Kenny's CPAP Thread

tattooyu · Post by **tattooyu** » Mon Jun 29, 2009 1:18 pm

4 MONTHS ON CPAP! SO -- MUCH -- BETTER!

The anxiety issues are beginning to wane, energy is up, weight is coming down, we're in a new UPSTAIRS apartment (central air yay!) and I have no trouble going up and down the stairs at all. We are trying for another baby (our first passed away September 2008).

If ANYONE has anxiety, panic, depression or obsession issues, you MUST read "Help and Hope for your Nerves" by Claire Weekes. It was written by her in the late 60s but still rings true for my condition here in the 21st century. I can't tell you how much this book has helped me, and I'm not even done reading it yet.

Just wanted to let everyone know I'm still here (today I'm nursing a very mild concussion), even though I have been absent for a while.

BleepingBeauty · Post by **BleepingBeauty** » Mon Jun 29, 2009 2:19 pm

Kenny,

Very happy to hear of your progress. Sounds like your therapy (and the work you're doing re: your anxiety issues) is going very well.

And I'm so sorry to hear of your loss last year. Must have been terribly heartbreaking for both you and your wife. Best of luck to both of you in having another baby. (Hey, even if it takes awhile, it's fun trying, right?)

Kiralynx · Post by **Kiralynx** » Mon Jun 29, 2009 2:32 pm

twokatmew wrote:My rheumatologist was pumping me full of antidepressants to ease the pain of fibromyalgia/osteoporosis/Crohn's arthritis, despite that I'd asked for a sleep study. (He ordered a sinus CT instead.) Fast forward six months, and my PCP ordered a sleep study without my even having to ask. Voila, since I started on CPAP less than two weeks ago, pain is markedly improved ... without antidepressants!

That's exactly the way it worked for me... I was getting up to take anti-inflammatories at least twice a night. Now I can usually get 5-7 hours uninterrupted, thanks to my Beastie.

twokatmew wrote:Do they make any FFMs for those of us with small features? Even the F&P 406 petite nasal mask is a little big for me....

Can't help you with this. The medium Zzz-mask is a little large for me, while the small is too small. But it works in an emergency. And that's all I will use a full-face mask for is an emergency.

raylo · Post by **raylo** » Mon Jun 29, 2009 2:32 pm

My deepest sympathies as well. I lost a child in 1994. It is a long hard road after an event like that, but it can be travelled and lead to rewarding places.

tattooyu · Post by **tattooyu** » Tue Jun 30, 2009 10:06 am

Thanks everyone. I think there's a way to go before the healing has reached equilibrium, but I think I'm getting close.

I miss Andrew (our son) every day, and the hurt doesn't seem to diminish. On the up side, I'm learning how to deal with the hurt to enjoy life again. You know what they say, and I suppose it can apply to baby-making, "Practice makes perfect."

Sleepy Taz · Post by **Sleepy Taz** » Tue Jun 30, 2009 1:30 pm

tattooyu ,

I have read your post from start to where it is now and I noticed that you stayed with the same mask all the way. I have been on cpap for twenty years and have tried many masks from the FF to the mirage. I had a problem with air escaping on both sides where the clips are and finallys got that to stop with tape just as you did. Two months ago when it was time for a mask replacement I complained to my DME who brought out a couple of other nasal pillows from which I chose the opus 360 nasal pillows from I believe Fisher & Paykel. What a difference!!!!!!!!!!!!!! no leaks at all and the best sleep in many many years. You may want to try it out as it may help you attain the level you are looking for.

tattooyu · Post by **tattooyu** » Tue Jun 30, 2009 3:04 pm

I now have zero leaks with my Swift LT using a great chin strap, so I'm all good. I love it! Best sleep in a decade.

I am struggling getting a seal on an emergency/backup Quattro FF mask. I just can't get it to seal, but I'd only need that mask if I have really bad nasal congestion.

tattooyu · Post by **tattooyu** » Thu Jul 30, 2009 11:09 am

Wow, did I have a bad night last night!

Leak: 0.00 l/s
AHI: 4.1
AI: 0.8
HI: 3.3

Now, I know some people would consider love to have those numbers, but that's almost quadruple the number of apneas that I'm used to having. Boy, do I feel it today. I'm exhausted, my anxiety level is up (I just popped a 1/2 a Xanax... come onnnnn Xanax!), my IBS is in full swing, I'm having skipped heartbeats--yep! here come the little eye flashers... and for Pete's sake would somebody turn the fluorescent lights down in the office!?!?

I'm leaving tomorrow for a trip. Tonight's sleep must be better!

I think I know part of why I had a bad night. Yesterday, my friend's mom, Barbara, lost her battle with cancer and passed away. I was stressed and depressed. Last night I also used my neti pot for the first time in a while my nose felt very stuffy in the morning. Plus, with the digestive issues I'm having today, it might be the case of the chicken and the egg.

apnea ► digestive issues

or

digestive issues ► apnea

or both!

I can make it through today!

Muse-Inc · Post by **Muse-Inc** » Thu Jul 30, 2009 12:44 pm

Kenny, have you tried taking L-Glutamine (helps guts heal), probiotics/live culture yogurt (populates gut with healthy bacteria), omega 3 EFAs (heals everything I take Coromega as it's gelatinized and easy to absorb), and glutan elimination for your gut issues? Tried taking 200 mgs twice/day magnesium citrate (I use Solgar's) for the arythmias? Any of these might help...worth investigating.

Sorry for all the upset, such is life eh? 'Cause ya dealt with being a hosehead, ya can deal with anything!

