There is just so much I don't know. Until I found this forum, I had no idea about data capability on machines, the many types of masks, APAP, etc.
Is there any way to learn all the basics without going through hundreds of posts?
I have no idea if I need APAP or bipap or if the CPAP is okay.
I don't know anything about software.
Even though someone told me how to access the data that will help me keep up with my results, I really don't know what any of them mean.
I am a college educated, intelligent person, but this sleep apnea and all the stuff to learn about CPAP has gotten me confused.
I don't even know what questions to ask.
My DME didn't do any more than tell me how to turn the machine on and off and clean it.
My doctor just referred me for a sleep study, then when the results came, wrote the script for the machine, but he is a GP not a sleep specialist, and he doesn't seem to know much about any of this, and hasn't told me come in for follow up or anything. I feel like I am alone in this, but at least I've found this forum. But, the more I learn, the more confused I become (does that make sense?)
Oh, well, one day at a time, huh?
I feel so overwhelmed!
12 posts
• Page 1 of 1
Yep, we understand and what you are feeling is totally normal. And THAT is one sad commentary on the sleep profession!!!
And, of course, the DME suppliers, whom the doctors rely on to educate you, LOVE having that power of keeping you in the dark and uneducated about CPAP therapy (and at thei mercy).
Click on the big yellow lightbulb at the top of the page for a good start on you CPAP education.
And, of course, the DME suppliers, whom the doctors rely on to educate you, LOVE having that power of keeping you in the dark and uneducated about CPAP therapy (and at thei mercy).
Click on the big yellow lightbulb at the top of the page for a good start on you CPAP education.
_________________
| Mask: Quattro™ FX Full Face CPAP Mask with Headgear |
| Additional Comments: PR SystemOne BPAP Auto w/Bi-Flex & Humidifier - EncorePro 2.2 Software - Contec CMS-50D+ Oximeter - Respironics EverFlo Q Concentrator |
Women are Angels. And when someone breaks our wings, we simply continue to fly.....on a broomstick. We are flexible like that.
My computer says I need to upgrade my brain to be compatible with its new software.
My computer says I need to upgrade my brain to be compatible with its new software.
You're not alone, lummusc. We've either gone through it in the past, or are going through it today.
After you click on the yellow light bulb, click on the "expand all" button, to get all the headings.
In addition to what slinky told you, take a look at the CPAP videos, start with the one called "Understanding sleep disordered breathing".
Try reading at least some posts to get a sense of who is who, check the cpap faq both here and on cpap.com.
And don't be afraid to ask questions.
Welcome and good luck
O. (who was confused and worried and lacked knowledge in February 2005.)
After you click on the yellow light bulb, click on the "expand all" button, to get all the headings.
In addition to what slinky told you, take a look at the CPAP videos, start with the one called "Understanding sleep disordered breathing".
Try reading at least some posts to get a sense of who is who, check the cpap faq both here and on cpap.com.
And don't be afraid to ask questions.
Welcome and good luck
O. (who was confused and worried and lacked knowledge in February 2005.)
_________________
| Mask: AirFit™ P10 Nasal Pillow CPAP Mask with Headgear |
| Additional Comments: Machine: Resmed AirSense10 for Her with Climateline heated hose ; alternating masks. |
And now here is my secret, a very simple secret; it is only with the heart that one can see rightly, what is essential is invisible to the eye.
Antoine de Saint-Exupery
Good advice is compromised by missing data
Forum member Dog Slobber Nov. 2023
Antoine de Saint-Exupery
Good advice is compromised by missing data
Forum member Dog Slobber Nov. 2023
New Too
I'm new to this too and even though I pride myself on being an informed person I had to admit that I knew somewhere between little and nothing about OSA treatment. The number of posts can be overwhelming on a daily basis. There are so many people on this board who have knowledge to share that it sometimes seems like too much to wade through. What I did was to read the articles that you get from the yellow light bulb, then I would only read messages with titles that seemed like they would apply to me. That got me through the stage of 'oh my god, how will I ever read/remember all these". The posting don't expire so you can always read them later, you don't have to read all the new stuff each day.
Don't stress, take it slow and ask questions when you need to. These people are a great resource and they are very patient with us newbies.
Karen
Don't stress, take it slow and ask questions when you need to. These people are a great resource and they are very patient with us newbies.
Karen
-
DreamStalker
- Posts: 7509
- Joined: Mon Aug 07, 2006 9:58 am
- Location: Nowhere & Everywhere At Once
Yep ... I got my machine a year ago yesterday and I was still trying to figure out what sleep apnea was. During that course of inquisistion, I stumbled upon this forum a few days later and about a month after that was informed enough to have my machine upgraded at my follow-up visit with the doc.
