New User - Daytime Anxiety
New User - Daytime Anxiety
Hi all,
I'm a 26-year-old new user of CPAP, started Wednesday 11th on my trial (going through the public hospital system we get 1 week on an s9 Autoset then changed to a free-loan CPAP). I have depression/anxiety that was under control and have been steadily losing weight for the last six months but am still obese. I was diagnosed with mild OSA (around 20/hour).
The problem I'm facing is not that I cannot get to sleep with the mask on, or that my sleep is disrupted; it is that I am having constant daytime anxiety. I'm tearful, nervous, start at hissing sounds, my appetite has dropped to nearly nothing and I feel like I can't handle living like this versus how things were before.
I have another appointment with the CPAP nurse on Wednesday, I phoned them today and after a short discussion between the nurse and the person on the phone they suggested that I not use the machine for the next two days to see if the anxiety abates before the appointment and also indicated they'd need to talk to the doctor again. I also have a psychiatrist appointment on the Wednesday morning, moved up from August.
I know that using CPAP is the healthiest option, but if things continue like this I won't be able to function in the daytime, even if I am getting better sleep. This feels like it's a really difficult trade-off to have to make, especially at the start of a new semester of study.
I'm a 26-year-old new user of CPAP, started Wednesday 11th on my trial (going through the public hospital system we get 1 week on an s9 Autoset then changed to a free-loan CPAP). I have depression/anxiety that was under control and have been steadily losing weight for the last six months but am still obese. I was diagnosed with mild OSA (around 20/hour).
The problem I'm facing is not that I cannot get to sleep with the mask on, or that my sleep is disrupted; it is that I am having constant daytime anxiety. I'm tearful, nervous, start at hissing sounds, my appetite has dropped to nearly nothing and I feel like I can't handle living like this versus how things were before.
I have another appointment with the CPAP nurse on Wednesday, I phoned them today and after a short discussion between the nurse and the person on the phone they suggested that I not use the machine for the next two days to see if the anxiety abates before the appointment and also indicated they'd need to talk to the doctor again. I also have a psychiatrist appointment on the Wednesday morning, moved up from August.
I know that using CPAP is the healthiest option, but if things continue like this I won't be able to function in the daytime, even if I am getting better sleep. This feels like it's a really difficult trade-off to have to make, especially at the start of a new semester of study.
_________________
Mask: Mirage™ FX For Her Nasal CPAP Mask with Headgear |
Additional Comments: Machine is a Fisher Paykel SleepStyle 200 - model HC 232 |
Re: New User - Daytime Anxiety
Hello there and we3lcome.
I struggle with anxiety but haven't started on cpap yet so can't comment. I think you have appointments set up to get all the help you need to solve this problem. Hang in there. Sorry I can't be of more use than that.
I struggle with anxiety but haven't started on cpap yet so can't comment. I think you have appointments set up to get all the help you need to solve this problem. Hang in there. Sorry I can't be of more use than that.
_________________
Machine: ResMed AirSense™ 10 AutoSet™ CPAP Machine with HumidAir™ Heated Humidifier |
Mask: AirFit™ P10 Nasal Pillow CPAP Mask with Headgear |
Additional Comments: :: Breathing at night is my new hobby :: Pressure range 7-12cm :: APAP since 3/8/2012 :: OSCAR :: |
________
Chikorita in Australia :: APAP since 3/8/2012
1 God, 1 husband, 2 kids, 2 dogs, 8 chooks, 5 ducks, 3 budgies and a bee hive
Equipment - ResMed AirSense 10 Autoset :: AirFit P10 Nasal Pillow :: Pressure range 7-12cm :: OSCAR
Chikorita in Australia :: APAP since 3/8/2012
1 God, 1 husband, 2 kids, 2 dogs, 8 chooks, 5 ducks, 3 budgies and a bee hive
Equipment - ResMed AirSense 10 Autoset :: AirFit P10 Nasal Pillow :: Pressure range 7-12cm :: OSCAR
Re: New User - Daytime Anxiety
Hi Ledi,
Welcome to the forum.
