Hey everyone. I'm Kerri and I'm 18 and I have OSA and it sucks, I'm sure you understand. I was diagnosed last year, and I still DESPISE my cpap machine. I hate it, everything about it. I hate the fact that I have to wear it, I hate the problems I go through with my provider company, I hate how uncomfortable and annoying it is, I hate how time-consuming cleaning it is, I hate spending money on distilled water AGHHHHHH.
The first thing I'd like to know is, how can I get all my information MYSELF? My provider company is so annoying. They are impossible to deal with. My primary person is always changing because everyone keeps getting fired over there, so my records are everywhere except where they need to be. I don't really know how this thing works, but I have to send my card out and they are SUPPOSED TO send me back my report. I sent it once and got one report, so I have absolutely no idea how I'm doing with this thing. Just to give you an idea how incompetent they are, my machine broke so I had to get a new one from them. I brought it home and attempted to go to sleep, only to find that they set my pressure to 4 cm instead of 6. I know thats not that big of a deal but I wasn't getting enough air to breathe. Anyway, I know people read their own results and set their own pressures, so how can I do that?? I'm sick of dealing with them.
Secondly, please, please, please tell me someone has an easier way to clean this stupid thing. It takes me so long to wash out all the little parts and sometimes I just don't because I don't have the time or the patience. I don't want to end up with a sinus infection but sometimes just can't clean it.
I tried all different kinds of masks, and they all seem to drown me. I wake up in the middle of the night with ice cold rain out puddled in all the crevices, which is why I'm stuck with nasal pillows. It's bad because I get sick a lot and when I'm stuffed up I can't use the pillows. I'm sorry, I cannot make my room warmer. I need to be cold to sleep, I know it's weird but i can't help it. Sometimes it's so frustrating I just disconnect the humidifier and painfully dry my nose out because at least I stay asleep through it.
So there's a few. I'm sorry for ranting like this but it's just so frustratinggg after a whole year. I wish I could be like one of those people that worship their machines for changing their life - this has done NOTHING for me or my energy levels or anything!
HEEELLLPPP hahah.
Here is my first post and ALL MY PROBLEMS!
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kerridiculous
- Posts: 2
- Joined: Mon Oct 13, 2008 12:01 am
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rested gal
- Posts: 12881
- Joined: Thu Sep 09, 2004 10:14 pm
- Location: Tennessee
Re: Here is my first post and ALL MY PROBLEMS!
Actually that IS a big deal if you're talking about the minimum prescribed pressure for your machine. If it was for the "ramp" start pressure, that's another matter.kerridiculous wrote:Just to give you an idea how incompetent they are, my machine broke so I had to get a new one from them. I brought it home and attempted to go to sleep, only to find that they set my pressure to 4 cm instead of 6. I know thats not that big of a deal but I wasn't getting enough air to breathe.
Oh, by the way... welcome to the board, Kerri! Great avatar picture.
PM me your email address and I'll send you the Provider manual for your machine.kerridiculous wrote: Anyway, I know people read their own results and set their own pressures, so how can I do that?? I'm sick of dealing with them.
Well, I take it to the other extreme. I'm a very clean person, but I rarely clean anything about all that stuff. You'll see all kinds of routines and non-routines here:kerridiculous wrote:Secondly, please, please, please tell me someone has an easier way to clean this stupid thing. It takes me so long to wash out all the little parts and sometimes I just don't because I don't have the time or the patience. I don't want to end up with a sinus infection but sometimes just can't clean it.
Apr 19, 2005 subject: Cleaning CPAP Equipment
viewtopic.php?t=2482
Here you go...Aussie heated hose or Repti heat cable:kerridiculous wrote:I tried all different kinds of masks, and they all seem to drown me. I wake up in the middle of the night with ice cold rain out puddled in all the crevices, which is why I'm stuck with nasal pillows. It's bad because I get sick a lot and when I'm stuffed up I can't use the pillows. I'm sorry, I cannot make my room warmer. I need to be cold to sleep, I know it's weird but i can't help it. Sometimes it's so frustrating I just disconnect the humidifier and painfully dry my nose out because at least I stay asleep through it.
LINKS to discussions about the Aussie heated hose - to prevent rainout
viewtopic.php?t=5305
Yeah, I know. More money.
