What A Great Find!

[Rebounder]

This is my first post, let me say I am so grateful I found this forum, what a great resource and community!

When I was told that the results of my at-home over-night oximetry test suggested I might have sleep apnea, and that I needed a sleep study, and then possibly CPAP therapy the rest of my life, I was dumbfounded. As it turned out, the sleep study confirmed my GP's hunch, it was sleep apnea, and I might add, it was a new low.

Based on my stereotypes, sleep apnea was something that happened to "other" people, as I'm not over weight, of slim build, and have no thick neck. What an arrogant set of assumptions I had! It was a humbling moment. It seemed I had been launched on what seemed would surely be a strange and unwelcome journey.

I knew I didn't know anything about sleep apena, but knew I was going to need to learn, fast. A quick google search brought me here. These forums, along with your shared
experiences, brought me up to a basic level of understanding pretty quickly. I might add, that to the dismay of my medical personnel, you have also sharpened my question-
asking abilities on the matter.

Here is what I have taken away from it all so far...

There is quite a learning curve. I like things black and white, but for now I am getting used to dealing with a lot of grey. Visits here have allowed me to see
people managing their individual challenges and THAT is what really gives meaning to all the "alphabet soup" I am wading through.

I have also picked up on the recurring theme that you need to drive your own treatment, rather than have it done for you. After recent dealings with insurance companies and SOME doctors, I really LIKE the idea of embracing and spearheading my own therapy.

Again thanks for all the help. I look forward to the day when I am further down the "CPAP road" and may be able to pay it back.

Best Regards,
Rebounder

[cosmo]

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[chunkyfrog]

Welcome to the forum, Rebounder.
I probably had apnea back when I was rail thin.
Stress hormones produced during apnea contributes to unwanted weight gain and a ton of other nasty health problems.
As with any medical problem, early, effective treatment can have the best results!
If you haven't read this yet, it's a great place to start--maybe even print it to show the doctor:
http://maskarrayed.wordpress.com/
Most insurance will not get you another machine for 5 years, so you need a "keeper" right out of the gate.

[kaiasgram]

I look forward to the day when I am further down the "CPAP road" and may be able to pay it back.

You already are, by posting your message and letting everyone here know that they've helped -- that's why we're all here.

And welcome -- it didn't take you long to discover how less-than-pleased many sleep professionals are that we're here educating and empowering ourselves. But many of us would have given up if we had only the sleep professionals to rely on. Glad you're here.

[Rebounder]

Thanks all for the kind words and advice,

Chunkyfrog
I love the eyes on your frog avatar! My eyes have felt like that frog's eyes look on some mornings!

Good article link and I appreciate the warning about insurance companies and their common 5 year limit!
Fortunately after spending time at this forum observing who has what, working the numbers, reading the reviews, etc., I have a machine on the way:

It is a ResMed S9 Auto Set with the H5i Humidifier and Climate Line.
For now, I'm going with the two masks that worked so well during the sleep study, and an oximeter.

Getting this equipment, instead of the basic CPAP unit the DME was insisting on, well... that..., as Paul Harvey used to say, "...is the rest of the story!"

Best Regards,
Rebounder

[chunkyfrog]

Congratulations. You have done well, Grasshopper.
@ the eyes: the first thing I noticed about the little guy.

[Sheriff Buford]

Congratulations. You have done well, Grasshopper.
@ the eyes: the first thing I noticed about the little guy.

Them eyes...

Rebounder: glad you are starting your cpap journey with a good attitude! You'll have good days and bad, but if you persevere, you'll conquer!! When I first started, there were many nights I wanted to drop kick the machine (or mask) into the next county.... Bring every issue you have here and we'll help you thru it. It's good to hear you were successful with the mask at your sleep study. Its a good start. I hope those masks you were referring to will work out. If they don't, then there are "bunches" of them out there. When you pick up your masks, make sure you can return them within 30 days to exchange for a different one. Your mask journey is the key to your success. Best of wishes to you...

Sheriff