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Posted by Ed Poyneer on January 30, 1998 at 14:48:46:In Reply to: Afraid of Not Waking posted by Michelle on January 29, 1998 at 08:27:36:
Michelle:
Let me preface my remarks by saying that I am NOT a professional in the field of sleep studies, just someone who has had problems for years.
I read your remarks with great interest--it sounds like you are a mixture of my wife and I.
It was obvious, when my wife and I got married 13 years ago, that I was a Sleep Apneac, but I couldn't take the time to do anything about it. When I went to sleep at the wheel of my van, and just about wrecked it, my wife insisted I go to the Sleep Center.
I was diagnosed with Obstructive Sleep Apnea, with a "double whammy" of having Narcolepsy. I have been on Nasal CPAP for about 11 years for the apnea, and on medication for the Narcolepsy for about the same time.
Shortly after I was diagnosed, my wife got "sick" with what the doctors thought was Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. Just one year ago, she was re-diagnosed with Fibromyalgia, is under treatment for that, and is feeling "human" again.
My suggestions to you would be these:
1. Try to maintain a fairly regular sleep schedule, if you can, which I know is hard, with a full-time job, a husband, and two small kids.
2. In trying to maintain this regular schedule, see if your husband will be willing to help more with the kids, housework, etc.
3. Of course I can't guarantee that you won't "never wake up," but don't let this fear mess with your mind. You've survived these last 37 years, so you'll probably make it through the next month. Don't let the "sleep monster" scare you.
4. You might try using several pillows to prop you up in bed, to aid you in your breathing, or even possibly sleep in a partially reclining position, in a recliner, if you have one.
Keep the faith, Michelle!! Once you have your test(s), find out the results, and start being treated, you will be amazed at how much better you're going to feel.
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