(Keep buying that distilled water. Just don't dump the unused water out...add more as needed each night. )
It's ok to rant here. It's ok to ask for HEEELLLPPP, too...just as you've done. You'll get it.kerridiculous wrote:I'm sorry for ranting like this but it's just so frustratinggg after a whole year. I wish I could be like one of those people that worship their machines for changing their life - this has done NOTHING for me or my energy levels or anything!
HEEELLLPPP hahah.
ResMed S9 VPAP Auto (ASV)
Humidifier: Integrated + Climate Control hose
Mask: Aeiomed Headrest (deconstructed, with homemade straps
3M painters tape over mouth
ALL LINKS by rested gal:
viewtopic.php?t=17435
Humidifier: Integrated + Climate Control hose
Mask: Aeiomed Headrest (deconstructed, with homemade straps
3M painters tape over mouth
ALL LINKS by rested gal:
viewtopic.php?t=17435
Re: Here is my first post and ALL MY PROBLEMS!
yeah it sucks alright, but sometimes we have to play with the cards we are dealt, I can think of quite a few worse disorders to have to deal with.
You are young and cute, you have more going for you than you realize. Being young hopefully they will come up with a better solution in your lifetime than some of us.
I applaud you wanting to take control over your therapy, I'm sure someone can send you the manual through email from a PM. Hopefully they gave you an Autopap machine from the start. While the software is nice you can get by with the AHI info from the LCD display that is if they model they gave you supplies it.
Research the effects of hypoxia on your body, that is what the machine eliminates. You have a head-start in prevention.
You are young and cute, you have more going for you than you realize. Being young hopefully they will come up with a better solution in your lifetime than some of us.
I applaud you wanting to take control over your therapy, I'm sure someone can send you the manual through email from a PM. Hopefully they gave you an Autopap machine from the start. While the software is nice you can get by with the AHI info from the LCD display that is if they model they gave you supplies it.
Research the effects of hypoxia on your body, that is what the machine eliminates. You have a head-start in prevention.
someday science will catch up to what I'm saying...
Re: Here is my first post and ALL MY PROBLEMS!
Hi Kerri, Welcome.
You're at the best place for help and information.
I have been reading this board for about 3 1/2 months now. My husband B started his CPAP therapy on Aug 5th. Since then each time we've had an 'issue' when I've read the forum the next day seems someone else has had the same 'issue' and the wonderfull people here have helped solve it.
On the subject of rainout , we also don't heat our bedroom during winter. At first the rainout was like taking a very large waterfall up the nose but over time ( three days)after reading and following the different ideas B doesn't have any trouble with rainout anymore.
We turned the humidifier down to 1, moved the machine under the bedside table so that it was lower than the masked face, then we made sure the hose ( which had a hose cover on it) was straight and secured the top of it to the bed head.
I did look at the heated hose but as we live in Australia we got a worse deal than if we lived in the States and had it sent over there! (go figure!) Ended up not needing it after following all the advice.
In the short time that he has been using his CPAP machine there has been such a great improvement already. Please don't get too fed up with your therapy.
Having the software and card reader has made a big difference as each day I am able to follow ( B is not computer friendly) his treatment and with reading the forum everday am beginning to understand the graphs and how to improve things.
Once you know how to do this for yourself you will find that you begin a quest for better rest,sleep and wellness.
Yes he does complain about wearing a mask and having to limit sleeping on his stomach because it's too uncomfortable with the mask, but he does understand the importance of helping yourself to improve your quality of life.
No-body else has the same interest in yourself as you.
Bottom line is you're a long time dead.
Take control and good luck
Bev
You're at the best place for help and information.
I have been reading this board for about 3 1/2 months now. My husband B started his CPAP therapy on Aug 5th. Since then each time we've had an 'issue' when I've read the forum the next day seems someone else has had the same 'issue' and the wonderfull people here have helped solve it.
On the subject of rainout , we also don't heat our bedroom during winter. At first the rainout was like taking a very large waterfall up the nose but over time ( three days)after reading and following the different ideas B doesn't have any trouble with rainout anymore.
We turned the humidifier down to 1, moved the machine under the bedside table so that it was lower than the masked face, then we made sure the hose ( which had a hose cover on it) was straight and secured the top of it to the bed head.
