OT: Yes, I´m alive

CollegeGirl · Post by **CollegeGirl** » Mon Feb 20, 2006 12:43 pm

That´s right, folks - in case anyone actually noticed I was gone, I´m alive and well. I´m in Spain, studying Spanish literature, and having a great time.

It took about a month after I got my new Ultra Mirage to get the Provigil and see any effect from it, but it seems to be working for me now, with no side effects. I´m still sleeping a lot on the weekends, but can stay awake to do homework, get to class, etc. Very important things. I can even take naps after having taken the provigil. Not sure if that´s normal or not, but I seem to be doing well.

I don´t have frequent internet access, but I just wanted to check in, in case anyone was worried (and from my PMs, it appears you were. I´m sorry!) I was thinking about this forum last night and wondering how all my buddies are doing. Glad to see you´re all still around and posting!

Edit: Forgot to add that I´m faring much better with the UMFFM. I´ve learned that the trick, for me, is to layer two pillows so that one slightly overlaps the other, and let the mask rest on the bottom overlap part (if that makes sense). I am, however, experiencing quite a bit of dry mouth here in Spain - I guess the air´s dryer. Without the option of using a humidifier (thanks to my asthma), I guess I´ll just hafta tough it out. I might try the HH again, though - I brought it with me. Maybe if the air in the environment is dryer, the humidified air won´t bug my asthma. Might be worth a shot.

dsm · Post by **dsm** » Mon Feb 20, 2006 1:03 pm

Hi CG,

What an adventure - good to hear from you & hope the trip & learning go really well.

The board has come alive again with lots more new participants which is good.

Lots of interesting stuff happeneing - perhaps the topic of Pulse Oximeters has fired up most new interest.

Cheers

DSM

SLEEPYCD · Post by **SLEEPYCD** » Mon Feb 20, 2006 1:19 pm

Collegegirl,
Glad to hear you are doing well!!! I've always found traveling to be one of life's best teachers!!! Enjoy your time in Spain and try to see as much of Europe as you can, while there. Take care of yourself, work hard and play hard and have fun!!!!!!!
Carolyn

Neurosurgery NP · Post by **Neurosurgery NP** » Mon Feb 20, 2006 3:48 pm

College Girl,

I am surprised that the heated humidifier bothers your asthma! I have found that the dry air exacerbates my asthma. Have you found this out, or did your doc warn you to avoid the humidifier? There is always the option of a passover as well - not as much mositure - but some.

rested gal · Post by **rested gal** » Mon Feb 20, 2006 5:07 pm

Great to hear from you, CG! It was wayyyyy back in 1961 when I spent a summer living in Madrid during high school. Loved it!!

I snored (in Spanish! lol ) in my teenage years. Even if I'd had a clue about sleep apnea, "cpap" wasn't even a glimmer in Dr. Sullivan's eye at that time.

Have fun!

deedster · Post by **deedster** » Tue Feb 21, 2006 12:08 am

Hi CollegeGirl!

What a great adventure! Glad to hear you are doing well. We have missed your great humor in chat though!

ozij · Post by **ozij** » Tue Feb 21, 2006 12:32 am

Hi CollgeGirl,
So glad you checked in and let us know how you're doing - and how wonderful that you're doing so much better!

O.

CollegeGirl · Post by **CollegeGirl** » Thu Feb 23, 2006 12:46 pm

Thanks, everyone. I´m having more adventures than you can count, but at least I´m awake for them. lol I AM getting more tired though as time wears on, but we have a four day weekend this weekend and I´m hoping to remedy that!

NP, Yes, I tried it and almost had an asthma attack. Asthma triggers vary based on person (as an NP, I´m sure you know that) - mine happens to be heat and humidity. Those hot, unairconditioned humid nights in the south when I was younger were killer (I had at least one asthma attack every summer til I was old enough to get a job and buy my own window unit AC).

RG, I´m right there with ya on the snoring during your teenage years. No one EVER invited me over after they´d spent one night with me at a sleepover! LOL My Spanish is improving in leaps and bounds. Nothing like living in Spain to improve one´s Spanish!

Carolyn, My friends and I are planning trips to Portugal, France, and Italy. I want to see Ireland too - I hope I can find some way!

If I drank I´d raise a glass of Sangria to all of you! So I´ll do it figuratively. Cheers! (Yes DSM, I´m stealing your slogan. Only once though).

CG

Snoredog · Post by **Snoredog** » Thu Feb 23, 2006 10:00 pm

Couldn't you have just had someone mail you that Spanish literature?

jimh1 · Post by **jimh1** » Thu Feb 23, 2006 10:14 pm

College Girl.

Enjpoy your stay in Spain. Lots of good food. Hope you got out for some Tapas at the local pubs. Though I know you don't drink, you can get soda too. Its and interesting concept of going from place to place in a sort of happy hour atmoshpere and getting grilled shrimp with both the head on unpeeled. Those suckers are hard to peel with lemon and butter an the head still attached.

Being immersed in the culture and language as you are really speeds up the learning process. I studied spanish for many years in school. It wasn't until I went on some business trips to Argentina, Spain, and Mexico did I really learn how to speak it. Though I had terrible headaches by the end of the day. Not sure if it wasn't eating until 9pm or from translating from spanish to english and responsed back to spanish from English all day long.

Again enjoy your stay and have fun.

JimH

Sleepless on LI · Post by **Sleepless on LI** » Thu Feb 23, 2006 10:47 pm

Hey, CG! Good to see you resurface and that you're doing better. PM me when you get a moment...welcome back.