Good advice, bad experience, poor sleep

I've been on CPAP since Feb 2-I use it every night. Even when the system was squealing and DME couldn't find the source (i finally demanded a trade), trying new masks, having sinusitis, feeling like the thing was trying to inflate my head-deciding not to use it was not an option I could give myself. Knowing myself the machine would have gotten less and less use. I would have used the squeal for an excuse.

Still having new things come up. Still trying to get into a settled routine where I climb into bed, put on the mask, start up the machine, turn out the light, stay in bed and go to sleep. Not have to get up again to adjust five things. Now I DO feel so much better. It wasn't just some mythical magic though-it was just what everyone here had to do work with it, get help here in figuring out the problems.

Try to find a DME who will do exchanges within 30 days. Trying on a mask for a few minutes while sitting in a DME office is much different than wearing one all night in bed.

About those spontaneous romantic moments-you don't need the CPAP until you are ready for sleep-and just have your wife give you a little nudge to remind you to put on your mask if you do fall asleep. Keep a sense of humor-remind yourself you now have a treatment for your sleep apnea and the alternative to growing old on CPAP is not growing old.

Drasher,
I have been thinking about your post this afternoon. It occurs to me it may be worthwhile to reflect on what led to your OSA diagnosis. Had you been experiencing increasing symptoms of OSA (headaches, hypertension, etc?) prior to your OSA diagnosis?.

The reason I ask is I spent 6 months getting many tests trying to determine the cause of severe headaches. THis included MRIs, CT-Scans, specialists, trying to determine what was causing the headaches. It also surfaced for the first time in my life I have "developed" high blood pressure (mine has always been notably low). It did not help at all that my best friend died in November 2004 following a 2 year illness with brain cancer. Through all of these repeated tests there was never a clear cause identified for my symptoms (ie the blood pressure "could be" contributing to the headaches, etc) and I was receiving various medications to treat the symptoms. As I learned with my friend's illness the uncertainty is the hardest part of these life challenges.

I waited for 2 months for a neurology appointment, and it was finally the neurologist who put together all the test results and symptoms and suspected OSA. The sleep study confirmed his suspicion and after weeks of waiting I began CPAP therapy.

There are much more experienced members of the forum to help with the mask fitting, and equipment issues. My reason for writing is to encourage you to hang in there, no matter what it takes, and find the combination of equipment that works for you.

Now having a certain diagnosis, and a relatively tolerable treatment plan (CPAP versus surgery, chemo, radiation and continued uncertainty) that has proven results I am encouraged. I am already sleeping better, and this forum has convinced me many people are successful in adapting to the therapy regimen. I recently celebrated my 27th anniversary, and share some of the same feelings you described. Based on some of my test resuilts, if my OSA was left untreated, I am pretty sure I was heading down the path to a severe stroke.

Best wished in your success with CPAP therapy. Keep us posted.
Midnight Son

Drasher:

I am a newbie, a little over a month and I am doing ok but had my first non-compliant night recently. I just got pissed at the mask, took it off and slept without it.

I'm still struggling with the Mask and I have 2 of them and if necessary I'll invest in more until I get it right.

AM I annoyed that I have this, you bet. HAs it been easy - no it has consumed me and it is very difficult. I have been on a mission to learn all I can (thanks to everyone here on this forum) and train myself to get past this learning curve.

I have read that some have instant success with this and I wish I and you were one of those but that is not what the majority experience.

Just try accepting this is a relearning experience and that you will need time until you integrate this into your life.

Also, make sure your wife understands what this is and make her part of your routine - not let the xPAP invade your space. MY wife is sensitive to all the attention my equiptment gets - it has invaded our space - and I need her to support what this is or it gets even more difficult to accept it.

There are a greater group of folks here and most have been where you are right now.

Remember, there is a learning curve and you need to be willing to do whatever it takes for your own health.

Swift 6 Tom 3

Best,

Tom