noob, hehe

Snoozin' Bluezzz · Post by **Snoozin' Bluezzz** » Fri May 05, 2006 10:05 am

Sounds like you did a lot better than me. They should get good data, enough to evaluate your OSA, or lack thereof.

SB

RedThunder94 · Post by **RedThunder94** » Fri May 05, 2006 10:24 am

well i hope they find out what my problem is, it kinda sucks working home health and falling asleep at the wheel in between pt's, i have had a few close calls already and the last thing i need is to finish the day with is a nice fiery crash, it's gotten to the point to where i can fall asleep when driving in town, that's pretty bad, i can imagine that falling asleep on the interstate or on a freeway some where where there is alot of monotony, but in town where you have all sorts of traffic and have the most amount of stimulation to me is unbelievable, and it comes with no warning at all, i'm fine and one minute later i'm falling asleep, caffeine does nothing. tried the little popper pills for energy all they do is make my blood pressure skyrocket and make me jittery and feel bad.

i'm almost to the point where i will have to give up the home health thing since i take care of my moms at home and she doesn't have anybody else to take care of her and if something happens to me on the road it will leave her in a bad situation, i can reduce the risk of having a wreck by simply driving less. it won't be the best move either 'cause i'll lose the insurance that i have, so i'm at the end of my rope, hopefully something good will come from this, i'll keep my fingers crossed for now though...

roztom · Post by **roztom** » Fri May 05, 2006 4:09 pm

As soon as you get your machine - let us know.

When your Doc gives you the call & you go for the apt to review your results be sure to ask for a copy of your sonogram (sleep test) Have your Doc go over it with you. HE should show you the different sleep stages you passed thru, when you were having Apneas or Hypop's. If he doesn't offer to show you (he may assume you don't care') ask for it. This will start your education.

Ask him what kind of machine he is going to prescribe - tell him you want an APAP just in CASE YOU ROLLOVER OR YOU LOSE WEIGHT SO YOU HAVE SOME Flexibility. ALso be sure to get an Apap with a smartcard and a heated humidifier.

As far as a mask goes, well that's a matter of trial and error. Many of us go on a quest for the best mask that works for us individually.

Remember it's your therapy and your life/health. You have the right to have it your way.

Best,

Tom

RedThunder94 · Post by **RedThunder94** » Fri May 05, 2006 4:34 pm

yeah, i have already lost about 10 pounds or so since i changed my diet after being diagnosed with borderline diabetes almost 2 months ago, doctor told me to change my diet and exercise if i wanted to be alive for a long time, lol. good thing is i started eating healthier afterwards, but i have almost no energy during the day and the little i have is being used up at work, so exercise is just not possible or even healthy for me right now until i can get my energy level up. it doesn't matter even if i sleep 6 hours or 10, i still have no energy, it's rough because i used to not be this way and was active a while back but i just lost it, and those morning headaches are a killer way to start the day. anyways, thanks for all the replies and the advise, i'll keep you guys posted on my little adventure towards a better me. thanks for being here for all of us noobs.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Fri May 05, 2006 9:37 pm

I suggest:

*Losing as much weight as you can (long term).
*Learn to sleep on your side or stomach (you'll snore less, have fewer OSA events).
*Get a shirt, put some tennis balls in a sock, pin the sock down the center of the shirt on the back with safety pins, it will keep you from sleeping on your back.
*Address any nasal congestion, use a saline only spray, remove any nose hairs with one of those Panasonic/Sharper Image trimmers.

If you are falling asleep at the drop of a pin even in city driving, then you may have Narcolepsy, if the DMV hears of that you'll lose your drivers license.

RedThunder94 · Post by **RedThunder94** » Fri May 05, 2006 9:43 pm

i guess i need to clarify my post, i get very sleepy while driving sometimes i have yet to lose total conscience, i catch myself before i lose it. if it is really bad i pull over for a while and walk it off. and as to sleeping on my stomach that won't work, it messes up my back in the morning. but thanks for the suggestions.

Gidgie · Post by **Gidgie** » Fri May 05, 2006 11:01 pm

RedThunder94.........I think I know what you mean about driving.......more like losing concentration......or focus. I never fell asleep at the wheel, but I did find a way that worked to keep me focused......and you may think it strange, but I started listening to lively music when I drove.......always stuff I was familiar with....nothing new. Talking with a passenger did not help me stay focused.....but the music did. I still use it, but more out of habit. I also took many walks up and down the roadside..........

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Fri May 05, 2006 11:15 pm

yeah talking with somebody while driving just acted as a another distraction, and you are exactly right, thats what it is, just like losing focus, and the music helps but not much, i've heard about listening to stuff you normally wouldn't listen too like an annoying talk show or sometimes just plain static will help keep you alert. i dunno, i tried it with marginal results but like they say, what won't work for you might work for someone else.

RedThunder94 · Post by **RedThunder94** » Fri May 05, 2006 11:16 pm

whoops! that was me, i got guested.

RedThunder94 · Post by **RedThunder94** » Fri May 12, 2006 8:43 pm

here's the new thread. viewtopic.php?t=9141