Totally Overwhelmed

Hi All!
Just got diagnosed with sleep apnea (wake up 65X an hour). I'm 55, overweight (sigh), have a beard (yes, I am male) and just trying to figure all this out. I tried a machine last night that was lent to me by the clinic, but I have to buy my own. I tossed and turned and choked a number of times and slept worse than I have in a long time. I figure I just don't know how to use this thing yet. So, tips, tricks, what machine to get? HELP!!!

Does it get better or am I going to turn into Darth Vader for the rest of my life? Thanks for listening.

Hi All!
Just got diagnosed with sleep apnea (wake up 65X an hour). I'm 55, overweight (sigh), have a beard (yes, I am male) and just trying to figure all this out. I tried a machine last night that was lent to me by the clinic, but I have to buy my own. I tossed and turned and choked a number of times and slept worse than I have in a long time. I figure I just don't know how to use this thing yet. So, tips, tricks, what machine to get? HELP!!!

Does it get better or am I going to turn into Darth Vader for the rest of my life? Thanks for listening.

It really gets better--and it will for you also. The fact that you are here, says a lot about you....all of it good! With the right attitude, you can be successful.

I felt great from the first week, and continue to see small improvements....but it all takes time. Not everyone is the same either. We didn't get into this overnight--and you don't get out of it overnight. My numbers were similar to yours. Getting the right mask is half of the battle--so find a good dme who will work with you and try many. Getting the right machine, SET CORRECTLY, is another battle. Without a doubt, you want a fully data capable machine--an autocpap is really nice....and eventually the software...so you can advocate and manage your own therapy. It's not rocket science, and small changes often make big differences. You can research here to see which machines are fully data capable...do your homework and ensure what the dme tells you is the same as you have learned. There are many shysters out there.

Wear your mask while you watch tv or read for awhile each day to get used to it. Be sure to read the instructions on fitting it--it sounds dumb--but it makes a big difference.

Start your research, ask questions, learn lots, ask more questions, and share your experiences, and we'll all be there cheering and encouraging you along the way!

Welcome aboard! Great info and folks here.

Please register (it's free) and tell us what equipment you're using now: machine and mask. Pressure? Specific complaints like breathing out, mask rubs/hurts. Can you see your overnight data? What is your leak? AHI? with some info (we'll help you get it if you need help), you'll get more appropriate answers.

Does it get better? You bet!

I am you...except the beard I am 55 overweight ..also have afib...I tried 4 years ago threw away the machine..until it got so bad I had to try again..Now after six months I use my system 1 and nasal mask and get great sleep...you can do it you must do it..Its your life...Thats all ..

finecomm wrote: Does it get better or am I going to turn into Darth Vader for the rest of my life? Thanks for listening.

Remember Darth Vader ruled the galaxy. He had the POWER, domination, control - see what a well fitting mask can do for you!

finecomm wrote:Does it get better or am I going to turn into Darth Vader for the rest of my life? Thanks for listening.

Luke, I am your father.


It's going to get better.
You have much to learn about cpap and about yourself.

Read. Read. Read.
Ask questions.
Read, some more.
Ask some more questions.

It's your life.
It's my life.

Welcome! It's a journey...to your new life.

It gets better much better. What kind of machine did they loan you and do you know what it is set at? How about the mask is it something that goes over you mouth and nose or just your nose or does it go in your nose?

You said you choked do you mean you had a hard time exhaling?

By the way, Welcome aboard. We are all starting a new year and you are also starting new cpap therapy which will make your life better.

Gerry

The first day after the first night on CPAP, I drove my car into a pole. Now it was a fast moving pole, but the insurance co. said it was my fault.
Yes, it gets better from that. I am still having issues. Sometimes it's good, other times it's not, but it's a lot better than the sleepy all day life I had before.

Thanks for the support and tips so far. A new year, a new beginning.

and NOT, I hope, still Totally Overwhelmed.

Just having a few temporary difficulties, which you will work out

Have a Great New Year

cheers

Mars

Keep in mind that this therapy is more than just getting sleep.

It is about getting your quality of life back.

It is about getting your youth back.

I have lost about 85 lbs since starting therapy but I could not have done it without first treating my OSA.

I wear a beard too but not quite 55 yet

I do hope to be in better health when I reach 55 than when I was 25 (the peak of my desert backpacking days)

Be patient. Be persistent. Try different things. Don't give up.

The rewards are unimaginable and totally overwhelming.

I think everybody feels overwhelmed at first becauseI did. I'm still having small problems and I know it's a lot of mental stigma that I have to get over.

finecomm wrote: ........ I tried a machine last night that was lent to me by the clinic, but I have to buy my own.

Before buying a machine .......

Here is a document I give to all my friends when they will be visiting the sleep doctor to discuss the results of their sleep study.

Things To Ask About Your Polysomnogram (PSG) and Titration Study

1. Did I have any central apneas? How many?

2. Were there any comorbidities? What were they?

3. Did I breathe or leak through my mouth? How often? What do you recommend to prevent it?

3. Did I exhibit Positional Sleep Apnea (PSA)? Was my apnea more severe in one sleeping position as compared to others? Is my pressure requirement higher in one position as compared to others? (Often sleep apnea is more severe when sleeping on the back.)

4. Is there anything else unusual about the results?

5. What pressure settings will be prescribed?

6. How will I know my therapy is preventing breathing events?

7. I am determined to own a data-capable machine and software to monitor apneas, hypopneas and mask leak. This will allow me to call your office with specific questions if I have problems with the therapy. Will you help me with the appropriate prescription?

In addition to the questions:

1. Get a copy of your PSG. It is your legal right to have one.

2. Get a copy of your CPAP prescription.

3. Make sure the prescription calls for a humidifier with the machine.

You are going to want to get the correct machine on the first try. Answer the questions and the experienced members can help you.

Be glad that you know your problem and that there is a solution forthcoming.

Welcome aboard.

And of course, we will help you choose the right machine when it is time to buy one.

i felt the same way. i resisted getting the sleep study because i was pretty sure about having OSA and was not looking forward to being hooked up to a machine every night for the rest of my life. i worried what my wife would think.

but, hey, let's face it... nobody likes to admit it, as we age we need equipment to keep us going - glasses, hearing aids, dentures - it's just a sad fact of life. i realized that for me cpap was no different. and once i thought about the benefits - finally being able to sleep, more energy, clearer thinking, better attitude, and better outlook, i realized treating the apnea was too important to ignore. and as for my wife? she loves the fact that i don't snore anymore!

hang in there. it's well worth the effort. just be patient as it may take some time (even months) before you start to see results.



old guy says:
"every night before i get in the bed
i take my glasses off and put them in the drawer in the stand by my bed,
i take my hearing out and put them in the drawer in the stand by the bed,
i take my teeth out and put them in the drawer in the stand by my bed.

i don't know anymore if i should get in the bed or just get in the drawer in the stand by my bed!"