Picking up machine/mask this morning

I tried CPAP 10 years ago could not tolerate it so I ended up having the operation.. The past few months I have been having shortness of breath, feeling weak and always tired. Heart doctor sent me to see the sleep doctor.. I did the overnight test at my house took machine back to doctor, he says I have severe sleep apnea again or still.. Suppose to go to his office this morning to pick out machine and mask... I do not have insurance so he is letting me use it for free... My cousin talked me into stopping taking my usual 4-5 Tynenol PM and 2 sleeping pills. I have been taking these for years so I can go to sleep. Well now for the past two nights I have not been able to sleep so here I am again up at 3:30am.. So I guess I will wait like last night until it is around 6:30am and then try to go to bed to sleep... So I do not know what it will be like when I have to wear a mask and then cant sleep.... Any suggestions

Hi Dixie62

My understanding is that trying to do too many new things or changes to lifestyle at the same time is usually trying to do too much, and setting yourself up for failure.

You need to talk your Doctor about coming off the pills and starting on the mask. Maybe not a good idea to do both at once, What should come first, or even if coming off the pills is a good idea for you, I do not know. People's tolerance can differ, and generalisations are often wrong.

The main thing, do not set yourself up for failure or unnecessary difficulties. Look at all factors and weigh it up carefully.

The cpap therapy can be difficult, so you want to give yourself the best start possible.

Good luck.

cheers

Mars

Dixie62 wrote:I tried CPAP 10 years ago could not tolerate it so I ended up having the operation.. The past few months I have been having shortness of breath, feeling weak and always tired. Heart doctor sent me to see the sleep doctor.. I did the overnight test at my house took machine back to doctor, he says I have severe sleep apnea again or still.. Suppose to go to his office this morning to pick out machine and mask... I do not have insurance so he is letting me use it for free... My cousin talked me into stopping taking my usual 4-5 Tynenol PM and 2 sleeping pills. I have been taking these for years so I can go to sleep. Well now for the past two nights I have not been able to sleep so here I am again up at 3:30am.. So I guess I will wait like last night until it is around 6:30am and then try to go to bed to sleep... So I do not know what it will be like when I have to wear a mask and then cant sleep.... Any suggestions

Dixie, I know how miserable lack of sleep can make you feel so you have my deepest sympathy. But I am concerned that you may not be getting good medical advice. I was shocked that home sleep tests where an acceptable route for diagnosing sleep apnea so I did a little research.

Here's what the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, a leading authority on sleep disorders, says about home testing:

AASM Approves Home Sleep Testing to Detect Sleep Apnea



American Academy of Sleep Medicine
12/17/2007

WESTCHESTER, Ill. – New guidelines from the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) state that a home sleep test can help detect obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in select adults.
A home sleep test involves the use of a portable-monitoring system that you wear as you sleep in your own bed. It consists of a small recording device, sensors, belts and related cables and accessories.

The AASM guidelines stress that only select adults are likely to benefit from a home sleep test. Home sleep tests are only recommended for adults between the ages of 18 and 65 who have a high pretest probability of moderate to severe OSA, and no comorbid medical conditions.

If you have concerns about your sleep, then you should set up an appointment at an AASM-accredited sleep disorders center. There you will receive a complete sleep evaluation by a board-certified sleep specialist. He or she will determine if a home sleep test is right for you.

The other option is to do a standard overnight sleep study at a sleep disorders center. This is the best testing method if you have another sleep disorder or major medical problem. It is also the best option for children and older adults.

The full text can be found here. http://www.aasmnet.org/Articles.aspx?id=684

I've highlighted a few sections because I think your existing heart condition will be a factor in your diagnosis. I am guessing that you were sent home with a portable-monitoring system, complete with small recording device, sensors, belts and related cables and accessories. Wouldn't it make sense to get the best possible medical care before you embark on a life long therapy? It sure doesn't sound as though the sleep doctor took your heart condition into account when he recommended a home test.

Good luck.