Question:
Just got diagnosed w/Apnea. Long timers, please share...
any information about what this means would be helpful. I am going to have to get a machine - any suggestions? — Julie S. (posted on September 16, 2001)
September 16, 2001
jULIE, Sleep apnea is when you stop breathing while sleeping. There are
several types. Most heavy obese people have the obstructive type, which
means the esophagus closes not allowing air in. I have been diagnosed with
it since 1994. I use a c-pap machine, now a days people us a by-pap (almost
the same thing) It delivers pressured air to the back of your throat in
order to keep it open and you breathing. It is difficult to get used to,
but once you do you will not believe how good you will feel sleeping
through the night, It took me 6 months til I was able to keep the mask on
my face all night. Just keep tying. unteated apnea can cause a wide variety
of healt problems from organ deteriation to increased risk of heart attack
and stoke, possible some brain damage due to lack of o2. hope this helps,
if you have any other questions feel free to write me.
— sherri W.
September 16, 2001
I had critical sleep apnea, stopping breathing 125 times per hour. My CPAP
became my very best friend in 4 hours flat. Even before I got the mask
fitted comfortably, I slept better than before it. Even sleeping 1 entire
minute, breathing the whole time was an improvement! I took it with me to
the hospital, as it was set for me and MY mask. My husband's story is
similar. He was done with his CPAP in 60 days after surgery, but I hear
many are done in a month! Wow. I was TOOOOOO scared to let go of mine and
I think I finally stopped sleeping with it, at least under my pillow,
running, at 14 months, when I weighed about 105! It was my security
blankie. Hopefully, you will be able to just rent yours and by the time you
are through surgery, you'll be done with it and out of danger.
— vitalady
September 16, 2001
I too was recently diagnosed with severe obstrcutive sleep apnea. I have
been using a c-pap machine for about 3 weeks now at a pressure of 15. I am
adjusting to it slowly, but I already am feeling the improvements. For
one, I don't have the overwhelming desire or need to fall alseep in the
afternoons now. I am much more alert and my energy level is going up. A
couple of things have happened since I started using my c-pap machine and I
do not know if they are related or not. I have had a period, which I have
not had one to speak of for over 9 months. Also, I have Protein C
Defficiency (a genetically inherited blood clotting disorder) and my
coumadin dosage has changed, actually gone down, which is really unusual
for me. Just make up your mind you are going to adjust to sleeping with
your new best friend. No one told me how serious sleep apnea is until I
was finally diagnosed with it. If I had known I would have demanded the
sleep study 3 or 4 years ago. Make sure you get a mask that is comfortable
and don't be afraid to ask to try others. I have met a person who also has
a pressure of 15 and he has just the little nose tubes instead of a mask
and they work really well for him. You can do a little research on sleep
apnea on the Internet (Mayo Clinic has a very informative web site) and you
can shop for masks as well and at least see what is available. Good luck!
— Susan M.
September 16, 2001
I have used c-pap and bi-pap for
5 yrs. I gained more weight -so
I am pre-op. The c-pap is definately my best friend now-
When I started I had a noisy machine and nose tubes. I learned to ask
questions as to new things and
other masks to try Some people
change from nose tube to different
masks - every other nite or so-
I don't- right now I have a whisper
quiet machine WITH a humidifer finally. I use the GEL type mask
usually - check out others too
I used to put flat powder puffs
under certain "straps" so no skin
masks if you have it tight. You
have to work with it- it's not
perfect- but a little air leakage
from time to time is ok- just try
to fix it. Bi-pap means air is
forced in AND THEN OUT, I believe.
But- I would like to part friends
with my friend anyway- time for a
change for the better.
— charlene M.
September 18, 2001
I have had my CPAP only a few months. Within the first week by blood
pressure went from 160/90 to 140/80. And I had so much more energy. No
more falling asleep or desperately having to have a mid day nap. No more
having to be in bed by 9:30. No more sleeping in on Sat. and Sun. mornings
or Sunday afternoon naps.
You will be walked through all masks, etc with the company providing the
equipment. Relax, go with the flow. It is a good thing.
Lisa Marie
— Lisa Marie D.
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