I am new

<t>I am new, have severe obstructive sleep apnea. Sometimes I miss appointments if they schedule me to early, I always request a later time because when I do get up for the day, because of lack of sleep, if I sit down, I fall asleep and don't always wake up in time. I tried to explain this to another Dr., and they think I am lying. I was so upset. I had the CPAP before but kept pulling it off my face without knowing and now a few years later my Sleep apnea is worse, I have another sleep study coming up and am doing what I need to do to help this illness but because it got worse, and I missed 2 appointments because they scheduled me early even after I told them I needed later they are very impatient with me. This other Dr is my psychiatrist, and I would think of all people she would understand but she doesn't. I feel bad missing an appointment and I call as soon as I realize, and I apologize. My Dr interrupted me every time I tried to speak to explain the sleep apnea, she would not let me finish a sentence and told me I was not trying enough. I guess I now have to find a new Dr. Does anyone else have a problem of falling asleep during the day? Is it just me? From the lack of oxygen to my brain and body it takes me hours after getting up for the day before I even feel normal of can think clearly. That is also why I schedule appointments later because I want to be fully alert for them. I just can't win, and I now feel like an awful person for something I cannot control/ Any advice? Thanks</t>

Welcome to the forum.

Which model machine and mask do you use? Please fill out your equipment profile - ucp.php?i=ucp_profile&mode=equipment_info

The forum works well when we have data. With no data, results are poor. We want to ask you questions about your therapy and what data you are familiar with. Your problems may be because your CPAP process is not effective. It often takes some tweaking to make it effective.

Please start by telling us what equipment you have and what data you know how to access.

Yes, sleep apnea can destroy a person's life. The good news is that effective CPAP treatment can make major improvements in physical and mental health.

It may be sleep apnea that causes your falling asleep, but you need a comprehensive medical assessment because there are other things that can cause you to fall asleep like that too, including pre-diabetes or diabetes-related low blood sugar, narcolepsy and absence seizures. It's very possible to have any of these conditions AND sleep apnea.

Have you seen your primary care doctor recently about this?

Have you had your new sleep study?

rozeheal wrote: ↑

Fri Jul 01, 2022 2:44 pm

I had the CPAP before but kept pulling it off my face without knowing and now a few years later my Sleep apnea is worse, I have another sleep study coming up

Are you using your CPAP equipment now?
Is that how you know or believe your sleep apnea is worse?
Did you have a doctor order your upcoming sleep study, or did you signup with a online service ?

rozeheal wrote: ↑

Fri Jul 01, 2022 2:44 pm

<t>I am new, have severe obstructive sleep apnea. Sometimes I miss appointments if they schedule me to early, I always request a later time because when I do get up for the day, because of lack of sleep, if I sit down, I fall asleep and don't always wake up in time.

Welcome to the forum. I certainly can relate to the struggles you are experiencing, agree with Janknitz for comprehensive medical assessment. To rule out medical causes.

I experienced the same, I was tired all the time, took naps. I dislike early morning hours. I used to share, I'd be a perfect candidate for a zombie in a movie

For early morning appts, do you have anyone that can assist, family/friends ? I had family/friends, wake me up, take me to morning appts, interact in discussions as well. I was to tired to drive. Drift off to sleep awaiting appt. If appt was 7am-9am I would stay up all night, go to appt. It's a major struggle, but all worth it, when diagnoses is finally confirmed/treated.

Do not be hard on yourself, specially if your not feeling well, this can cause stress, which can lead to additional physical/mental setback. I was upset/disappointed quite often, cause it's either 8am appt in a few day's or afternoon in 3 months, my choice.

Wish you well....