I am sorry to hear of your suffering. People on the paxil progress board who have suffered from anxiety have mentioned this audio cd as being helpful.
http://www.amazon.com/Pass-Through-Pani ... 1565119703
You also might want to check out the author's website:
http://www.claireweekes.com.au/index.html
Disclaimer - I have never used any of this person's products but since people have spoken favorably about them, I thought this information might be helpful to you.
You also might want to check out this post on accepting anxiety and panic. I found it very helpful in the past.
http://www.paxilprogress.org/forums/sho ... hp?t=49645
Hope this helps.
49er
Welcome to the forum.
I am sorry to hear of your suffering. People on the paxil progress board who have suffered from anxiety have mentioned this audio cd as being helpful.
http://www.amazon.com/Pass-Through-Pani ... 1565119703
You also might want to check out the author's website:
http://www.claireweekes.com.au/index.html
Disclaimer - I have never used any of this person's products but since people have spoken favorably about them, I thought this information might be helpful to you.
You also might want to check out this post on accepting anxiety and panic. I found it very helpful in the past.
http://www.paxilprogress.org/forums/sho ... hp?t=49645
Hope this helps.
49er
Ledi wrote:Hi all,
I'm a 26-year-old new user of CPAP, started Wednesday 11th on my trial (going through the public hospital system we get 1 week on an s9 Autoset then changed to a free-loan CPAP). I have depression/anxiety that was under control and have been steadily losing weight for the last six months but am still obese. I was diagnosed with mild OSA (around 20/hour).
The problem I'm facing is not that I cannot get to sleep with the mask on, or that my sleep is disrupted; it is that I am having constant daytime anxiety. I'm tearful, nervous, start at hissing sounds, my appetite has dropped to nearly nothing and I feel like I can't handle living like this versus how things were before.
I have another appointment with the CPAP nurse on Wednesday, I phoned them today and after a short discussion between the nurse and the person on the phone they suggested that I not use the machine for the next two days to see if the anxiety abates before the appointment and also indicated they'd need to talk to the doctor again. I also have a psychiatrist appointment on the Wednesday morning, moved up from August.
I know that using CPAP is the healthiest option, but if things continue like this I won't be able to function in the daytime, even if I am getting better sleep. This feels like it's a really difficult trade-off to have to make, especially at the start of a new semester of study.
_________________
Mask: SleepWeaver Elan™ Soft Cloth Nasal CPAP Mask - Starter Kit |
Humidifier: S9™ Series H5i™ Heated Humidifier with Climate Control |
Additional Comments: Use SleepyHead |
Re: New User - Daytime Anxiety
Please know I am not a medical professional, but just from my experiences and reading the experiences of others, my mind immediately goes to your depression medication. A therapeutic dose of stimulant to treat depression in a sleep deprived brain may be too much for a non-stressed brain. Your meds could have you too wired now. Please work carefully with your doctor on any dose changes and believe every warning about not just quitting meds abruptly. That's not what I'm advocating. Just saying that I really don't think using your cpap is causing your problem, it's the change in your brain function that the meds aren't working the same with.Ledi wrote: ... I have depression/anxiety that was under control ... The problem I'm facing is not that I cannot get to sleep with the mask on, or that my sleep is disrupted; it is that I am having constant daytime anxiety. I'm tearful, nervous, start at hissing sounds, my appetite has dropped to nearly nothing and I feel like I can't handle living like this versus how things were before.
Like I said, just my non professional opinion.
_________________
Mask: TAP PAP Nasal Pillow CPAP Mask with Improved Stability Mouthpiece |
Humidifier: S9™ Series H5i™ Heated Humidifier with Climate Control |
Additional Comments: Bleep/DreamPort for full nights, Tap Pap for shorter sessions |
My SleepDancing Video link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jE7WA_5c73c
Re: New User - Daytime Anxiety
Ledi, you're too young to have to deal with CPAP, sorry about that. There was a thread not too long ago about how the physical sensations of CPAP therapy can evoke an anxiety response in sensitive people. I had that especially when I started last month. Anxiety and nausea, in part because of the strangeness of how it feels, and in part because of aerophagia -- swallowing air into the digestive tract. And though you said your sleep is not disrupted, I wonder if there could be some subtle disruptions and changes in your sleep quality that you may not be able to detect because you're asleep -- most people sleep differently when they start cpap. For the lucky ones, the difference is a positive one but for most of us, the adjustment takes some time. As kteague says too, the meds may be playing a role.
