Progress (I Think) Report

CI_SeaWolf · Post by **CI_SeaWolf** » Sat Apr 30, 2005 9:44 pm

Well it has been about a month and a half since I started with CPAP. I'm having the "wake up and find the mask on the floor episodes" a few time a week, but once in a while I'll get a whole night. I keep trying to discipline my self to using CPAP, it isn't the easiest thing to get used to. I notice that my energy level is up, which is a good thing. So far I'm doing better with my nasal mask, an F&P HC407, than with the nasal pillows. I've been dumping out my water(distilled) from the humidifier every night and run the machine with no water in the humidifier in the AM when I take my shower to get the hose dry and the humidifier dry. It just takes about 15 minutes. I've still had a few nights when I can't seem to be able to breathe through my nose, even with my flonase. I've been taking it about 30 minutes before bed with better results. Going back to the MD on monday for a check on my blood. (I had an elevated red count) Talk to you later,

LDuyer · Post by **LDuyer** » Sat Apr 30, 2005 10:34 pm

Sounds like you're doing pretty well for one month. Especially if the energy level seems to be better. That sure is the best indicator it's working. Funny about the mask coming off sometimes. That happens to me alot, although less and less. I'll wake up and wonder what that sound is, only to find it's my mask lying next to me, mocking me. Haha!

Sounds great! Keep us posted as to how it goes!

Linda

CI_SeaWolf · Post by **CI_SeaWolf** » Sun May 01, 2005 8:03 pm

Linda, thanks for your support! It is great to have this website to hear how everyone else is doing with this therapy. I didn't have a great night last nite, but just had a nap on the hose and woke up feeling refreshed. I'm glad to hear that the problems that I'm experiencing aren't that uncommon. It is kind of like when I was first getting sober listening to someone else in an AA meeting. I don't feel like the lone ranger..

LDuyer · Post by **LDuyer** » Sun May 01, 2005 9:02 pm

SeaWolf,

How was life for you before you started the treatment a month ago? (perhaps you've said elsewhere, but I missed it or forgot)

I ask because, I was miserable and so utterly exhausted, to the point of nearly losing my job, all right before starting with my bipap. I've struggled with it often since starting in November. But from day one, everything was different. I experienced new energy and far less daytime exhaustion. Don't get me wrong, I still have tough times. A good long nap on Saturdays are sometimes in order. And my mask still is fighting me. But on balance, life now is SO much different than the day before I put that mask on for the first time.

I can get pretty down about my struggle with my treatment (but things are improving). But it helps sometimes to think back and remember what it was like before. Funny, but sometimes I forget what it was like. It was horrible, and I NEVER EVER want to go back to that feeling. So, it helps sometimes to remember.

Just a thought.

Bet you'll do just fine.

Linda

CI_SeaWolf · Post by **CI_SeaWolf** » Mon May 02, 2005 12:30 pm

Linda, i have come from a family line of champion snorers. I've always had people tell me that my snoring was really loud. I was just starting to feel run down all the time, and was very grouchy a lot. I went in for my normal 6 month blood test and my red count was through the roof. My MD, a pulmonologist, asked if I was getting enough sleep. I thought I was but decided to do a study as one of my fishing buddies had been telling me that he thought I had apnea when I was sleeping on his boat. Well, the results of the study were that I have severe apnea with 97 occaisions an hour. After the second study with CPAP, I was perscribed a machine with a flow rate of 8. that's where I am now. Just got back from my MD this morning, he commented on how relaxed I look, and said that i'm doing great. I got a pretty full night on the hose last night and feel really good today. My MD is really concerned that I get enough rest because of the dangerous job I do(work for a power company) I work energized 4800 volt lines once in a while, a mistake and I won't be home.... so it is all good. My biggest fear is that i'll have a stroke, those darn things scare the bejeezus out of me.

rested gal · Post by **rested gal** » Mon May 02, 2005 1:10 pm

My biggest fear is that i'll have a stroke, those darn things scare the bejeezus out of me.

SeaWolf, that's my worst nightmare of a scenario, too. I may not be doing everything I can in a few other ways to lessen that chance, but I definitely use the machine/mask every sleeping moment, including naps. The danger of stroke alone was enough to convince me how important this treatment is for OSA.

Welcome to the board! Your posts are excellent, SeaWolf. As are yours, Linda!

CI_SeaWolf · Post by **CI_SeaWolf** » Mon May 02, 2005 4:17 pm

Rested Gal, thank you for the kind words. I am so glad to have this board as a resource. The support and sharing is the greatest.