Another OSA forum??

momexp5 · Post by **momexp5** » Thu Jul 28, 2005 11:25 am

I've been away from the forums for a few weeks, very busy, marriage yucks, etc., but oh how happy I am to post on this thread! The whole *point* of the internet, to me, has been to *connect* us all. I have had so many areas of my life over the past years become *manageable* *because* I could get on a board, get on an email list, and talk to people who shared my little slivers of life's concerns. Twenty years ago, people didn't get medical issues addressed (so, like my dad, they suffered chronic sleep deprivation and abused their kids, or they went through life destined to be wall-eyed instead of having a mom pick up on eyes not being straight and *getting* surgery in time to even save their depth perception), they didn't know what to make of their gifted or special ed or hyperactive kid, they left their kids to the government schools without question or challenge or understanding - my aunt for sure would've homeschooled her son, but people didn't *do* that "back then". Sure a person could read a book, subscribe to a newsletter, etc., but the *connections* I don't think were very easy to come by. Now we can talk And like AA, where you benefit and then part of the steps involve continuing to benefit others and yourself *through* service - here, we benefit, and then we build our karma by being there for others.

Anyway, I'll get off my soapbox, but I say "welcome newbies" and as long as there's recent-newbies and dedicated-oldtimers around to keep the chain going, well, YEA for it. Off to post my non-newbie question...

momexp5 · Post by **momexp5** » Thu Jul 28, 2005 11:36 am

To expand on my reply -

Not that anyone's suggested it, but - I don't think it would be useful to have a "newbies" section and a "pro" section - there would be too much overlap, making it so that there's even more to read.

*Everybody* has to sort through the threads and choose what to read and what not to read. I know that as a newbie there was so much that just went over my head, such that although I was taking the time to read it, it didn't necessarily benefit me directly at that moment. The *whole* scene is what I think a forum user has to look at, and these forums are a *great* *scene*.

4Katie · Post by **4Katie** » Thu Jul 28, 2005 4:05 pm

momexp5 wrote:To expand on my reply -

Not that anyone's suggested it, but - I don't think it would be useful to have a "newbies" section and a "pro" section - there would be too much overlap, making it so that there's even more to read.

*Everybody* has to sort through the threads and choose what to read and what not to read. I know that as a newbie there was so much that just went over my head, such that although I was taking the time to read it, it didn't necessarily benefit me directly at that moment. The *whole* scene is what I think a forum user has to look at, and these forums are a *great* *scene*.

What she said.

Fifi · Post by **Fifi** » Thu Jul 28, 2005 5:55 pm

JPZ

It is generally a friendly group. Please feel free to ask away. As far as I am concerned, I still think i am a 'newby' as I learn something new most days I log onto the forum and I have been exploring the boards for quite a few months now.I suffer from an appalling bad memory though.

Actually I dare not look back at my posts for fear of my having asked the same question umpteen times!!!Could this be the reason why I feel I am learning something new every day, because I am just forgetting? I hope not.

As far as i am concerned, as a newby, I will do my best to answer any question, if i can that is and will always be happy to do so even when somebody lets me know that i am no longer a newby when ever that might be.

Sleepless on LI · Post by **Sleepless on LI** » Thu Jul 28, 2005 6:13 pm

I say anybody who doesn't want to answer a question for a "newbie" then don't. But I think we ALL need to remember that we were newbies ourselves not that long ago and people who cared enough to help us is what makes this site as great as it is. Don't forget where you came from, the land of the uneducated, just-diagnosed OSA victim. I think it's our obligation to be there for anyone who is a newcomer to this site and answer whatever questions they need answered, over and over and over again. Yes, how wonderful is the idea to put together a source of information for newcomers to read that could take them hours to find the answer to a simple question when their mind is so confused and troubled. Is it so horrible to take a moment out of your time, now that you are so educated or experienced, to answer that question so that you can help make that poor, confused and stressed out newcomer feel less overwhelmed and alone? This site is people helping people, not a library for research. I am really sorry to hear all the comments about newbies being referred to read articles because the questions have been asked before. I personally will be there for anyone who has a question I can answer. I, myself, remember what it felt like to be a newcomer and knew nothing, and I thank God for the kind-hearted and helpful people who took me under their wings and gave me not only the answers to those questions, but their shoulders to lean on for support. SUPPORT-more valuable sometimes than the information itself!!! You can't get that from reading an assortment of material. It's called the "human touch." Let's not forget we are all in this mess together. Gee, what a disappointment to read that post!!!

