A Long Journey to Successful Treatment

[Lew56]

It has been almost a month since starting on my new apap. As a result of my first sleep study back in 2003, I was put on a F&P cpap brick with humidifier at a pressure of '14'. It has not been easy to find a mask that would not leak at that pressure, and I never did. Nor have there been many nights during the past eight years where I really got a good night's rest, considering all the adjustments I had to make during the nights to control the leaks. I was in a 'fog' most of the time and just figured that it was a result of some other problem(s), considering the CPAP was supposed to be controlling my apneas.

Moving forward eight years later, I recently got a new sleep doc who ordered another sleep study. He wrote a script for an apap model of my choosing. Thanks to those on this forum who made recommendations. The DME and RT have been absolutely wonderful to work with. After receiving my new apap and during the first night of use, and every night since, I have been having very intense dreams. I really can't remember when I have dreamt last (or at least remember that I have dreamt)...It must be at least 20 years. Anyway, it has become a new fascination with me. I can't wait to go to bed at night, put the mask on, and experience virtual reality at its best. In the mornings, even after some nights of getting only as much as 5 hours of sleep, I wake up refreshed and ready to start the day. In addition, the new mask (Mirage FX) has been totally free of leaks and quite comfortable. My average pressure on the apap has been '9' and my AHI's are averaging 4.8.

It's hard to believe that I have been going all these years at a pressure much higher than necessary. Fortunately, I don't think any damage was done. The journey hasn't been easy, but I have recently learned that when you have a good physician, DME, and RT that will work with you, provide top-of-the-line equipment along with routine follow-ups, it makes a world of difference in the quality of treatment.

Without a doubt, I can only blame myself for waiting eight years to get my treatment under control. To be honest, since I probably never had a cpap machine or pressure that was right for me, I always thought that this is what cpap treatment was supposed to be like. I know better now. I'm already starting to feel my quality of life improving...memory getting a little better, coming out of the 'fog', and not feeling as tired all the time. My hope is that this is only the beginning of many health improvements to come.

[Slinky]

CONGRATULATIONS, Lew!!!! We LOVE reading success stories such as yours (tho we do regret those wasted 8 years you suffered).

[Ineedanap]

Congrats and enjoy a good restful nights sleep!

[Lew56]

tho we do regret those wasted 8 years you suffered

Thanks, Slinky. I wasn't the only one who suffered. My family suffered as well. I was often grouchy, grumpy, irritable, etc. etc. etc. etc..... Even the dog knew when to stay away from me.