Behavior changes, normal???

First, I want to reassure everyone that I realize (and appreciate) that you are not doctors... I do appreciate your sharing your experience and feedback. It has helped tremendously. Thank you.

I have been on CPAP (pressure 8) for 2 weeks now. I am actually feeling more tired than before. I am told I do not snore, but I only have a REMstar Plus, and cannot access my AHI, so I am not sure if the treatment is working or not.

The other thing I noticed is that my behavior changed a bit also. I am a lot more forgetful when I never use to be (i.e.: forgetting clothes at the dry-cleaner after paying for it, twice!, forgetting my keys, my cell phone, to leave money for the dog walker....) and I am catching myself doing things "wrong", things I do everyday (like feeding the dog in the morning, and adding the supplement with the wrong food etc...)

Is this "normal" when one starts the sleep therapy? Or should I call my doctor and figure this out???

Thanks for your feedback.

Xian
PS: How do you flag a topic as new??? the icon does not seem available when I right a new posting, and it is not a live icon (one I can activate clicking on it from the main page...). Thanks!

[quote="Xian"].................... I am a lot more forgetful when I never use to be (i.e.: forgetting clothes at the dry-cleaner after paying for it, twice!, forgetting my keys, my cell phone, to leave money for the dog walker....) and I am catching myself doing things "wrong", things I do everyday (like feeding the dog in the morning, and adding the supplement with the wrong food etc...)

Is this "normal" when one starts the sleep therapy? ......................

[quote="Xian"].......

PS: How do you flag a topic as new??? the icon does not seem available when I right a new posting, and it is not a live icon (one I can activate clicking on it from the main page...). Thanks!

I spent my first 3 months on cpap in a complete fog. I was forgetful, crabby, and was making lots of mistakes at work...embarassing when they happen in the front of a classroom!

Things are soooooo much better now with time. I still have my days but believe me...it does get better. It did take a pressure adjustment, (attitude adjustment too!), a new mask, and just time to settle into this whole new way of life.

It could be that as you get used to therapy you are getting less 'quality' sleep then you had before.
I'd give it a little longer, keep a note pad with you and write down the things you need to remember as well as put notes up in places you'll see to help with things like the dog food. If it doesn't clear up once you've been successfully compliant with the therapy for a bit, I'd talk to your Doctor.

Just my thoughts,
W

It doesn't surprise me that you are feeling tired. Getting used to this therapy can take some time and your sleep may be more disturbed than you realize. Time should help with that problem.

However, the memory loss and forgetting things and doing things wrong coming on AFTER starting CPAP seems a little odd to me. These are problems most often associated with oxygen deprivation. It makes me wonder, along with your tiredness, if you were titrated at a high enough pressure. If you are still having numerous apneas your oxygen levels may be dropping significantly with each one to a level (below 89%) that can cause the kind of problems you are having. If this goes on much longer, you might inquire about having an overnight oximetry test done.

You might also see if your doctor would order an APAP machine - with the software - for you to use at least for a couple of weeks. It can help identify whether or not apneas are still occurring and at what pressures.

I'm new to this too, but I'm having very good early results with my machine. I'm in my first week and getting better sleep than I have in years. Although most of us start experiencing memory loss after age 55, the memory problems are a real concern. The memory loss can result from a whole laundry list of things that have nothing to do with OSA. It is entirely appropriate to bring this up with your doctor. If the problem persists, he may want to do a neurological workup.

Good Luck

My memory and cognitive functions took a nose dive when I started cpap. I just kept waiting to get better and finally became afraid to even use the machine. Will never know for sure, but I believe my ramp pressure of 4 for 30 minutes was the culprit. I stayed in ramp about all night because I would snatch the mask off every few minutes, then start over. Later started autopap with minimum of 5 then 6 and began to see slow but steady improvement. I wouldn't wait very long before telling doc something is wrong. Then again, I did that to no avail. Only after finding my way here did I understand enough to expect better.

Kathy

Suggest your Doctor check your oxygen levels.