newbie

[Ophelia]

Hi Everyone,
I was diagnosed with severe sleep apnea 2 weeks ago. My reaction to this news was totally unexpected. I was overcome with emotion and actually cried when they showed me the printout of my sleep study. When they explained how many episodes I had during an hour and how long they lasted, it relieved, scared, and saddened me. In fact, I cried periodically through that day. I know it sounds melodramatic but suddenly it all made sense. They told me I would feel like a different person once I started using my cpap machine. Unfortunately, that hasn't happened yet. I am having such a difficult time adjusting to the mask, etc. that my sleep seems worse. Finding this group has given me some hope that I may begin living life like a "normal" person. Maybe all these years my fatgue wasn't just in my head. Or perhaps it is in my head but in a different and treatable way.

[icipher]

Hi. I was in your shoes back in August. I had a sleep test done as I myself was noticing periodic wake-ups and breathing cesation.

I was in a bit of denial about having apnea before my study. I remember the tech coming in my room in the middle of the night to tell me I had apnea. I remember feeling exactly as you described.

Relieved that I could treat it.
Scared about the fact that I stop breathing
Sad that I have a major health concern

I had a major bout of depression for the first few weeks.

As for therapy... My first two months were quite difficult. My first 2 weeks seemed impossible. I had a very hard time adjusting to my mask. In fact, it was one of, if not, the hardest thing I've ever had to weather.

4 months later, I feel better and most nights I have no problems getting to sleep. It gets easier. Know that you need to be as strong as you can right now. You need to try your hardest. If you can weather the early storm, you will get to a better place and hopefully feel at peace about this whole experience.

[neallo]

Well welcome,

First things first. Everyone needs to know what equipment you are working with because what helps for one machine won't work for another. So you need to go to Your profile and add your equipment. Your paper work should have maker and model of machine, mask, humidifier and what not. You need to add that so the great minds of this site can help you better. You goto profile and click on equipment tab add your equipment as you see it, if no paperwork your machine has the information. Resmed that info will be on top by the screen above screen will say either autoset or elite. Is your mask full face or nasal mask or nasal pillows? Need make and model of those too.

Also, you will probably want some software to read your statistics, so the great minds can better see what's going on with your particular journey. I recommend the sleepyhead, which all that info is found in the pugsy's post at top of the forum home.read that and ask questions. Once we know your equipment and you have software we will have a starting place so we can help you get the sleep you need and deserve.

[Badnvsleep]

Welcome, I am new at this as well, second week on my machine. If you haven't already done so, on the home page top section there is a lot of information for us newbies. Read a little at a time, there is a lot to take in. Also, I try to wear my nasal pillows with my machine running for a little while before I try to go to sleep. I watch tv, read, or just play a game on the iPad to adjust to the pressure and my nasal pillows. It seems to have helped as I have had no real problems in the middle of the night.

I look for the little improvements, I didn't really think things would turn around after the first night or week. I have noticed that I may still be tired, but not totally exhausted like I was before. I am sure it takes time for the body to"recharge it's batteries". I have already had to adjust my lower pressure, per my Dr's ok.

Give it time, try wearing your mask before going to sleep, and look for the little improvements. Know that there will be good nights and bad.

Good luck......

[Ophelia]

Thanks everyone! I will put my info in ASAP! Am happy to have a support system.

[sleeplessinaz]

Hi there and welcome! I was just like you back in 2007. I was tired, confused, depressed, annoyed for not finding out sooner! Lol! You will overcome all your fears and frustrations over time. I tried lots and lots of goofy masks before finding a few I can live with. It's a trial and error expedition really. Personal preferences make us all choose different types of masks and headgear. Hang in there! You are in a great place with some great people here to help you.