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Off Rocker, I am willing to change my lifestyle, I know it neds to change... there are things that cannot be changed. I always have to take my mom to work, her schedule chaned 2 monhs ago (she works overnights instead of days)

I know staying up past 10pm really is not the best thing to do, and I do try to go to bed before then. I am going to be going to bed as close to 10PM as I can, I arranged a ride for my mom or her later nights, when i have to work the following morning (the early person picks her up at 10 and she just ends up being early for work)

Finally admitting i had a problem with my sleep was one major step... frankly I was scared to death going to work each day.... scared i would fall asleep have an accident, hurt or kill myself or others. Then I would get to work and it would be like "thank god, I made it".... I just knew that i could not live like that. Before the sleep apnea diagnosis, I was scared it could be something worse (not that OSA isn't bad enough with the things it causes)

being compliant is never an issue.... minus a few nights when i actually could not use my machine, I am 100% compliant.

No, I don't "slide into work" I can't clock in till 7:53, so that is my time i am at the time clock.... my whole commute is an adreneline rush, all freeway, very nerve racking.

I live from day to day, cause things change so often... In a week I may be working a totally new schedule, I may be working from like 2:30 to 11:00 PM.

I may find that I can carpool with somebody, heck even if i have to drive halfway there and meet up with somebody for the rest of the way, it would be great.

gecko,

Two things crossed my mind about not telling your employer.

The first is minor but do you wake with strap marks or mask marks on your face? Could be hard to explain.

Secondly will you be getting medical insurance through this company and if so could they find out that way that you have OSA.

gecko1977a:
Thanks for your response; I'll stop 'bugging' you now, .
I was concerned about you.
In some areas, I feel like I'm playing 'beat the clock' also. Don't know if it's the adrenalin rush, ADD, or what. I will say that is has been a problem all of my life.

It is a very rewarding feeling when I have all my ducks in order the night before, for the next day. Sometimes I stay up "too late" in order to accomplish that, which negates the purpose of getting an early start!

I do wish you the best of what's to come in your new job.
Luckily, you are armed with a lot of information, and suggestions from others on how to improve habits, make new ones, etc. It is a tough job to change - at first, until we see the results.

I've learned that I perform better (at classes, for example) at ANY tme other than early morning. The only time I was 'raring ready' for anything at 0700 was for a yard sale!! $$ has changed that this year though .

You said you've set a bedtime of 1000. So, if you don't mind another piece of advice from a procrastinator, I'd suggest making it more like 9-9:30 p.m. TO BE IN BED. Do something mundane the hour before that.

Good luck to you, I think you're on the right path, and have the ability to make adjustments where necessary. Keep a log of what time you hit the bed, and how you feel in the morning. This may serve as a reminder if you regress, and also further reinforce the benefits to getting to bed earlier.

If I kept a list for everything I needed to.....I'd do nothing but fill out the notebooks...but that doesn't mean it's a bad idea. Give it a try.

Stay with us, OK?
Oh, another plug for the book I mentioned in another thread: If you can, get the book OR audio tape: "Driven to Distraction". It is interesting, well-written, and full of information for most people, especially those who suspect/have been diagnosed with Attention Deficit. You might find that that's part of your 'problem'. These problems aren't all they appear to be initially. some are much easier to treat after we understand them too.

Again, thanks, and the best of everything to you! Sounds like you are full of excitement and excellent intentions, and I suspect you'll make the best of this opportunity.
Kathleen

tooly125 wrote:gecko,

Two things crossed my mind about not telling your employer.

The first is minor but do you wake with strap marks or mask marks on your face? Could be hard to explain.

I am not that awake in the morning, and looking at my image in the mirror might starle me too much... on a serious side I used to have marks on my face, but have not noticed lately..... i do have headgear hair.

tooly125 wrote: Secondly will you be getting medical insurance through this company and if so could they find out that way that you have OSA.

yep will have insuracne from day 1. I guess they will learn that i also have High blood pressure and heart problems. I am trying to get my current insurance to buy the machine so i don't have to deal with the rental thing with the new insurance.

Keep in mind that I have not gotten the new job yet

Offerocker wrote:gecko1977a:
Thanks for your response; I'll stop 'bugging' you now, .
I was concerned about you.

I will say that i was very concerned about me too

Offerocker wrote: In some areas, I feel like I'm playing 'beat the clock' also. Don't know if it's the adrenalin rush, ADD, or what. I will say that is has been a problem all of my life.

It is a very rewarding feeling when I have all my ducks in order the night before, for the next day. Sometimes I stay up "too late" in order to accomplish that, which negates the purpose of getting an early start!

You MUST be describing me.... I wait till the last minute to do anything (except when DJing - i don;t get that)...

Offerocker wrote:Oh, another plug for the book I mentioned in another thread: If you can, get the book OR audio tape: "Driven to Distraction". It is interesting, well-written, and full of information for most people, especially those who suspect/have been diagnosed with Attention Deficit. You might find that that's part of your 'problem'. These problems aren't all they appear to be initially. some are much easier to treat after we understand them too.

Is that the book writeen by the doctor who has ADD - i read part of it before i got distracted

Yes, the doctor does have ADD. Here's the scoop:

Delivered from Distraction / Getting the Most out of Life with Attention Deficit Disorder
By Drs Edward M Halowell and John J Ratey.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I would highly recommend getting it on TAPE! That way, you'll have it 'read' in 2 hours instead of, oh, maybe 2 years? ha ha. Checkout Amazon.com, etc. - or from your local bookstore. Worth twice the money, to have the answers - and find out there really ARE answers, do-able remedies, etc.

I GOT THE JOB!!!!

and before my insurance ran out from the old place, I got new glasses on the vison insurance, and got my BP meds refilled, AND got Apria to submit my BiPAP for purchase to my insurance

congratulations onthe new job! I hope everything goes well for you. Don't worry about your new employer finding out about your medical problems, hippa is in effect and everything is confidential. pat

C O N G R A T U L A T I O N S ! ! !

Very happpy that everything is finally going your way now !!

Remember this wonderful feeling, and draw on it when needed...not that you'll need to for a long time now.

It's always nice to hear good news as yours.

gecko, what a great thread and a wonderful ending (beginning?? LOL)

Best of luck in the new job and stay compliant. Keep us updated, ok??

Kajun

This therapy WORKS!!!

if you cannot perform your job duties, go see your doctor and get put on disability, tell your employer nothing.

Let me add my congratulations too!

Now, try your best to get as much sleep and rest as possible. Recently I've tried to use the internet less, cutting off usage earlier in the evening. And oddly, even though I've not really gone to bed all that much earlier, I have slept longer and better. I know it's farfetched, but it's worth a shot.


Linda