Every day is different!

DrainedDad · Post by **DrainedDad** » Wed Oct 19, 2005 8:54 am

The one thing I have learned since I began this therapy in July is that "every day is different."

The first two weeks were great! I took to therapy with little to no problems and was beginning to feel results almost immediately. Then I went through a few weeks were I couldn't sleep at all. I felt like I was up every hour adjusting and readjusting my mask. When I finally figured that out and started sleeping well again, I began puffing, which lessens the affectiveness of CPAP. A chin strap seemed to help this for awhile. I switched from straight CPAP to APAP and that took a week to adjust to. When puffing became a problem again, I played around with the mouth guard solution that many recommend. I made three or four and couldn't get them right; it would stop my puffing but made my jaws ache. After much practice I think I have finally mastered keeping my mouth closed. Change in weather brought rainout problems and I spent a few days playing with the setting on my humidifier. Congestion, solved with nasal spray, was my next hurdle.

I say all this, not to complain, because I know that we all go through our own personal struggles with CPAP. What I want to say is, that in spite of all the hassles, I feel so much better today than I did in June. I have enough energy to give a full day's work without dozing off, drive home without nodding off, do yard work, go to the kids after-school activities and exercise too! I haven't taken a nap on a week day in over a month. The only naps I take now are on Sunday when those Detroit Lions try to pass themselves off as a football team!

I hope that this encourages someone who may be struggling. Hang in there, the treatment works!

SLEEPYCD · Post by **SLEEPYCD** » Wed Oct 19, 2005 9:32 am

DrainedDad,
Life with CPAP is like being on a roller coaster ride. Just when you think you have mastered the game, you get thrown a curve ball. Some new problem to solve, new mask, new challenge. I think your post will help alot of newbies understand what lies ahead for them. I'm glad to hear you are enjoying life and family. You are doing well!!! Yes, this treatment works!!!!
CD

peg · Post by **peg** » Wed Oct 19, 2005 10:05 am

I can relate to the nap thing. Can't remember the last time that I had one. But, of course, the way the Colts are playing how could anyone sleep during the game.

Barnaby · Post by **Barnaby** » Wed Oct 19, 2005 11:40 am

Just reading on here about football teams and games makes me fall asleep after a fedw yawns. Glad you brought it up..I need the rest

Barnaby · Post by **Barnaby** » Wed Oct 19, 2005 11:40 am

Just reading on here about football teams and games makes me fall asleep after a fedw yawns. Glad you brought it up..I need the rest

DrainedDad · Post by **DrainedDad** » Wed Oct 19, 2005 12:16 pm

Peg,

The way the Colts played that first half, I would have thought that they were a team full of "sleep apneacs"! Glad they woke up on time to keep their record unblemished. As a life long Lion fan (yes, there are a few, call us masochists!) After a afternoon of dropped passes by our big 3 first round receivers, balls thrown into the ground or to a three yard check down short of the first-down, I always enjoy turning to watch anyone who "really" plays the game. For anyone who needs a good nap on a Sunday and doesn't live in the Lions' viewing area, I feel sorry for you. The Lions' offense is a sure bet to put anyone to sleep! Detroit Lions, the next best thing to CPAP!

Sleepless on LI · Post by **Sleepless on LI** » Wed Oct 19, 2005 5:52 pm

Drained Dad,

You must be benefitting from the therapy. Haven't heard from you in awhile. Glad you're taking so well to it.

I think the bottom line is, CPAP therapy is like everything else in life, ever-changing. Nothing ever stays the same from day to day, so why should our therapy? If our outside variables are always in motion, then it stands to reason our therapy and everything related to it will be, too.

I have learned, too, that you will have your good days and your bad days, and then those every once in awhile great days. I think your post was a great one in that it helps people to know they are not alone with the ups and downs we experience all the time with therapy. It's just like life.

yawn · Post by **yawn** » Wed Oct 19, 2005 6:49 pm

Excellent Post DD. Very true! Every day is different. I think I've gotten to the point where it doesn't bother me anymore. I know that if I had a bad night, I just have to wait a little while and things will turn around again...thus some good nights. It just seems to be a fact of like where CPAP is concerned. If you can learn to 'go with the flow' you'll do just fine.

And as for the COLTS....I was so thrilled to see they won the game against the RAMS. That first quarter was tough to watch. I hate to say it, but I don't think they would have won if the Rams quarterback hadn't gotten hurt. But whatever, I'm grateful they won. I'm just bummed that I didn't couldn't stay up and watch the entire game. I went to bed at halftime...turned on the news the moment I woke up in the morning and got the good news.
GO COLTS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Amy