I did look at the heated hose but as we live in Australia we got a worse deal than if we lived in the States and had it sent over there! (go figure!) Ended up not needing it after following all the advice.
In the short time that he has been using his CPAP machine there has been such a great improvement already. Please don't get too fed up with your therapy.
Having the software and card reader has made a big difference as each day I am able to follow ( B is not computer friendly) his treatment and with reading the forum everday am beginning to understand the graphs and how to improve things.
Once you know how to do this for yourself you will find that you begin a quest for better rest,sleep and wellness.
Yes he does complain about wearing a mask and having to limit sleeping on his stomach because it's too uncomfortable with the mask, but he does understand the importance of helping yourself to improve your quality of life.
No-body else has the same interest in yourself as you.
Bottom line is you're a long time dead.
Take control and good luck
Bev
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Guest
Re: Here is my first post and ALL MY PROBLEMS!
Hi Kerri and welcome, I am a newbie also and agree with the experts above. I just wanted to add that it will help you heaps if you try to be positive about ur machine and what it can do for you once you have sorted the 'kinks' out, which can take time, money and a hell of alot of patience but with determination I belive u will succeed stick with it , you have so much to gain especially at your age . I listened to the great guys/gals on here and used techniques like using my mask and machine while I was watching TV, and even leaving the ramp off to get used to the full pressure. Now even though I still have a long way to go to leaving my mask on for the entire night, I change my negitive thought pattens to positive and I'm doing 100% better than ever. All the best Shez
Re: Here is my first post and ALL MY PROBLEMS!
Sorry....lol didn't realise I wasn't loged on ...have an awesome sleep..
_________________
| Mask: Mirage Quattro™ Full Face CPAP Mask with Headgear |
| Additional Comments: I have the S8 AutoScore II |
Tough times never last, tough people do. -Robert Schuller
Re: Here is my first post and ALL MY PROBLEMS!
You've come to a GREAT place... I've only been here a few weeks myself.
1. Rainout. Get a hose cover. I've read great things about them. They're about $15 or so. If you can't afford one, make one. It's just a piece of fleece that goes around the hose to help insulate it so that the warm moist air gets to your nose, not half way. Also, only turn the heat up as far as you NEED. I get rainout if I blast my heat (just playing with it), but at the normal level I need, I get nothing (and I don't have a hose cover).
2. What kind of machine do you have? I had a standard CPAP and now have an auto-pap and LOVE the difference (truth be told, it's not the APAP part I love, it's the exhalation relief provided by the "a-flex" feature of my Respironics M-Series Auto-pap).
3. 6cm? Really? LIGHTWEIGHT! I'm a 12 and there are people worse than that... I feel lucky to "only" be a 12.
4. You're young and stuff like this seems so annoying (I'm getting too close to 40 for my own good). I got my first machine in my mid 20s. I never used it as much as I should have. The big difference this time is that it's MY money that paid for the machine, so by golly, I'm using the sucker.
5. I like a nasal mask personally. Nasal pillows bother me -- the only thing up my nose should be my finger, by golly! Once you take care of the rainout, then you can look at other mask options if needed.
6. I wash mine every couple of days or so. Perhaps if you're a "homebody" and do dishes and such, the first thing washed could be your mask (clean water)... put the sucker in there whole, swish it around, "wash" the part that seals against you, and rinse it off. For my hose, I just shove it in the bath tub, run water through one end and out the other.
7. I SHOULD use distilled water -- I don't. I probably will try it again though.
8. Take Pursleep up on their free trial of some aromatherapy stuff. I can't recommend the "french vanilla" enough. It's light, smells "warm", and is just a nice pleasing scent.
9. If you have "seal" issues with your masks not sealing properly, go to Walgreens and get some "Mack's Silicon ear plugs". They slightly smaller than a bottlecap. Warm it in your hands and roll it out into a rope about the diameter of a bamboo skewer. Use it around the part that seals to your face and your leaks will be gone. It's a tip I got from this very site. They're located in the "ear care" area at Walgreens.
10. What are your complaints about your mask? I have NO issues with clausterphobia (to the point I can't even spell the word), but others do. Is the MASK itself an issue, the air itself, the combo, or the fact that you keep trying to stick half your face in a pillow and the mask doesn't want to play along? Also, is the "leak" air bothering you? Some masks are great about routing it away, some aren't.
