Anxious to Apnea

[Terrified Tammy]

Just diagnosed with Severe Apnea- Phase 1- DISBELIEF- "Is this guy trying to sell me something". Phase 2 - IMMEDIATE FIX- "OMG-Oxygen level low every other breath-order the CPAP I don't want dementia!". Phase 3- ACCEPTANCE- "Acknowledging I am tired all the time and do not sleep well and my husband deals with a mouth breathing snoring 65-year-old crazy woman. Maybe I'll live longer. Phase 4 - VAIN AND ANGRY - "Full mask mouth breathing CPAC bedroom accessory is awful looking and to top it off- more wrinkles, red marks, dry mouth and what is Apnea Face"? I know that this CPAC will extend my life expectancy, I will finally get a real night's sleep, and my husband will finally get a good night's rest. I'm looking for the truth on how long will it take to sleep better? are these machines as loud as my snoring? what masks make the least wrinkles? do you really blow up with gas? I do not know anyone with a CPAP and hope this message board can prepare me for my next Phase. Thanks- Terrified Tammy

[SiteWolf]

Before therapy- woke up many times during the night, always tired, always looking forward to the next nap, sometimes it happened when I wasn't even trying
ONE NIGHT of therapy- blood pressure dropped 20 points on the top end and ever since, napping is just an occasional rare treat

Understand, severe apnea means you're NOT BREATHING at least 5 minutes of every hour. The rest is cosmetics and FAR less important.

Finding the right mask can be a fluid thing, but choose it based on the right reasons. Marks on your skin quite likely mean an improperly adjusted mask anyway.
If they recommended full face, ask about a nasal mask with a chin strap instead.

[LSAT]

Some people adapt immediately..others take months or more. The main thing is to have a positive attitude. Don't start out thinking that this is never going to work.

[Terrified Tammy]

Thanks - good info!