IF YOU THINK YOU HAVE IT

To those of you out there who are searching, if you think you have it get tested. I have had a remarkable day today and last night was only my 3rd on an autotitrating cpap. My wife had been after me for at least 2 years to get tested and I refused. She has been on a cpap for over 5 years. Well it really got worse in the last 6 mos so I talked to my ENT one day while I was there for an appointment and the next thing I know I am scheduled 11/5/09 for my first sleep test. the report came back that my AHI was 14.5 for the little time I slept and the pulmonologist suggested an autotitraing cpap and schedule test 2 which is coming up 12/5. My first night on cpap was not good, the second night better and after last night I feel better than I have in quite some time.

If you are on the fence get off, make an appointment as soon as you can. There will be no relief until you can get diagnosed then start to get treatment, and I wish you to have the same experience I am having. There are worse things in life than wearing a cpap mask of some kind. This is a small price I am having to pay to at least start to feel better. I f you have ever gotten sleepy while driving think how far away that center line is. Keep looking at all the serious health conditions this can cause. I just hope I have not caused any permanent damage of any kind, so learn from my experience YOU CAN FEEL BETTER AGAIN BUT YOU HAVE TO MAKE THE FIRST MOVE GET TO A DOCTOR AND GET TESTED.

UNTREATED SLEEP APNEA CAN LEAD TO STROKES, HEART PROBLEMS AND A HOST OF THINGS!!!!

GET TESTED

COTECH50

First, welcome to the forum, cotech50! And THANK YOU for sharing your story and the very urgent message regarding the importance of treating sleep apnea. It sounds like you're going to do very well and have already seen benefits after only a few days. I also had immediate positive results, and I continue to feel better every day. It's only been just over a month for me. Some people have more challenges and it may take longer for them. The important thing is to not give up and work through any problems! Your health is worth it. YOU are worth it!

Sleep apnea contributes to high blood pressure (even during the daytime), diabetes, inflammation, cognitive impairment, depression, thyroid problems, immune system compromise, heart attacks, irregular heartbeats, strokes, auto accidents, and obesity (especially increased abdominal fat). The good news is that we have effective therapy and our overall health can improve! The fuzzy thinking goes away and energy returns.

Yes, there are worse things in life than having to wearing a CPAP mask. Increasingly poor health and earlier death come immediately to mind.

I'm glad you're here, and I hope your wife will join us too if she hasn't already! Feel free to ask any questions. There are many people here willing to help, and there is a lot of information on this forum.

~ DreamOn

In the words of some old folks I used to know who are long gone, when recognizing a truism - - - "Son, that'll preach!"