Today's Doctor Visit--Good & Bad

Today I went to the doctor for the results of my first compliance report. It was for 34 days. Before seeing him and giving the SIMM card to my DME I downloaded the info and took a peak for myself. Since I have a Respironics CPAP machine understanding the report is not very easy. There is a lot of info to comprehend.

However, by looking over my Sleep Study Results which was during the diagnostic portion the apnea/hypopnea index (AHI) was 115.4 events/hour and during the titration portion, the apnea/hypopnea index (AHI) was 4.7 events/hour. The report for the past 34 days showed that my Average AHI was 1.9. Big improvement. Yea!! The doctor confirmed what I read on the download.

Now for the bad news. I gained 7 lbs. in the past 3 months. I explained that I wasn't able to exercise because I was always out of breath and he said that I was out of breath because I was over-weight and if I lost some weight it would help. I know he was telling me the truth but it really hurt my feelings. So as of tomorrow, I am turning over a new leaf. Watching my carbs and walking even if it is only for 5 minutes a day to start out. Wish me luck.

I hope the doc showed you some compassion -- I can't help but suppose that with the AHI and severe apnea you had up till a month ago, you're still recovering and I'd expect you to have a little trouble with exercising. Looks like dramatic improvement since starting CPAP. Do you feel a lot better than before you started?

Definitely I wish you success getting an exercise routine going, and hoping now you have enough energy with good sleep to make it work well. Cheers!

NeNeen wrote:Now for the bad news. I gained 7 lbs. in the past 3 months. I explained that I wasn't able to exercise because I was always out of breath and he said that I was out of breath because I was over-weight and if I lost some weight it would help. I know he was telling me the truth but it really hurt my feelings. So as of tomorrow, I am turning over a new leaf. Watching my carbs and walking even if it is only for 5 minutes a day to start out. Wish me luck.

A pedometer can really help. First measure how many steps you are used to walking in a day. Next plan to walk a bit more each day, gradually building up.

It takes that big objective, "walk more", and turns it into a lot of little objectives, "If I walk over there and back again I'll clock another 200 steps".

I wish you luck. I'm dealing with pretty much the same so I know how you feel. Sounds like you have the right attitude and determination. You can do it

Best of luck to ya'! Hopefully, when you get on a regime for a while, the weight will come off.

Sheriff

Well I say that is all good news! Your CPAP therapy is effective and you are changing your diet and starting exercise! Good for you!

As far as understanding the reports, an AHI of 1.9 is almost all you need to know. You might also want to learn to read the leak line to make sure leaks are under control.

Keep on keeping on!

A pedometer is an excellent idea.
One with accelerometer technology would be your best choice; they are more
accurate and more sensitive than the ones that rattle (shake the package)
If cost is an issue, CVS was giving the cheap kind away FREE--might still have some.
The rattling kind are slightly more useful for a skinny person,
but us 'fluffies' need better technology,

Your AHI has improved dramatically! Good job. Hope you are feeling better. With that aspect of your health doing better and with your new resolve to exercise more and watch your diet I'd say it was a very good visit. Who knows maybe a year from now you'll look back and realize what a dramatic difference you've made in your overall health. Good Luck!!

I've lost 54 lbs to date, but I still have the same pressure needs. I keep having problems with the mask though, as my face is changing shape.

I know that for me weight loss is not going to "cure" my apnea because of my facial structure. I think I will always need CPAP.

If you have a "SmartPhone" , Android/ I-Phone... There are apps you can use like a pedometer that actually work rather well and chart your paths which is kinda neat. "My Tracks" (free) for Android is one popular one that comes to mind.

The pedometer apps for my phone are notorious battery-eaters.

chunkyfrog wrote:The pedometer apps for my phone are notorious battery-eaters.

They sure are! I found one with a good set of features (Pedometer Ultimate from Viaden for the iPhone) but it really drained the battery quickly (and was a bit "busy" with the interface).

It drove me to get a FitBit. A bit spendy for "just" a pedometer, but the web site is really well done, and you can also track food, calories, weight, and other bits of health related info.

http://www.fitbit.com

John

chunkyfrog wrote:The pedometer apps for my phone are notorious battery-eaters.

Gotta get the Droid Razr Maxx!