another issue
I learned that I have sleep apnea. I have to go back for another sleep study now to get fitted for a cpap.
I know nothing about this and really need to find out what this is all about.
:(
I know nothing about this and really need to find out what this is all about.
:(
Replies
Don\'t be sad Linda.. sleep apnea is one of the most easily treated \"disorders\" we can have. Yes, you\'ll get to wear a glamorous nasal prong or nasal/face mask to bed at night and that takes some adjustment for some. But the joy is you are going to wake up and realize how badly poor sleep has affected your daily life and how much better you feel with this treated! How much better your memory becomes and how much more rested you will be after a good nights sleep.
It\'s made a huge difference for almost everyone I know who has this problem- most don\'t have the added COPD issues. And some even have said how they lost weight after starting CPAP because they had consumed extra calories during the day trying to stay awake due to poor sleep.
Hopefully those on the board who are using cpap can give more personal advise and information but IMO- from all I\'ve heard and seen, it can make a positive difference in your rest and reduce the impact this has on your daily life.
So Smile and here\'s some big hugs for you.
Hi Linda,
I\'ve had a CPAP for three years now. Haven\'t missed a night wearing it, and it\'s become a habit like brushing my teeth. Actually, now can\'t imagine going to bed without it. Still take a daily nap, but don\'t fall asleep at the drop of a pin like I used to, nor do wake up with morning headaches. More energy, too.
The only word of caution I can give is if you find your first mask (or nasal prongs) are uncomfortable, not to throw in the towel and give up. Sometimes it takes people a bit to find the one that\'s comfortable for them. And I\'d be sure to get one with a humidifier...it goes a long way in keeping your mouth and nasal passages from becoming dry. Then too, there are pillows especially designed for people who wear CPAP\'s, but I don\'t have one. I use two memory foam pillows and have found they do the trick for me, but in time you\'ll find what\'s comfortable for you.
Good luck!
Hugs,
Joni
Thank you for your responses. I am not looking forward to wearing one but I am looking forward to a good night sleep. I will be happy when I wake up w/o a headache and won\'t be falling asleep whenever and where ever. I am in bed for naps 3-4 hours per day.
Tomorrow is the day!
thank you
Linda
Linda,
Just a bit of advice - now I don\'t know how good your DME is, but just in case....make sure it\'s all explained to you thoroughly, i.e, the filters for your machine, using distilled water, how often you are eligible for a new mask, tubing, etc. I only mention this because my first DME left me in the dark about these things and it was just a week ago that I learned my machine even had a filter that should be changed or that I could get a new mask every three months if needed.
Every once in awhile you might get someone that is not well versed in them, or forgets to tell you all the little ins and outs. Not saying this is going to happen to you, and certainly hope it doesn\'t, just wish I had been more aware myself. It was all so new I didn\'t have a clue!
My little grandbaby put the whole thing in perspective not too long ago when his Daddy called it my Darth Vader mask. My grandbaby loved the idea so much so he wanted to wear it.
Best of luck & sweet dreams!
thank you for that, I will ask a lot of questions for sure. I used the nasal prongs for my sleep study #2. It was OK by morning. I do not have it yet, waiting for the doctor to get the report and order the equipment.