sleepy gal · Post by **sleepy gal** » Thu Jul 28, 2005 7:22 pm

Hi all, I agree 100 % that this forum is a lifesaver, for newcomers and old hands alike. (suggest "newcomer" as opposed to "newbie"?)

Any question should be able to be asked by anyone without reservation. I agree that there are no stupid questions! We are all struggling together.

In defense of JPZ, it would probably be a helpful feature to have a basic info site....in a way we have it with the search feature, people just have to know how to use it. However, having someone answer you is so much more direct to your question and your concern than trying to "search" it.

I did not feel that JPZ was saying that people shouldn't ask questions, just suggesting alternate ways of arranging the questions.

I greatly appreciate all of the help and information I have gotten here over the last several months and if I have any help to give, I will certainly do so!

unclebob · Post by **unclebob** » Thu Jul 28, 2005 7:23 pm

Just love this forum! Actually, it's the only one I follow. What with sleeping, working, eating, thinking about losing weight, brain fog and all - just don't seem to have more than 15 minutes or so to "check things out on the net". Oops, forgot to mention sex - oh, who cares, that sure doesn't take much time either these days. (new topic???)

So just when does a "newbie" become an "oldbie" or even "slightlyusedbie"

Seems to me, with all the research, new masks, new xPAP's, insurance issues, doctor stories etc, etc, etc - we are all still finding our way. Show me an expert and I'll show you a person who has not tried the latest equipment or read the latest research findings.

Just wish I had the time to read every post on this forum, especially from first time posters. To me, they are going through the process after I did and any comments they make alerts me to new developments in the diagnoses, medical recommendation and equipment acquisition stage.

Bob F

PS - damn brain fog, just realized I could gain a few minutes to read more posts if I give up sex. Well, I guess not that many more minutes!!

tater pie · Post by **tater pie** » Thu Jul 28, 2005 7:23 pm

Sleepless on LI, my sentiments exactly. I know when I started out, I just needed someone to vent on and you can't get that from a catalog! Anyone that has just been diagnosed should be able to ask the same questions over and over again if they need to. I welcome them. I've been on cpap since last November and I would not have made it if it hadn't been for the kind and supportive people on this website and I asked some of the same questions that almost all recently diagnosed people ask. If you don't want to read them or respond to them, nobody is making you do it!!!!

qrlylox · Post by **qrlylox** » Thu Jul 28, 2005 7:35 pm

What I'm wondering is, what would the expert "old timers" talk about on this forum? They know everything or most everything already.
I bet it would be a real slow, dull forum!

This message board was my refuge when I first began back in April. Not sure why, but for some reason, posting questions/fears and getting answers back from real people, who were answering me personally (i.e. CARING ABOUT ME) comforted me and gave me courage to press on.
I don't think simply reading articles and old posts would have the same effect.

Sleepless on LI · Post by **Sleepless on LI** » Thu Jul 28, 2005 8:08 pm

Thanks, Tater Pie. It just really gives me a pit in my stomach to feel that we would ever make newcomers feel like they don't have the freedom to ask the same questions we did when we got here. And as you say, if certain people don't have the patience to do it anymore, then don't. But there will always be others like you and me who won't forget how it feels and will be there to try to help answer those repetitive, heard-it-asked-a-million-times questions. I am honored to be able to answer and help someone who feels like I felt a few months ago and to be able to now give informed advice and support to whoever needs it. Like they say, if you don't want to watch what's on, change the channel or shut off the TV. Same applies here. Thanks, Tater!!!

