1,000 Posts!

birdshell · Post by **birdshell** » Sun Oct 07, 2007 7:00 pm

A week or so ago, I posted a reply to another thread and noticed, suddenly, that I was nearing a milestone in the number of postings! HOW did that happen? Of course, some could say that it is a sign of a fair chunk of a life misspent.

However, the richness of the additions to my life from participating in this forum has been incomparable. The following is my attempt to share some of my thoughts at this point in time.

Hey, why not use this as a milestone, instead of:

So, here goes:

_______________________________________________________________________

Sleep Disordered Breathing can be a many-faceted diagnosis. Mine initially happened to be a rather simple obstructive sleep apnea treated at a pressure of 9 cm. I found this forum, among others, in between my first polysomnogram (sleep study) and titration. It seemed to take forever to get my equipment—over a month. I learned a few things; it is such a lot for newbies to absorb.

These are some of the things that I have learned, discovered, thought, and compiled.

1. It took too long for me to get my flow generator and mask, plus assorted accessories. I was so eager to start sleeping, perchance to dream well and feel better, that it was torture having to wait.

2. One can never learn or know enough about any subject, can one? And I have discovered that the field is extremely complex.

3. Improved sleep meant an improved outlook and life. Sleeping less than 12-14 hours a day is the major gift of CPAP treatment.

4. Humidity is a WONDERFUL thing. It would be a shame to ever QUIT CPAP use if one had to lose that soothing, healing humidity!

5. At about 8-9 months into treatment, my life seemed to be slipping backward. I was gaining weight, suffering from a lack of energy, feeling depressed, and generally wallowing in a pit of stagnation.

6. I wouldn’t be here without sleep techs (polysomnographers) and some of their input has changed my life. When some came onto our Live Chat while their site was down, I was lucky enough to connect with a few who are truly outstanding. They have been an exceptional influence on my life, and I am grateful beyond measure for their contributions.

7. One of the sleep techs that I met connected me with a sleep lab that she happens to run. I was overdue for a CPAP study, and had one at her lab. I was fortunate to be there.

8. My added diagnoses were: a 4 point rise in my pressure, from 9 cm to 13 cm; and Periodic Limb Movement Disorder (PLMD)! As it was explained to me, the Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) was masking the PLMD in the first study, as the OSA was the major cause of my arousals.

9. Further, the rise in pressure was engendered as a result of actually being compliant in using my CPAP. (There was a choice? Not for me, IMHO!!) The lack of snoring and other irritation to my tissues meant that there was not as much swelling in them. This caused a need for greater pressure to hold these floppier bits out of the airway!

10. There are some Durable Medical Equipment providers (DME providers, aka DME’s) that are SUPER! Then there are the ones that are simply OK or downright disgusting. We hear a whole lot more about the disgusting ones than the excellent ones.

11. The best mask or machine is a matter of personal preference, structure, design, and algorithms used. There is no one best mask or machine. There ARE different ones, and some suit some folks best; others suit OTHER folks best. As my friend Catnapper has said, she could probably use a number of masks for good treatment—and she has tried more than I.

12. Who would think that I could ever own 7 masks within an 18 month period? I have tried all 7 with great success and liked certain features better than others. My favorite right now is the Mirage Liberty; mask I have used the most is the ComfortLite 2 with Direct Seal; and mask that is a marvel of simplicity for non-mouth breathers is the Optilife.

13. Tweaks make ALL the difference with a number of masks. Should YOU have a mask problem, search for one of our mask fixes. Chances are, there are a few on the forum for you to try. Laura-rested gal has a number of them on her famous lists, the most famous being her own ubiquitous pantyhose-tights straps. Lab Ratting Awards are lifesavers!

14. Silicone sensitivity is a major bummer. Right now, loratadine (brand name Claritin) is saving me. My primary care physician (pcp), an internist, listened to my lungs and immediately gave me a 2 month supply of samples. My least reactive mask? The Hybrid, which is possibly because it is one of the oldest and has been able to outgas any irritants, as well as being made with a less-irritating silicone formulation.

15. The best is left for last: THE PEOPLE!! It is the home of so many helpful, intelligent, thoughtful, and creative users that I will be forever grateful. Although some rue the day that they were introduced to CPAP, I think that I will always treasure it. And, we meet more here every day. (Now, if we could only get them to stop asking, “What’s the best (mask, machine, hose, alternative treatment)…”.

Personal attackers are my biggest complaint, and one can ONLY HOPE that you know who you are. The personal attack is meant to cut down others in an effort to make the attacker seem big. In reality, they show to those who are savvy that the detractor is actually insecure and feels powerless. Such behavior is a window into the small soul of the one attacking.

Please, when posting: discuss the idea and NOT the person behind it. It matters not that other forums are worse or better; what matters is that we treat others in an ethical manner. Wrong is generally wrong whenever and wherever it occurs; perhaps we should think a bit before posting any kind of attack? I plead with you all to do so, for the added strength and power of our entire forum.

j.a.taylor · Post by **j.a.taylor** » Sun Oct 07, 2007 7:09 pm

birdshell,

Congratulations on joining the 1,000 posts club, and for posting what you've learned so far.