Also, I've taken to wearing earplugs lately, not because of the noise of the machine, but the puppy that scratches in his crate when he moves around, the kids waking up and dropping right back to sleep, etc. Back to "how much I love my machine", because of the earplugs, I actually have to check to make sure the machine is running because it's not blasting me with air in an uncomfortable manner.
1. Rainout. Get a hose cover. I've read great things about them. They're about $15 or so. If you can't afford one, make one. It's just a piece of fleece that goes around the hose to help insulate it so that the warm moist air gets to your nose, not half way. Also, only turn the heat up as far as you NEED. I get rainout if I blast my heat (just playing with it), but at the normal level I need, I get nothing (and I don't have a hose cover).
2. What kind of machine do you have? I had a standard CPAP and now have an auto-pap and LOVE the difference (truth be told, it's not the APAP part I love, it's the exhalation relief provided by the "a-flex" feature of my Respironics M-Series Auto-pap).
3. 6cm? Really? LIGHTWEIGHT! I'm a 12 and there are people worse than that... I feel lucky to "only" be a 12.
4. You're young and stuff like this seems so annoying (I'm getting too close to 40 for my own good). I got my first machine in my mid 20s. I never used it as much as I should have. The big difference this time is that it's MY money that paid for the machine, so by golly, I'm using the sucker.
5. I like a nasal mask personally. Nasal pillows bother me -- the only thing up my nose should be my finger, by golly! Once you take care of the rainout, then you can look at other mask options if needed.
6. I wash mine every couple of days or so. Perhaps if you're a "homebody" and do dishes and such, the first thing washed could be your mask (clean water)... put the sucker in there whole, swish it around, "wash" the part that seals against you, and rinse it off. For my hose, I just shove it in the bath tub, run water through one end and out the other.
7. I SHOULD use distilled water -- I don't. I probably will try it again though.
8. Take Pursleep up on their free trial of some aromatherapy stuff. I can't recommend the "french vanilla" enough. It's light, smells "warm", and is just a nice pleasing scent.
9. If you have "seal" issues with your masks not sealing properly, go to Walgreens and get some "Mack's Silicon ear plugs". They slightly smaller than a bottlecap. Warm it in your hands and roll it out into a rope about the diameter of a bamboo skewer. Use it around the part that seals to your face and your leaks will be gone. It's a tip I got from this very site. They're located in the "ear care" area at Walgreens.
10. What are your complaints about your mask? I have NO issues with clausterphobia (to the point I can't even spell the word), but others do. Is the MASK itself an issue, the air itself, the combo, or the fact that you keep trying to stick half your face in a pillow and the mask doesn't want to play along? Also, is the "leak" air bothering you? Some masks are great about routing it away, some aren't.
Also, I've taken to wearing earplugs lately, not because of the noise of the machine, but the puppy that scratches in his crate when he moves around, the kids waking up and dropping right back to sleep, etc. Back to "how much I love my machine", because of the earplugs, I actually have to check to make sure the machine is running because it's not blasting me with air in an uncomfortable manner.
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goose
- Posts: 1382
- Joined: Sun Mar 11, 2007 7:59 pm
- Location: The left coast - CA... If you're not living on the edge, you're taking up too much space!!
Re: Here is my first post and ALL MY PROBLEMS!
Hey Kerri,
Welcome to the forum.....As you're finding, it's a great place to get support and friendly words about accepting your treatment....Yeah - it sure sucks (well, really it blows, but...... ), but considering the peripheral conditions that can happen due to no treatment - High Blood Pressure, Heart Disease, Diabetes to name a few -- I wish I'd have been diagnosed when I was 18 -- I'd have been a whole lot better off, but with my attitude towards life at that point in time, I probably wouldn't have been as compliant as you have been!!!!
I really can't add much to what the others have said -- all good advice!!! You're to be commended for wanting to take control of your treatment - take a look at the links RG sent along, and see about getting the software and card reader so you can see your numbers......
Be sure to check out the icons above -- Our Collective Wisdom and New Users. You will find a lot of great information there. If you need a laugh or a chuckle, search on Mike Moran, and check out some of those posts (He also has a book out called "This Book Blows"....very good stuff)
Four is a pretty low number for sure -- I had to set mine to 7 before I could even breathe (today I'm on Auto with an 11-15 range, feeling pretty darn good in the mornings with an AHI of about 2.5 most of the time).
