How Can I Help?

[birdshell]

I'm not suggesting that these things WILL help:

1. Tell the loved ones of the apneic they should buy as much life insurance on the non-CPAP-using apneic as they can. It will be a GREAT investment monetarily.


2. Anyone enjoy being driven by a drunk driver? Sleep deprivation combined with driving is equally dangerous. Suggest that family not allow the apneic to drive them. We take keys from drunk drivers, don't we?


(I had to sign a statement the morning after my first sleep study stating that I knew the dangers of driving while sleep deprived and would not sue the sleep center if I caused an accident while driving, if not treated.)


3. Ask if they are a football fan. If so, did they happen to recall Reggie White's death?


4. Publish the name and e-mail address (if not a whole lot more information) here; we probably could send a few "encouraging" e-mails to someone not willing to undertake a sleep study or use their equipment...


5. Ask your diagnostic questions and then say, "You know, it isn't any problem for me because I am getting better every day...but I used to be (fill in whatever is pertinent here) before getting my cpap treatment. Let me know if you want any more information." Then walk away.


We are stubborn as a species and we only want information when WE ask for it, or feel a need for it, in general.

Remember that OLD headache remedy commercial where the grown daughter snapped, "Mother, PLEASE! I'd rather do it myself!" She then rubbed her temples and frowned from the pain of her headache, suggesting that the headache caused her to be so rude and rejecting of her parent.

So, maybe it is best to say, "Hey, I'm here if you decide to ask."

Just a thought or two,

Karen,
Who, herself, prefers to ask

[Gale Hawkins]

I think more would be interested if they did not have to appear on a Reality TV show to get an RX but that is covered in the RX thread.

That very thing creeped me out and kept me away for over 2 years.

The denial was in the form of I've had this for over 20 years and ain't dead yet, so what's the big deal? However had I known 20 years ago that it was depriving my brain of oxygen and rotting my brain I'm sure I would have gone. I was concerned about becoming forgetful even then. Wish I could say it's better now, but I think the train has already left the station.

BTW, my 37yr old son has seen my memory decline over the years and knowing about OSA he has been diagnosed and getting titration done soon. He knows it's a long term deal but like me will do what it takes to remain successful in his career. I suppose lots of people out there are like that.

[Lee Lee]

That's IT!!! A reality show about people with untreated OSA! It could be called "The Biggest Loser"! Oh, wait, that's taken already. Anyway, that would be a wonderful way to open people's eyes . You could have someone who has all these fatique and health related issues, and then they get the machine and go through all the struggles to get it right. Then flash forward to how much better they are after getting treatment.
Seriously, thanks for helping me to stop feeling so helpless. I HAVE planted a seed, and it may set them to wondering ...maybe enough to get help.
Lee Lee