Has Anyone Read "Sleep Interrupted"

[starbuck]

Has anyone read the book Sleep Interrupted by Dr. Steven Park? If so. any comments or feedback on this book?

[PEF]

Yes, I read it about 2 years ago. That is how I discovered that my mysterious "nighttime acid reflux" and other symptoms was actually caused by sleep disordered breathing. I think I have USRS. I have since purchased an APAP and am doing better. My doctors did not believe me, so I just did this on my own and I am glad I did. I think Dr. Park really hit the nail on the head with this ground-breaking book. I am amazed today how useless most medical doctors are, even though my husband is a doctor. My doctors were always on totally the wrong track.

[49er]

I read the book and liked it.

Regarding Dr. Park, I have alot of respect for him as he seems to be the only sleep physician who realizes that for many people who have UARS, the mask makes things worse and not better due to their hypersensitive nervous system. I also like the fact that he encourages patients to give pap therapy a reasonable chance but if there comes a point it is not working, to stop beating their head against the wall and look into other alternatives. Unfortunately, I have been very late in taking his advice but that is another post.

Regarding doctors being useless, I used to feel that way, particularly when I felt I had been lied to regarding the benefits of psych meds which made my life hell at times. But I now realize the issue isn't so black and white.

The doctors I have are good people and do care about doing a good job. But unfortunately, they are limited by conventional medicine practices. Even if they believe the standard advice is wrong such as advocating a high carb diet for diabetics, they might get into trouble if they went against that doctrine.

But PDF, in your situation, there is no excuse for doctors not believing you. As a result, I definitely understand your point of view.

49er

[PEF]

You said it, 49er about the awful PAP masks. I don't think I will ever be able to tolerate a full face mask. They all tend to be too big and they are not made for a face shaped like mine. However, I do think that most people don't give PAP enough of a chance. This forum has been a godsend for me, I probably would have given up without it. I have been able to make the pillow masks, the only type I can tolerate, work for me as long as I tape my mouth at night. I am really suffering now because I am at the point where I am sleeping with the mask, but my brain is not completely sold on it yet, so I am actually waking up more often then when I don' use it. I am hoping this passes. But I have noticed that when I use my APAP all night, I do feel much better the next day.

I am so grateful for Dr. Park's book. I had told doctors for many, many years that I thought most of my problems were because of my sleep issues. But they always made light of it, diagnosed me with anxiety and depression, referred me to Psychiatrists. And yes, I was given psych drugs also (most of which I never took). But I did take low dose SSRI's long term that I am trying to get off now.

[49er]

You said it, 49er about the awful PAP masks. I don't think I will ever be able to tolerate a full face mask. They all tend to be too big and they are not made for a face shaped like mine. However, I do think that most people don't give PAP enough of a chance. This forum has been a godsend for me, I probably would have given up without it. I have been able to make the pillow masks, the only type I can tolerate, work for me as long as I tape my mouth at night. I am really suffering now because I am at the point where I am sleeping with the mask, but my brain is not completely sold on it yet, so I am actually waking up more often then when I don' use it. I am hoping this passes. But I have noticed that when I use my APAP all night, I do feel much better the next day.

I am so grateful for Dr. Park's book. I had told doctors for many, many years that I thought most of my problems were because of my sleep issues. But they always made light of it, diagnosed me with anxiety and depression, referred me to Psychiatrists. And yes, I was given psych drugs also (most of which I never took). But I did take low dose SSRI's long term that I am trying to get off now.

PEF,

That is criminal what your doctors did.

LOL at your comment about full face masks. I had vowed never to use them again after trying them for months to no avail. But my nasal passages seem to be quite sensitive to the air no matter what pressure or humidity level I use when using the elan nasal mask. In a limited trial the other day with an ancient quattro mask, they felt better. So I am going for a mask fitting on Thursday to see what happens.

I still intend to look at other alternatives but heck, I have nothing to lose by doing this.

49er

PS - This an excellent site for support in getting off of psych meds in case you need it.

http://survivingantidepressants.org/

[PEF]

Thanks, 49er. Great site. Thanks for the link!

[49er]

Thanks, 49er. Great site. Thanks for the link!

You're very welcome!