The first thing that crossed my mind...

[Kebo]

What's the first thing that you thought of when you found out you had Sleep Apnea? All I could think was how I would never be able to go camping. Sure, I'd never camped a day in my adult life, but for some reason that's what came to mind. Imagine my relief to learn about battery powered CPAP.

Kebo

[Pad A Cheek]

Well I know what you mean that you begin to think of the things that having sleep apnea will not let you do. But for the record, I have been camping with my CPAP and had no problems; Just another thing to bring along, and to think about, but not a show stopper.

I also wanted to say when I was diagnosed with sleep apnea and began treatment, I began to think of all the things I could do again that I had not been able to do for a while. Staying awake all day comes to mind, as well as thinking more clearly and all the improvements that makes on ones life.

I would say I am so happy I was diagnosed and began to get the sleep I needed to live a full and productive life.

Just another way to look at the diagnosis.

Karen

[GoofyUT]

I agree completely with Karen. I am SO grateful that I was finally diagnosed and treated. I feel SO MUCH HEALTHIER AND ALIVE NOW!! I am much more alert throughout the day, am much more even-tempered, and most of all, I have SO MUCH MORE ENERGY!!! I now go to the gym 5 days a week, have lost LOTS of weight, and for the first time in years, I am starting to enjoy my body again. I look back at my life BEFORE I was diagnosed and treated and SHUDDER!!!!!

The first thought that crossed my mind when I was diagnosed though, honestly, was "There goes my love life/romance." For this, I don't have an answer since it has, in fact, been a challenge even though I'm in a relationship (sort of). I honestly don't know how this'll play itself out, despite all the good advice and positive thoughts that I've viewed here.

But best of luck to you. For me and many others here, xPAP has given us our lives back!

Chuck

[tooly125]

My GP was the one who told me to get a sleep study done.
He looked into my mouth at a physical and told me he was prescribing the study.
My first thought was yea right I sleep fine.But over the next few weeks of really paying attention to my sleep I realized that I had a problem.
Having just quit smoking(the original reason for seeing my Dr) and gaining 20 pounds only aggravated my apnea.
The sunday before I got my machine I slept at least 19 hours, no matter much I slept I couldn't get rested so needless to say I was excited to get my machine.

I still have a ways to go but after 10 months I am definitely enjoying the benefits of some quality sleep.

[bairdbeth]

My first thought was "Yeah!! " I was so glad to know there was a reason for the way I felt and possibly the other medical problems I have had over the past 20 plus years!

[Wulfman]

My first thought was "Yeah!! " I was so glad to know there was a reason for the way I felt and possibly the other medical problems I have had over the past 20 plus years!

DITTO!!!

I thought the time between the sleep study and finally getting started on my therapy seemed like an eternity. From then on, it becomes a "routine" and dealing with it one night at a time. The "recovery" from the years of damage to our systems varies from person to person.....and for some of us is still ongoing. In the mean time, I'm enjoying the good sleep I'm getting.

Best wishes,

Den

[t-bone]

First thought for me? Probably something along the lines of "Okay, that makes sense." My first thought on the mask was a bit less accepting, I'm sure. The thought of making what will be a lifetime change is a bit daunting to me, but I'm sure looking forward to getting some sleep!

[birdshell]

I thought:

"YEESSSSS! Now maybe I won't have to sleep away more than half of my life!"

I was sleeping 12-14 hours a day. Now it has slowly been reduced over the 6 months of CPAP therapy to very close to 9 hours a day. It seems to reduce day by day; if I keep going on Live Chat it may increase because I've stayed up too long! Just the ability to do so is a huge improvement, though. There was NO WAY that I could avoid sleeping so much pre-treatment. Now I can flex times a bit more, although I am still not what I was as a young adult. Those all-nighters are not really missed, though.

BTW, when I went in to pick up my CPAP the RT first said, "Why do you want to have a CPAP?" My answer was, "Because I want to sleep." He said, "Good. Then you will probably do well with the therapy." He then asked what the words were that were represented by the acronym. When I answered correctly, he kissed my hand! Thanks to all of the input here, I also had a few other answers. It may have convinced him of my sincerity, thanks to the forum.

[gulfpearl]

My first thought after being diagnosed finally I was right . I had to really beg my doctor to order the sleep study ,& then I had to wait a year to receive an appointment. After diagnosis I then had to wait 4 months to receive my cpap. When I finally received my equipment the RT had enough nerve to say a 4 month wait isn't very long. I was just relieved to know I wasn't lazy or psychotic that there was a real reason for all of my symptoms.I was so anxious to begin my treatment because my sister was diagnosed with OSA before me & I knew how well she felt after treatment.

[Bookbear]

My first thought? It was one of those (rare for me ) blinding flashes of insight. I suddenly knew why my dad had died at 57. I distinctly remember hearing him snore (well, you really couldn't miss it)...but I also remember hearing him stop making noise all together, and then gasp and short, and resume the snore. I remember listening at night and hearing the pauses between snoring and breathing getting longer. He was short, thick necked and stocky and had (untreated) high blood pressure. He was never diagnosed with OSA, but in today's view had all the obvious warning signs. Back then, of course, OSA was not often diagnosed, and there really was no treatment if it was. My dad had no health insurance and so rarely went to the doctor. His death certificate read 'heart attack/possible stroke'. As my doc explained my diagnosis, the pieces suddenly all fell into place in my mind.