Maybe Same Ol', Same Ol', But....

Please forgive me for asking questions that I'm sure have been addressed numerous times, but I am worried.
I wonder how long it took y'all to start actually feeling lots better after you got started on CPAP therapy. I slept my first night with a nasal mask last nite and it was lots better than the full face for me. I hope it continues to be a good match for me! Anyway, as I've mentioned before, I take Paxil for depresion/anxiety disorder (along with Buspar). I am also on Metformin for diabetes. Fot the last two weeks my problem has been aggravated by diarrhea, especially after I eat. Despite the constant bathroom trips, no weight loss really! And of course, the added stress and the many bathroom trips have only contributed to my fatigue! My mom was upset this morning because she can tell that I'm not feeling up to par. It makes me feel guilty for being unwell! I'm doing everything I can! I take my meds, (added acidophilus and fiber therapy to try and get my diarrhea under control), and am back to the cpap, since I couldn't use it with the full face mask for several days there. I am so tired and I just cried this morning when mom brought up how everyday it's the same old thing with me! I know she's not actually mad at ME, but the medical problems because she worries so bad! I can cough or someting in another room and she'll holler to ask me if I'm okay! She's afraid something will happen to me, so don't feel like she's a "bad guy". I just want to see some light at the end of the tunnel.
PLease advise!
thanks you ALL so much!
jl

How much Metformin? I do 2000/day.

The light at the end of my tunnel was getting a good mask, followed by getting good, regular sleep. I'm still diabetic, hypertensive, and "lost" about 1/3 of 1988 somewhere, but Apneas are 0.3 events/hour, AHI's are 3.7, walk 3 miles/night juggling a couple 5 lb dumbells, and I've lost 35 lbs.

Keep working on it.

janetlee wrote:I wonder how long it took y'all to start actually feeling lots better after you got started on CPAP therapy...

Exhaustion changed to plain old really, really tired by week 3. It takes some time after getting good sleep...how many yrs has it been since you slept well and woke up refreshed?

janetlee wrote:...Metformin for diabetes. Fot the last two weeks my problem has been aggravated by diarrhea, especially after I eat.

If this a side effect of met, ask for the extended release form...reportedly that side effect doesn't occur with the ER form.

janetlee wrote:...acidophilus and fiber therapy to try and get my diarrhea under control

Ditch the fiber (unless doc approves), it often aggravates diarrhea. Old, old fix is blueberries; with diabetes, maybe 1/4 c fresh (less if frz) along with plain broiled meat. Dairy, veggies, and all fruit (other than the blueberries) were not allowed when I had repeated bouts of gastritis back in the 80s; they were considered to be to difficult for the gut to handle. There's always Imodium.

janetlee wrote:...cried this morning when mom brought up how everyday it's the same old thing with me...

Until you start getting some restful sleep, it will continue to be the same old same old...tell that to your mom. Gotta have some patience on this adventure.

Good luck JL!

No fiber! Lots of rice and milk, maybe some B... oh I can't remember the name, but your pharmacist will know it as it's been around forever and usually one tspn will do the trick! You really should consider what started it however, so it doesn't happen again.

Maybe Julie meant good 'ol Pepto Bismal. Does the trick for many. I take 2000 mg per day metiformin. Have Diabetes and an AIC of 6.5. If you live where the weather is still pretty good, one of the best things you can do for yourself, mentally and physically is get outside and got for a walk. Doesn't have to be a huff and puff type of walk, just enjoy the out of doors.

It will do more than anything else, to help you . . . hang in there.

Jan

Hopefully having a mask that is more comfortable for you will make your noticeable difference not so far away. Do be sure you're not mouth breathing. I remember the anticipation each night of, "Will this be the night I finally sleep?" and each morning, "Will this be the day I'll feel better?" While I clung to the expectation, I did have to back off the daily evaluation as it seemed to cause "performance anxiety". In fact, I made it known I was on down time indefinitely and offered no apologies. Then I went into near hibernation - lasted about 3 months. It felt like I had imploded and collapsed. One morning I looked out at the sunshine and thought, "I'd like to go out today." So I did. I fully believe it was in giving myself permission to not meet anyone's expectations (even my own) that allowed my body and brain to begin to heal and recover from the ravages of OSA. Be extra gracious toward yourself. Get proper and even extra rest. The evidence will present itself when the time is right.

janetlee wrote:I wonder how long it took y'all to start actually feeling lots better after you got started on CPAP therapy.

I don't mean this to discourage you at all, in fact, quite the reverse! I felt SO much better the first morning. My mask was uncomfortable and I tossed much of the night, thinking I'd never get used to this. But in the morning, I woke up and realized I had dreamed. I couldn't remember the last time that happened! It was an emotionally charged moment. Then I got up and was surprised at how rested I felt. I still thought I had slept poorly, but apparently it was better than I thought. I DID have my regular slump later that day--you don't make up your sleep deficit all in one night!

I've had some better nights since (and some FAR worse as I played the mask roulette game...), but that first night was the carrot on the stick for me.

It will come. You'll be sleeping soundly (most nights). You won't get the mid-afternoon slump. You'll stay awake for the ENTIRE 6 o'clock news (tho is that really a good thing? lol).

Perservere. It may not happen overnight (pun intended). But you WILL get your old self back.