I note from your profile that you have a straight CPAP -- it's a good machine!!! If you get to a place where you can afford a spare machine (a good thing to have) invest in a machine that is Auto CPAP. With that you can self titrate to find your optimum number. Which brings up the subject of prescription -- make sure you get your prescription and all of your sleep studies (not only the summary, the whole thing). If you can get an original copy of the prescription that's the way to go. You will need to fax it to any online DME or have it for any DME you'll be purchasing some of your equipment from.
It also sounds like you're in DME hell....what's chances you can change?? Check with your insurance company to see what options you have -- if you have other options, fire the one you have (as long as you're not still renting the machine)....There are good ones out there as well as good RT's.....sometimes you just have to search 'em out.
Cleaning?? I rarely ever clean the humidifier tank -- as long as you're using distilled water it should stay relatively clean (and each time you take it apart makes the seal a little weaker so it will eventually leak). Check with your insurance company to see when you can get additional supplies and make sure you get a spare tank or two to put on the shelf (along with filters etc.). I clean the interface on my mask about every 3rd day -- by interface I mean the piece that touches my face or nose. I use two different masks -- The headrest with nasal pillows, and the ComfortGel nasal mask -- I clean the pillows and the flaps. I use one drop of dish soap, some vinegar and water -- I soak 'em for a couple hours, then rinse and dry. If you have oily skin, the parts may need cleaning more often, and be sure you wash your face each night before you mask up.....
A suggestion along those lines -- take a look at the pur-sleep products. PM Bret and see about getting a sample of some of the oils from him. They're great products for aroma therapy -- eliminates that plastic smell as well as the vinegar smell after cleaning. For a lot of us, Sleepguy's products have made the treatment much more enjoyable.
I guess that's all I can add at the moment....
Hang in there -- you've got a good attitude towards things -- yeah it sucks, but you're sticking with it and want to take control -- right on!!!!
If you have issues -- you know where to come -- we're here, and we will help in any way we can!!!
Take care!!!!
cheers
goose
Welcome to the forum.....As you're finding, it's a great place to get support and friendly words about accepting your treatment....Yeah - it sure sucks (well, really it blows, but...... ), but considering the peripheral conditions that can happen due to no treatment - High Blood Pressure, Heart Disease, Diabetes to name a few -- I wish I'd have been diagnosed when I was 18 -- I'd have been a whole lot better off, but with my attitude towards life at that point in time, I probably wouldn't have been as compliant as you have been!!!!
I really can't add much to what the others have said -- all good advice!!! You're to be commended for wanting to take control of your treatment - take a look at the links RG sent along, and see about getting the software and card reader so you can see your numbers......
Be sure to check out the icons above -- Our Collective Wisdom and New Users. You will find a lot of great information there. If you need a laugh or a chuckle, search on Mike Moran, and check out some of those posts (He also has a book out called "This Book Blows"....very good stuff)
Four is a pretty low number for sure -- I had to set mine to 7 before I could even breathe (today I'm on Auto with an 11-15 range, feeling pretty darn good in the mornings with an AHI of about 2.5 most of the time).
I note from your profile that you have a straight CPAP -- it's a good machine!!! If you get to a place where you can afford a spare machine (a good thing to have) invest in a machine that is Auto CPAP. With that you can self titrate to find your optimum number. Which brings up the subject of prescription -- make sure you get your prescription and all of your sleep studies (not only the summary, the whole thing). If you can get an original copy of the prescription that's the way to go. You will need to fax it to any online DME or have it for any DME you'll be purchasing some of your equipment from.
It also sounds like you're in DME hell....what's chances you can change?? Check with your insurance company to see what options you have -- if you have other options, fire the one you have (as long as you're not still renting the machine)....There are good ones out there as well as good RT's.....sometimes you just have to search 'em out.
