Five weeks in: update and thanks

[EveOett]

To the new CPAP users out there, I thought it might be useful to hear my recap of the last five weeks since I started therapy. I would have appreciated this sort of information at the beginning.

I got my machine on Feb 16, Presidents' Day. The first two weeks with the CPAP were almost unbearable with a combination of sleep deprivation, frustration, and facing an unknown period of adjustment. Functioning at work was almost impossible. My pressure setting of 14 (even with the ramp up) seemed like a tornado in my nose. I counted every single breath, felt the machine was fighting my respiration, was intensely aware of the plastic on my face, remained uncomfortable in every way, and usually gave up at 2 or 3 a.m. I played with the settings. And even when gave up, I was too agitated to sleep. But very early, I got some really helpful advice and encouragement from members here that kept me going: don't sleep on my back, stay elevated, use the machine during waking hours before bed to acclimate, and be patient. You guys kept me going, and I am indebted.

I didn't actually fall asleep with the mask on until well into the third week. I started to finally fall into a heavy, deep sleep for short periods---just a a few minutes and then an hour or two. I made progress, downloaded the Sleepyhead software so I could track what was going on, and persisted. However, somewhere in there caught a really nasty cold along with some sort of allergy (unusual for me) that set me back. I had to skip a couple of CPAP nights, and then came back with only intermittent success because of a 24-hour runny nose.

Weeks 4 and 5 were my breakthrough weeks. I have slept through the night three or four times. I am beginning to see changes in my health and cognition already: 1. a calmer, more peaceful disposition 2. better coping skills (as opposed to feeling overwhelmed a lot of the time) 3. clearer thoughts and memory. I wasn't ever sleepy during the day during my apnea days, but felt that I have compensated for years with lots of coffee, to do lists, a frenetic pace, attempts at self care and regulation including meditation, exercise, etc., but always kind of behind the eight ball. But now I feel I was suffering from lack of quality sleep.

I think I'll continue to see more changes as I acclimate. I am looking forward to it - I'm 58 and have LOTS to accomplish and I really think this therapy will be a huge benefit. But for you early beginners, it does take some determination to get through, in my opinion. It has taken all of this time, but I now view the CPAP as my friend and ally. Quite a turnaround.

Again, my sincere thanks to the kind and encouraging folks on this board. I haven't participated much in discussions, but have absorbed your wisdom. Thanks for being there.

[herefishy]

Glad you're over the rough patch - should get nothing but better now.

[tazman]

It sucks you had such difficulties in the beginning but at least you are starting to reap the rewards now. Good luck with your therapy and keep hope for much more improvements as you keep moving forward.

I am only one week in so far and find using the cpap only a minor inconvenience but have seen no change good or bad so I am trying to remain hopeful that results will come in time.

[Sheriff Buford]

Nothing but down hill, now.

Sheriff

[EveOett]

I'm hoping for smooth sailling from here on. Fingers crossed!

Tazman, hope you start feeling some positive effects soon. Glad you're at least dealing with the therapy. We all have our own individual stories, thats for sure. Good luck!

Eve

[NMchop]

I too had sinus/allergy attack that last over a week that complicated things.

Glad you are feeling better and reaping the benefits.

I was telling people that i'm sleeping with a leaf blower on my face! So I can relate to your
early experiences with the therapy.

[EveOett]

NMchop: The leaf blower analogy works for me. But its funny, now that I've acclimated, when the nose pillow is in place I am not even aware of the blowing. When I pull it off, I'm surprised at the turbulence. Best, Eve