Did they give you a humidifier for your week on titration and help fit you with a mask? Often you just get a machine without a humidifier and a mask that may or may not really fit or be comfortable. And often they don't try out the comfort features with you -- the S9 Autoset has a couple of comfort features that I wasn't told about at titration, but that would have helped me that week. My point in sharing this is to tell you that this week on titration is not necessarily representative of the experience you'll have once you have your own machine and can adjust humidity, comfort features, and such. Stay on this forum because once you get your own machine people here will be happy to help you maximize your comfort with it and help with the adjustment period.
Best wishes, you found a good place to get help and advice!
Did they give you a humidifier for your week on titration and help fit you with a mask? Often you just get a machine without a humidifier and a mask that may or may not really fit or be comfortable. And often they don't try out the comfort features with you -- the S9 Autoset has a couple of comfort features that I wasn't told about at titration, but that would have helped me that week. My point in sharing this is to tell you that this week on titration is not necessarily representative of the experience you'll have once you have your own machine and can adjust humidity, comfort features, and such. Stay on this forum because once you get your own machine people here will be happy to help you maximize your comfort with it and help with the adjustment period.
Best wishes, you found a good place to get help and advice!
_________________
Machine: AirSense 10 AutoSet with Heated Humidifer + Aifit N30i Nasal Mask Bundle |
Additional Comments: SleepyHead-now-OSCAR software on Mac OSX Ventura |
Re: New User - Daytime Anxiety
Thanks for your quick responses, guys. it really helps knowing I'm not alone in this (my dad's been on CPAP for a while, but he didn't have any issues getting used to it)
@kaiasgram - I wasn't given a humidifier, they gave me the smallest mask they had at the time (although she wasn't overly happy with it and I believe is trying to order a smaller female-specific one for me) and fit it and explained how to adjust it. They never mentioned the comfort features, just that the ramp was on and how to turn the machine on and off. To get to sleep over the strangeness of the mask I'm running an internal 'body scan', one of the things I learned from a CBT/mindfulness session I did years ago. It seems to help keep my mind off of what's going on and the very slight noise of inhaling/exhaling. I'm also having some ear pressure issues (right ear is clogged up since starting) and I'm using vitamin E cream on the skin between my upper lip and nose as it's flaking (I heard a humidifier could help there, but I can't have it "below" my head without it being on the floor, which they don't want).
I think a lot of it is fear of being on it for the rest of my life, fear of the financial cost (we get one mask and hose provided with the set-pressure-loaner-machine but everything else is out of pocket and I'm on a disability pension), and weighing up my options of being on this and falling apart emotionally or stopping the therapy and being at a much higher risk of heart problems as I grow older. There's a lot of "it's not fair" also floating around, especially as I was starting to lose weight and get healthier on that side of things.
@kteague - I'll probably be discussing the medication with my psychiatrist, and I'm going to be trying to increase the frequency of appointments as for the last while it's been every 6 weeks (she only holds at that clinic once a week and I'm trying to work around classes). I need to get back to my GP too, but just getting out of the house for classes is hard enough right now.
I'm going to listen to the nurse and not use the machine for the next two nights, but part of me is wondering if that's going to be effective at all as it's clear that to treat my OSA I'll need to use CPAP.
@kaiasgram - I wasn't given a humidifier, they gave me the smallest mask they had at the time (although she wasn't overly happy with it and I believe is trying to order a smaller female-specific one for me) and fit it and explained how to adjust it. They never mentioned the comfort features, just that the ramp was on and how to turn the machine on and off. To get to sleep over the strangeness of the mask I'm running an internal 'body scan', one of the things I learned from a CBT/mindfulness session I did years ago. It seems to help keep my mind off of what's going on and the very slight noise of inhaling/exhaling. I'm also having some ear pressure issues (right ear is clogged up since starting) and I'm using vitamin E cream on the skin between my upper lip and nose as it's flaking (I heard a humidifier could help there, but I can't have it "below" my head without it being on the floor, which they don't want).
