WOW - It's A MIRACLE!!

[joe26]

Congratulation!!!!!!! CPAP is a miracle to me too!

Good luck

[user from Singapore]

We're called hose heads??

Yes - Just look at my avatar

Congratulations!

[2 B Sleeping Soundly]

Congratulations cigarbat! My experience from day one mirrors yours, only it took me even longer (over 15 years) to have that change of a lifetime (I was extra stubborn, scared of the unknown, and in major denial)! As others have alluded to, PAP therapy won't always be a rose garden, but most would also admit that a few thorny nights every now and then do not take away from the nights we are blessed with priceless restorative sleep .

My heart goes out to all of those who still struggle, despite all their time and incredible effort! I wish I could grant everyone who needs to use this therapy instant success and wonderful sleep, unfortunately though, I can't. But, I will never allow myself to feel guilty for my incredible fortune, that it has been a quick and complete turnaround for me. I may not be 100% yet, out running marathons or participating in triathlons due to feeling like I am 20 years old again, but my oh my, how much sweeter the PAP journey is going to be, compared to my barely functioning and barely awakening journey to severely declining health and an ever nearing (premature) date with a casket.

John

[Slartybartfast]

Congrats on your great response. Me, too. Just like that. Night and day. It's wonderful. And so is life, again.

However, take it slowly. I felt so good I started hiking up fire trails in the hills around my home and partially separated the Achilles' tendons in both hind legs. They shoot horses for that, so I took it easy for 4 months until I healed up. Now I walk on the flat.

Enjoy life again!

[cigarbat]

Slartybartfast and 2B,

Thanks for the reinforcement. I was afraid that this might be some temporary euphoric moment and that it wouldn't last - even that I probably would revert back to the old ways of LAST WEEK!

And I ever so wanted it to be true - That it was a life changeing moment.

With your encouragement I will stick with it and be a better person, a happier person for sure.

God I needed those affirmations that this has worked for others. I am so thankful.....It still feels like a miracle!

PS: It's good to know there are others that give unconditionally - I want to be just like you guys!!
And everyone In my family has noticed the difference - their life has improved as well........

Best Regards -

[Captain_Midnight]

Cigarbat writes I'm now on Day 5 and feel like I could run a marathon.

A little over a year after beginning xpap (at the age of 58) I was able to run my first half-marathon (13.1 miles of pure challenging fun). Since then, I've run three more (and a month ago I ran my fastest time since turning 60).<P>
My knees would never let me go an entire marathon, but I've been truly amazed at what I can accomplish.

Question, Cigarbat, if you don't mind.

What is your blood pressure delta? (What were your pre-xpap bps, and what is it now? Does it appear stable?) Mine went down, but I don't have good before vs after data. (And my office pressures can be artifactually high.)

Good success story!


.

[cigarbat]

Captain - I'm 58, and my BP has been 160 over 95 over110 (too high and thats with Meds!).

The last few days it's been running 135 / 75 (while at work!) which is awesome. It's higher when I work out - which has not been very often in the last ten years. I'm looking forward to working out again. And playing golf.

Per the Doc's request, i've been taking my BP a few times a day and it's consistenly been 135 to 145 over 75 to 85 from morning to evening.

Significant improvement in a very few days. Hopefully it stays low and we can reduce the milligrams or eventually eliminate it.

I probably would avoid taking it after some stressful conference calls, etc. as it would be an abnomality and not the norm.

If you feel tightness in your face, neck or shoulders or see spots, your BP is getting out of sight and your due for a stroke.

I havent' taken any prilosec for 3 days with no acid reflux and I'm hoping the BP and Libido follow suit, if you know what I mean!

Regards,

Dave

[Slartybartfast]

Ok, I have some homework for you. Your next assignment is to view the following video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M6vpFV6Wkl4 and take to heart Gary's advice. Next, get a copy of FatHead the Movie at http://www.fathead-movie.com/index.php/about/ Check out the trailers on the website if you're not sure and view the whole video on Hulu.com if you'd like. It's very well done and really entertaining.

Change your diet and watch your weight and blood pressure drop. BTW, always take your BP after you "P." A full bladder elevates your BP.

[Blindrage]

We're called hose heads?? Well, I guess at least I'm a member of something. Geesh, Hose heads.

How appropriate. Seems like something from the John Travolta movie "Battlefield Earth." (they had to wear those nose hoses to breathe earths air.

Hey, take off you Hoser!

[truckee147]

Great for you. I felt much the same the first three or four days. On day 8 and still feel better. I find that diet is a big factor. Eat to much to late and my sleep stinks. Sleeping on my side also seems to give me angst and less good hose sleep. Keep at it.

[Breathing]

That's great. I too was a zombie, but for more like 30 years, than 10. I never had a sleep test because I never snored. I just felt exhausted all the time. I was so tired much of the time that I was not sure if I was awake or asleep. My life was work and sleep. A couple of months ago I started with a new primary care doctor and he recommended a sleep test for my decades' long exhaustion, fatigue, generalized pain, etc. etc. I said, "but I don't snore". He said, "humor me".... So I had a sleep test. I had an AHI of 74. The following week I went back to the sleep lab for a titration study. When I woke up the next morning, it was literally the first time in my life I ever woke up and felt awake right away. It was actually a little disorienting. It has always taken me at least a couple of hours to wake up, and that usually included 4-6 cups of coffee.
I couldn't wait to get a CPAP machine, and was thrilled to get it and use it. I have had it for one month. My AHIs are under 2 (according to the sleepyhead software) and despite some little glitches here and there, finding the right mask and the right settings, I couldn't be happier that there is CPAP!
It IS a miracle!

So glad you had such a great experience!

Tell all your friends!

[Robbnva]

well I am about to have my first night so I hope to have the same result. At least I am realistic to know that I may not have the same result, I am hopeful.


Good for you man, awesome results

[cigarbat]

I think the key is to let it happen. Don't focus on the machine. Think of other things.

I had to adjust it so the air was going into my nose

The exhaling bothered me a little until I just breathed naturally

Good luck

[sleepycarol]

Congratulations on your success.

Stories like this helps newcomers know that it is possible to feel great using their machine. Although for many of us it is a journey that doesn't happen in a day. I didn't have near the problems that some have, but have yet to feel like "taming a tiger" so to speak. I belief part of that is some other health issues I have and not contributed solely to OSA.

I do know if I miss a night, the next day I feel as though a I have been hit by a train and do not function clearly.