CPAP and Christian Science

[cpapdisco]

This may sound strange, but please be understanding. What is simple and obvious to most is not always for CS.

I was raised in Christian Science. I am 25 and no longer follow the religion. I am currently living with my parents and have not told them that I am using a CPAP machine. To my knowledge they do not know.

1: How do I tell them in a way that will not alarm them? I realize I could just come out with it, but I know they will not know what to think of it. They will not be mad or upset, I just want to explain it in a way that is not medically based (CS uses almost no medicine, ever). The best way I can explain my hesitation in telling them is that I do not think they have fully accepted that I do not follow CS. They will not be mad, more disappointed... which is worse. Any tips?

2: My condition is genetic. My father has sleep apnea. He has never seen a doctor about it. I know he will be tremendously hesitant for any treatment for himself or even seeing a doctor about it. Thoughts?

Thanks

[scrapper]

Hard question.........I've got to say that I haven't seen this type situation posted before. Hopefully by bumping it to the top again with this reply, someone else will have some wisdom for you.

[DocWeezy]

I don't know much about CS, so please excuse what may be a silly question.

In CS, is there a difference between medication you take into your body, and things like that (surgery), and having what could be described as a fan blowing in your mouth? CPAPs aren't putting any foreign substance into your body--does that make a difference?

Medical definitions aside, this may be the time to have that talk with your parents about your own beliefs, as difficult as that will be. It must be really rough for you right now not being able to talk about this with your parents.

Weezy

[HoseCrusher]

Dealing with parents is always a little difficult.

Eventually, they will discover that you are on xPAP therapy, so I think it is better if you approach them with the information before they find out on their own.

HOWEVER,

When I ran this by my wife, who is much wiser than I am in these situations, she said to just go on and let your parents "discover" it on their own. She felt there was no need to introduce more "drama" to your family.

Either way, when the "discovery" is disclosed be prepared to give an accounting of your actions. You can explain that you had some problems, did some research, had a sleep study done, and discovered that your problems were associated with breathing problems while you sleep. You decided to use the xPAP machine to help you control those problems, and are feeling much better as a result.

Resist the temptation to bring your fathers condition into the discussion. The way to communicate with your father is to set an example and not to point fingers.

Be respectful of who they are and of their beliefs, but also remember that you are an ADULT now and are responsible for your own actions. YOU have to decide what path to take, and YOU are responsible for staying on the path you have chosen, or for changing the path if the direction is not going where you wanted it to.

After the disclosure is made, the subject may come up over and over again. This is where you have to remember that your parents love you. Always treat them with respect, let them know that you understand and hear what they are saying, but you have chosen a different path. When it comes up again, quickly let them know that you hear them, and remind them that you are an adult and have chosen to walk down this particular path. Offer to help them understand the problem and find answers to their questions, but move the focus from "How could you do this" to "This is the problem and this is how xPAP helps."

Expect this to be very difficult, but understand that you can disagree with your parents and still hold them in the highest degree of respect, honor, and love.

[Emilia]

A cpap machine is equipment...do CS's also refuse to use a wheelchair or walker or casts on broken bones? I fail to understand how AIR could be considered medicine. If you don't practice CS, and you are an adult, you need to let the chips fall where they may with your parents. You can choose to tell them, or you can let them discover it when you stay at their home. Yours is an interesting situation, and I wish you good luck. Please come back and let us know how this resolves itself. It will be educational for all of us!

[xenablue]

Well said, Emilia - pretty much what I was going to post. XPAP isn't putting anything chemical into your body, or altering it in any way - just keeping your airways open.

Please keep us informed, cpapdisco, and good luck.

Cheers,
xena

[TooGroggy]

Whether CPAP is medical treatment or not is one issue. The other issue is the difference between your beliefs and those of your parents. Let's not confuse the two.

If your parent accept your religious beliefs, or lack thereof, then your use of CPAP is irrelevant. If they don't, then it's the least of your problems. In other words, your problem is not CPAP, it's your choice of faith.

However, from the symptoms that you describe your father having, CPAP may well be a problem your father may choose to deal with. But other practitioners of his faith are probably a better source of authority for this than you. At least at this time.

[cpapdisco]

Christian Science and medication or medical treatment is tough to explain, so I will do my best.

Christian Science first and foremost holds the healing power of God as the answer and solution to all physical problems. The fact that no chemicals or drugs are used is irrelevant. The simple fact is that there is a medical condition that is being fixed by means other than God. The flip side to that is CS also accepts that there are certain scenarios in which one may seek medical treatment if they feel that they are unable to cure the problem through prayer alone. For example, you are not going to pray and set a bone.

Regardless, arguing whether or not the beliefs are justified or not is not what is important.

Thanks for the replies.

[Julie]

I would find it really hard to believe that there are no CS diabetics, and that is one illness that goes downhill very fast without medical treatment, equipment, etc. What happens to CS diabetics - do they all succumb or do they get treated? I ask because if your parents understand that type of situation, it could be used as a comparison in telling them about yourself. In fact the comparison is often used to remind doctors and DME's that patients need to control their own destiny as far as monitoring their progress and dealing with equipment. I think it is wonderful that you have gotten help for yourself. I don't know if you have a family of your own yet, but when you do, they will be very happy to know you'll be around for a while!