I think a lot of it is fear of being on it for the rest of my life, fear of the financial cost (we get one mask and hose provided with the set-pressure-loaner-machine but everything else is out of pocket and I'm on a disability pension), and weighing up my options of being on this and falling apart emotionally or stopping the therapy and being at a much higher risk of heart problems as I grow older. There's a lot of "it's not fair" also floating around, especially as I was starting to lose weight and get healthier on that side of things.
@kteague - I'll probably be discussing the medication with my psychiatrist, and I'm going to be trying to increase the frequency of appointments as for the last while it's been every 6 weeks (she only holds at that clinic once a week and I'm trying to work around classes). I need to get back to my GP too, but just getting out of the house for classes is hard enough right now.
I'm going to listen to the nurse and not use the machine for the next two nights, but part of me is wondering if that's going to be effective at all as it's clear that to treat my OSA I'll need to use CPAP.
_________________
Mask: Mirage™ FX For Her Nasal CPAP Mask with Headgear |
Additional Comments: Machine is a Fisher Paykel SleepStyle 200 - model HC 232 |
Re: New User - Daytime Anxiety
Ledi, the fear, the overwhelming thought of having to be on cpap for the rest of your life, and the "it's not fair," these are all valid feelings you are having. You have not yet found your "new normal" and that can take some time -- often more time than we expect. A humidifier, a well-fitted mask, and whatever comfort features you find helpful (ramp can be one, and so can the exhalation pressure relief (EPR) ) may make adjusting to cpap easier for you. Sounds like you already have some good coping skills, that will serve you well as you figure out how to try and "make friends" with cpap therapy, but don't assume that because you're overwhelmed right now, that you will always be. And keep us posted on how you're doing.
_________________
Machine: AirSense 10 AutoSet with Heated Humidifer + Aifit N30i Nasal Mask Bundle |
Additional Comments: SleepyHead-now-OSCAR software on Mac OSX Ventura |
Re: New User - Daytime Anxiety
I agree. I'm having the same fears as you about the future and the cost etc. Please know that you're not alone.
_________________
Machine: ResMed AirSense™ 10 AutoSet™ CPAP Machine with HumidAir™ Heated Humidifier |
Mask: AirFit™ P10 Nasal Pillow CPAP Mask with Headgear |
Additional Comments: :: Breathing at night is my new hobby :: Pressure range 7-12cm :: APAP since 3/8/2012 :: OSCAR :: |
________
Chikorita in Australia :: APAP since 3/8/2012
1 God, 1 husband, 2 kids, 2 dogs, 8 chooks, 5 ducks, 3 budgies and a bee hive
Equipment - ResMed AirSense 10 Autoset :: AirFit P10 Nasal Pillow :: Pressure range 7-12cm :: OSCAR
Chikorita in Australia :: APAP since 3/8/2012
1 God, 1 husband, 2 kids, 2 dogs, 8 chooks, 5 ducks, 3 budgies and a bee hive
Equipment - ResMed AirSense 10 Autoset :: AirFit P10 Nasal Pillow :: Pressure range 7-12cm :: OSCAR
Re: New User - Daytime Anxiety
Hi - think of it this way... it's air, plain old room air that's being blown in, just in a little more focused way to help you get some sleep and be able to deal with your other issues more easily... and all the time it's going on (except of course once you are asleep), you're in total control. No one's making you do it, you're doing it because you're mature and responsible - you have a lot of life ahead of you and I'm sure you want to get the best out of it, and you won't do that if you're stuck not able to wear this thing overnight... Everyone else has had good advice, now just fit the bits in where they work best for you.
Plus it's very likely that in the near future some new high tech method will be out there for us, something easier to live with and less expensive, but to be able to get there, we have to do this now, but it doesn't mean (especially for a young person like you) that it's forever at all!
Plus it's very likely that in the near future some new high tech method will be out there for us, something easier to live with and less expensive, but to be able to get there, we have to do this now, but it doesn't mean (especially for a young person like you) that it's forever at all!