Cleaning?? I rarely ever clean the humidifier tank -- as long as you're using distilled water it should stay relatively clean (and each time you take it apart makes the seal a little weaker so it will eventually leak). Check with your insurance company to see when you can get additional supplies and make sure you get a spare tank or two to put on the shelf (along with filters etc.). I clean the interface on my mask about every 3rd day -- by interface I mean the piece that touches my face or nose. I use two different masks -- The headrest with nasal pillows, and the ComfortGel nasal mask -- I clean the pillows and the flaps. I use one drop of dish soap, some vinegar and water -- I soak 'em for a couple hours, then rinse and dry. If you have oily skin, the parts may need cleaning more often, and be sure you wash your face each night before you mask up.....
A suggestion along those lines -- take a look at the pur-sleep products. PM Bret and see about getting a sample of some of the oils from him. They're great products for aroma therapy -- eliminates that plastic smell as well as the vinegar smell after cleaning. For a lot of us, Sleepguy's products have made the treatment much more enjoyable.
I guess that's all I can add at the moment....
Hang in there -- you've got a good attitude towards things -- yeah it sucks, but you're sticking with it and want to take control -- right on!!!!
If you have issues -- you know where to come -- we're here, and we will help in any way we can!!!
Take care!!!!
cheers
goose
_________________
| Humidifier: HC150 Heated Humidifier With Hose, 2 Chambers and Stand |
| Additional Comments: Also Use ComfortGel (s); Headrest (XL) and a PAP-Cap. |
Last edited by goose on Tue Oct 14, 2008 7:14 pm, edited 1 time in total.
Wars arise from a failure to understand one another's humanness. Instead of summit meetings, why not have families meet for a picnic and get to know each other while the children play together?
-the Dalai Lama
-the Dalai Lama
Re: Here is my first post and ALL MY PROBLEMS!
Welcome! At first I was soooooo incredibly upset that I had to wear a mask and have a machine, but by the time I got it (I joined and received much good advice here before I actually got my stuff) I understood it was a life saver and that I was blessed to have it. After all, I could live in a place with no electricity or health care and potentially die much sooner.
At first I wanted to cry and rip my mask off. I also didn't like having to deal with all the maintenance. I've learned, for me, that I can swap hoses instead of washing them each day, I dump and dry my humidifier each morning, and only wash my nasal piece versus the entire mask. I usually agree with everything Rested Gal says, but on the distilled water, I think it should be dumped and the container dried. I've gotten good at knowing how much water to put in to only have a very small amount to dump in the morning.
And, I LOVE my machine. I do. It will have to be pulled from my stiff, cold, dead, arms
Glad you joined us - let us know how you're doing.
At first I wanted to cry and rip my mask off. I also didn't like having to deal with all the maintenance. I've learned, for me, that I can swap hoses instead of washing them each day, I dump and dry my humidifier each morning, and only wash my nasal piece versus the entire mask. I usually agree with everything Rested Gal says, but on the distilled water, I think it should be dumped and the container dried. I've gotten good at knowing how much water to put in to only have a very small amount to dump in the morning.
And, I LOVE my machine. I do. It will have to be pulled from my stiff, cold, dead, arms
Glad you joined us - let us know how you're doing.
_________________
| Mask | Humidifier | |||
 |  | |||
| Additional Comments: Pursleep, Padacheek, Regenesis™ Pillow, Neti Pot, Travel Buddy hose hanger | ||||
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yorkiemum01
- Posts: 377
- Joined: Sun Feb 24, 2008 6:45 pm
- Location: In the woods, (Lake Norman) NC
Re: Here is my first post and ALL MY PROBLEMS!
WELCOME to the forum Kerri!
As someone who has probably had severe OSA since my teens (I was
stubborn and refused to go for the study until this year)...I can attest
to the difference its made in my life, and I know regret the aging
process I've suffered due to my stubborness.) Mostly, I was 'busy' taking
care of children, and now my aging parents, and just never made time
for my health issues, but rec'd a wake up call...literally...this year by
dozing behind the wheel at 4 in the afternoon. I couldnt go on like
that, and I want to encourage you to hang in there, read the posts from
these wise forum members, and try to remain optomistic.
As someone who has probably had severe OSA since my teens (I was
stubborn and refused to go for the study until this year)...I can attest
to the difference its made in my life, and I know regret the aging
process I've suffered due to my stubborness.) Mostly, I was 'busy' taking
care of children, and now my aging parents, and just never made time
for my health issues, but rec'd a wake up call...literally...this year by
dozing behind the wheel at 4 in the afternoon. I couldnt go on like
that, and I want to encourage you to hang in there, read the posts from
these wise forum members, and try to remain optomistic.