I appreciate the gentle reminders that not all DMEs, Sleep Techs, etc. are evil, it's good to remember that just like any other group you have a few rotten eggs that can raise a stink for the rest.

And I agree, the same applies to this forum . . .

So today, I'm committing myself to being a fresh egg instead of a rotten one.

Thanks bshell! (I originally wrote "Thanks bs," but remember, I'm committing to not being a rotten egg).

6PtStar · Post by **6PtStar** » Sun Oct 07, 2007 7:24 pm

Wow, I'm impressed. VERY GOOD POST!! You must have had some extra O2 bled into you CPAP before you wrote that.

Thanks birdshell, I may print that one out and post it next to my keyboard.

Jerry

RosemaryB · Post by **RosemaryB** » Sun Oct 07, 2007 7:31 pm

Congratulations, Birdshell!!!!!!!!!!

I enjoyed your list.

I could relate to the urgency to get my equipment and get a good night's sleep. Once I knew I needed it, every night without it was torture. I'd been sleep deprived for so long, but now I knew there was a solution! It's interesting how many of us felt that way at first.

I recently helped someone get tested and treated. Her comment after the titration study was that she wanted her cpap the next night!

Snoozy Q · Post by **Snoozy Q** » Sun Oct 07, 2007 7:34 pm

Congratulations on your 1,000th post. You are doing good things for people trying to find their way with this therapy-- as are so many on this forum.

j.a.taylor · Post by **j.a.taylor** » Sun Oct 07, 2007 7:40 pm

RosemaryB wrote:Congratulations, Birdshell!!!!!!!!!!

I enjoyed your list.

I could relate to the urgency to get my equipment and get a good night's sleep. Once I knew I needed it, every night without it was torture. I'd been sleep deprived for so long, but now I knew there was a solution! It's interesting how many of us felt that way at first.

I recently helped someone get tested and treated. Her comment after the titration study was that she wanted her cpap the next night!

Rose,

It is hard to wait.

Once my sleep study was finished, I only had a 4-day wait until I picked up my machine.

It was a looooong 4 days, but I shudder at some of the wait times I've heard about on this forum.

BTW--You'll be hitting that 1,000 mark soon. Not too far away.

rested gal · Post by **rested gal** » Sun Oct 07, 2007 8:05 pm

Karen (birdshell), what a cool milestone and great post outlining your trek to good treatment!

Hope you have thousands and thousands and thousands of good nights of sleep and wonderful days. You've been helping people and adding fun to this message board for a long time!

Babette · Post by **Babette** » Sun Oct 07, 2007 8:23 pm

Great post Birdshell! And thank you for all your great contributions to this forum and the fun I've had with you in the live chat! You're better than any other date on a Saturday night!!!

Hugs & Laughs,
Babs

drbandage · Post by **drbandage** » Sun Oct 07, 2007 10:11 pm

That is one heckuva good post. Informative and insightful. Nice job!

drB

Catnapper · Post by **Catnapper** » Mon Oct 08, 2007 5:32 am

Dear Birdie,

What a great post! However, I must say that although I have not read all of those 1000 posts, the many I have read have been of the same quality. You are always thoughtful, helpful, teaching, and kind. I have been lucky to think of you as a friend, a very caring one, at that.

You have often expressed that you would never leave cpaptalk because of the people you meet here. It is wonderful, isn't it, to have friends around the world who will take a few moments to send you words of support and encouragement?

I am happy to congratulate you on your continuing success with CPAP and to celebrate with you on cpaptalk.

Keep on posting!

Catnapper - Joanie

gasparama · Post by **gasparama** » Mon Oct 08, 2007 8:11 am

Birdshell, thank you for saying so beautifully what many of us think about the wonderful posters on this board. However, I hope you realize you are one of those people who make the time spent here worthwhile.

Best wishes sent your way,
Jane

t-bone · Post by **t-bone** » Mon Oct 08, 2007 9:49 am

What a grand post!

(you can groan now)

Thank you, Birdshell, for the positive thoughts you share with all of us.

And, thank you for the friendship! It continues to be fun.

mindy · Post by **mindy** » Mon Oct 08, 2007 10:17 am

Thank you, Birdshell for a wonderful post. You have much wisdom and express yourself very eloquently.

I didn't have to wait for my equipment, but had over a month wait between first PSG and titration study so I remember how frustrating that was ... I couldn't wait to get started and feel better!

My very best wishes on your 1,000th post and on continuing health and happiness!

Mindy

birdshell · Post by **birdshell** » Mon Oct 08, 2007 1:55 pm

Gee, folks!

I am very touched and thankful. See what I mean about all of the wonderful people we have here? All that has been said of me could be applied to those posting so far. It will be very telling to see exactly who posts here, will it not?

And can I help it if I spent 30+ years looking for the good in people? (OK, children ARE little people...in progress.) Teachers are pretty annoying to some in that they never stop teaching.

I hope that you all will post at your milestones. It is good to reflect on our accomplishments, and helps to keep us grounded, does it not?

Thank you very much for your kind and extensive support and lovely words.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Mon Oct 08, 2007 2:08 pm

Hokay, I have a question - Why "Birdshell"?

I always think it's because when you logged on the first time, you were feeling very fragile and delicate and getting close to breaking.

Cheers,
Babs

Mask

Additional Comments: sleep is good