Re: New User - Daytime Anxiety
Well, just woke up after ~8 hours without the mask (as per nurses advice).
Pro: No anxiety starting as soon as I take the mask off, or during my morning routine.
Con: Back to ache-behind-the-eyes exhausted.
Hoping my appointments tomorrow help somehow...
Pro: No anxiety starting as soon as I take the mask off, or during my morning routine.
Con: Back to ache-behind-the-eyes exhausted.
Hoping my appointments tomorrow help somehow...
_________________
Mask: Mirage™ FX For Her Nasal CPAP Mask with Headgear |
Additional Comments: Machine is a Fisher Paykel SleepStyle 200 - model HC 232 |
Re: New User - Daytime Anxiety
Another update after my appointments.
Today, 2pm. Didn't use machine last night either, how I feel today is a big indication that I NEED to get this right. So very tired.
Psychiatrist surmises that I'm catastrophising over the implications of going on or not going on CPAP. She's prescribed 5mg Diazepam for the mornings if I feel I need it while adjusting to take the edge off of the anxiety. If necessary she can refer me to a psychologist for 6 or so appointments to try some specific therapy. I think I'd prefer that to the medication. She also suggested upping my Cymbalta (antidepressant/anti-anxiety) but doesn't think it's necessary and that the anxiety will subside after I get used to the machine. I have another appointment with her in two weeks.
Nurses at the Chest Clinic (that's where the sleep stuff's done) say that my numbers are great (and that I sleep a lot) and have gone down to less than 1 AHI. Don't have any specific advice for the daytime anxiety as they mostly deal with people having night time issues, but suggest that it will improve. Pressure of 10cm prescribed.
Went to pick up my long-term loan machine. As this is a free loan from the hospital I get no say in the machine at all. It's a Fisher Paykel HC 232.
The mask is a ResMed MirageFX Small (with pink straps and washing bag). The nurse at the store showed me how to fit it then let me lie down for 10 or so minutes while the machine ramped up. It feels more comfortable than the one I was using for my test as it doesn't try to overlap onto my lip or press into my eye-sockets.
As I wasn't having any nasal problems apart from some slight peeling I wasn't given a humidifier, but that can be arranged if I need one. I have another appointment with the nurse at the supplier next Friday (or sooner if there's any problems) and with the Doctor at the chest clinic in a month.
So from tonight, here we go again~
Today, 2pm. Didn't use machine last night either, how I feel today is a big indication that I NEED to get this right. So very tired.
Psychiatrist surmises that I'm catastrophising over the implications of going on or not going on CPAP. She's prescribed 5mg Diazepam for the mornings if I feel I need it while adjusting to take the edge off of the anxiety. If necessary she can refer me to a psychologist for 6 or so appointments to try some specific therapy. I think I'd prefer that to the medication. She also suggested upping my Cymbalta (antidepressant/anti-anxiety) but doesn't think it's necessary and that the anxiety will subside after I get used to the machine. I have another appointment with her in two weeks.
Nurses at the Chest Clinic (that's where the sleep stuff's done) say that my numbers are great (and that I sleep a lot) and have gone down to less than 1 AHI. Don't have any specific advice for the daytime anxiety as they mostly deal with people having night time issues, but suggest that it will improve. Pressure of 10cm prescribed.
Went to pick up my long-term loan machine. As this is a free loan from the hospital I get no say in the machine at all. It's a Fisher Paykel HC 232.
The mask is a ResMed MirageFX Small (with pink straps and washing bag). The nurse at the store showed me how to fit it then let me lie down for 10 or so minutes while the machine ramped up. It feels more comfortable than the one I was using for my test as it doesn't try to overlap onto my lip or press into my eye-sockets.
As I wasn't having any nasal problems apart from some slight peeling I wasn't given a humidifier, but that can be arranged if I need one. I have another appointment with the nurse at the supplier next Friday (or sooner if there's any problems) and with the Doctor at the chest clinic in a month.
So from tonight, here we go again~
_________________
Mask: Mirage™ FX For Her Nasal CPAP Mask with Headgear |
Additional Comments: Machine is a Fisher Paykel SleepStyle 200 - model HC 232 |