people on this board that have me coming back and actually putting in my 2 cents. Livemix, the people here are great and know what they are talking about. Make sure you come here with any questions because there are so many great people that are here for you.
Thanks everyone
Apnea@22
Re: Just Diagnosed with OSA
Mike,livemix wrote:Hi all my name is Mike and I was just told I have very bad OSA. I had the sleep study on a wednesday and the hospital called me thursday and wanted to admit me.. Talk about a scare.. I don't understand all the details yet.. But I stoped breathing on average 191 times an hour and my Blood oxygen lev dipped to 51% at it worst with an episode length of 58 seconds. I am only 32 and this feels like it's ruining my life (i'm being a little over dramatic here haha)
I am on day 3 with a machine and I can't sleep to save my life.. I feel like I can't get enough air and when I go to bed all i can do is concentrate on trying to breathe and lay awake. I have been reading and you guys seem to say it takes time to get used to it.. Well between the anxiety before bed, soar nose, and less sleep now than i ever had before I HOPE it gets easier.
I have slept on my stomach for my whole life so it's tough to change. AND I have bad sinus problems. I actually functioned pretty well with the apnea. I am always on the go and work several jobs (by choice) I DO need to lose quite a bit of weight and now I have the motivation to do it.. lol
Sorry about the long post.. just wanted to let someone know how i feel. The doctor basically told me to deal with it.. Nice huh?
Welcome to the club,
I have been on my machine since June. And to tell you the truth I still some times have problems sleeping with it. I have gone thru about 5 masks And I really envy you being able to get your therapist to change yoyr settings much less talk to you on the phone, try getting Apria to call you back much less bill your insurance correctly.
Any way these people are a grat group and I really should drop in more often, but I have been into my Ham Radio, and dealing with the DOL because of a injury so some times I do not even want to look at the computer..
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13 posts
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