Thanks

[Al N]

I said it before but want to take the time and say it again. Thanks to all of the caring people of this forum. I've seen it in my own life and the posts of others. The caring and helpful comments for those that need help are timely and give many just what they need to keep on keeping on. A sincere thanks to all the folks out the that take the time to help those in need.

[Sir NoddinOff]

Glad to hear you've found the forum useful and hope you continue to visit/contribute.

[nanwilson]

Now that you have optimized your therapy and are on the road to recovery....why don't you stick around and "pay it forward". There are those that join the forum, fix their problems, then are gone....then there are others that stick around and help those that need it. Which one will you be...I am hoping its the one that will be a blessing to those that are struggling with their therapy, to help them get on to be happy patients.
Cheers
Nan

[Al N]

I most definitely plan on sticking around and paying it forward. Not going anywhere. I haven't commented much on other posts for a couple reasons. One there is so much experience and wisdom on here. I feel more comfortable letting the ones that's been in the trenches and truly know what they are talking about give the advice. Two I don't want to come on here and seem like I know everything after a few months. Have seen it and in a couple places and it looks like but for a little grace and compassion from some more experienced members could have done some real damage to folks even to the point of running thin off and then who know's if they will stick around. I know neither point is a good enough reason and promise to try to do more going forward.

[Sheriff Buford]

I most definitely plan on sticking around and paying it forward. Not going anywhere. I haven't commented much on other posts for a couple reasons. One there is so much experience and wisdom on here. I feel more comfortable letting the ones that's been in the trenches and truly know what they are talking about give the advice. Two I don't want to come on here and seem like I know everything after a few months. Have seen it and in a couple places and it looks like but for a little grace and compassion from some more experienced members could have done some real damage to folks even to the point of running thin off and then who know's if they will stick around. I know neither point is a good enough reason and promise to try to do more going forward.

I see what you are saying. Some folks get what they need from this forum, then leave. Some folks get what they need... stick around for a while to help, then eventually move on. Some never leave... I also sometimes get aggravated at folks that claim to be experts after a few months in... ESPECIALLY if they are misleading a newby or just flat-out wrong. By the grace of God, I have kept my mouth (or fingers) shut many times and I thank God for allowing me to have control of my passions instead of giving in and saying something I usually regret later. That being said, offering "what works for you" is an excellent way to help folks. I don't use my humidifier because I don't need it. It's a pain in the backside and I am grateful for not needing it. I believe that messing with cpap therapy is too time consuming and if you can eliminate some of it (IE: humidifier) I am better off. This is why I encourage people to see if the really need it or not. But some folks really need it or prefer it. That's fine... I just throw it out there and see if it sticks. If you use the "this works for me advise", folks won't take it the wrong way and everyone here will benefit from your experience. Heck.. I'm always learning something. "I never did get nuthin' from no book-learnin'" I say stick around, offer what works for you... and give back to what others have given you.

Sheriff

[cosmo]

Much thanks to the people who go out of their way to help others and make a difference to the society!

I just throw it out there and see if it sticks. If you use the "this works for me advise", folks won't take it the wrong way and everyone here will benefit from your experience.

I hear ya. Its better to say nothing than to get it wrong. There's only so many settings you can do on the machines, one is bound to figure it out after a while. Thats if they even stick with cpap usage in the first place because "its too hard"

[jencat824]

This is such a great forum, I've only been a member since October 2012, but have been on CPAP since January 2000. I've learned a lot more from this forum than I've ever learned about CPAP before. I have a feeling you will stick around to keep learning and as Nan said, 'pay it forward' I know I'm here to stay, keep learning & help someone else whenever I can.

Hope your CPAP journey continues to be a good one.
Jen

[Al N]

Much thanks to the people who go out of their way to help others and make a difference to the society!

I just throw it out there and see if it sticks. If you use the "this works for me advise", folks won't take it the wrong way and everyone here will benefit from your experience.

I hear ya. Its better to say nothing than to get it wrong. There's only so many settings you can do on the machines, one is bound to figure it out after a while. Thats if they even stick with cpap usage in the first place because "its too hard"

Not at all worried about being wrong. In fact being wrong is how we learn to get it right. But I do want to make sure I'm not so full of myself as to think my way is the only way. Or since something worked one way for me that should be the norm for everyone. Or to full of myself to realize I might be the one wrong. Carry on

[Al N]

Much thanks to the people who go out of their way to help others and make a difference to the society!

