Update - Test with CPAP last night

It was a dark, stormy night..........Ok, it wasn't stormy but it was dark.

Went back for my second study, this one with the machine to see what my pressure should be. I totally freaked when the lights went out and I had the mask on. I started having visions of my mother in intensive care on a respirator. I guess that stuff was locked away in there. Anyway, talked to God for a little while and calmed down and went right to sleep.

Was awakened by the nurse putting a chinstrap on me. Fell back asleep after a little bit. Woke up at 2am and was wide awake. Couldn't go back to sleep. The nurse came in and asked me what's wrong and I told her I was wide awake. She told me she needed me to sleep one more time so I gave it a shot and fell asleep. At 5:30am she woke me up and said I had just went through one of the longest, deepest "dream sleeps" she had seen and that my oxygen stayed at 98%! It had been down to 87% without the machine.

Anyway, my best pressure was 13 and I tolerated it just fine. It actually felt good after a while almost like it was helping me breath. I hate the chinstrap and hope to find a better solution. This thing made my head feel totally compressed.

I printed copies of the two main machines that were recommended here, a 420E and a REMstar auto with C-flex. I told her that I spoke with 10 people and that all 10 recommended one of these two machines. She said she couldn't guarantee what the doctor would say but that she would write down my comments and put them in a file along with my printed copies of the machine specs. I told her to tell the doctor to get on board or I'll find someone who will.

Overall, after all of my fears, the process was a good one. I'm only 35 and I have the greatest family and I want to be with them for a long time so I know I need help and I'm going to get it. Thanks again for all the support you've given me. In the absence of a close friend going through this process with me this board has been the next best thing.

ellijacket wrote:It was a dark, stormy night..........Ok, it wasn't stormy but it was dark.

Went back for my second study, this one with the machine to see what my pressure should be. I totally freaked when the lights went out and I had the mask on. I started having visions of my mother in intensive care on a respirator. I guess that stuff was locked away in there. Anyway, talked to God for a little while and calmed down and went right to sleep.

It'll get easier from here on now that you know what to expect. And you'll probably find that you can deal better with those "locked" memories and feelings too.

You've got friends here who will help, plus there's always the Big Guy upstairs.

At 5:30am she woke me up and said I had just went through one of the longest, deepest "dream sleeps" she had seen and that my oxygen stayed at 98%! It had been down to 87% without the machine.

Rem rebound; isn't it great! Once you get your own machine you'll probably find that you'll have lots of vivid dreams for a while. You may also have a euphoric feeling that carries you through the day. Those who are lucky enough to experience this (I'm one) become addicted to using the xPAP because of that feeling.

Unfortunately the feeling fades in time.

So, how are you feeling today?

It actually felt good after a while almost like it was helping me breath. I hate the chinstrap and hope to find a better solution. This thing made my head feel totally compressed.

It was helping you breathe by holding your airway open. You're going to do just fine with this!

Can't offer much advice re. the chinstrap. I've (mostly) got myself trained to hold my tongue in place, closing off my mouth.

I told her to tell the doctor to get on board or I'll find someone who will.

That's the attitude!

Overall, after all of my fears, the process was a good one. I'm only 35 and I have the greatest family and I want to be with them for a long time so I know I need help and I'm going to get it. Thanks again for all the support you've given me. In the absence of a close friend going through this process with me this board has been the next best thing.

That's what we're here for.

I feel the best I've felt in a while. I'm a little sleepy but I'm not draggy. My body seems totally rested and my mind seems sharp but my eyelids are just a little heavy.

As others here have put it very well, you are experiencing the difference between being tired and fatigued.

The O2 desaturation and sleep arousals you've experienced for months or years leave you fatigued. Last night you had at least part of the night without those, but you didn't get enough sleep, so you are "merely" tired.

I think you are going to take to this like a duck to water! You'll probably have a bad night every now and then (everyone does) but it sure sounds as if this treatment is going to work very well for you.

ellijacket,

Great uplifting post. Thank you for sharing that with us. You are going to do just great after hearing your experience AND YOUR ATTITUDE. And to think after one night, you can already appreciate and feel the benefits of therapy. Sounds like there was a CPAP machine with your name on it just waiting for you two to find each other.

I wish you nothing but continued success and nights of sleeping well. Don't get discouraged, though, if every night is not as wonderful as the last. As in life, things are constantly changing, and do, depending on a lot of variables. But stay compliant and keep up that positive attitude and you will do great. Good luck. And keep posting for help or just to update us. I'm so happy for you.

I totally freaked when the lights went out and I had the mask on. I started having visions of my mother in intensive care on a respirator. I guess that stuff was locked away in there. Anyway, talked to God for a little while and calmed down and went right to sleep.

Ellijacket,
I am so happy for you. My first experience with a titration study was not so good. I didn't have the good sense to search these boards to know what to expect (at least not from a person who actually went through it!). Those sleep centers don't really tell you the real deal (ie "you will sleep better here than at home", or "it is like a luxury hotel"). I had to have a sleeping pill to knock myself out after a while. I will be thinking of you when I have my 2nd titration study next week.....(if you can do it ....then so can I...I hope What an encouraging post! Thanks.