Success Stories?

IWannaSleep · Post by **IWannaSleep** » Tue Apr 19, 2005 12:59 pm

Would anyone care to share more information on their success with xPAP treatment? I think it would be interesting, and motivational, to learn which symptoms people have had improvement in following treatment.

The ASAA lists the following as common symptoms of OSA:

high blood pressure and other cardiovascular disease
memory problems
weight gain
impotency
headaches

Other related symptoms may include:

Never feeling rested
Lethargy
Diminished Cognitive Ability
Easily Confused
Depression
High heart rate
Diabetes

Any thoughts? Did you see improvement in any of the symptoms listed or others not listed?

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Tue Apr 19, 2005 1:00 pm

viewtopic.php?t=2453

TXKajun · Post by **TXKajun** » Wed Apr 20, 2005 8:35 am

IWannaSleep wrote:Would anyone care to share more information on their success with xPAP treatment? I think it would be interesting, and motivational, to learn which symptoms people have had improvement in following treatment.

The ASAA lists the following as common symptoms of OSA:
high blood pressure and other cardiovascular disease
memory problems
weight gain
impotency
headaches
Other related symptoms may include:
Never feeling rested
Lethargy
Diminished Cognitive Ability
Easily Confused
Depression
High heart rate
Diabetes

Any thoughts? Did you see improvement in any of the symptoms listed or others not listed?

Well, since I was one of the ones about whom guest posted the link, I'll take the time to kind of answer your questions one at a time, kinda sorta. Bear with me, this may get a bit long.

high blood pressure and other cardiovascular disease: A couple of years ago, I was diagnosed with high blood pressure. After watching salt intake, mild exercise and being on medication for other problems, blood pressure went down a bit. My last visit to Dr. which was after being on APAP for a month and a half, showed my BP was normal.....125/75! So, I'm off meds for hypertension.
memory problems: I don't remember having memory problems. Oh, wait! That's the entire problem, isn't it???? LOL I'm not totally certain what is meant by "memory problems", but I do know my memory is as good as it was 20 years ago......and has improved since starting on APAP 2 months ago.
weight gain: I've put on about 30 lbs in the last 8 years....but 8 years ago, I took a break from doing science and worked as a fitness instructor/personal trainer at an upscale health studio in Galveston, TX for almost 3 years. I was 145 lbs there and about 10% body fat. I got up to a high of 170 lbs about 6 months ago. Then I was diagnosed with incipient Type II diabetes and started taking medication for it and monitoring my blood sugar. Between the medication, watching diet and APAP, I'm now down to 158 lbs. I still have a medium sized belly (cortisol related??), but finally feel good enough to start doing more exercising, especially yard work/gardening and playing more golf.
impotency: It hasn't been so much an inability to perform as it has been me being too tired to be interested, at least for the last year or so. Since starting on APAP a couple of months ago, I have noticed a definite improvement in the quality of, how do I say it delicately, my "excited manliness". Also, the frequency of my being "in the mood" has increased.
headaches: I've never had this symptom/problem.

Never feeling rested: Oh yeah. This has been a major biggie! This and the next one are hand-in-hand. I used to wake and say to Sweetie "I can't believe I just slept 9 hours and am more tired now than when I went to sleep!" I used to use all day Saturday to try and catch up on sleep. Then it went to all day Saturday and all day Sunday. But it really didn't help, in fact, if anything, it seemed to put me more behind because the quality of sleep was so darn poor. Now, I wake up after 6 - 9 hours sleep and feel rested. I'm still paying off sleep debt which means that I'm a bit tired, but I'm finally sleeping and getting proper rest. Hopefully in the next few months the sleep debt will be paid off and I'll be feeling even better than now.
Lethargy: "Doc, all I want is to be able to play with my 8 year old like a real Daddy." That was my major reason for going through all this testing, waiting, frustration with DME/Insurance, etc. I work from 7AM till 4:30 PM and for the last couple of years, when I got home, all I wanted to do was sit in front of the TV, watch Chef Emeril and have a couple of Johnny Walkers.....then a bite to eat and bedtime. I've got a very athletic 8 year old son who loves to play catch with Daddy, help in the yard, go to the playground and run around, etc. I felt like I was missing out on the greatest of times....being an active Dad who helped with batting practice, teaching my son how to bat right, running and jumping with him, hunting and fishing......well, you get the idea. Now, well, let's just say I'm finally starting to be the Daddy I want to be...and that my wonderful son deserves
Diminished Cognitive Ability: Hoo boy, this is a biggie! Falling asleep in front of the computer at work! Not being able to sit through a meeting without nodding off. Don't even mention church!!! Snooze snooze snooze, whenever, wherever and not being able to stop it was terrible! And knowing I was only doing a half-ass job at work, missing things that were as plain as day, not being able to think of anything except being tired almost all of the time. Yeppers, this was a BIGGIE! But after a couple of months, these problems have almost totally vanished.
Easily Confused: This wasn't a real problem. I pretty much kept it together, but it was really hard. Now, hmmm, what were we talking about? (J/K!!) This has improved, also.
Depression: Uhhuh! "Doc, All I want is to play with my son like a real Daddy" "I'm so sorry I'm too tired all the time to do anything, Sweetie" "I'm sorry, Sweetie/Bunny, but Daddy's just too tired to do (fill in the blank) now. I know I promised, but I'm just too darn tired." "I can't believe I just slept 9 hours and am more tired now than when I went to sleep!" Yep, disapointing those closest to me and myself time after time left me damned depressed. But, after a couple of months on APAP, I'm getting to where I'm out of the funk and actually doing things with my loved ones and feeling MUCH better about myself.
High heart rate: Heart rate has always been between 80 and 100. It's still up there around 80-90.
Diabetes: Diagnosed with Type II about 6 months ago. On medication and watching diet since then. APAP for 2 months now. My readings are consistently between 95 and 105, both morning and evening. My weight is slowly coming down. Hopefully, with my increased activities it will continue and my belly will shrink. I plan to start a work-out program real soon....brisk walking, upper body work and stretching (nothing too strenuous, after all, I'm darn near 54 years old!)....which should also help.

