Need support...

[Dazzles]

I stopped trying.

I got very very sick with allergies, which turned into walking pneumonia. After that I got the flu. It has been almost two months since I used my machine last.

I'm starting all over again and all progress I had made getting used to it (not much more than 2hrs per night, but it was something) is lost.

My doc prescribed me some sleeping pills to help with the insomnia. I took a week to get used to them and tonight is my first night trying again.

I want to do it!

I'm making a "clean" start. Scrubbing every corner and tube and washing all the cloth items. Oiling up the bed buddy so it doesn't squeak when I toss and turn (thank you olive oil!).

Any advice or words or encouragement?

[Pugsy]

One step at a time.....One night at a time.
Sending you a cyber hug with some of my inner strength included to hopefully rub off on you.
It's hard work. No way around it but just keep on trying even if it is one step forwards and 2 steps backwards for a while.

[wolewyck]

Try not to get all wound up in anticipation... put it on, grab a book or whatever relaxes you. CPAP is your friend. A really, really good friend. She is on your side; no need to fight.

[Spinory]

Hi Dazzles-

I am actually WAITING to start using my CPAP for the first time.

I have gotten a huge amount of support from the folks on this site. They are incredible.

Wishing you luck and perseverance!

Heather

[robysue]

Dazzles,

Sounds like you've been through a wringer.

Wishing you all the best with both the PAP and the insomnia.

[BlackSpinner]

The first thing you need to do is find a good book, DVD or tv show, set up your cpap and spend a few hours watching tv/reading while wearing it. Let your body and mind get used to it while you do stuff you like.

Learn how to adjust your humidifier levels so that they match your sinuses requirements (more or less humidity)

Play with your mask until you have a totally comfortable fitting.

[2 B Sleeping Soundly]

Dazzles,

It is good to see you getting back on the horse... I mean the hose

You can do this if you put your mind to it! You already know that it won't be easy, but when in life has anything really worthwhile been easy? There are probably many examples in your life where you had to persevere and overcome situations that seemed insurmountable at the time. But look back on them now, see how you had the inner strength and resolve to move beyond the doubt and fear that so easily can entangle and thwart your efforts if you let it. Remember, you are in control of your destiny and your future health and well being are counting on you to put in the work and see this through to the other side. You can and will do it... don't hurt your body by giving your mind a choice!

Back on Christmas Eve I responded to a post of yours and below is part of my reply. I think it is still applicable to what you currently are going through with your body and your mind:

Our bodies are so amazing the way they can adapt, over time, to almost anything we throw at them. Take OSA; our bodies did whatever was necessary to somehow keep us alive and functional, though at times it was just barely, and for some of us this continued over many years. Now with therapy, the same process is going on in our bodies and will continue to adapt with each change or variable we throw at it, both good and bad, even the ones we consider to be small, insignificant. I have to constantly remind my mind, what my body already knows, it takes time!

I hope you find some sort of encouragement from all of our posts. We are where we are currently in our therapy because we didn't give up. Don't give up! Don't ever give up!!

John

[Mary Z]

Good for you!~ I'm so glad all the health problems that led you to the point of not being able to cope with CPAP anymore have resolved. You can and will do this- as has been said- one day at a time. We're here for you.

[Maxie]

I want to do it!

You have the primary ingredient for success...desire to do it. Patience is the next one I would suggest. Read or watch TV or something that will be a good transition from being up and awake to lying down and sleeping. It took much more time that I had anticipated but if you keep on keeping on it will happen for you. Good luck!

[Dazzles]

I made it a couple of hours last night, which is about where I left off.

Even zonked out of my mind on sleep meds I am STILL wide awake the minute the mask goes on.

Just have to knock out -- one by one -- what is making this hard.

I have really long really thick hair. Finding a way to put it up with the mask is like freaking rocket science unless I want to wear a ponytail on my forehead.