Life is very good!!

[tiredgrl]

Hi all - I haven't posted in awhile but wanted to do so to encourage folks who are still struggling.

I was diagnosed with severe sleep apnea in January 2009. Had no clue what sleep apnea was, just knew I slept all the time, didn't exercise, put on lots of weight, and was basically unhappy and had high cholesterol because of the bad food I'd been eating.

Once diagnosed, I went through all of the struggles that everyone seems to have - wrong mask, rainout, strap marks, etc. Wanted to give up, didn't think I'd ever get used to sleeping wearing such a weird get-up, was uncomfortable, etc., etc.

Then, success! I found the right mask and ordered an Aussie hose to prevent rainout. Sleeping like a baby!

Today, I still have sleep apnea but I'm 85 lbs lighter, exercise daily, have become certified to teach spinning classes at the local gym, and am studying to be a personal trainer. This transformation took about a year. I have about 20 lbs left to lose but it will eventually come off.

My words of wisdom - keep at it! Don't give up!! Life is so wonderful once you get your therapy under control. I'm now doing things that I never would have been able to do pre-sleep apnea diagnosis. It takes persistence and diligence to learn everything you can to make your therapy successful. I am 100% compliant. If it takes wearing a goofy looking get-up to feel as good as I do, count me in. Unless they come up with a different, non-surgical way to treat sleep apnea, I’ll be wearing this apparatus forever, and I’m glad for it.

I’m no longer 50, fat, and tired. Today I’m 51, well-rested, fit, and slim.

I also travel a lot for work. I’ve never encountered any difficulties in hauling my CPAP with me.

When I was first diagnosed I found this forum and learned so much from everyone. This forum contributed to my success so I wanted to "pay it forward."

I need to change my log-in name from Tiredgrl to something more appropriate.

[montana]

Congrats !!!

[jazzer4]

Great story thanks for posting.
It's good for everyone to hear positive stories.
Those who are really struggling need to hear their lives can improve it they just keep trying.

[Sillyme]

Thanks for the encouragement.

[msradar65]

Congrats!!! I love to hear inspiring stories. I am a newbie. Just starting my journey. I am hoping to loose all the weight I gained and get more active. So far I lost 60 lbs before being diagnosised. I still about 70 more pounds to go. I am sleeping far better!

[mayondair]

Good for you! Thanks for sharing your success story!

[kteague]

What a motivator your story is! Thank you for taking time out of your now-busy life to share it. It would be nice to see it also posted at the top of the page under the collection of Success Stories. May you continue to reap the rewards of your commitment!

[spinifex]

notsotiredgrl

Thanks for posting such a great positive message to give hope to those still struggling.

Jon

[carbonman]

Sleeping like a baby!


My words of wisdom - keep at it! Don't give up!! Life is so wonderful once you get your therapy under control.
I’m no longer 50, fat, and tired. Today I’m 51, well-rested, fit, and slim.

Great story. Isn't it wonderful!
So important to hear your story...not only for newbies,
but for everyone, least we forget where we came from
and how we got here.

Thanks!

Today, I have become certified to teach spinning classes at the local gym, .

Where do I sign up??

...and the name change.....excellent idea.
tiredgrl doesn't exist anymore.