Posted by flip on February 28, 2009 at 11:11:23:In Reply to: Re: New diagnosis: complex sleep apnea posted by dirtywater on February 28, 2009 at 01:49:19:
I was recently changed to a timed bi-pap because my old vent failed and the new bi-pap has a much lower cost. It has worked out just as well and I have two old vents for backup.
I have become so used to the mechanical ventilation after all these years it has become a stable way of life for me and I function well and took it all for granted til last month.
I live in Kentucky where we had a terrible ice storm and since I live in the country all the trees fell across many roads and I could not leave the house.
I was without electricity for 11 days and the national guard and the local fire department cleared the roads after three days so I could get a generator.
I am still in trouble due to the loss of my vent for a few days and no O2 for 11 days.
My pulmonologist has doubled up the meds for awhile and we are keeping close watch on retained fluids.
All of this causes me to appreciate the vent and other treatments used for the past 15 years. I have learned that it all has been worth it and soon expect to be much better.
In the meantime it is very difficult.
I advise we never stop our treatments cause we can go backwards very quickly.
Take care.
Flip