Just Diagnosed with Severe Sleep Apnea

WorriedDaddy · Post by **WorriedDaddy** » Wed Jul 16, 2014 2:26 pm

Hello,

Been very depressed since my sleep study last friday and need some MUCH NEEDED advice!!! During my sleep study, 48 minutes in the study I was wearing a CPAP. I heard I was having 63 events with 20 seconds of non-breathing in 48 minutes.

I have to wait till next week to hear my results and get a call from the CPAP company.

So overall, I feel like crap. I have a wife, 1 year old son, and my 14 year old nephew. I feel like I won't see my son grow up which is making me feel extremely sad and depressed. The nights have been horrible since my sleep study and I am not sure if my CPAP will save me. I feel like I am dying and waiting for people to call.

Such a lonely feeling and a sense of vulnerability. I am 29. I can't believe this has happened. Sleep Apnea is such a cowardly issue to have that attacks when you sleep. I feel helpless.

Mike.

SleepingZ · Post by **SleepingZ** » Wed Jul 16, 2014 2:33 pm

Hi Worried Daddy,

I know it is surprising and somewhat discouraging to get a diagnosis of sleep apnea. It really stunned me. However, with proper CPAP therapy you could be symptom-free. That means you would not stop breathing during the night, and have the risk of high blood pressure, stroke or heart attack. Take a step back here and look at it another way. This kind of treatment will allow you to be around for a very long time for your son and nephew, and you won't even need to take medication.

Hang in there. Better days are ahead!

Redonthehead · Post by **Redonthehead** » Wed Jul 16, 2014 2:34 pm

I also had a AHI of 63. It WILL get better. In the meantime do not drink alcohol before bedtime and do not sleep on your back.

Tatooed Lady · Post by **Tatooed Lady** » Wed Jul 16, 2014 2:38 pm

Feel fortunate that the condition was caught before one of the major "side effects" came along. Stroke, heart attack, etc, etc, etc. Realistically, even if a CPAP machine doesn't 100% "fix" your nightly events, it will significantly improve them and help you lead a better, longer life. AND...without drugs.

kaiasgram · Post by **kaiasgram** » Wed Jul 16, 2014 2:38 pm

Welcome Mike. Try to keep in mind that some of your catastrophic thinking is likely driven by your extreme sleep deprivation and stress. By getting diagnosed you're actually on your way to NOT dying young.

And you found this forum at a good time, too, that is before you get your machine. Read What you need to know...

If you get a fully data-capable machine and let us support you as you get started with PAP therapy, you may be surprised how much better life could get. Really.

Keep us posted and ask any questions you have along the way.

sc0ttt · Post by **sc0ttt** » Wed Jul 16, 2014 2:41 pm

WorriedDaddy wrote: I am not sure if my CPAP will save me

Why do you say this? I'm not happy to have this condition either, but the treatment is pretty easy and effective.

Julie · Post by **Julie** » Wed Jul 16, 2014 2:42 pm

Please try and relax... we can hear that you're worried (scared!) but you've been living with this for some time (and survived so far), and now you know what's causing the problem... and the best part is that there's an answer, a fix, help! We've all been there and back and can definitely help you get through it. You are going to get better - a diagnosis is just a label, not a sentence. It's harder when you're young, but better to have found out now than later on when far worse damage would have been done to your body and mind, and you can go on and live a normal life... A little secret that you learn as you get older is that we all eventually 'get something', and the vast majority of us have done that, adjusted, and continued to have a life. You should be glad that you found the answer, not knocked down by having found the name.

So, begin by reading this - http://maskarrayed.wordpress.com. And be glad also that you found this forum (among others on the same subject) because it's far and away the best, full of really knowledgable and experienced people who'll answer all your questions and get you through whatever needs answering. You mention the 'Cpap company', I take it you mean the dealer who'll supply a machine for you - we call those DME's ('durable medical equipment' dealers). Do you have insurance? Has your doctor sent you a copy of your study results (yours by law to have)? Do you know anything about the prescription regarding what machine and pressure settings you'll be looking at? Please let us know whatever you can and we'll help however we can.

WorriedDaddy · Post by **WorriedDaddy** » Wed Jul 16, 2014 2:45 pm

Wow thanks everyone for your nice words! I am surprised I have so many responses already.

Yes, I have been feeling like my death is near - of course my anxiety is no help to this. I had pretty bad anxiety attacks a few years ago and learned how to cope with them and beat them. Now, its sleep apnea which is throwing me for a loop. I am going to see my therapist in 20 minutes.

I will definitely read up on all the info. you guys throw at me. I am reading EVERY response so please be sure to give me your thoughts. I want to be here for my family, and luckily my wife recorded me one night gasping for air with a snore. That video made me worried and I was placed into a sleep study. The technician told me I did VERY WELL with the CPAP machine and obtained REM. I felt like a million bucks in the morning.

I am not overweight, 180lbs. / 6"1' and evercise a ton. I never thought I had this cowardly disease but at least we are all in it together.

So far I am going to read the before CPAP guide, not drink alcohol, and sleep on my side. I slept sitting up last night...didn't sleep so well.

Thanks!!!

Mike

M'ohms · Post by **M'ohms** » Wed Jul 16, 2014 2:56 pm

Such a lonely feeling and a sense of vulnerability

I, too, have felt so isolated and alone with sleep apnea. Even though I have friends who also have sleep apnea, I am ultimately alone with my mask every night. I have found solace in reading this forum every evening--I feel like everyone here is a friend and I am no longer Sooooooo alooooone!

