Bragging rights thread. Accomplishments.

[Pugsy]

Been thinking about having a thread where we could all brag a bit about some part of our therapy.
Get a chance to show something good for a change. Pat yourself on the back type of thing.
Compare stories and talk. Anything that we have done that has worked out especially well or a struggle that has been tough and maybe now seeing a fine spark of "aha" moment. Everyone join in with your especially proud moment.
We see so much negativey, I thought it would be nice to have a post full of good things for a change.
No matter how small the accomplishment might see. When you have worked hard at something it deserves to be recognized.
Stuff like great software reports. Newbie who finally slept all night with the mask on who had been struggling.

Anything that you have done that makes you smile and you want to show it off. Show the newbies that things do come together with time and hard work. Newbies join it. Made it a week with all this crap you are hooked up to and actually get some sleep when first night you felt for sure it would never happen.

So I will start it off with something was a first for me.
I had a night with zero leak line. big fat straight line, one teeny tiny little blip a little after hour 2 is all that shows
I have software set to show only unintentional leaks so zero is right on the zero line. With all my tossing and turning I usually have some decent leans for a very short time. Never had this before. Not in nearly 2 years.

[LoQ]

Great idea!

I have solved a number of issues with my therapy, and that has enormously reduced my EDS and eliminated my HTN. I've battled and won getting a mask that works and doesn't annoy me with leaks, tolerating the mask all night long, eliminating red marks from my face, rain-out, keeping my mouth shut during sleep, insomnia, aerophagia, finding the sweet spot of PAP therapy, and keeping my oxygen sats at a decent level. Still working on sleep hygiene, and I think I still have room for improvement with EDS, but I feel so much better than I did before therapy.

It took me almost 3 years to get to the point that I am now, cautiously optimistic that I'll be able to do most of the things that lack of energy kept me from doing for years. Hang in there if you are still struggling.

I also owe a great deal to friends who have helped me with various things. Thank you all for all I have learned from you, too.

[jnk]

.

I'm still alive!



I went from . . .








. . . to . . .

[nanwilson]

Morning Friends
My brag..not really a brag...A GREAT BIG THANK YOU to all of you. I have been at this for almost a year, most of that time on a non data machine. Thanks to members here I have bought an M series, a humidifier and Encore, several mask trades and TONS of advice. If it hadn`t been for you I would not know that my ahi is now at 00000000 ZERO...you all know who you are THANKS!!!!!!!
Cheers
Nan

[carbonman]

I pulled myself, w/your....cpaptalk help, out of the
fatigue, pain and brain dead AHI of 71 to:




I feel secure knowing that I have duplicate and machine
wise, triplicate backup for my life giving equipment.
I held true to the course in my Odyssey of the Mask
and was rewarded for my efforts. I enjoy the warm, moist comfort
of the mask on a cold winter night. I held fast to the mast and
was not seduced by the de Lure of 'da Machine.
I look forward to my sleep time.
I paid my cpap dues and now,
it's just too easy.

I learned to be responsible for my own therapy and health.
I find my own answers, make my own decisions,
when necessary....say NO.
I have been able to help some folks along the road,
and that feels really good.
I learned that it is not about he or she or them or they,
it's about me.

It has been and continues to be,
a grand adventure.

[Pugsy]

that my ahi is now at 00000000 ZERO.

That certainly deserves bragging about. I have NEVER seen a zero AHI unless it was an hour long nap.

I know we have the "success stories" thread but I wanted to give people a chance to just brag about any small achievement. Doesn't have to be life changing overall improvement. Just some small victory or lots of victories if someone wishes.

We see so many problems being posted that sometimes small victories get passed over. The OSA war is not won in a single huge victory. It takes a lot of little victories to win the war and some of them are very hard fought.
Leak monsters. Insomnia monsters. Mask monsters. Mouth breathing monsters and we want to wear nasal mask so bad...
So many possible battles.

Newbies, chime in here. Just sleeping through the night with the mask on is a huge achievement.

[SnoozyQ]

I wish I could brag. Apparently I haven't done enough. I should have gotten better faster. I should have snapped back into life easier. Pardon my cynicism....on top if working thru this, I've basically been told that my illness has been a debbie downer...oh so sorry, bc it's been a real adventure for me.

Anyway.

