My titration study is tonight!

[janet444]

I'm excited about finally, after many years, finding the source of my fatigue. Yesterday, I napped twice and stayed in my PJs all day. I was not happy about that, but more forgiving, knowing that I have moderate sleep apnea. And knowing that *moderate* sleep apnea, despite the name, is enough to cause a lot of fatigue.

My doc put me on express care, so I should have a machine, mask, etc., within a week!

Thanks to this group, I've already decided to ask to use a different DME than the one this sleep study center uses (the one they use has four reviews on Yelp and every one of them gives them one star!).

Thanks to this group, I know I want a fully data capable machine, and I know which ones to ask for and which ones to reject. I also know that I need to be careful that my doctor knows how to write the prescription in such a way that I can get such a machine. And I believe the DME I prefer will help him write the prescription, after calling that DME and talking to the CPAP guy there.

I also know that if I find the mask difficult to tolerate, I can ask to try others.

And that CPAP may be difficult to tolerate, but that there are ways to cope if I find that to be the case.

And - last but not least - I know that once I start CPAP, if I have trouble with it, I can write a post here and find out what I can do about it. Knowing that I have found a place where I can get that kind of support is invaluable!

So thanks for all the support I've received so far, and for the reassurance of more support to come.

I'm afraid I may be bugging you guys a lot in the weeks to come!

Janet

[Pugsy]

Good luck tonight.

[stage0]

Yes, enjoy the time there for your titration. I suggest you being honest with the techs as to the mask fit, type and tightness. It will provide insight is choosing the right mask for you your breathing. I am glsd that you have a entire night of titration too. ...our facility does a split-night type; so I only have 3-4 hours to get the pressure right.

I also saggest that you ask to look as the three types of masks ( assuming all three are in stock) nasal, full face and pillows. Then choose. We tend to get irritated at throwing masks away...but if during the night you want to try another type....do so. The right mask fit is critical to compliance.

I do not know how your psg went....but, lastly I suggest you bring "stuff" that can help you relax..Call the facility about bringing table fans, fav.pillows and blankets. Just nothing alive..lol

[cosmo]

Try not to nap today and wear yourself out. You'll have a better chance at falling asleep in the lab.

[janet444]

Thanks, Brenda, StageO and Cosmo!

I did bring my own blanket to the first sleep study. And the doc had ordered split test, but I didn't meet the criteria, and I can tell you the tech was great about having me try on different masks. At the time, I had no idea there were different kinds, I thought there was just one. Since then, I've gotten quite an education!

I don't plan to nap, thanks!

I slept pretty much as well as I do at home last time, despite having all that stuff stuck to my head = although it did keep me on my back. So I think as long as I avoid the naps, caffeine, and chocolate, this will hopefully go well. In any case, I'm very happy to finally be trying CPAP. I hope I'm one of those lucky ones who adjusts easily!

Thanks again!

Janet

[chunkyfrog]

And a nice walk might help--at least a couple hours before the appointment.
Shop for jammies, slippers, etc.
It's amazing how some gentle walking will relax you and make you just tired enough to nod off easily.

[debbiep54]

Good luck, you are definitely more informed about many things than I am/was. I had no idea what my problem was for years and then did not know what to expect before the study and titration and even now I am not sure what I am doing or should do or want to do. By the way, my titration was as easy as the study. Probably due to a super tech that I had for both.

[jweeks]

And that CPAP may be difficult to tolerate, but that there are ways to cope if I find that to be the case.

Janet,

I didn't find CPAP difficult to tolerate. Then again, I had no other option...life without it would have continued to go too far downhill. I have a feeling that if you are successful on your other points, such as getting a good titration, getting a data capable machine, and getting a good mask fit, combined with your stellar level of being informed and optimistic, that CPAP is going to fall into place for you without too many issues.

I suspect that a lot of CPAP failure is due to bad titration, drive-by clinics, poor mask fit, inappropriate machines, incorrect pressures, and bad attitudes. I think you are on-track to avoid all of these pitfalls.

-john-

[janet444]

Thanks, ChunckyFrog, Debbie, and John!

Too late for a walk (plus I dread the snow), but that's okay. I'm already tired and it's only 7pm.

I appreciate the encouragement!

Hopefully, within a week, my messages here will have one of those sigs with my machine and mask on it.

Janet

[janet444]

I feel like the study went well. At first I had a hard time getting used to the machine - esp. while hooked up to all those wires!

It took me longer to fall asleep. But then, I found I adjusted pretty well. And if I could adjust to it with all those wired stuck to me, I should do pretty well at home in my own bed with no wires.

I do feel a little dizzy or lightheaded today. And I did just need a nap (just got up).

Thanks again, I feel your encouragement helped! As did the tech - same one from last time, he's very friendly and helpful. We watched the Oscars together and talked about movies and actors while he stuck all the goop and wires to me.

Janet

[jweeks]

I do feel a little dizzy or lightheaded today. And I did just need a nap (just got up).

Janet,

That might be something that is to be expected from a titration. The RT was moving the pressures up and down, trying to find a spot where the events went away. You probably had more events and disruptions than you will have once you get your machine. The important thing is if they found that magic pressure level where your breathing starts working right and the events stop happening. You will know that once they score the results -- unless the RT gave you a preview of those results.

-john-

[quietmorning]

Janet,

Did the tech tell you what your pressure was found to be?

I've found this group incredibly helpful - maybe when I get better at things, I hope to be as helpful, but this group is priceless.

[janet444]

John, that's helpful to know. As I'm feeling a little odd today and was concerned about that. It's good to know that this is normal. It makes sense the way you put it.

BethAnna, he didn't tell me what the pressure was. I get the impression he's not supposed to tell me stuff. But I'm on ExpressCare, so I should find out soon enough. We have to be in the newbie place at some point, right?

And yes, I'm so glad I found this forum!

By the way, the DME they use got terrible reviews on Yelp! Four one-star reviews, all including comments that tell me I DO NOT want to use them. I was glad when Larry, my tech, told me it's fine to choose my own. He said that before I even told him I wanted to use a different one, so that was a relief. I plan to go with Bouvier Pharmacy, a DME who got lots of great reviews, although none CPAP related.

Also - I have been very happy with the place that has been doing the sleep studies, which is NeuroCare in Newton, MA.

Thanks again for all your help and feedback!

Janet