Hawthorne · Post by **Hawthorne** » Wed Jul 16, 2014 6:13 pm

I was diagnosed with severe sleep apnea just about 13 years ago. I didn't like the idea of sleeping with the mask and machine every night for the rest of my life. I am not young, as you are, but I have NO symptoms of heart attack or stroke and my blood pressure is normal. If I didn't have severe Rheumatoid Arthritis, I would be a very healthy 75 year old -- thanks to cpap!

I do sleep on my back because my Arthritis makes any other sleeping position painful. My pressure is enough to keep my AHI below 1 almost always. You may not know what AHI is but you soon will! I sleep well and it really helps me to cope with the arthritis.

Keep reading on this forum. It certainly has been a great help to me in dealing with this. When you get started, bring your problems with adjusting here. There are some very knowledgeable and experienced people here who are willing to help you adjust to this. You will do great and be around a long time for your son and your nephew!

KarD786 · Post by **KarD786** » Wed Jul 16, 2014 6:23 pm

Hey OP, I am in the exact same boat as you. Also currently waiting for my CPAP. I can very much relate to the dread of waiting for the CPAP and for people to call you at their mercy. Especially when you're in the state of feeling so sh**ty. One thing I can tell you is that the CPAP is very likely to be effective if you can get used to the compliance part of it. I have never heard of anyone failing with CPAP besides non-compliance issues. Or if anyone does, it's extremely extremely rare. Just make sure to get a data capable machine so that you can even have the peace of mind of knowing the therapy is effective.

WorriedDaddy · Post by **WorriedDaddy** » Wed Jul 16, 2014 8:22 pm

Thanks everyone. I feel better after reading I may be overreacting. I got a little scared that I was on te CPAP so quickly into my session and then it was all over and back to my normal life without a cpap. I felt vulnerable that I would stop breathing in my sleep for good but I know this disease is a long term killer if untreated.

As for my results, I do not have those as of yet. I do have a Resmed 9 Escape with humidifier a family relative gave me new in box but just waiting till I get some information from my results.

I will do some reading for sure. My biggest worry is playing the waiting game when I want to start my treatment immediately. It's lonely waiting for them to call and give me some instructions on treatment. I will keep everyone posted on my results when I get them.

WorriedDaddy · Post by **WorriedDaddy** » Wed Jul 16, 2014 8:32 pm

Tatooed Lady wrote:Feel fortunate that the condition was caught before one of the major "side effects" came along. Stroke, heart attack, etc, etc, etc. Realistically, even if a CPAP machine doesn't 100% "fix" your nightly events, it will significantly improve them and help you lead a better, longer life. AND...without drugs.

Very true man. I feel happy my wife caught me messing up at night. I am just anxious to start the road of recovery. This waiting in limbo is what is causing me more stress than anything. I am literally scared to go to sleep at night not knowing if I will wake up or not.

Physician · Post by **Physician** » Wed Jul 16, 2014 8:37 pm

Be happy you were diagnosed and be happy treatment is available. My untreated AHI was over 60, and now on CPAP it is 0.0 to 0.3. It's a matter of outlook, but the CPAP is comforting and enjoyable. The only bad part is what to do if/when my machine doesn't work.

Think of all the people out there who are not diagnosed nor treated. Fatigue, irritability, poor concentration, increase risk of serious diseases, etc.

Welcome to this Forum.

WorriedDaddy · Post by **WorriedDaddy** » Wed Jul 16, 2014 8:46 pm

Physician wrote:Be happy you were diagnosed and be happy treatment is available. My untreated AHI was over 60, and now on CPAP it is 0.0 to 0.3. It's a matter of outlook, but the CPAP is comforting and enjoyable. The only bad part is what to do if/when my machine doesn't work.

Think of all the people out there who are not diagnosed nor treated. Fatigue, irritability, poor concentration, increase risk of serious diseases, etc.

Welcome to this Forum.

Yes very true.

I know my father has it from speaking with my mother. He is one of those guys where he thinks nothing is ever wrong with him. I have been pushing him to get a sleep study done and I think he may comply.

This year has been rough for my family. My sister passed away in April from accidental drug overdose, I have been trying to get custody of her son but the boyfriend is suing me in court even though he's not the dad. Its been one rough road after another. I am just glad I found this site and happy this can be fixed. I want to be fixed. Sitting here with my illness and doing nothing about it is worrisome.

Tonight I will sleep on my side. Last night I slept in a chair upright which was brutal.

Thanks everyone for caring.

Just Diagnosed with Severe Sleep Apnea

Just Diagnosed with Severe Sleep Apnea

Re: Just Diagnosed with Severe Sleep Apnea

Re: Just Diagnosed with Severe Sleep Apnea

Re: Just Diagnosed with Severe Sleep Apnea

Re: Just Diagnosed with Severe Sleep Apnea

Re: Just Diagnosed with Severe Sleep Apnea

Re: Just Diagnosed with Severe Sleep Apnea

Re: Just Diagnosed with Severe Sleep Apnea

Re: Just Diagnosed with Severe Sleep Apnea

Re: Just Diagnosed with Severe Sleep Apnea

Re: Just Diagnosed with Severe Sleep Apnea

Re: Just Diagnosed with Severe Sleep Apnea

Re: Just Diagnosed with Severe Sleep Apnea

Re: Just Diagnosed with Severe Sleep Apnea

Re: Just Diagnosed with Severe Sleep Apnea