I just throw it out there and see if it sticks. If you use the "this works for me advise", folks won't take it the wrong way and everyone here will benefit from your experience.

I hear ya. Its better to say nothing than to get it wrong. There's only so many settings you can do on the machines, one is bound to figure it out after a while. Thats if they even stick with cpap usage in the first place because "its too hard"

Not at all worried about being wrong. In fact being wrong is how we learn to get it right. But I do want to make sure I'm not so full of myself as to think my way is the only way. Or since something worked one way for me that should be the norm for everyone. Or to full of myself to realize I might be the one wrong. Carry on

I apologize for being rude I shouldn't have and that's not who I am. Cosmo you have a lot of good qualities. You seem to be ready to help. You seem pretty smart. I think you have a desire to share what you know. What I am saying is in my opinion your attitude and sometimes at least perceived lack of respect for those that have been here and been through all of the problems and have helped countless others through theirs can also be a hinderence to others. I believe you want to help and will be around for a long time. Just my opinion maybe your experience has come about so easy you are not able to feel what some of the others are going through. Glad you are doing well and hope you continue to

[cosmo]

No offense taken.

I was only implying that I myself mostly would not try to dispense any medical advice even if I did think I was right. "Consult your doctor" is always the safer route. I never go into the UAR, Bipap, vpap, etc threads because I don't know anything about those. Same thing with threads where people have a long list of medical problems. A little dangerous...

[chunkyfrog]

I often feel under-qualified here.
No insomnia, claustrophobia, sleep med issues, or even high pressure needs. My aerophagia stopped after a few days.
My insurance is, uh, ok; at least better than some, and my hubby is not only supportive, he makes me laugh.
I have not walked in the tightest shoes here, not sure if I could. People here have a courage and kindness that inspires me.

[kaiasgram]

Al, you're an astute observer and a thoughtful person. I'm glad you're here.

[DoriC]

I said it before but want to take the time and say it again. Thanks to all of the caring people of this forum. I've seen it in my own life and the posts of others. The caring and helpful comments for those that need help are timely and give many just what they need to keep on keeping on. A sincere thanks to all the folks out the that take the time to help those in need.

Hi Al, glad to have you with us(cute couple). I think we all try to stay within the realm of our knowledge but even if we venture too far afield there's always someone who will usually gently correct us. I don't think anyone dispenses serious medical advice other than to recommend a followup with their medical team when health questions become too involved. And even cpap recommendations are usually not radical but just common sense adjustments in small increments by folks with good experience. As far as I'm concerned this forum does a better job than our medical community and has passed on the knowledge and education needed to attain optimal and successful treatment for a difficult disorder to master. There are always a few who try to steamroll over us with their overbearing comments but they usually meet their match and are brought down to size. Most of the time they finally get with the program and realize how "wonderful" we all are!

[Denial Dave]

hi all

Everything I learned about my therapy, handling leaks, changing settings, I've learned here....I've been trying to pay it forward ever since.

I've overcome claustrophobia using a full face mask and experiencing leaks coming from high bi-pap pressure. Both of those give me a unique view of helping folks solve leaks & full face mask issues.

what works for someone with a pressure setting under 10, definitely does not work for us high pressure folks that live in the teens all night. LOL

I leave medical, ASV, nasal masks, etc.issues to the experts & I stay out of most OT discussions

[Al N]

hi all

Everything I learned about my therapy, handling leaks, changing settings, I've learned here....I've been trying to pay it forward ever since.

I've overcome claustrophobia using a full face mask and experiencing leaks coming from high bi-pap pressure. Both of those give me a unique view of helping folks solve leaks & full face mask issues.

what works for someone with a pressure setting under 10, definitely does not work for us high pressure folks that live in the teens all night. LOL

I leave medical, ASV, nasal masks, etc.issues to the experts & I stay out of most OT discussions

I know what your talking about with the leaks. I've spent a lot of time watching videos on getting different masks to seal only to find it didn't quite work for me. Trial and error especially trial is our friend. I feel blessed though now I know what the problem is and there is a solution.