_________________
| Mask: Mirage Quattro™ Full Face CPAP Mask with Headgear |
| Additional Comments: pressure is 11, began cpap tx 2/25/08. Also use Chiro-Flow Pillow. |
Live simply. Love generously. Care deeply. Speak kindly. Leave the rest to God. And remember - the richest person is not the one who has the most, but the one who needs the least.
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goose
- Posts: 1382
- Joined: Sun Mar 11, 2007 7:59 pm
- Location: The left coast - CA... If you're not living on the edge, you're taking up too much space!!
Re: Here is my first post and ALL MY PROBLEMS!
Not to sound to sappy, but mth712 is right.....any guy worth having will deal with whatever comes along. That's what that kind of love is all about!!!!!
The Collective Wisdom section will have threads that can tell you how others of us have dealt with our relationships -- Most Wives, Husbands, and SO's are happy that we've found the treatment because it will lengthen our lives not to mention that the snoring stops so they can get a decent nights sleep themselves.
It's important to embrace your treatment -- trust me, we all know what you're going through, we've been there, so know you are not alone in this mess.....
Now. I'm a guy, so this is from a guy's perspective, but be up front. Be very honest in your relationships. Research the affliction and the treatment so that you can make knowledgeable explanations to them. If you don't know something, admit it, and find out (this is a good place to ask those kinds of questions!!! ). If that person really cares about you, they'll accept you the way you are.....
Take care!!!
cheers
goose
The Collective Wisdom section will have threads that can tell you how others of us have dealt with our relationships -- Most Wives, Husbands, and SO's are happy that we've found the treatment because it will lengthen our lives not to mention that the snoring stops so they can get a decent nights sleep themselves.
It's important to embrace your treatment -- trust me, we all know what you're going through, we've been there, so know you are not alone in this mess.....
Now. I'm a guy, so this is from a guy's perspective, but be up front. Be very honest in your relationships. Research the affliction and the treatment so that you can make knowledgeable explanations to them. If you don't know something, admit it, and find out (this is a good place to ask those kinds of questions!!! ). If that person really cares about you, they'll accept you the way you are.....
Take care!!!
cheers
goose
_________________
| Humidifier: HC150 Heated Humidifier With Hose, 2 Chambers and Stand |
| Additional Comments: Also Use ComfortGel (s); Headrest (XL) and a PAP-Cap. |
Wars arise from a failure to understand one another's humanness. Instead of summit meetings, why not have families meet for a picnic and get to know each other while the children play together?
-the Dalai Lama
-the Dalai Lama
Re: Here is my first post and ALL MY PROBLEMS!
My current beau is completely accepting of my mask. If I choose to sleep away from him, it's only MY choice - never his. He's been just fine with it.
Now, admittedly, he has his own medical problems, and YEARS when he has seriously thought he would never marry, never even have sex with a woman again, largely due to that.
Did I manage to pick the perfect guy, or what?
Yeah, he's grateful. But you know what, I'm grateful too. A little combined gratitude is a major aphrodisiac, lemme tell you....
LOL,
Babs - gettin' some and you should be too
PS - Just as he thinks my OSA is no big deal (seriously), I think HIS condition is no big deal - seriously. Can't get better than that.
Now, admittedly, he has his own medical problems, and YEARS when he has seriously thought he would never marry, never even have sex with a woman again, largely due to that.
Did I manage to pick the perfect guy, or what?
Yeah, he's grateful. But you know what, I'm grateful too. A little combined gratitude is a major aphrodisiac, lemme tell you....
LOL,
Babs - gettin' some and you should be too
PS - Just as he thinks my OSA is no big deal (seriously), I think HIS condition is no big deal - seriously. Can't get better than that.
_________________
| Machine: PR System One REMStar 60 Series Auto CPAP Machine |
| Additional Comments: Started XPAP 04/20/07. APAP currently wide open 10-20. Consistent AHI 2.1. No flex. HH 3. Deluxe Chinstrap. |
I currently have a stash of Nasal Aire II cannulas in Small or Extra Small. Please PM me if you would like them. I'm interested in bartering for something strange and wonderful that I don't currently own. Or a Large size NAII cannula. 