I hope your trip goes off without a hitch and remember at the gate to request to board early to stow your medical equipment carryon...you did printout that tag right?

tattooyu · Post by **tattooyu** » Thu Jul 30, 2009 12:57 pm

Muse-Inc wrote:Kenny, have you tried taking L-Glutamine (helps guts heal), probiotics/live culture yogurt (populates gut with healthy bacteria), omega 3 EFAs (heals everything I take Coromega as it's gelatinized and easy to absorb), and glutan elimination for your gut issues? Tried taking 200 mgs twice/day magnesium citrate (I use Solgar's) for the arythmias? Any of these might help...worth investigating.

Sorry for all the upset, such is life eh? 'Cause ya dealt with being a hosehead, ya can deal with anything!

I hope your trip goes off without a hitch and remember at the gate to request to board early to stow your medical equipment carryon...you did printout that tag right?

I take a probiotic every day, as well as digestive enzymes with every meal. I have some Carlson Labs fish oil, but since I don't have my gallbladder, I don't digest fats very well, even with the enzymes. I have not tried L-Glutamine or magnesium citrate. I'll need to check interactions with my BP meds. It was only one night, so I'll survive. I just hate those when they rear their ugly heads once in a while.

Thanks, Muse!

Muse-Inc · Post by **Muse-Inc** » Thu Jul 30, 2009 1:23 pm

tattooyu wrote:...Carlson Labs fish oil, but since I don't have my gallbladder, I don't digest fats very well, even with the enzymes...

The Coromega fish oil will be way easier for you to digest.

tattooyu wrote:...I have not tried L-Glutamine or magnesium citrate. I'll need to check interactions with my BP meds...

Do...my cardiologist was impressed I was taking mag citrate and why. The L-Glutamine is an amino acid commonly used by body builders to build muscle, those with gut probs for healing, and others to reduce carb cravings.

Uncle_Bob · Post by **Uncle_Bob** » Thu Jul 30, 2009 4:21 pm

tattooyu wrote:Wow, did I have a bad night last night!

Leak: 0.00 l/s
AHI: 4.1
AI: 0.8
HI: 3.3
!

First off I'm sorry to hear about the loss of your son and i wish you all the best in trying again.

I'm a little surprised that just one night of those numbers is enough to knock you off track so much that you need our little friend xanax I seem to be fine with anything < 5 AHI. When i was trying all my masks and getting AHI > 10 for 2 nights then i started to notice. Still everyone is different. Have you managed an AHI of 0 yet? An AHI of 2.0 and AI of 0 is the best i can get.

Oh an my recommended reading for anxiety, worry or depression "The Power of Now" by Eckhart Tolle. I'm working through the audio book now its really good at getting you to live in the moment and that you are not your mind. Its good reading for people who tend to worry about the future or are dwelling in the past. New York Times best seller.

tattooyu · Post by **tattooyu** » Thu Jul 30, 2009 4:35 pm

Uncle_Bob wrote:First off I'm sorry to hear about the loss of your son and i wish you all the best in trying again.

Thank you. I'm hoping we did it this time around! <fingers crossed>

Uncle_Bob wrote:I'm a little surprised that just one night of those numbers is enough to knock you off track so much that you need our little friend xanax I seem to be fine with anything < 5 AHI. When i was trying all my masks and getting AHI > 10 for 2 nights then i started to notice. Still everyone is different. Have you managed an AHI of 0 yet? An AHI of 2.0 and AI of 0 is the best i can get.

Seriously knocked me on my ass. I'm thinking my SpO2 probably dips lower than you when I have an event. During my initial study, my O2 went down to 73% briefly. The best I've ever had was an AHI of 1.1 (AI 0.0 / HI 1.1)--ONLY ONCE! I have never seen my HI go below 1.0... then again I have a ResMed. My usual is AI of 0.2 and HI of 2.2-2.5.

Uncle_Bob wrote:Oh an my recommended reading for anxiety, worry or depression "The Power of Now" by Eckhart Tolle. I'm working through the audio book now its really good at getting you to live in the moment and that you are not your mind. Its good reading for people who tend to worry about the future or are dwelling in the past. New York Times best seller.

My friend JUST recommended that book to me! Hilarious. "Hope and Help for Your Nerves" is what I'm reading right now. It's been a god-send for my anxiety and panic. God bless Claire Weekes!

DoriC · Post by **DoriC** » Thu Jul 30, 2009 5:02 pm

Kenny, I'm kind of thinking that you passed over too lightly the passing of your friend's mother and that it distressed you more than you're letting on. You've been through a lot. Let us know how tonight goes.

Muse,thanks for such good info on the supplements. I haven't been able to take fish oil either because my gallbladder is gone too. I will l look into Carlson Labs Fish Oil. The things we learn on this board!

tattooyu · Post by **tattooyu** » Thu Jul 30, 2009 5:34 pm

DoriC wrote:Kenny, I'm kind of thinking that you passed over too lightly the passing of your friend's mother and that it distressed you more than you're letting on. You've been through a lot. Let us know how tonight goes.

It might seem that way from what I typed, but it affected me greatly. I went to see her on Monday before she passed and thanked her for inviting us (high school friends) into her home and being a good friend. I let it all out. I don't like to keep things bottled up.

DoriC wrote:Muse,thanks for such good info on the supplements. I haven't been able to take fish oil either because my gallbladder is gone too. I will l look into Carlson Labs Fish Oil. The things we learn on this board!

I tried Carlson Labs, which is very high quality, but with no GB I'm having trouble digesting it. I'm looking into the Coromega that Muse suggested.

EDIT: It's a no go on the Coromega for me. It contains egg yolk, which is a prime digestive upset trigger for me now that my GB is gone. YMMV

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