Too tired for Thanksgiving dinner

[DreamOn]

Well, if you guys can get me through this and I feel good, what's an extra hundred or so people for dinner? .

Maybe we should plan a little "apnea convention" and go to Disneyworld while we're in Orlando too!

Next question - what if I get equipment and don't like it? Seems it would be nice to have a "try it before ya buy it" agreement. Does that exist? I am anxious to get started (at the same time its a bit scary) but it will be good for me to have some time to "research" after I've experienced at least something. So far I've seen pictures and read comments but they will mean more I'm sure on Monday. Good suggestion about writing down brands and any other info they give me or I notice myself tomorrow night. I often THINK I'll remember something but....... I didn't fall asleep for over 3 hours for my initial study - I finally got up and went to the bathroom and took some Advil because my legs were aching which seemed to relax me enough that I went to sleep - so they want me to take Ambien for this one. The tech had to come in 3 different times to reattach electrodes which had fallen off from my tossing and turning. And I WILL remember socks this time. My feet were cold which probably didn't help.

Yes, be sure to bring all your "comfort items"! The titration study is really no different than the initial sleep study, other than using the CPAP machine. All the same wires and stuff. The suggestion to take notes about each mask you try that night is an excellent one. I did that, and was glad later because there was no way I would've remembered the different masks I tried when it came time to get my equipment. I sat down with the tech the morning after my titration study and had her tell me which I had tried on overnight (there were six or seven), and the size of each (very important). Then I wrote down comments -- why I did or didn't like each one. I gave you a few guidelines as to what to look for in mask features in the last PM I sent you, and there are good reviews about different ones both here and on https://www.cpap.com. Really, it just comes down to which fits you best. Everyone's facial features are different.

I don't know if it's the same with all DMEs, but some let you exchange machines and masks within 30 days. It's better if you can determine beforehand what you want, though. As Blackspinner pointed out, it may be good to call the DME to ask what manufacturer they offer. Then you can be better prepared regarding what they'll try to give you. Go in knowing what you want.

It also took me a long time (hours!) to fall asleep during the sleep study. Don't worry, they should be able to get the data they need to determine the optimal pressure. And maybe you'll drift off quicker this time.

Sweet dreams....

[KatieW]

When it's time to chose your machine, here's a link to a list by Rested Gal, of the data capable machines. Keep paging down until you get to her post. The names are a little tricky, because some sound somewhat similar, so be sure it's an exact match.

viewtopic.php?p=307168#p30716

I found that the DME may say--yes there is a computer card, but actually it's only for compliance data (hours of use for insurance purposes), and doesn't give the information you want and need, about leaks, apneas, hypopneas.

[DoninOrlando]

Hi Barbara,
I am here in Orlando too. Hopefully you will get the same sleep clinic doctor and DME, as mine were both helpful and took time to talk to me and answer all questions. I spent well over an hour at the DME trying masks and asking questions I learned to ask on this board. I don't want to mention names but the clinic was downtown and has since moved to Baldwin Prk area. The DME was Sunshine or Sunbelt or something similar. Both were great though. Bring your own pillow. It is very difficult to sleep with 20 wires and being in a strange bed with a camera on you. About 2 days after my study, the sleep dr's office called with results and a referral to the DME. A few days later I had my machine. My 30 day follow up is Wed.
Don in Orlando
BTW: Publix has the best local Thanksgiving dinner in a box. I had one a few years ago but am cooking this year.

[Woody]

4 years ago about 10 months before I had my diagnosis of sleep apnea as a lot of us I was sleepy all the time. Well thanksgiving
day I started the hour + drive to my cousin's for thanksgiving dinner. In the passingers seat I had a cooler filled with 1/2 ice, 1/2 water
and a wash cloth. When I noticed I was getting sleepy I would use the ice cold wet wash cloth! By the time I was 18 min. into this hour +
drive I had applied this cold wet wash cloth to my face 5 times just to keep awake. At this point I simply gave up on that drive, turned
around and headed home and was thankful I made it back home without going to sleep behind the wheel ! Life is so much easier after
starting on the hose !

[btesterman]

I think people who don't have OSA just think we're lazy - they just don't know how awful it feels. I was at Publix today and it was a bit depressing to see people merrily buying supplies for TG dinner while I was just trying to get through the store to pick up some yogurt and milk - really wanted to just get home and crash on the couch. I used to cook a big dinner for my ex's family. Now I don't even want to cook for my husband, son and I. But, at the same time it was good for me to have a goal of getting to a point where I will want to cook and have family in. Sometimes you forget just what it is like to feel good!!! I think the worse you feel pre-CPAP the more motivated you will be to stick with it and deal with each problem.

[kteague]

Barbara,

My guess is next year you'll feel like preparing and serving quite a spread. Whether you're having too much fun living life to want to slow down to do it will be the question.

I think it's human nature to form erroneous opinions about things we have not experienced firsthand. In a perfect world we would value the statements of the experienced more than our misconceptions, but I'm still developing that skill at 58. I remember when I thought all overweight people were gluttons and undisciplined... . And how I once thought those who seem distracted just don't care about the matter enough to give it their full attention. And that forgetting someone's name is a measure of their (lack of) importance to you. And that someone else's reason of "too tired" is really an excuse to cover their disinterest. I've lived long enough to prove myself wrong on so many counts. While a part of me wishes others would just accept what I say when they don't understand me, I really don't want them to gain the experience that would give them true understanding. Still, it hurts sometimes to be misunderstood.

In recent years it seems breaking with tradition has almost become a tradition. At one time our family would gather for a special Christmas eve meal, then again the next afternoon for another meal. I don't think anyone was "scarred for life" by deciding on pizza for Christmas eve one year. Just a few years ago we actually did Christmas dinner at Waffle House. My wheelchair bound elderly mother who was speech impaired from a stroke just kept looking around the place and giggling every time she caught me looking at her to see how she was faring.

If it's important to you that Thanksgiving Day be "special" maybe it can be so in a nontraditional way this year. Or just contribute the one thing that is a favorite, or a homemade dessert to top off a purchased meal. And if even that is too much, a hug and kiss with words of appreciation will just have to do. Just think, this year you can be thankful for a diagnosis and treatment that can change your future health, well being, and yes, holidays. May be your last chance to spend it with an "excuse to be lazy".

Kathy