Re: Here is my first post and ALL MY PROBLEMS!
Kerri,kerridiculous wrote:Hey everyone. I'm Kerri and I'm 18 and I have OSA and it sucks, I'm sure you understand. I was diagnosed last year, and I still DESPISE my cpap machine. I hate it, everything about it. I hate the fact that I have to wear it, I hate the problems I go through with my provider company, I hate how uncomfortable and annoying it is, I hate how time-consuming cleaning it is, I hate spending money on distilled water AGHHHHHH.
The first thing I'd like to know is, how can I get all my information MYSELF? My provider company is so annoying. They are impossible to deal with. My primary person is always changing because everyone keeps getting fired over there, so my records are everywhere except where they need to be. I don't really know how this thing works, but I have to send my card out and they are SUPPOSED TO send me back my report. I sent it once and got one report, so I have absolutely no idea how I'm doing with this thing. Just to give you an idea how incompetent they are, my machine broke so I had to get a new one from them. I brought it home and attempted to go to sleep, only to find that they set my pressure to 4 cm instead of 6. I know thats not that big of a deal but I wasn't getting enough air to breathe. Anyway, I know people read their own results and set their own pressures, so how can I do that?? I'm sick of dealing with them.
Secondly, please, please, please tell me someone has an easier way to clean this stupid thing. It takes me so long to wash out all the little parts and sometimes I just don't because I don't have the time or the patience. I don't want to end up with a sinus infection but sometimes just can't clean it.
I tried all different kinds of masks, and they all seem to drown me. I wake up in the middle of the night with ice cold rain out puddled in all the crevices, which is why I'm stuck with nasal pillows. It's bad because I get sick a lot and when I'm stuffed up I can't use the pillows. I'm sorry, I cannot make my room warmer. I need to be cold to sleep, I know it's weird but i can't help it. Sometimes it's so frustrating I just disconnect the humidifier and painfully dry my nose out because at least I stay asleep through it.
So there's a few. I'm sorry for ranting like this but it's just so frustratinggg after a whole year. I wish I could be like one of those people that worship their machines for changing their life - this has done NOTHING for me or my energy levels or anything!
HEEELLLPPP hahah.
A few thoughts re attitude. I too felt the whole box & dice was an embarrassment & a frustration. In the first two years of use I had a couple of episodes of ditching it all but wisely checked my blood oxygen saturation (SpO2) after a few days without the cpap machine only to discover that I was having destaurations (oxygen level dropping to unhealthy levels).
What I did to change my attitude was to look at the machine and mask as guardian angels there to help me but only if I was willing to let them. Once getting into that frame of mind, bean to see them as exactly that. They only do what they can along with what I let them. They on their own try to do their best.
Hope this helps you put things in perspective.
xPAP and Quattro std mask (plus a pad-a-cheek anti-leak strap)
Re: Here is my first post and ALL MY PROBLEMS!
Hi Kerri and Welcome,
I'm a newbie to this forum also but a not a newbie to OSA. I'll soon be 50 and was diagnosed four years ago and wish I would have been 10 years ago. You're the same age as my youngest daughter and I can understand that this stuff just isn't cool but It has made a tremendous difference in the quality of my life and can really help you too. I use to fall asleep sitting at traffic lights, in meetings, working and even while talking. Everyone is different and the responses are as varied as those who provide them. But the one common thread that binds us all is our ability to relate, share experiences and sometimes just let you know that you're not alone. Now, let me tell you the coolest thing about masking up and getting hosed every night........................................it really confuses the cats that come into the room .
Good luck and welcome
I'm a newbie to this forum also but a not a newbie to OSA. I'll soon be 50 and was diagnosed four years ago and wish I would have been 10 years ago. You're the same age as my youngest daughter and I can understand that this stuff just isn't cool but It has made a tremendous difference in the quality of my life and can really help you too. I use to fall asleep sitting at traffic lights, in meetings, working and even while talking. Everyone is different and the responses are as varied as those who provide them. But the one common thread that binds us all is our ability to relate, share experiences and sometimes just let you know that you're not alone. Now, let me tell you the coolest thing about masking up and getting hosed every night........................................it really confuses the cats that come into the room .
Good luck and welcome