An encouragement to new folks: one year on cpap

Organplayer · Post by **Organplayer** » Sat Jul 05, 2008 6:24 pm

As I approach my 47th birthday, I wanted to take a moment to reflect on the fact that I have been one year on cpap. I realize that, for some on this forum, one year is not momentous, for they have been "on the hose" much longer. For me, this past year represents a significant departure from all my previous years, for it truly stands as the year I have "returned from the living dead."

Yes, it really is that significant for me. How come, you might say? I attribute to cpap the fact that I am finally losing weight (close to 20 lbs so far). Even more significant is the fact that I am off anti-depressants and some anti-inflammatory drugs. I sleep consistently 8 hrs, do not need naps to survive and have doubled my workload. I exercise by walking between 3-5 miles a day and still accomplish all that I need to do for a days' activities. My daughter said I looked "happy" again and to tell you the truth, I can wear that moniker most comfortably.

Have I changed my life due to cpap? Well, its hard to say whether it was the machine or my desire to get on with change. In the end, as I told my father, it may have just been a nexus of things, but I truly attribute it to cpap. I know that the nurse told me I once did not breathe for 59 seconds at my first sleep test. My wife told me I had been doing that for some ten years. Thankfully, she encouraged me to get the sleep test. Perhaps that is the moment my life began to change.

Why the reflection on this forum? I read this stuff like a madman when I first started. My wife said I spent more time reading here than I did for my work. But this forum showed me that I could get through the first days and weeks successfully and I did.I rarely post nowadays, but still read often. I know that the struggles I had could be mirrored here. And I was one of the lucky ones, as I started feeling good after just a few days. After a year, I cannot imagine that feeling of tiredness, doing medications just to keep a good face on and the general lack of energy.

Newbies, stick with it. Hang in there and keep putting that mask on, It is worth it. Keep asking questions and occasionally ranting. Mostly, keep on.
The light is there. You just have to raise your head up to see it.

Peace and blessings from a poor musician,
Kevin

Wulfman · Post by **Wulfman** » Sat Jul 05, 2008 6:55 pm

Kevin,

Congratulations on your therapy and happy anniversary.
Good words of advice and encouragement for other new "hoseheads".

Den

WindFlyer · Post by **WindFlyer** » Sat Jul 05, 2008 7:00 pm

Congrats, Kevin! It's true all it takes is a little getting used to and then it's easy as pie. Thanks for posting!

jsmythe · Post by **jsmythe** » Sun Jul 06, 2008 4:33 am

Congratulations Kevin!! To me, the first year is a "major mile marker", a great accomplishment. Happy Anniversary!!!

RipVW · Post by **RipVW** » Sun Jul 06, 2008 5:12 am

Congratulations, Kevin! Three cheers for you! And thanks for sharing your story, an inspiration to all!

graygables · Post by **graygables** » Sun Jul 06, 2008 7:29 pm

As a newbie (this is my one month-iversary), thank you for posting this! I've been quite frustrated with my CPAP attempts, but have been doing my darndest to stick it out b/c I KNOW I'll feel so much better if I do.

Congratulations on your improved health!

Gray

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