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CPAP, Sleep Apnea and Depression .... My Story


Posted by Steve S. on December 31, 2000 at 20:16:13:

Hello everyone,

I am a 44 year old male with a 19 inch neck, weight of 270 and a height of 6'4. I have just finished my third full week on CPAP and the changes have been remarkable. The results are as follows:

1. Elimination of depression. I was diagnosed with long term chronic depression a number of years ago and under the care of a psychiatrist, I have tried almost every medication in the book. This includes Prozac, Celexa, Serzone, Wellbutrin and even Dexidrine and Ritalin. I had some decent results with most of them, but the side effects precluded my continuing the medications. (Thank God) I have also tried SAM-e, 5-htp, mega vitamin and tyrosine supplementation programs as well as light boxes and regular swimming and cardio sessions to jumpstart endorphin production. I was even looking into Vagus nerve stimulation. (pacemaker type device that zaps the brain to eliminate depression) I was always so tired that I had to discontinue most of the physical programs. Besides, I didn't care about ANYTHING! I just wanted to sleep! (sound familiar?) Within my first week of CPAP, the depression was gone. Yoo hoo! (as my nephew likes to say)

2. Normalization of high blood pressure. My blood pressure normally runs about 150 over 100. After the first week on CPAP, it has normalized at 118/75 and has continued in the normal range. Quite extradinary.

3. Reduction of 12 hour sleep cycles and multiple daily naps. I am sure most of you can relate to this. I found out that I could minimize my depression if I stayed in bed for 12 hours a day and then plan on taking a nap every three hours. Needless to say, my business and love life has not done much over the past decade. Now I have...

4. Extraordinary wakefullness and energy during the day. I only need seven hours of sleep a night and the need for naps has vanished. The mental fog that has been part of my life for so many years is gone. OSA cost me the past twenty odd years of my life. There isn't anything I can do about that, except to vow to take advantage of every day of health that the Lord allows me from this point on.

5. Increased libido. I had almost forgotten what a sex drive was. (An extra automatic transmission component?) Blood tests taken before OSA diagnosis showed a testosterone level of 146 (which is actully considered below normal for an 80 year old ) I am scheduling another series of lab tests after I have been on CPAP for 90 days to see what my T-levels are then. At least now I am interested and dating (well OK, I am working on dating;)

In summary, CPAP has saved my life. I just have to wonder why none of the physicians over the years (except for the current one that correctly diagnosed me) or shrinks or therapists or counselors never even suggested sleep apnea. Thanks to Sandman for this forum and to all of you out there... Hang in there and don't give up! The next step that you take might be the one that changes your life.

Regards,
Steve


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