New to all of this

bairdbeth · Post by **bairdbeth** » Sat Sep 09, 2006 9:35 pm

Hi! I have been lurking since the beginning of August when I first visited a pulmonologist about adult onset asthma. He diagnosed that and said that I probably had a bigger problem, sleep apnea. I was set up for a sleep study on Aug 19.I returned for my follow up on Sept 6. My AHI was 21, legjerks were 51, and sleep efficiency was 15%. I had not reached the number my insurance required for a split study so I have to go back. I lucked out and the sleep study lab called and I go tomorrow for titration. I am nervous, but so happy to know that I am not just fat and lazy. I have sleep apnea. We figured out that my doctor missed it in college over 20 years ago. I am determined to work through any difficulties to make this treatment work. I know I can do it and will check in here for advice. I woke up this morning with my 10 year old daughter leaning over me scared to death. She said I wasn't snoring so she thought I was dead!

Goofproof · Post by **Goofproof** » Sat Sep 09, 2006 9:49 pm

Welcome to the group. If you will fill in your profile, it will help us if you have any questions. A lot can be learned by reading here. If we don't help each other, we are lost. XPAP does make our lives better, sometimes it takes time to adjust, and heal. Jim

Wulfman · Post by **Wulfman** » Sat Sep 09, 2006 9:53 pm

Welcome to the forum.
I think a lot of people "lurk" for awhile. I know I did for several months.
It's good that you got diagnosed and it sounds like you have a good attitude about your therapy.

Best wishes,

Den

kteague · Post by **kteague** » Sun Sep 10, 2006 12:48 am

Glad you're on you way to feeling better. Ask the doc to explain those 51 leg jerks - if they cause arousals you may need them treated as well as the apnea to feel your optimum. Some go away with cpap treatment, some get worse. Just wouldn't want you to think your cpap therapy wasn't working if there was a contributing factor to your sleep disruption that needs researched and treated.
Kathy

snoregirl · Post by **snoregirl** » Sun Sep 10, 2006 6:43 am

Pay attention to what type of mask they try you on and if it doesn't feel good ask for different. This will give you a headstart when choosing a mask later. You will either have some you like or at least can live with or some you know are not for you.

Also, read the forum stuff on getting your prescription in hand as well as getting a copy of your sleep study so you can control your own purchase or rent to purchase...

bairdbeth · Post by **bairdbeth** » Sun Sep 10, 2006 7:18 am

Thanks! My doctor did say we may have to treat the leg jerks. He wants to see the data from the test I take tonight to see if CPAP lessens them or not. I have already gotten so much good info here. I had a list of questions when I went to get my first test results on last Wednesday and printouts of some threads from here. He laughed and said it was nice to see someone become informed and willing to take charge of their treatment. I can't thank ya'll enough for the info already. I now have hope that I don't have to feel so bad all the time and that there has been something wrong with me instead of lack of motivation. I will write down the masks and machines I try tonight and will be back to ask advice on what to get based on my numbers after tonight. Here's hoping all goes well tonight!

inacpapfog · Post by **inacpapfog** » Sun Sep 10, 2006 8:42 am

Good Luck tonight!
Do ask about mask options and try several out while there!
Full face, nasal pillows, basic nasal style or oven the new Hybrid (a combo nasal/oral mask) I'm sure you will find at least one that will work for you!
Different strokes for different folks!

snoregirl · Post by **snoregirl** » Sun Sep 10, 2006 9:01 am

Great that your doctor is happy with you being informed. You may have read some threads where this was not the case.

I was lucky and the sleep center let me take two masks home. I think it varies by sleep center. Some clean and reuse, others let them go home with the patient. Doesn't hurt to ask. Could save you a bit $$ later and give you an extra option as some like to alternate masks.

birdshell · Post by **birdshell** » Sun Sep 10, 2006 10:52 pm

bairdbeth, your doc sounds like a really peachy one! You are so lucky to have found him.

Your determination reminds me of myself when I was first tested. It is so nice to have all of the benefits from the treatment. My "stop eating" signal has finally come back, so hopefully yours will too.

Best wishes!

bairdbeth · Post by **bairdbeth** » Mon Sep 11, 2006 8:35 pm

Last night went well! I used an older model mask, Fisher and Paykel Nasal HC 405 s/m. I had tried on several and this felt okay and was good for a side sleeper with a good seal. When the tech first turned on the CPAP the pressure was too low. It took her a little while to get back to the monitoring room and I felt like my lungs and body were on fire. I started to panic, but breathed in slowly and she increased the pressure and I felt much better! The tech said it took a while for me to fall asleep, but once I did I was out! I vaguely remeber waking maybe once or twice to change positions. I felt pretty rested when I left. I have my follow up appointment next Friday and I can't wait to get to work on getting a machine and mask! I did have a tender mark on one side this morning that went away in about 20 minutes. Is that normal?

snoregirl · Post by **snoregirl** » Tue Sep 12, 2006 12:53 pm

Some masks will leave more marks on you than others. There are things like Pad-a-cheek and homemade fixes that will probably help. Or you can wait 20 minutes like you did the other day.

I don't think you are alone on this one.

birdshell · Post by **birdshell** » Tue Sep 12, 2006 1:40 pm

The Swift left some marks on my cheeks. The other interfaces I've used have not; the Puritan Bennett ADAM, the ComfortLite, and the ComfortLite 2.

If seeking a markless mask, when mouth breathing is not a problem, the 'top down' nasal interfaces are worth a try. I have liked all three of the ones I've used as far as side sleeping and achieving a good, comfortable seal.

Best wishes.

bairdbeth · Post by **bairdbeth** » Tue Sep 12, 2006 7:30 pm

Thanks! I really can't wait to get my machine. I felt really good yesterday after the test. Today was back to my normal. I felt tired and achy. I see my doctor next friday and can't wait

inacpapfog · Post by **inacpapfog** » Tue Sep 12, 2006 7:54 pm

I know how you feel, bairdbeth!
I was so refreshed after my titration that I just dreaded sleeping without a machine! And like you said, sleeping without the machine left me with that same tired, achy sleep that I had been getting previously!
For OSA sufferers, once you get a good taste pap therapy, you just gotta have more!!

bdp522 · Post by **bdp522** » Tue Sep 12, 2006 8:00 pm

BLOGSPOT

Mile high sleeper Wrote this for anyone just starting out on xpap. Wish I'd read it when I started.

Keep in mind that I've never posted a link before but found instructions from rested gal, so here goes...hope it works!

Brenda

New to all of this

New to all of this

Newly diagnosed

Great Doc!

Face Marks