Update- My progress so far- 3 months on

[Trinity101]

Hi, everyone!
Well, I thought that I would just post a general note and let you know about how things are going. First, since when I have done my readings of my data several times in the auto mode,my 90% pressure seemed to be holding at 12, I decided to try running my machine in CPAP mode on a 12 pressure for a while and see how I do. That was about a week ago,and I feel good,so I will get some more numbers in another week or so. I am still very pleased with the choice of getting the APAP, since I could try out the range of pressures,and now have a good one to settle on. I am continuing with my humidifier in passover mode; since if I bump it up even to 1,my asthma reacts badly and everything clogs up. The Quattro fits pretty well- I am still trying to track down something to fix the leaky places the best- I only have trouble some nights-so I am looking for something that is not too much of a procedure, if possible. But,over all, the equipment is not a huge problem. We have a ceiling fan over our bed,and even on the hotter nights,it has so far helped me stay cool with the FFM on.
I am sleeping better when I sleep.I am dreaming more, and pleasantly-so that is nice! Occasionally I am sleeping a tad longer, but I am still awaiting that gift of a four or five hour length of sleep- that would be a miracle for me-but I am hoping it will yet come. Many, many people have told me that I look better-more rested, that my skin looks better- and yes,my nails are growing faster and stronger, too.
The one big negative is that I am almost constantly sleepy- I could sleep for 24 hours every day- I may have a few good hours in the late afternoon or evening- but mostly,I could always lie back down and sleep. I keep wondering how long it will be until I get this wonderful energy so many have spoken of, when they feel like running around all day and working-??? I can hardly wash the dishes without taking a break in the middle! I have tried forcing a certain wake-up and bedtime (bedtime is always pretty much the same) but I just ended up more tired and grumpy than when I go back and sleep more-yes, with the CPAP- always! I read one article somewhere- can't recall where now-that said if you had many years of sleep deprivation (I worked nights shift for 35 years), it could take longer to get back into a more normal pattern- so I guess that is what I am hopiing this is.I WILL get there, maybe just a little later than some. And I realize it HAS only been 3 months.
Also- and this is referring to an OT post I had made- I have gone on my own sort ofwell-balanced diet-and so far have lost about 28 lbs. So=thanks very much to all for your help and support- I am still here,still compliant, a tad lighter than I was when I started, and much more ready to continue the battle.
~joan

" Throughout human history, we have been dependent on machines to survive. Fate, it seems, is not without a sense of irony. "Mprpheus, the Matrix, 1999

[cassaro]

Joan,

Congratulations on the weight loss!

It sounds like you are well on your way to a successful therapy but you are correct. It may take some time to get i "just right". Some nights will be better then others but your being proactive in your quest for a good nights sleep and it will get there!
I find I have the same problem when trying to get more sleep then my body is used too...but like you I think that will change over time.


Chuck