CPAPtalk.com

I went to a well-known sleep clinic in Minneapolis 30 years ago but was told I didn't need a sleep study (I weighed 118 lbs when wet). I had no symptoms of sleep apnea other than extreme fatigue which the sleep doctor chalked up to my recently having had a baby. I assured him the fatigue was present before, but he wouldn't budge and suggested I get counseling instead...

Years, 150 additional pounds, and multiple symptoms later (that could've been avoided), I finally found an excellent doctor who insisted I get the study done.

I'm still going through some adjustments, but have found my morning headaches have disappeared and it is no longer a struggle to stay away during the day.

I feel I have missed precious years of my life (and health) thanks to that doctor in Minneapolis. I don't like the idea of having to wear a mask every night, but if it brings back my life - I'm all for it!

Wow! SO sorry you had a bad doctor there....I'm sure you ARE angry about the years that could have been different. The good news is you are finally on the right track...and hopefully you will adjust to the therapy and start to really reap the rewards. Welcome aboard....and good luck!

I was horrified when I found out I have SA. Not just mild or moderate....nooooo.....I have to go all out and be severe. I was diagnosed at 38 and waited until I had a panic attack that scared me into taking action.

A range of emotions seems to be the norm! But, once you get past that, it becomes time to simply make a go of it.

Mask2sleep wrote:I'm just curious, how did you feel when you were diagnosed?

Relieved. Very, very relieved.

Pre-cpap I felt extremely awful and many mornings woke up feeling like I was dying, if not already dead. Even though I suspected severe sleep apnea, I was worried they wouldn't know what it was, or that it would be some other serious, degenerative, and untreatable condition. So when they confirmed that I had sleep apnea, I was very relieved because I knew the treatment was simple and effective. For me, wearing a mask every night is far better than how I felt pre-cpap.