Brenda,
I especially enjoy reading your posts, you have the caring spirit as the CpapTalk.com Pro's do. I appreciated it when I "accidentally" found this site, and the forum veterans gathered round me & answered my questions. I didn't know that my previous UPPP surgery would complicate my cpap therapy. But, here I have found the help and encouragement I needed.
Pugsley wrote:
Hi Jan, I've also have been following your saga and I anxiously await the results of last night's study.
Brenda, I won't know the results of the CPAP study for a while. I never prepared for my previous sleep studies, but for this new study, I trained for it, like it was an athletic event. Beginning about a month before the study, I concentrated on getting exercise on an increasing level, for 5 days each week. But the big training for me was working to improve my sleep. I followed the guidelines Muffy gave Bleeping Beauty. When you go to a sleep study, they put you to bed about 9 P.M.. In my previous studies I have had very little Rem Sleep, & the longer you sleep gives you more opportunity for Rem, so I went to bed before it was really dark. I totally changed my sleeping habits. We will know how well the changes worked when I get the results back.
This was my fourth sleep study, but the first done in a Sleep Lab Accredited by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM). I was surprised by the expertise of the technician who monitored my sleep, compared to my 12-2008 sleep study technicians. Those guys worried me - I was the only patient at the sleep lab that night, & it was as though they were in a comedy race to see which one could get the most equipment attached in the least amount of time. " In the final analysis, the technican noted," The ECG lead came & could not access the HR, & other limitations were noted."
I think because the new study was done under AASM regulations, & the technician had been trained to a higher level, that I have a better chance of getting accurate sleep information. A sleep study is flawed to begin with - you are not sleeping under normal conditions with wires attached from your head to your legs. However, if the study is done under optimum circumstances, it can be a beginning point for us to improve on through data capable machines, oximiters, etc.
Brenda wrote:[quote I post my minor issues to show the other newbies that things can be sorted out with just a bit of detective work and maybe something I have worked through will help someone else. Also to show the newbies that everyone here on this forum will chime in with bits of wisdom, ideas or support.[/quote]
Brenda. I agree with you that this forum is unique among other internet sleep sites. The members of CpapTalk.com are genuine in their desire to help others get a get start with their sleep therapy. And, for most of the people who begin Pap therapy, they are just opening a wonderful window of opportunity for themselves. By working through the hard places at the beginning of Pap therapy, they have that chance to feel so much better, & improve their lives and relationships.
Brenda wrote:
Your positive attitude is your strength. Many could learn a valuable lesson from you. I hope that there will be some good light at the end of your tunnel very soon.
I can't claim credit for having a positive attitude, I think I am a naturally optimistic person. For me, it just seems a lot easier, to feel "Up" about things, rather than "Down".
I hope you have a wonderful time with your daughter and grandchild. Our family all lives away from us, and I know how precious the moments are when we are reunited.
My very best to you.
Jan
