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Permalink Reply by Mack D Jones, MD, SAAN on July 27, 2009 at 9:08pm

Denial is a huge problem in the OSA patient. It is frustrating that many obviously high risk individuals, especially those who have been observed snoring and stop breathing, absolutely refuse to see a sleep specialist. OSA is simply not taken seriously (the exception being the worried wife). Is it simply a matter of the word not getting out? Or is the concept just too simple to believe or too complex to comprehend? I do suspect, sadly, that aside from the level of health education being abysmally low in this country, some apneics’ brains may be too addled to get the message. They simply refuse to be bothered by such “hogwash” and eventually slip into a demented state or some other complication without ever having the benefit of treatment. Education is the key. Nothing like someone famous with the disorder to get the word out. Reggie White comes to mind. Since he died of cardiac arrest in his sleep, there is not a single NFL player who doesn't know what OSA is and how serious it is. A common problem in retired NFL players, he was known to have the disorder.

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Permalink Reply by Sugarshirl on July 27, 2009 at 9:33pm

That was what sent me to the doctor, I doze off not once but twice while driving home from work. I was lucky in that I woke up just before hitting the car in front of me and I was able to swerve over into the oncoming traffic lane, which was empty. It scared me so much that from that point on, I had my husband drive always.

Eric Thayer said:

If you talked to me before a couple two-by-four-to-the-head learning moments, I would have told you I was sure I didn't have it.

You've planted the seed in there minds tho for when the two-by-four whacks them (i.e. they doze off driving, etc.).

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Permalink Reply by Sugarshirl on July 27, 2009 at 9:36pm

Yes, I told my oldest brother because I am built just like him, but he would not listen. His problem is drinking too much and he just almost passes out instead of falling asleep. I am very concerned about him because this makes it even worse for him. He has also had a 4 bypass heart surgery 10 years ago, but he just won't listen.

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Permalink Reply by carolyn chalk on July 28, 2009 at 12:30am

Where do you get an oximeter?


James Skinner said:

Its very common. My brother-in-law snores so I tested him with my oximeter. He had over a hundred desaturations during the night. I told him he should go get tested but he is not interested. He said he probably just needs to loose a little weight.

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Permalink Reply by BeeAsleep on July 28, 2009 at 8:44am

I remember my own denial. I didn't hear myself snore so I didn't think I had OSA. That simple. When my doc suggested I have a sleep study because my husband said I snored I thought she had lost her mind. I refused. I kept asking other doctors what they thought about sleep apnea. One doc looked right into my eyes and said very forcefully, "You will die." It woke me up. I trusted him, and respected his opinion, and it scared me. So I pushed through the huge fear of doing a sleep study and had one done. It was one of the most frightening things I have done. But I did it. I think a lot of people get stuck at the fear place, and that is it. A lot of people don't get medical help for diabetes, high blood pressure, etc, etc.
We are the fortunate few who have chosen to get better.

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Permalink Reply by Jim Nadolny, BS, CRT on July 28, 2009 at 2:18pm

OK, Everyone get ready to yell at me, but occasionally I decide that I am going to take a break from treatment for a day or two... I know it is the wrong thing to do, I am not sure why I do it? I think maybe it is some childish reasoning "nothing will happen to me!" Lately listening to people on this forum has made me realize that maybe I need to stop "taking breaks" Does anyone else have this bad habit?

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Permalink Reply by BeeAsleep on July 28, 2009 at 6:13pm

I like just resting my head on the pillow, smelling the wonderful clean sheets again and snuggling my face into the soft pillow. I MISS that with the APAP....I know if I tell you that I sometimes take a "quick" nap I am going to have Judy flying through the internet right out of my computer at me.....So, I am not going to tell you that. :>D

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Permalink Reply by Moe-jo on July 28, 2009 at 9:10pm

Besides me? Actually, I don't know if I was in denial, but I was surprised when I was diagnosed. I knew my snoring was the problem, but I thought it was a volume issue that would be corrected by removing my tonsils. My family doctor is the one who knew the difference, and insisted on the sleep study (she's awesome!)

My brother was diagnosed many years ago as moderate. He never tried CPAP because he can't stand to have anything touch his skin like the mask would. He doesn't even wear jewelry. He has a rare form of arthritis and is in extreme pain every minute of his life, yet has never taken a sick day from work because of his condition. When I got my machine, I was very excited to discuss it all with him, and educate him, but he didn't want to hear it. I have told him that I wanted to talk to him about it, and I will, we just don't live in the same city. The next time we have time together, I plan to show him my "rig". Both he and his wife think he doesn't have sleep apnea anymore, because he's lost some weight, and she got ear plugs.

On the positive side, my boss and one of my co-workers have both vowed to follow up with sleep studies after hearing about mine. They both suspect they have sleep apnea. Seeing me go through the process has given them the incentive to follow through.

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Permalink Reply by sleepycarol on July 28, 2009 at 9:24pm

I have tried talking to family members -- but like the old saying goes you can lead a horse to water but can't make them drink. My daughter has repeatedly told me she is sure her hubby has it. His mother was recently diagnosed. I have even offered to let him try my apap, but he says no way.

People are funny about medical issues. How many times have people laughed off or shrugged off suggestions for other procedures cause "it won't happen to them"? By the time they discover "it" can happen to them it maybe too late.

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Permalink Reply by Darillyn Patterson on July 28, 2009 at 9:51pm

I have an identical twin sister. After I took a sleep study test (which I requested because I suspected sleep apnea) and was diagnosed with moderate OSA, she mentioned it to her doctor. Her doctor ordered a sleep study test for her. That's how we found out she has sleep apnea. She doesn't sleep in the same bedroom with her husband, so there was nobody to witness her snoring or cessation of breathing. CPAP is definitely helping her.
I have witnessed my husband's snoring and heard him stop breathing, but he is not interested in getting tested. I suspect that he developed diabetes as a result of this. That is possible, isn't it? I thought I read that somewhere.

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Permalink Reply by Mike on July 28, 2009 at 9:57pm

not only possible, Darillyn, but likely that this is how he developed diabetes.

Darillyn Patterson said:

I have an identical twin sister. After I took a sleep study test (which I requested because I suspected sleep apnea) and was diagnosed with moderate OSA, she mentioned it to her doctor. Her doctor ordered a sleep study test for her. That's how we found out she has sleep apnea. She doesn't sleep in the same bedroom with her husband, so there was nobody to witness her snoring or cessation of breathing. CPAP is definitely helping her.
I have witnessed my husband's snoring and heard him stop breathing, but he is not interested in getting tested. I suspect that he developed diabetes as a result of this. That is possible, isn't it? I thought I read that somewhere.

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Permalink Reply by Kristina Zabala on July 29, 2009 at 9:42pm

Yes, my husband. He definitely needs a bipap. If anyone figures out how to get him to go in for a test, let me know.

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