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Sleep Apnea
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Looks like I may be an atypical case?

Posted by Todd in OK on January 21, 2002 at 09:27:58:

After only 3 nights with my AutoPAP I feel like a brand new man. I know that many people don't feel the almost immediate relief I have experienced and it can be very discouraging. I lived with OSA for the better part of 18 months, gradually getting worse and worse to the point that I was almost ready to do something drastic. I was in a constant fog, unable to muster the energy for more that the most basic functions. My work suffered, my marriage was strained almost to the breaking point, and I was starting to be more like Hyde than Jekyll every day. My first week on CPAP was less than effective, not because I didn't respond to the therapy, but because I had been given the wrong machine for my needs and had ZERO in the way of support from the sleep center and pulmonary specialist I first went to. After doing research on my own and seeing what other avenues were open to me I sought out a competent respiratory therapist (I hope you're reading this Dianna!) who I believe has basically saved my life. She listened to what I had to say instead of dumping the first machine off the shelf into my lap and heading out the door. Now that I have the right machine and the support I needed, both from my res. tech and from wonderful support forums like this one, my life has turned around.

If you are having trouble with your new bedside buddy take heart. It may not be YOU that has the problem. Go out and get that second opinion. Talk to your doctor or res. tech and make them understand what problems you are having. One of my biggest stumbling blocks was my prescribed pressure. It was uncomfortable exhaling against it and I would pull the mask off in my sleep. I thought I needed a Bi-Level machine but it turns out that my prescribed pressure was not what I needed all the time and the AutoPAP corrected the problem. Now I get the pressure I need when I need it. I go in to have my card read in 3 weeks and I bet that my pressure rarely gets close to the 14cm they originally prescribed for me. :^) (For those that don't know already a single sleep study doesn't always give accurate results. 2 or three averaged out will give a better picture of your individual problems.) It will take some time to repay my body for 18 months of sleep deprivation but the way I am feeling now I know it won't take THAT long. :^D

Sorry for the long rambling post but I just wanted to offer up what encouragement I could, it's the least I can do for all the information and encouragement I have found here!

I wish you all the best nights' sleep ever!!!

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Archived Apnea Forum82 viewing only. To post a new topic go to the Apnea Forum Homepage

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  • Sleep Deprivation due to Sleep Apnea and insufficient sleep are common and can present as insomnia, narcolepsy, or idiopathic hypersomnia. In infants and children sleep problems commonly present themselves as ADD or ADHD.


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