Intro

Hi CPAP people,
Just posting a re-introduction since I've been inactive for almost a year. I had been living in New Mexico when first diagnosed with mild mixed sleep apnea. Mostly obstructive but quite a few centrals.

Where I lived was at 6,000'. Never really aclimated to the altitude, running somewhat low PO2s but part of that was residual from car accident. My Pulmonologist said many of my issues would be lessoned and easier to manage at sea level and I took him to heart.

So now I'm happily ensconsed in a funky little rental in a small touristy coasal village on the beautiful coast of Oregon. It's cool but not too cool and never hot enough for AC. Air is reasonably humid and full of oxygen! I'm 64 and turning 65 this winter and so the inevitable effects of age are wearing on me a bit. But my heart is strong and I'm breathing better and feel downright optimistic.

There is a sleep clinic and presumably some form of sleep MD in town, but I'm a cpap do-it-your-selfer. Still using a Legacy Respironics BiPap ST and Quattro mask (purchased from Craigslist sellers). As I re-started cpap here, I remembered something I had read by one of the cpaptalk pundits. That was that the Quattro strap system works better installed upside down. The longer strap fits around the biggest part of my head and the shorter strap is way low and prevents the whole thing from riding up. I I decided to try that with excellent results.

I also had been using the Tee shirt gasket idea but found that the thin worn-out Tee shirts I donated to the cause were not quite doing the trick. So I doubled up and again experienced improvement...and by that, I mean comfort and fewer leaks.

So now, after quite a few months of fiddling, I'm actually at a point where cpap is easy and it seems to be working for me. Don't bother asking me about my numbers, because I don't follow them. I used to, but it became tedious and all-consuming. I go by how I feel: No morning headaches. Generally good energy. BP doing good though still taking medication (reduced dose from a year ago). And I awaken feeling well rested.

Sorry to be so verbose, but I thought I'd give a good background.

Jamis

PS I still play the didgeridoo though I make no claims as it's helpfullness. I just like to make odd noises...

Welcome back.
Sometimes we have to back up and take another run at the really worthwhile goal.

chunkyfrog wrote:Welcome back.
Sometimes we have to back up and take another run at the really worthwhile goal.

Hi Chunkyfrog,
Lookin' Good!
Indeed, it made me realize that most people who fail could possibly have succeeded, had they hung in there. And also...just to point this out, that my best ideas came from this forum.
Thanks for the welcome back,
J

Hi Jamis.
Good to see you again my old friend.
Welcome back.

Pugsy wrote:Hi Jamis.
Good to see you again my old friend.
Welcome back.

Hey Pugs,
Good to hear from you. Glad you're still around and active. I was going to PM you but you beat me to it. Hope you and family are well.
Take care,
Jamis

Hi Jamis! I had been wondering where you were. Good to see you back!

Madalot wrote:Hi Jamis! I had been wondering where you were. Good to see you back!

Thanks Maddie,
Hope you are well. I'll have to read your recent posts before I ask you any questions. I remember you were looking to try an AVAPS machine but I can't recall if that happened and how it went. In any case I hope things are going smoothly for you.
Later...
J

Hi Jamis, glad to see you and that you're doing well!

DoriC wrote:Hi Jamis, glad to see you and that you're doing well!

Hi Dori,
It's nice to be back. I understand you've had a bit of a "wild ride" with Mike this spring and summer. Hope things are settling down. I couldn't help thinking that it was probably your presence and overseeing of Mike's care while he was in rehab that caused them to release him home...perhaps a little early. Damned if you do. Damned if you don't. Being who you are and how you care for Mike...you couldn't have acted any other way.

Anyway, thanks for the welcome back and my thoughts are with you both.
Jamis