STAY THE COURSE

[RJ]

I have been in the program a short time, since Dec 8. Had most of the same aggravations as those listed on this board but happy to say that patience, persistence and knowledge has prevailed. The first week or so I could wear the mask only a couple of hours, then I would remove it. Thought another mask would do better. Aggravated the Dr. enough that he called the DME and ordered the one I thought I would like. Didn’t work worth a darn. Went back to the old mask, finally found the right tension for the straps and would you believe that I have had several 5, 6 or 7 hr sleep sessions. It’s getting better most every night. I would not have believed it but I woke up a time or two, on separate nights, feeling around to see if the mask was still on. How about that??
Its true I’ve had a couple of conversations with the Dr. concerning ramp time, EPR settings, humidity preferences, and the like. But all in all I feel very fortunate to have progressed this far, this fast.
Gaining knowledge from the experience of others has greatly speeded up my learning curve. These Support boards are fantastic and I thank the Sponsors and Moderators.
STAY THE COURSE

CPAPopedia Keywords Contained In This Post (Click For Definition): DME, Ramp

[Goofproof]

The human mind is a amazing device. It can adapt to change, all that is needed is the will to do it.

In the 8th grade, we had to memorize the preamble of the Constitution. I convinced myself it was beyond me. I spent 3 weeks in detention after school, I would have been there today is I hadn't convinced myself to do it.

Since that ordeal, I have found nothing is impossible, as long as we don't give up. Convincing yourself that you can and must, overcomes all obstacles.

[Jimbo]

RJ, I've also been on APAP since Dec. 8th and really took to the auto C-Flex. I got the Swifter mask which has almost nothing on your face or in front of your nose and eyes. I actually now look forward to going to bed at night and getting a good nights sleep. I used to fall asleep in court during work and even had jurors commenting that the court reporter was sleeping during the trial. Now that I'm getting a full nights sleep, I stay awake all day and into the evening and really don't feel tired. Maybe try the Swifter for your next mask.

[Mile High Sleeper]

I've been on APAP since Nov. 29 and thru a lot of equipment problems, but am helped greatly by this forum. Celebrate small (or large) victories! I hope others can celebrate their victories even more quickly. Knowledge is power!

1. Gave up caffeine at the start.

2. Excellent compliance from the start, due to my determination based on knowledge. Adherence was interrupted by equipment problems, not user resistance (a miracle, that!).

3. By Day 7 of APAP therapy, even with a leaky mask, excessive daytime sleepiness went away!

4. By Day 14, in spite of a leaky mask and rainout, AHI went from a number beyond belief on sleep test to 14.5. By Day 41, in spite of the same leaky mask (with rainout fixed), AHI was 6.9.

5. The nightly troubled dreams of struggle and failure went away almost immediately.

6. By Day 13, I learned that I feel better the next day when sleeping with the mask on, even with discomfort (with some exceptions).

7. By Day 14, the invisible, persistent, thick gray veil of constant daytime fatigue went away! Since then, lighter fatigue during different parts of the day, but now I can tell the difference between fatigue and non-fatigue.

8. By Day 16, need for nighttime bathroom trips ended!

9. At end of 6 weeks, walking on good days (days following nights with fewer equipment problems).

10. By the end of 6 weeks, from The Seven Stages of CPAP by mikemoran on this forum, have been through Denial, Realization, Diagnosis, Frustration, Immersion, and Ownership stages. Now mostly in the last Inflation stage. From What Is Feeling Good? by Perry on this forum, have been through Walking Dead and still in Basic Treatment. Looking forward to Advanced Treatment and Mental Zest stage.

[RJ]

Mile High Sleeper: Fantastic, good for you and encouraging news for the rest of us.
_________________

CPAPopedia Keywords Contained In This Post (Click For Definition): news

[Barb (Seattle)]

What is a "Swifter"?? Are you referring to nasal pillows?


[quote="Jimbo"]RJ, I've also been on APAP since Dec. 8th and really took to the auto C-Flex. I got the Swifter mask which has almost nothing on your face or in front of your nose and eyes. I actually now look forward to going to bed at night and getting a good nights sleep. I used to fall asleep in court during work and even had jurors commenting that the court reporter was sleeping during the trial. Now that I'm getting a full nights sleep, I stay awake all day and into the evening and really don't feel tired. Maybe try the Swifter for your next mask.

[ozij]

It’s getting better most every night. I would not have believed it but I woke up a time or two, on separate nights, feeling around to see if the mask was still on. How about that??

Yes, that's a great feeling. Glad you got there too. Amazing when it first happens!

O.