It's almost as good as being in love!

[PhillyPat]

In fact, maybe I am. The sleep center called me for a CPAP titration cancellation last night and I braved a stormy mile plus walk to make it there in time. It started out as a much better experience than my first study--the techs seemed to be more experienced and competent than the ones I had in #1. The bad part was when I first had to put on the mask--the claustrophobia. They were very patient and let me just hold it on for a while and take it off when it bothered me until I got more used to it. It was a Respironics Comfort Classic. I would get about seven or eight breaths taken and then feel like I was running out of air. If I opened my mouth to gasp, then I began to choke. The tech suggested turning up the setting and that seemed to make the difference, along with a very strong will power to make this work! I finally let them put on the head gear and settled down to try to sleep. It was very difficult at first, but later on waking up briefly as they were trying to get my legs hooked back up, I could feel a difference in my breathing and when I opened my mouth, instead of choking, I felt air rushing out. I think I woke up at least once when the pressure was changed because the sound of the machine changed. (By the way, they had me on a BiPAP machine--I can't remember what make or brand--without a humidifier.) I was very dry when I awoke.

I went to sleep about 10:30-10:45 and woke briefly at 5 thinking about going to the bathroom, but it just seemed like too much effort and I fell asleep again. I was awakened at 6, which is an hour earlier than I normally get up, and yet I felt wide awake. I can't remember waking up feeling so rested for a long, long (years?) time. The tech said I had no apneas once the pressure was set at 9 and that my oxygen levels (which had gone down to 60% in the first study) were good. He also said the insurance normally only covers a CPAP with a passover humidifier, but since I have had some lung problems and have been on oxygen, it may cover the BiPAP. I didn't need extra oxygen last night, and the BiPAP was easy to breathe out against. I was surprised how much easier it seemed to be to breathe with the mask once I got over my initial panic.

Now, I hope the process of getting the unit will go quickly because I am not looking forward to going to bed this evening and waking up as I have in the past feeling lethargic, dull, depressed and unable to concentrate. I'm also going to Texas for Thanksgiving and would like to have the unit before I leave--otherwise, that will put it off even more.

Yes, I don't think I've felt this good waking up since the last time I was in love!

[deedster]

Hey Philly Pat! Glad it went so well.

I also had a much better experience the second time. I even had several dreams (I don't usually remember having any). I woke up feeling great, cleaned out my refrigerator that afternoon, then went shopping (much better than just sitting on the couch)!

Looks like you blew some cold weather our way here in Texas. Hopefully, it will be warmer when you come down for Thanksgiving. Ya'll take care now.

[WAFlowers]

I'm convinced that it helps that you've had a titration at least once before; the 2nd time around you know what to expect, and have some idea of how to cope with it.

If I ever have a followup titration (over my dead body! ) I'll bring my own pillow, my favorite mask ... and a big club to use on any sleep techs that insist on my using their mask or that come in and disturb me during the night!!! .