I'm a newbie too!

Gayle · Post by **Gayle** » Tue Jan 25, 2005 8:13 pm

Hi all!
I just found this forum a couple of weeks ago. I have visited this site several times since then and have learned a lot. Thanks to everyone who posts here!
I am newly diagnosed with OSA. I used my CPAP machine for the first time last night and was pleasantly surprised this morning when I actually had slept all night with the machine on. My thinking was much clearer this morning than it has been in a while! I have some issues with the headgear (there's a hard plastic buckle that hurt the back of my head during the night) but other than that, my first night was better than expected.
I used to be a Critical Care RN and worked the night shift for several years. I have taken care of quite a few patients over the years that use CPAP and have seen many more that needed CPAP and didn't have it. Thank goodness that doctors are more aware now of sleep apnea than they were 10 or 15 years ago. Experience working with Cardiac patients with OSA gives me strong motivation to be compliant with using the CPAP machine. I've seen first hand what it can do.
I was screened for OSA several years ago but because I was in a rural area without a sleep lab my screening didn't show anything. My health has deteriorated since then to the point that I have been too fatigued to work (or to do anything else for that matter) so my husband suggested that I get screened again, where there is a good sleep disorder clinic. Thank God for a loving, understanding husband! I'm so excited that I may actually be able to go back to work and live life rather than watching the world pass me by.
Just wanted to say Hi!

wading thru the muck! · Post by **wading thru the muck!** » Tue Jan 25, 2005 8:37 pm

Hi Gail,

Sounds like you're well on your way. If you hit any bumps in the road make sure you post a question or comment. You will get plenty of suggestions and advice here.

Wishing you continued good luck!

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Wed Jan 26, 2005 3:16 am

I am glad you are on your way to better health and sleep. I just started with my machine last night and felt a bit more coherent today. It'll take some getting used to but it's not so bad. Keep up the good attitude and best of luck getting back to work.

Procrastinator · Post by **Procrastinator** » Wed Jan 26, 2005 3:18 am

Sorry Gail, that last post was me.