53now · Post by **53now** » Thu Jul 28, 2005 8:55 pm

WOE Nellie ....... !!!! Hold the phone !!!!! (a couple of "old sayings")
Talk about making a mountain out of the mole hill. I haven't posted in a while (dealing with aged parents with multiple health problems) BUT if I read TomJax's post correctly..... I don't really think he was "talking down" to the newcomers. I think he was actually trying to help them.

Rich

tomjax · Post by **tomjax** » Thu Jul 28, 2005 9:20 pm

53now wrote:WOE Nellie ....... !!!! Hold the phone !!!!! (a couple of "old sayings")
Talk about making a mountain out of the mole hill. I haven't posted in a while (dealing with aged parents with multiple health problems) BUT if I read TomJax's post correctly..... I don't really think he was "talking down" to the newcomers. I think he was actually trying to help them.

Rich

That is what I thought too. And it was not even about postings, it was about other forums.
Many of the flames were reactions to what others were saying and not related to the original posting.
Maybe a social lounge and a technical one?
I suggest a peek at the foreum I was referring to and see their approach. It looks very interesting in its approach.
http://www.awakeinamerica.org/Forum/
Again, I simply made an observation, not a judgment.
Thought for the day. "don't confuse me with facts, my mind is made up."

ozij · Post by **ozij** » Thu Jul 28, 2005 11:55 pm

unclebob wrote:Show me an expert and I'll show you a person who has not tried the latest equipment or read the latest research findings

You do have a way of coining phrases!

JPZ, this forum is about people helping people. Unfriendly guests should be disregarded - and those of them who forgot how hard things are at the beginning can be annoying, but are probably to be pitied. They probably know neither the comfort of being helped in a time of need, nor the pleasure of helping others.

For me this a place for support, for discovering you are not alone with your CPAP problems - be they practical, emotional or social. This is also a place for finding knowledge - about new masks and machines, about sleep apnea and how it interacts other conditions, and for technical understanding and research articles as well. All things that can help us handle the condition we suffer from and are trying to treat.

The chance to hear other people discussing their experience, and sharing their knowledge was a life saver for me as I lurked, back in February, and the kindness of people answering, when I dared ask, was a god send.

Browsing through the discussions was fascinating: It's like reading a novel - you get to discover people's personal signature in what they say and how they say it.

Guests, who use the mask of anonymity to vent their spleen will happen anywhere.

People like Rested Gal, who manage to find a personal word to say to each and every new poster are a treasure.

O.

JPZ · Post by **JPZ** » Fri Jul 29, 2005 5:26 am

<<In defense of JPZ, it would probably be a helpful feature to have a basic info site....in a way we have it with the search feature, people just have to know how to use it. However, having someone answer you is so much more direct to your question and your concern than trying to "search" it.

I did not feel that JPZ was saying that people shouldn't ask questions, just suggesting alternate ways of arranging the questions. >>

Whoa, Nellie, indeed - I was on the OTHER side of the....er....discussion. I am a newbie, and was defending the idea that there are no stupid questions.

Sorry for the confusion.

Sleepless on LI · Post by **Sleepless on LI** » Fri Jul 29, 2005 6:33 am

Ozij,

As always, right to the point and said very eloquently, I might add. I'm right there with you. S U P P O R T...it's worth more than any article you can read. Support is the key here, and you can't find that in any article put on any web site. We, the people who are members on this site, are the support team for each other. Like you, I found sanctuary in that support and people like Restedgal, Rock&Roll, and even yourself. As long as there are people like you on this site, no newcomer will ever feel alone or unsupported. Glad you're here.

L

Mask

Another OSA forum??

hurray for newbies

forum