Anyone glad they were diagnosed?

[TenmaNeko]

I know this seems weird considering so many people have emotions ranging from anger to sadness when hearing they have apnea. But is there anyone out there that was glad to find out?

Not to say I don't wish that didn't have it. But I was happy to find out that I did have sleep apnea because it provided an reason. I'd been tired, falling asleep at work, depressed, irritable, couldn't think or concentrate, had no motivation, crappy memory, etc. and I didn't know why. Was I just lazy? Did I just not pay attention to things? Was it just the way I am?

Apnea provides an explanation and a possible therapy. I feel like I can do something about all of this, instead of just living in a fog wondering what the hell is going on. I was scared that I was going to do the sleep study and it was going to come back perfectly fine. And then where would I be? At least now, I know where I stand and what I can do about it. And that in itself is kind of comforting.

[whatrdreamsmadeof]

OMG, YES, I was falling down, breaking bones, they were looking for MS, I was scared to death. Sleep Apena was something the Specialist said, "NO WAY" does she have it. Well, finally after exhausting everything including my pocket book they finally did 2 studies because they couldn't belive lack of sleep was the problem all along. It's been almost 4 and half years, treatment is great, not the total answer for all the damage done without it. But for me it has been a miracle just like this forum. Stay connected (pun intended) to the hose and the wonderful folks here!
Good luck!

[Komodo]

Yeah, I was one of the happy ones. NOT because I found out about apnea, but because the apnea explained why I was going to the bathroom so many times every night. I was begining to wonder if I had something seriously wrong with my kidneys or prostate. So when I found out "all I had" was apnea, yeah, I was HAPPY!

[Yoda]

That is an interesting question. I have a lot of things going on, but I know that sleep is a part of the problem. On the sleep study I had almost only one apnea, a few hypopnias, but a lot of RERAs. My AHI, was under 7. But, my RDI was about 25. I got my CPAP equip and my AHI went up to about 10 until we got pressure figured out. I know I am now sleeping better, because I am sleeping in longer blocks and not getting up and going to the bathroom all night. So, even though I don't like having to fool with the equipment, I am glad I got to a sleep doctor and am improving my sleep (with a non-drug therapy). Yes.

Cecile

[LinkC]

Absolutely! It explained SO much... (and most of that has gone away now!!)

Now if only there was a treatment for ugly...

[TenmaNeko]

I'm glad to know so many people feel the same way!

I don't expect CPAP to fix everything, but even just giving me back some energy to tackle the rest would be great!


Link, let me know if you find one. Gin and dim lights seem to be the only therapy that works on me

[Pugsy]

I remember discussing with the doctor's NP all my symptoms and telling her that I actually hoped I had sleep apnea because it gave me something to fight. I got my wish.

Yes, I was actually relieved with the diagnosis. Never had any anger, just relief that there was a physical cause for my varying symptoms and a way to alleviate those symptoms. Granted the method of tx (CPAP) takes some work getting used to and getting the kinks worked out, it is at least a viable option. I never have been one to cry too much over spilled milk. I try not to dwell on the past and what "might have been" if I was diagnosed sooner. I wasn't and that is the way life goes. Instead I try to focus my time and energy on doing things to improve the here and now.

I am very new to all this and I have been fortunate that I have seen improvement with what I consider minimal effort on my part.

[raylo]

Count me as a very strong yes. It explained a lot and since treatment started much has improved.

[melinda]

I remember having to practically BEG my doctor to test for apena. I drive a school bus and had a dozing incident that while it didn't result in an accident, did put the fear of God into me. I took to my machine like a duck to water. It was lovely getting a good nights sleep. I figure I'd had apena to some degree for years.

[Lisaintosa]

I was one of the ones that totally freaked out when I was diagnosed. When the doc told me, it was all I could do to not break down in tears right there in his office. I was supposed to go to work that afternoon, but called in and said I wouldn't be coming in (don't remember what reason I gave), I was too upset to go in.

That was back in November of 2008. It took me quite awhile to get used to the machine and all, not to mention quite a few different masks, but I rarely sleep without now. Matter of fact I think I only have once and that was totally by accident. I was laying there relaxing and next thing I know it's 3am lol

One night I was sleeping and woke for some reason and felt my husband run his hand down the back of my head.....he was checking to see if I still had my mask on---how cool is that??

[melinda]

Lisaaintosa-you reminded me of the night my husband was snoring so while half asleep I took my mask off and shoved it onto his face...I suppose trying to help? Anyway he jumped about a mile.

[carbonman]

This OSA thing is difficult.
It(OSA) has set the criteria to determine our quality of life,
or death.
Then cpap is added to the equation.
Makes life difficult.....damned if you don't...damned if you do.
Dredges up some really nasty stuff....
fear,
fatigue,
denial,
frustration.
Creates a hugh elephant in the room that many just do not want to acknowledge.

Am I glad.....I guess glad is relative.
I'm not glad in the sense that I have OSA.

Yes, I'm glad I was diagnosed and am getting thearpy.
I'm glad I was able to overcome all the obstacles to make my therapy work.
I'm glad I found this forum.
I'm glad(thankful) for all the people that helped me and
that I now consider friends.
I'm glad(thankful)that this OSA-cpap experience has expanded my horizons.
I'm glad that this OSA-cpap experience has helped me to become
a much different person than I was a year ago, in so many different ways.....
and I like who this person is and who he is becoming.
I'm glad to have my life back.
I'm glad that I have this new life, as a result of OSA.

It's relative.....all things for a reason.

[SleepGuy]

I was very happy to be diagnosed because it got right to the core of my problems at the time -- utter exhaustion and collateral things.

I was not happy when I first realized what *treatment* would entail. Wow--you've got to be kidding!!

It took a solid year before I finally figured out CPAP.

Since then I've been sleeping flat out every night all night with the thing and it's changed my life!

So on balance I am extremely happy. Otherwise I would have no doubt had a breakdown of some kind....

[JayC]

CPAP is addressing issues present for over 30 years. Glad to be on the hose!!

CPAP is somehow aiding in slow improvements of things which might be separate and escalated by sleep issues....or might be because of the sleep issues alone.

Don't care what caused what at this point. Don't care if ailments have a name.

I am thrilled to be getting incremental improvement in many areas of my life..... would rather be on the hose than have my life continue to be "hosed" in so many areas.......

J

[rubymom]

I'm wondering how sleep apnea is related to getting up so many times in the night to go to the bathroom?