Well, that's it for this morning. Time to be productive. I hope this helps you, at least a little.

Folks, this therapy WORKS!!! Hang in there.

tater pie · Post by **tater pie** » Wed Apr 20, 2005 8:51 am

Like I posted earlier this week, my energy level has improved greatly since starting cpap treatment. I've also lost 15 pounds. I still have high blood pressure. I also have angular glaucoma but I don't know if apnea had anything to do with that or not. The main improvement I've noticed is my energy levels and my ability to sleep soundly. Before treatment, I went through the day like a zombie. I refused to just lie down and sleep all of the time like I wanted to but I was sooooo fatigued and sleepy all of the time. When I would go to bed, I could fall asleep fairly easily but would wake up at least 3 or 4 times a night and find it impossible to go back to sleep. I would also have to go to the bathroom 3 or 4 times a night. Now, I just wake up once during the night for a bathroom break and then I go right back to sleep and don't wake up until morning when I wake up feeling like a human being. I've had energy to do things that I haven't done in years and it's a good thing too because I'm going to be keeping my grandson whose birth is due next month when my daughter has to go back to work. I keep hoping that the hbp will go down without medication but my doctor has told me not to count on that too much since hypertension runs in the family. Being able to sleep and dream again and feel rested is well worth all of the hassle involved with adapting to the treatment though. I hope this encourages some one out there to stay with it. If I can do it, anybody can.

Tampa Tom · Post by **Tampa Tom** » Wed Apr 20, 2005 8:55 am

Again, thanks for these motivational stories about how Apnea can rob your life out from underneath you - and how some therapy can make the difference.

My wife is losing sleep, my poor kids are bored with the fact that daddy's so tired, my performance at work is dropping off further. I can't freakin wait until my appointment so I can start CPAP therapy if I need it....

battlin_blazes · Post by **battlin_blazes** » Wed Apr 20, 2005 9:43 am

well I think its finally safe for me to post as a success story!!!! wooohoooo!! But its been a rough adjustment period and although I'm still not 100% (mostly focus concentration issues now) I feel a whole lot better!!! I no longer think I just want to lay down and die as I once did!! and at 34 thats a scary thought!! But I do feel rested, have much more energy, memory seems to be better, (I think). not sure on blood pressure yet but we will see today. The chest pains have eased, not completely gone but 95% gone and thats always good news. So I guess if it helps any the treatment does help, I feel like I am regaining my life back that I was sure was gone!! The key to success for me was getting my mind set that I had to get comfortable with the mask!! And the members that were here when I entered the forum will tell you I was a whining!!! But keep that mask on!!! Its no good wearing it a couple hours and throwing it to the night stand!!! (trust me on this its easy to do) but the sooner you force yourself to accept it the sooner you will to regain energy, memory etc. But now I'm getting to the point I look forward to it believe it or not!! And monday after being exhausted to the point that I wouldn't have been able to fight my way out of a paper bag, I'm looking foward to returning to work!! (well not really but) I'm just glad I can get back to a normal routine.. So do hang in there and don't just let it pass as I did (I'm guessing over 5 years in my case) get it treated and stick with it if somethings not working for you machine masks etc. get back with your Dr. and get something that will work for you. Good luck and thanks to all that listened and helped when I needed it, I'm glad I can say that this has helped me and I'm feeling better with the support of this group!!! Thanks Again !!! Rich

TXKajun · Post by **TXKajun** » Wed Apr 20, 2005 10:32 am

Tom, hang in there. And keep bugging the fire outta the folks.....they are very busy, so it's up to YOU to keep the fire under them. It's kind of sad, but extremely true, that we are all responsible for our OWN treatment. It's a pain to keep calling and talking and trying to keep our tempers under control (especially if we're OSA sufferers!!), but sometimes that is exactly what it takes. Offer to do whatever it takes to get your testing done fast and the results of your study interpreted quickly, make sure the results get to your Doctor in a timely fashion, make sure your Doctor gets you a prescription quickly, get it filled ASAP, then stick with using the XPAP. Call, call, call...keep after these folks. But, the good news is, this therapy WORKS!!

blazes, congratulations on your successes!! And, like you emphasized, the mask has got to be worn for it to work, so folks, even if it's uncomfortable at first, keep at it. For me, putting on my FF UltraMirage now (after 2+ months) is darn near as effective as a sleeping pill! Well, not quite, but my mind-set now is "When the mask goes on, the lights go off and sleep commences!"