Hang in there and visit here as often as possible ... actually becomes addictive after awhile
Welcome and best wishes!
Hang in there and visit here as often as possible ... actually becomes addictive after awhile
Welcome and best wishes!
Last edited by DreamStalker on Thu Aug 02, 2007 7:17 am, edited 1 time in total.
President-pretender, J. Biden, said "the DNC has built the largest voter fraud organization in US history". Too bad they didn’t build the smartest voter fraud organization and got caught.
-
SleepingBeauty
- Posts: 245
- Joined: Wed Jan 10, 2007 7:57 am
- Location: California
Welcome, lummusc!
You've already gotten some great advice from the previous posters. I know it can be very confusing and a little scary! Here you are, diagnosed with this potetially fatal condition of apnea.
We are tired, unable to think clearly, and don't remember as well as we used to. And instead of having a medical professional gently educate you, you're left high and dry and you have to unearth and understand that information on your own.
Fortunately, you found your way to what I would consider the most knowlegable and friendly group of people collectively gathered together on this board. Read, ask, ask again if you need to. You've definately come to the right place.
You've already gotten some great advice from the previous posters. I know it can be very confusing and a little scary! Here you are, diagnosed with this potetially fatal condition of apnea.
We are tired, unable to think clearly, and don't remember as well as we used to. And instead of having a medical professional gently educate you, you're left high and dry and you have to unearth and understand that information on your own.
Fortunately, you found your way to what I would consider the most knowlegable and friendly group of people collectively gathered together on this board. Read, ask, ask again if you need to. You've definately come to the right place.
-
sharon1965
- Posts: 1232
- Joined: Thu Jan 18, 2007 4:59 pm
- Location: Windsor, Ontario, Canada
This is as good a time as any to ask something I was wondering yesterday. At what point is somebody no longer considered a newbie? Is it mask count? Or simply a fuzzy amount of time? Or maybe if you've gone to the trouble of actually looking at and actually understand your nightly stats?sharon1965 wrote:Happy Anniversary, Dreamstalker!!Yep ... I got my machine a year ago yesterday and I was still trying to figure out what sleep apnea was.
Or maybe a post count here?
Doug.
_________________
| Mask | ||||
 | ||||
| Additional Comments: Encore Pro, Encore Pro Analyzer | ||||
Meddle not in the affairs of dragons, for you are crunchy and taste good with ketchup
Stages of Learning
One model of how we learn suggests we accquire a new skill in these steps;
1. Unconscious ignorance (that is where the majority of people are, they don't know they don't know)(Trouble is they think they know!!!)
2. Conscious Ignorance (which is where it sounds you are now) When you know there is stuff you don't know
3. Conscious Knowledge (When you know stuff and know that you know it)
4. Unconscious Knowledge (When you "just know" stuff)
So don't despair, you are further along the path than most of the population.
I'm currently between 2&3,
So will you be soon!
regards
Di
1. Unconscious ignorance (that is where the majority of people are, they don't know they don't know)(Trouble is they think they know!!!)
2. Conscious Ignorance (which is where it sounds you are now) When you know there is stuff you don't know
3. Conscious Knowledge (When you know stuff and know that you know it)
4. Unconscious Knowledge (When you "just know" stuff)
So don't despair, you are further along the path than most of the population.
I'm currently between 2&3,
So will you be soon!
regards
Di
_________________
| Humidifier | ||||
 | ||||
| Additional Comments: ozzie heated hose. | ||||
Thank you for caring!
it has warmed my heart to see so many of you respond to mo post about being overwhelmed. It helps me know that I can do this. If all of you were newbies who didn't know a cpap from a bipap from a mask at one time, then I will be able to get where you are now and feel like I can maintian my therapy and do what's best for me.
When I do begin to learn things, then I can help a newbie next time too!
When I do begin to learn things, then I can help a newbie next time too!
-
DreamStalker
- Posts: 7509
- Joined: Mon Aug 07, 2006 9:58 am
- Location: Nowhere & Everywhere At Once
Why thank you Sharonsharon1965 wrote:Happy Anniversary, Dreamstalker!!Yep ... I got my machine a year ago yesterday and I was still trying to figure out what sleep apnea was.
President-pretender, J. Biden, said "the DNC has built the largest voter fraud organization in US history". Too bad they didn’t build the smartest voter fraud organization and got caught.
12 posts
• Page 1 of 1