Doc says CPAP is the lesser of two evils

Miko · Post by **Miko** » Thu Mar 17, 2005 9:33 pm

Just came back from my doc today for an update. He said that using CPAP is still better than not using CPAP. There are side-effects of using CPAP but the benefits outweigh the negatives. However, it is depressing that those who have sleep apnea [with or without treatment] will likely live shorter lives than the same person who doesn't have sleep apnea.

chrisp · Post by **chrisp** » Thu Mar 17, 2005 9:44 pm

Yea but at least we know that we have it. Pitty those who aren't aware of their condition. Many are just plain fat also. That has to figure into the stats also. So its not just OSA .

Sleeping With The Enemy · Post by **Sleeping With The Enemy** » Thu Mar 17, 2005 10:28 pm

I am curious why you say with or without treatment OSAers will live shorter lives?

Do you have research to back this theory up?

LDuyer · Post by **LDuyer** » Fri Mar 18, 2005 12:51 am

I would be suspicious of the stats too.

And some people have suffered long periods of their life with affects from undiagnosed and untreated OSA. It's easy to feel down about what we've missed (I sure have), but think of all those people who either don't know there's help or who give up on their treatment. Hang in there. Don't worry about the stats. With or without OSA there are no guarantees in life. And there's always hope for a long and healthy life. Quality of life is important, and happily you're getting treatment and are taking care of yourself. I know, it's easier said than done (and I need to remind myself), but try and relax and enjoy the good moments. I'm sure you deserve all those good moments.

Linda

Mikesus · Post by **Mikesus** » Fri Mar 18, 2005 5:56 am

I think I remember reading a study somewhere (will have to see if I can find it again) stating that fact.

However, their are other considerations.

As most of us with SA are also overweight, the same is said of overweight vs. ideal BMI. So, the first statement might be true, but for the wrong reasons.

photogal · Post by **photogal** » Fri Mar 18, 2005 10:47 am

I suspect that will get me in the end, down the road. But I'm a firm believer in doing what I can to help my body be as healthy as I can manage to do. Granted, I'm not always in compliance, but I try. I can't help but think OSA is so harmful to my body, that who is to say it couldn't play a roll in my succombing to a cancer relapse?
We all know how important our immune system is, and when one is exhausted, one's immune system will not be functioning at its best. Maybe that's why I catch every germ that comes along. I will be getting my Cpap in the next few weeks.

patlgirl · Post by **patlgirl** » Fri Mar 18, 2005 4:12 pm

I went for my return visit to my Doc after having my CPap for a month and having a terrible time with the congestion of my sinuses. He told me that if there was another alternative to CPap he would try it for me but unfortunately there was no better alternative. He also told me that surgery on moving my jaw forward and doing something to my nose was really out of the question due to the fact that there are not that many surgeons that can successfully perform the surgery with a favorable outcome. It is also very painful and my mouth would have to be wired shut for about 6 weeks.

Needless to say I am working on getting used to the CPap. Since I have used the heated humidifer for 2 nights I can already see a difference. I am not having near as much congestion and sneezing. Keeping my fingers crossed.

FL andy · Post by **FL andy** » Fri Mar 18, 2005 5:39 pm

Right on! All we can do is take control of our medical condition and be certain we get the proper treatment. We can change some things but not all things in this world.

Lord, give me the strength to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference. (From the 12 step Serenity Prayer).

Andy

"Don't worry about the stats. With or without OSA there are no guarantees in life. And there's always hope for a long and healthy life. Quality of life is important, and happily you're getting treatment and are taking care of yourself."
Linda

LDuyer · Post by **LDuyer** » Fri Mar 18, 2005 5:46 pm

Gee, thanks Andy,

Most people don't even read my words. So thanks.

Linda

Miko · Post by **Miko** » Fri Apr 01, 2005 2:05 am

Yup, we got to do what we have to do.

I am 177 cm (5'9.75") and and have managed to get my body weight down to 165 lbs-75 kg (I have had the flu for over a week now from my 170 lbs (77kg)). This has had a bit of an impact on my apnea and GERD. My goal is to lose an additional 25-30 lbs to what I was in highschool. Friends that no me tell me that I will become anorexic if I suceed.

There is nobody in my immediate or distant family that has had sleep apnea before.

I am trying to wear the dental appliance now. I just managed to get comfortable with it in my mouth and I attempted to advance it so slightly, but that is proving painful in the jaw. My dentist tells me that I have a larger than average tongue so I am thinking that **may** be contributing to my apneas.

For people like me, who cant tolerate CPAP or other options, there is not much else for us to do right now and hope seems to be only a word, not reality. Current sleep apnea treatment seems palative, at best.

Mikesus · Post by **Mikesus** » Fri Apr 01, 2005 6:08 am

Why can't you tolerate CPAP? Have you tried any or all of the masks on RG's list? Were you using an Auto with Cflex? More than likely not. From the lecture that I attended, the only proven method for treating Obstructive Sleep Breathing Disorder, is to use CPAP, period. The other methods are very low on success, and I think higher on the discomfort scale.

I think you need to reevaluate your situation and try again. In severe OSA/OSBD nothing works as well as CPAP.

Doc says CPAP is the lesser of two evils

Doc says CPAP is the lesser of two evils

As a person who has successfully treated breast cancer,