Ya'll all have a wonderful day and sweet dreams.

Tampa Tom · Post by **Tampa Tom** » Wed Apr 20, 2005 10:33 am

Oh, I'm more motivated than EVER now!

battlin_blazes · Post by **battlin_blazes** » Wed Apr 20, 2005 10:51 am

blazes, congratulations on your successes!! And, like you emphasized, the mask has got to be worn for it to work, so folks, even if it's uncomfortable at first, keep at it. For me, putting on my FF UltraMirage now (after 2+ months) is darn near as effective as a sleeping pill! Well, not quite, but my mind-set now is "When the mask goes on, the lights go off and sleep commences!"

Thanks TX,
The above quote is key in my opinion, so do remember as uncomfortable as it may be, it is no good on the bed post!!! And again trust me because it took alot!!! of convincing myself to put it on and leave it!! I'd wake up in the night just wanting to rip it off but after an hour or so of telling myself nope I would get back to sleep and now its like having a pacifier in a baby for me it goes on and the next thing I know its the next morning I wake up feeling good enough to get up and do the things I want to do!! I no longer toss and turn as I used to either. Good luck and hang in there!!! And get it in your head that taking it off is not an option!!!!

IWannaSleep · Post by **IWannaSleep** » Wed Apr 20, 2005 12:56 pm

Thank you all for your contributions to this thread. It helps to know there is hope, especially on the specific issues I am having. My story is much like TXKajuns. About 2 years ago I was diagnosed with Type II diabetes, then along came high blood pressure, high heart rate, impotence, etc. For years I've had the morning headaches and my job performance has slowly been degrading. The morning headaches are now a dull emptiness in my whole head that lasts most of the day. I lack motivation on weekends to do anything except get up in the morning and move to the couch for a nap. I convince myself that just one more short nap and I'll feel more like doing something productive, next thing I know it's Sunday night and another weekend lost. Well I could go on and on.

Well I've finally received my equipment and began my first night of therapy last night. I managed a full 5 hours then gave up wrestling with the air leaks. But, this is great progress from my test trials with loaner machines. I love the RemStar Auto, it's very quiet and the heated humidifier solved the congestion problems I was having. I will resolve the mask leak problems and hopefully in 2 months I will be reporting back to you all similar great progress as others have shared. It's so helpful to know others have been through it, successfully, and the results are more than worth the effort it takes.

Thanks again...

seanconnery · Post by **seanconnery** » Wed Apr 20, 2005 1:04 pm

A lot of eloquent descriptions that I too, found very familiar so I will only add this:

I feel now, after 4 months on CPAP, like I felt 10 years ago - sharply focussed, energetic, got back my senese of humour and in control of my body and mind - I will assist others now in any way I can to help them through the muddle and grey I felt for ten years and knew not what was happening - I thought this was the normal ageing process and it was happening to me but a lilttle earlier.

Hang in there - there is a sweet, productive life after OSA.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Wed Apr 20, 2005 10:28 pm

I feel so much better now that i have been using bipap, and my blood pressure was high now its better! oh i can now sit through a traffic light without falling asleep!!!!

Janelle · Post by **Janelle** » Thu Apr 21, 2005 6:20 am

Before APAP I tested 14 on the Epworth Sleepiness Scale. My blood pressure was not clinically high but was in the 140s over 80. I had major problems driving and get drowsy and the biggie was a wreck after falling asleep and not even being drowsy. I was always tired, had no energy and basically forced myself through each day. Sleep was very fragmented, and I had a hard time staying or falling asleep. The last few weeks before APAP I had oxygen deprivation headaches each morning that would go away in about an hour or so. I had no depression or irritability, however. But my weight was giving me problems and even on the South Beach diet I had lost only 20 pounds in a year.

It's been 4 months since I started APAP. I still occasionally get drowsy driving more than an hour and take Focalin for that. But I am much more alert and have more energy. Unfortunately, the weight problem is worse. i've gained 15 pounds since starting treatment. this could be due to my flying to different parts of the country sometimes 3 times a month and the stress of that, although I like to fly. My blood pressure is now down in the 120s over 70, no more headaches in the morning. No more getting up in the middle of the night to go to the bathroom two or three times. In fact, I seldom feel the need to go even in the morning.

Marie · Post by **Marie** » Thu Apr 21, 2005 6:22 am

On cpap for 7 months,noticed improvement right away.

No more falling asleep talking to people(honestly!)
No more falling asleep while driving (only once,but if driving in afternoon,had to have another driver with me)
No more waking up 3 times a night.
No more brain fog(well,maybe sometimes)

Marie

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