slaap apnea is ruining my life !!

[Bobbi9866]

Since I was diagnosed with slaap apnea .... Of course the doctor took me off work because of severe daytime sleepiness and loss of memory - then, I was put on that horrid cpap!
I have the best machine (with card and heated humidifier), mask (because I am a side sleeper), and chin strap because the force of air would blow my mouth open. So, why does it : fill my belly with so much air it's painful? Why do I wake up with a swollen face? I have no air leaks. Why does it give me a constant phlem cough? Why do I wake feeling not tired, but 2 hours later I am?
The pressure has already been turned down - turn it down anymore and why even use it?
The card revealed no leaks, no problems! I was on Adderall to help me stay awake, but it would only kick in at night time. So, now I am on nothing and have kids to care for by myself because my husband left me over all this !!
I've been on disability through work so long that now I am no longer employed - My children and I are starving to death and the bills are piling up. NOBODY or no programs out there will help me save my house or pay my bills. Disability doesn't pay dick!!
I've heard nothing but horror stories about the surgery to correct apnea. What else is there? I'm so frustrated !!!!

[Guest]

LOOK AT YOUR KIDS AND SAY TO YOURSELF HOW LUCKY YOU ARE,

[Apnatic]

Good Morning, Please step back and take a look at life. I have been on CPAP for 7 yrs, got mine after 6 mon. of marriage. If you were not on CPAP you would be ruining your "life"organs every time you slept, plus no one in
your house could sleep for your snoring..right (LOL)?

I have always worked, some days tired, but I get in there and begin my day with a positive attitude.

I know it is hard to adjust to the machine, but it does pay off, in saving your life.

As far as maritial issues, the CPAP is probably just an out for him, focus on you and your children and make a list, today, of all of the positive things in life....When I was diagnosed with Sleep Apnea I made this rremark, after I got off the pity potty about having to be on CPAP forever, I said
"I should not complain, at least when I get up in the morning I can take off the mask and go ahead and live my life, it is not like I have cancer."
THEN, 4 years later I was diagnosed with breast cancer, the CPAP was not a big deal anymore...

Today I have been Cancer free for 3 1/2 yrs., and still CPAPing, just tested and went from a 10 cm and a nasal mask to a 17cm and a full face mask...
but I am so thankful I am cancer free, by the grace of God.

Hang in there, you will draw positive things in your life, if you look for them, and take it to the Lord.

Have a blessed day, and hang in there...be thankful you have internet service and you can be a part of this fabulous resourse for help and encouragement from others like you.

Apnatic, a survivor by the Grace of God Psalm 91:1,2

[Bobbi]

Thank you for your heart touching replys. I am happy that I am alive and have my children, but the stress that has come along with the apnea is a bit much for me to handle alone. I am hurt and angry at my husband for abandoning me at the lowest part of my life when I needed him the most. There is sooooo much heartache I feel as though I will go insane All I do is cry and now the doctor is saying that maybe surgery will be the answer..

[Apnatic]

What kind of surgery is the doctor talking about, for apnea? If so, I too, as well as many others have considered this as an alternative...
PLEASE look into this before you go for the surgery....check many sources, ask here in this forum of others opinions and who has had it done, I decided against it, sometimes you are worse after the surgery, or it is just a temporary fix....

Let us all know what is happening....you should consider a support system, and get some stress relief...you are not alone.

Apnatic,
Get some good sleep soon!

[tiredascanbe]

Hi Bobbi,
I was so sorry to hear about all of your troubles. It must be so hard for you to get through everything.
I have been on cpap for 1 and a half weeks now, and it is so difficult to get used to. Let's complain to each other about the machine - it helps to know someone is in the same boat, doesn't it?
tiredascanbe

[JudyAnn]

Hi Bobbi,

First of all, please do not waste your tears on a MAN that left you, your problems and your children. HE is NOT WORTH IT! You must pick yourself up by your bootstraps and get on with your life for yourself and your chilidrens' sake.

This sleep disorder is not fun by all means but we do have something that will help us breath and lessen the threat of all those horrible things that can happen to us. So we have to be determined and patient so that it will work for us. I have only been on this journey and in this boat with all of you since June of this year and I know it can be a big downer but having these boards is sooooooo much help and lets face it, things could be much worse.

There are so many people just like you and me and some have multiple problems with their sleep apnea. I feel lucky to be able to have adjusted to the machine and mask/pillows after 6 - 8 weeks and that I have found these boards for support and help when I need it.

Please don't give up, you will start to feel better as time goes on. Be patient! Start thinking of yourself as very special and start building up your self-esteem and soon that crying and feeling deperate over your ex will soon fade. He is not worth your time or energy.

Chin up and don't give up.

Hugs to you and your children,
Judy

[maggie]

Go ahead and have a good cry when you need to. Sometimes just being able to express the pain and frustration you feel will immediatly make it a little easier to cope. Sometimes all we need is someone to listen. I don't have your problems so can't walk in your shoes but I hope in time you find happiness again. Trying to find a way to have a laugh helps. Even if laughter comes out of despair. Maybe get the kids giggling - any sillyness that gets them going will help you to join them in a good laugh - very helpful for your mood. Also get out into the sun and air - that at least is free. Environment and taking your self bodily away from your troubles does help. You can then look at problems with a clearer mind and probably figure out what you can or need to do.
I have had CPAP since June and find it isn't taking away the extreme fatigue. I am lucky to have family support so am staying with it for now in the hope it'll improve soon. I feel for you though as you have so much to cope with. All the best.

[Lana]

I was told by Professor Christian Guilleminault, in charge of Stanford Sleep Clinic, where I had my sleep study done, surgeries have only 25 or less sucess rate. Besides it's very painfull procedure and recovery. Please think some more before you make your final decision. I am new cpap user, only in my 4th week and I feel tremendous positive difference. My energy level is high, I sleep better, don't wake up with a headache or drenched in sweat (from increased metabolism). Some nights are still difficult I have to play with a mask and "sill" leaks when I turn sides but overal its much much better.

[Barb (Seattle)]

after I got off the pity potty about having to be on CPAP forever, I said
"I should not complain, at least when I get up in the morning I can take off the mask and go ahead and live my life, it is not like I have cancer."

I was going through old threads, and found this thread. What a GREAT sentence above...it could be MUCH worse than having to wear a mask at night *nods*

[WAFlowers]

Makes you wonder whatever happened to Bobbi.