One year on CPAP today

[Geminidream]

Well, I can officially be added to the list of those who have had their lives change for the better after a year of CPAP therapy. A dramatic change in energy level and no brain fog are the biggest things, not to mention possibly avoiding onset of diabetes and heart related issues. Don't get me wrong, in the begging I had a rough way to go. I resented that mask....no, make that I really resented having a health issue that needed to be dealt with (at age 37). The mask issues were just an added annoyance..... After I acclimated to this new way of sleeping, the health saving benefits far outweigh the struggle. The best thing I did was find this website and educate myself on sleep apnea...there are so many helpful knowledgable people here that have been in the same place. So, as I look back at how I felt a year ago (right before I started CPAP), I don't know how I functioned on a daily basis. I could never have gone back to school full time while working full time if I had not gotten my sleep apnea under control. Now I am accomplishing just that.

I had no idea what the implications of sleep apnea were before I finally got a sleep study. I just knew I was miserable. I had memory issues and morning headaches, I wanted to take naps all the time, and even almost fell asleep while driving a few times (in broad daylight not even half way thru the day). Then there was the issue of making my bed partner miserable and worried as well. When I got my sleep study, it was an eye opening experience and I knew I had to do something about my OSA. Looking back, I realize I have probably had OSA for most of my adult life and never recognized it. With the exception of a few miserable nights of an allergy issue or a cold, I have been at least 98% compliant.

So, to those who are about at wits end with their CPAP therapy...hang in there. It just takes longer for some to get acclimated and start to feel their life come back. But it WILL come back. Keep educating yourself and be your own advocate when it comes to your sleep apnea care. This health issue is still just gaining awareness so its important to not give up.

So glad I have come this far.

[DoriC]

Happy Anniversary! Have a wonderful Xmas too!

[jweeks]

So glad I have come this far.

Hi,

So am I. My only regret is not getting started 20 years earlier.

-john-

[BadThad]

Congrats!

You know, it's actually quite funny. Us folks that use a CPAP just plain sleep better than those that do not. I stopped considering it a medical device a couple of years ago. Since then I've considered it my sleeping/dream machine. To me it's like bed and a pillow, just part of sleeping. I sleep better than 99% of people in the world with it. I'm never tired, I'm more vibrant and full of life. I'll probably live longer too. I pray that someday they stop forcing folks to get a prescription to use a CPAP. You should be able to walk into a store like Walgreens, buy one and take it home and start using it. In many ways I actually feel privledged to own a machine.

[rested gal]

Congratulations on the one year mark, Geminidream!

Looking back, I realize I have probably had OSA for most of my adult life and never recognized it.

Same here.

I stopped considering it a medical device a couple of years ago. Since then I've considered it my sleeping/dream machine. To me it's like bed and a pillow, just part of sleeping.

I like that, Thad!

Now that I think about it, that's the way I thought of it after night 1. It immediately was simply part of "THIS is what I want to use when I sleep, for the rest of my life." Just like I want to use a bed and a pillow.

Never considered myself a "patient" either. I'm a cpap user for sleeping, just like I'm an eyeglasses wearer for reading.

[linagee]

Congrats!

You know, it's actually quite funny. Us folks that use a CPAP just plain sleep better than those that do not. I stopped considering it a medical device a couple of years ago. Since then I've considered it my sleeping/dream machine. To me it's like bed and a pillow, just part of sleeping. I sleep better than 99% of people in the world with it. I'm never tired, I'm more vibrant and full of life. I'll probably live longer too. I pray that someday they stop forcing folks to get a prescription to use a CPAP. You should be able to walk into a store like Walgreens, buy one and take it home and start using it. In many ways I actually feel privledged to own a machine.

You can go on Amazon.com and purchase an AED. Without a prescription. A device that could kill you if used improperly. Normal functioning people are protected from AEDs killing them because the AED actually checks their heart to see if it needs a shock. An AED is intelligent enough to only deliver a possible lethal voltage/current only when it is needed! So why then are APAPs, which only deliver pressure when needed, only able to be purchased with a prescription? Maybe they should have an APAP-only device that could be bought off the shelf. (Or more studies needs to be done to see what would happen if a person without OSA were to use an APAP.)

[Geminidream]

Thad, I like your positive point of view on CPAP therapy. It took me a while to be positive about it, but that was just me having to get over myself....LOL. I do sleep very well these days too.

[mars]

Hi Geminidream

Congratulations on a successful year

To Both of You

cheers

Mars

[Madalot]

Congratulations!!! Great to see another anniversary!!!!

[kteague]

Always makes me smile to hear a good report - and I'm sure it's an encouragement to the newbies feeling like you once did. May it just keep getting better and better.

[Cindy Lou Who]

Hi Geminidream,
Congrats on your anniversary! Have you thought of posting what you wrote on the 'Newbie wants to hear success stories" thread? That way someone who is looking for encouragement will find it in both places.
Congrats to you again! Pleasant dreams and deep sleep!
Cindy