After taking control of my own therapy, changing CPAP at 10 to Autoset 10-13, I am much better. Perfect, no, but I've only missed one day of work this MONTH, when I was missing 1-2 days per WEEK, to sleep.
I'm on medication to regulate a couple of hormone issues and I think that's helping me overall as well.

Congrats to others on their 'wins'. I can appreciate the battle and even the tiniest improvement can be a BFD to someone, even if it's not to someone else.

So cheers to us....."People that like to breathe at night and not die".

[Hosehead4ever]

I received a gifted Mirage Liberty mask (big shout out to Uncle_Bob) and last night I had no leaks until late this morning, even when squashing my face down into the pillow, turning over, etc.

I also managed to keep the machine on all night by using said new mask and lowing my machine by one milk crate so that I have to practically fall out of bed to reach it. I've only had one other perfect night since I started CPAP therapy three weeks ago, so I'm feeling pretty good about that.

Here's hoping this turns into a trend and not a fluke!

[davems]

New here, I don't post just lurk because all the answers are here somewhere. I finally made if the whole night with the mask on, still have leak issues but they are getting better. This forum has been a big help, without it i wouldn't know about the leaking and all would be in vain.

[Pugsy]

After taking control of my own therapy, changing CPAP at 10 to Autoset 10-13, I am much better. Perfect, no, but I've only missed one day of work this MONTH, when I was missing 1-2 days per WEEK, to sleep.

I have followed your trials. Just sticking with this therapy is a great accomplishment. Not giving up.
If we can look in the mirror in the morning and say "I have done my best" then that is what is important. Not what someone else might insinuate about how you have handled things. Only you can be the ultimate judge.

Like you I am "better" but also not "perfect". For those that do attain that miracle "perfect".... well, you and I can sit back and throw virtual spit balls at them.. And turn a bit of pea green with envy.. We deal with what we are dealt with in life the best we can and that is all anyone can ask.

You know you have actually accomplished a lot. Your statement above indicates just how far.

[Pugsy]

New here, I don't post just lurk because all the answers are here somewhere. I finally made if the whole night with the mask on, still have leak issues but they are getting better.

Welcome to the forum.
Finally keeping the mask on all night is huge. Things do get better and easier with time and experience. Is it fun? Heck no but it does become much more bearable and less of a chore.

[beckah]

My best night's report so far. It is encouraging to see the reports after using a "dumb" machine for 4 years.

[Lori Dawn]

I, too, have had some MAJOR accomplishments that might not be big to someone else, but are HUGE FOR ME... after two failed attempts over the last seven years, and my commitment to MAKE IT WORK THIS TIME... (two months on May 1).

(Most recent sleep study two weeks ago showed Overall AHI of 29 and REM AHI of 80)

1. My new mask is not leaking (last three weeks)!!!

2. I can honestly say I'm used to the mask and have had several nights where I do not wake up fighting with the mask and hose (last two weeks)!!!

3. I ACTUALLY HAVE a sleep doctor now (first time EVER), and I really like her!!!

4. I finally have access to data with my new machine (last two days)!!!

5. My data the last two nights showed AHI of .17 and 1.4 respectively!!!

6. I ACTUALLY HAVE a sleep doctor now, and I really like her!

7. I no longer dread going to bed. In fact, I actually (kinda) look forward to turning on my machine at night... (Who woulda thunk it?)

WOW, THAT'S SEVEN! I didn't think I had THAT many 'til I sat down to write this post! "Count your blessings, name them one by one!"

I finally feel like I'm on the road to recovery, even if I don't feel it physically yet. Thanks so much to everyone for their support, help and advice which has helped me to stick it out this time!!! On the the next hurdle, whatever it may be.... I AM DETERMINED!

Lori "Queen of the Fog" Dawn (As dubbed by Padacheek.....Patiently waiting for my beautiful, clear and sunny "dawn"!)

[Lori Dawn]

Okay... so it's six... that's still a lot!

Like I said, still living in a fog....

[chunkyfrog]

I've lost over 31 pounds since starting on the hose.
5 pounds was purely accidental; and the remaining 26+ from a monitored diet and exercise program that I would never have had the energy to handle.
Wish me luck keeping it off--I never want to let it come back. I feel amazing! Thank you, everyone!