One Year Down, More to Come

[Jere]

Well, I checked my compliance the other day and realized that I have just passed the 365th day on xpap! My how time flies.

There is NO way I could have achieved this milestone without the advice and encouragement of the many kind people on this board. Many people have faded from view, as I have myself. In the beginning I was on this board everyday. As the months passed I checked in less often. I guess that is the unintended consequence of becoming acclimated to the therapy.

My gratitude goes out to those of you that are still around from my early days (Lori aka Sleepless in LI - you still out there?). For those of you just getting started with xpap, you are in excellent hands on this board. With a little persistence you can get through the tough early months.

I still check the postings in order to keep up with the new equipment and to impart whatever wisdom I may have the presumption to believe others might read.

Cheers!

Jerry

[MandoJohnny]

I am just passing 4 months on CPAP and doing OK. I would be interested in hearing some details about your first year. How was the adjustment to CPAP over the year? What do know now that you wished you had known sooner? Can you compare how you feel now during the day, versus before CPAP? I could use some light at the end of the tunnel...unless it's a train coming the other way!

[Goofproof]

That got me thinking, It's been about a year I've been on it, I'm not sure the exact date, because I had lots of other problems at the same time, but it's pretty close. The other problems are still here, but so am I. Jim

[mikemoran]

Congradulations to all. Keep up the good inflating.

[krousseau]

Congratulations to those at the 1 year mark.

At six months occasionally sit up at 2 AM-still not asleep-wonder WHAT am I doing-unhook the APAP-go to the "meditation room"-think about all the people out there with sore noses, jaws, & necks-flush-come back to bed-reconnect to the APAP-and try to get some sleep.

[Patrick A]

I have been on cpap since the 21st of June 2005, I have only not used my cpap 4 times .

I have only gotten better each night. Cpap is one of the best things that have happened to me in my adult life.

[Jere]

After a year, here are my Top 10 observations:

1. Using xpap has become part of the sleep routine. I just instinctively reach for the mask every night. Not having it on seems like there is something missing.

2. My insomnia is under better control. I have suffered from insomnia for 20 years and over the last year things have gotten markedly better. Is it the xpap? I don't know.

3. I feel much more awake during the day. I have many fewer days of walking around like a zombie.

4. I dream more.

5. I have more trouble getting out of bed, as I am usually sleeping very deeply when the alarm goes off.

6. NO MORE SNORING. Thus, marital harmony has been restored.

7. I prefer nasal pillows over other types of masks. I have settled with the Aura/Everest. Sometime I will wake in the middle of night thinking the mask is off when, in fact, the mask is still on.

8. I have not lost any weight

9. I am not impressed with the DME industry.

10. I am forever indebted to the people on this board for holding my hand and helping me through the whole process.

Jerry

[MandoJohnny]

Jerry:

Thanks! That pretty much mirrors my 4 month experience, point by point, so hopefully I am on track. The weight loss thing is a problem for me too. However, I have found enough new energy enabled by CPAP to start and (so far) stick with a progressive exercise and eating program. Hopefully that will show some results as it ramps up.

[Jere]

Anytime - and keep up the good work!

[peg]

my goodness it has been over a year. How time flies when you are having fun.
I haven't checked the postings for quite a while. It's just as informative and entertaining as the first time I stumbled onto this forum.

congrats to all !!!