[cpapdisco]

I would find it really hard to believe that there are no CS diabetics, and that is one illness that goes downhill very fast without medical treatment, equipment, etc. What happens to CS diabetics - do they all succumb or do they get treated? I ask because if your parents understand that type of situation, it could be used as a comparison in telling them about yourself. In fact the comparison is often used to remind doctors and DME's that patients need to control their own destiny as far as monitoring their progress and dealing with equipment. I think it is wonderful that you have gotten help for yourself. I don't know if you have a family of your own yet, but when you do, they will be very happy to know you'll be around for a while!

Nope, there are no CS diabetics. All kidding aside, they take insulin. Like I said previously, they are not ignorant of health, they just chose to approach it from a different angle whenever possible. I think the diabetic angle would be a good way to approach my father about it though. Basically I would like to get him on CPAP therapy WHILE they pray about it. Basically using CPAP to alleviate the symptoms while they pray about the cause. That they might be OK with. Is this getting clear as mud yet?

Thanks

[BlackSpinner]

I think the diabetic angle would be a good way to approach my father about it though. Basically I would like to get him on CPAP therapy WHILE they pray about it. Basically using CPAP to alleviate the symptoms while they pray about the cause. That they might be OK with. Is this getting clear as mud yet?

Thanks

Yes good approach. You are dealing with symptoms and they can pray to get their god to deal with the cause.

[JohnBFisher]

I think the diabetic angle would be a good way to approach my father about it though. Basically I would like to get him on CPAP therapy WHILE they pray about it. Basically using CPAP to alleviate the symptoms while they pray about the cause. That they might be OK with. Is this getting clear as mud yet?

Yes good approach. You are dealing with symptoms and they can pray to get their god to deal with the cause.

Bingo. I think that would be a great approach.

There can be numerous underlying causes. It might just run in the family. Too much weight can also trigger the symptoms. And if weight reduction will work, then the CPAP device would just be the crutches to help him heal, so prayer can help him loose weight.

In such situations, I offer the experience my friend once had while on a mission trip. He has dealt with a bad back for a long time. While on the trip it was bothering him, but he didn't say anything about it. He also developed a horrible sinus infection while away. He happened to chat with the minister of the church they were helping. Hearing how bad he sounded, the minister offered a prayer of healing. Now an odd thing happened. During the prayer my friend felt a sense of deep warmth spread through his back. And it stopped bothering him for the rest of that trip. He had not mentioned that issue to anyone, even the minister. But his sinus congestion remained. "Why?", you might wonder. Well, he happened to have medicine for the sinus congestion. He took it and it helped. But he had nothing for his back. God gave what is *needed* (no matter how hidden).

CPAP does not preclude God's healing. So, it can be for your father.

[Hueffenhardt]

This is such a delicate topic. I want to praise all of the posters in this thread for your sensitivity.

I am not a believer myself, but I respect the way you all handled the issue. I hope cpapdisco's parents can handle the news just as well.

[jazzer4]

Dealing with parents is always a little difficult.

Eventually, they will discover that you are on xPAP therapy, so I think it is better if you approach them with the information before they find out on their own.

HOWEVER,

When I ran this by my wife, who is much wiser than I am in these situations, she said to just go on and let your parents "discover" it on their own. She felt there was no need to introduce more "drama" to your family.

Expect this to be very difficult, but understand that you can disagree with your parents and still hold them in the highest degree of respect, honor, and love.

HoseCrushe your wife is a wise women. Very good advise.

[rested gal]

I don't mean this to sound flip -- do either of your parents use eyeglasses or a magnifying glass for reading?

If so, I would explain that using CPAP is essentially the same principle as using eyeglasses or a magnifying glass.

I'd explain that it's nothing more than just room air being blown at your nose and/or mouth. The little machine is a fan that aims the room air more directly at your nose or mouth.

It's not supplemental oxygen therapy. It's just room air.

There are no medications or drugs added to it. It's just room air.

It's not a hospital style ventilator. It doesn't "breathe" for you. You do all the breathing yourself. The machine just pushes room air more directly toward you.

The machine comes with a little nose mask to wear... to push plain room air in a more direct stream toward you than a regular house fan could do.

So, why are you wanting to keep your throat open while sleeping?
"One reason is that I want to stop my snoring. Among other things, snoring may be disturbing me from getting good sleep. The fan keeps my throat open better so I don't snore while I'm breathing. I can breathe better while I'm sleeping with the fan. I get better sleep with it blowing."

CPAP is what you use when sleeping -- as a fan to help your throat stay open while you breathe naturally.
Much the same as another person uses glasses when reading -- as a magnifier to help their eyes focus well enough to see fine print.

You put the little mask on at night just for sleeping. Like some people put on a pair of glasses (or pick up a magnifying glass) just for reading.