Just wanted to introduce myself ...

[dlg_az]

Just diagnosed June 9, 2011 with severe OSA. Little did I know I had been a zombie for the past year. Though this has been gradually increasing over the last four years, I really thought age had just turned me into a crotchety old so-and-so this last year, and rid me totally of a decent night's sleep just to get back at me. How wrong I was. Got my machine/software on the 15th. Been up and running since the 16th, tracking my details, and have felt exponentially better since.

Just before I got my machine I visited several forums to gather info on machines and masks, and to figure out just what this OSA was all about. This particular forum has provided me with the most intelligent, informative, detailed, and subjective information I've found anywhere and I decided to join. It helped me in choosing the right machine and mask for myself, as well.

I've read many of the forum posts here to help me decipher the EncoreViewer report indicators, and have read extensively about issues others have had with their therapy; I've noticed how the folks here have posted what I've seen as the most comprehensive (and caring) responses to help out and/or guide someone in the right direction for more info/help. I'm very impressed, and it's the place I want to be to ask my questions and read the posts.

While I do more reading than posting, I do hope to be somewhat of an active participant when the opportunity arises.

[OutaSync]

Welcome to our group! It sounds as though you are off to a good start.

[BleepingBeauty]

Yes, welcome aboard! You're a smart cookie, doing your research before you even began the therapy journey. You got a great machine (which can't be said for many of us, starting out). And no argument from me with the conclusion you reached - this is absolutely the best xPAP forum out there.

Best of luck going forward. As Bev (OutaSync) said above, you're off to a great start!

[Emilia]

Welcome! You are a remarkably well versed newbie! So happy for you that your therapy seems to be off to a smashing start! The beauty of this forum is in its members.... we are like family here, and while we try to be helpful and guide folks, we also have expectations that visitors/members help themselves as well. Reading, asking questions, and eventually helping other new arrivals acclimate is part of the deal.

We are also a little bit like the Wild West.... we don't have an administrator who oversee us like a hawk. We are self governed and monitor things ourselves unless we need the intervention of our owners. After 90 days of participating (with a # of posts required), members get additional powers such as the ability to report spam posts and post things to Twitter.

You seem to have acclimated well to the forum, and we hope you will jump in and help newbies as they arrive, too..... your perspective is great to have!

Here's to continued good sleep and sweet dreams....

[dlg_az]

Thank you all very much for the warm welcome. Can't say I'm surprised, based on what I read here - a very friendly group, indeed.

I'll try my best to help some newbies along the way. I'm still in the learning phase, much to glean, but getting there. My biggest hurdle so far was not having a significant other to tell me my snoring could call ships home or that I was stopping breathing. The dog and cats weren't talking. So, the trick then is ... just how do you tell when you may have OSA? That started the search online of "why am I so freaking tired?!" and led to Doctor, sleep clinic, and my wonderful shiny new machine. I do love gadgets.

Thank you all again. Greatly appreciated.

And by the way, "Bleeping Beauty" (love that!), I'm in "Aridzona," too. Getting a bit toasty outside these days!

[BleepingBeauty]

And by the way, "Bleeping Beauty" (love that!), I'm in "Aridzona," too. Getting a bit toasty outside these days!

Thanks!

"Toasty" is a nice way to put it. I'm in the mountains at almost 5K feet, so it's always a bit cooler here than in Phoenix or Tucson, but anything over 100F is just too damned hot.

I lived in metro Phoenix when I first moved out here (from Boston, home of the HHH summer - Hazy, Hot & Humid). I don't miss the high humidity, but I told my friends back home that being outside in Phoenix in the summer was like being in a blast furnace.

[dlg_az]

"Toasty" is a nice way to put it. I'm in the mountains at almost 5K feet, so it's always a bit cooler here than in Phoenix or Tucson, but anything over 100F is just too damned hot.
I lived in metro Phoenix when I first moved out here (from Boston, home of the HHH summer - Hazy, Hot & Humid). I don't miss the high humidity, but I told my friends back home that being outside in Phoenix in the summer was like being in a blast furnace.

I'm out here from upstate NY myself. I recall how annoyed I was the first year here that the sun shone practically every single day, and NO clouds. I also remember being at a car lot in August, in shorts, and the back of my legs got fried standing in direct sun for just 10 minutes. Also did the obligatory put-your-hand-on-the-car-handle-like-an-idiot move in 115 degree heat. I learned fast.

Moved here in '94 and do NOT miss the humidity of the east coast, either. Nothing worse than having 95% humidity with the same temp and feeling like you're walking in soup. I go back once a year to visit my son and grandson but always go end of September. I'm no dummy.

"Blast furnace" is a great descriptor. Will borrow that one, thanks.

[BleepingBeauty]

I'm out here from upstate NY myself. I recall how annoyed I was the first year here that the sun shone practically every single day, and NO clouds. I also remember being at a car lot in August, in shorts, and the back of my legs got fried standing in direct sun for just 10 minutes. Also did the obligatory put-your-hand-on-the-car-handle-like-an-idiot move in 115 degree heat. I learned fast.

Ouch. Gotta carry oven mitts to get into the car after it's been sitting in the sun.

Moved here in '94 and do NOT miss the humidity of the east coast, either. Nothing worse than having 95% humidity with the same temp and feeling like you're walking in soup. I go back once a year to visit my son and grandson but always go end of September. I'm no dummy.

I haven't been back home for a visit since I came out here in '92, because finances are tight. But yeah, if/when I can get back for a visit, it'll be during autumn. I miss the fall foliage (and especially the beach). Let's not even talk about the food... *sigh*

"Blast furnace" is a great descriptor. Will borrow that one, thanks.

[rested gal]

Welcome to the forum, dlg !

[Mr Bill]

Hi and welcome to the forum!

You asked rhetorically just how do you recognize sleep apnea? I attended a seminar Monday night, hosted by my RT's DME company, and this is what my sleep doctor told the audience...
S.
T.
O.
P.
S is for Snoring
T is for Tiredness
O is for somebody Observes pausing in your breathing while asleep
P is for blood Pressure (being high)
He said if you or someone you know, has any two of those things true; the probability of it being caused by sleep apnea is better than 50%.

[sister]

Hi, Welcome to the forum and I hope you have good luck with your therapy!
This is a wonderful place to find the answers to your problems.
GOD BLESS YOU!

[TalonNYC]

Welcome! There's a lot of really helpful folks here, and the community feel is great. Participation is indeed key, so you're on the right track.

[mathewdisoza]

I have join the discussion now it is the place i was searching for. To gain knowledge and search for some learning discussion.
Thanks

[Patrick A]

Welcome to the forum. I have been on C-Pap / Bi-Pap treatment since June of 2005, You will notice a big difference in how you sleep and feel.
Good Luck and again Welcome to Cpap Talk.

[GumbyCT]

Welcome to the party dlg.