Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Chris H on August 23, 2011 at 5:12pm

Hi Cliff, The lab bumps up the pressure(multiple times) to the point you stop having apnea . So you need to give the treatment a chance (at your prescribed pressure). It is strange at first but when you get it tweeked just right for you ,their will be no regrets. Opening your mouth defeats the treatment ,you might need a chin strap. Mobility ? A hose managment system is helpful for that.....

Good Sleep,Chris

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Patti Grizzle on August 23, 2011 at 5:30pm

I had the exact same experience and was just miserable during the study. Even had the same kind of mask with the nose pillows and not the full mask. Even before they put that on me, I was miserable with the strangeness of it all, all the electrodes, wires, belts, etc. but...........I got everything I needed and took everything home and started in. It took me a few months but now I'm doing great with everything and have adjusted. It's important to use the cpap consistently to get used to it. I feel much better now and no longer have to take naps.

Patti

 

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Thea on August 25, 2011 at 12:39am

Hi Cliff,

I am new to the whole apnea, cpap, etc. world.  I had my first sleep study conducted on August 3rd and my second (with the cpap machine) last Saturday night.  I am awaiting the results of the second study, but I suspect a cpap machine is in my future 'cause the RT said I did well (after she was able to talk me down from the ceiling when she put the mask on me) and I felt human all day Sunday, which is the first time in a long time I can recall not dragging all day.  The RT conducting my study told me for some people, results from being on a cpap machine all night take a week or so to see and for others, it's fairly immediate.  Even with the strangeness of a different environment and the knowledge that cameras were recording my every action and wires and leads all over me, I woke up Sunday morning in the hospital feeling 180° different than I do after a "normal" night's rest at home.  I am not sure if that's a testament to the sound sleep I got in one night, or an admission of the terrible sleep, rest and oxygenation I have gotten over the last few years. :{  All I know is, claustrophobia aside, if I can feel "human" again during the day, I am willing to go to bed feeling like Darth Vader.... I am certain I can kiss my dating life goodbye - but still... it might be worth it to feel better.  I am sorry I have no experience yet, to offer the suggestions you were asking for, but I wanted you to know you're not alone on the journey.  I look forward to hearing about your experiences as it seems you're ahead of me on the road to sound sleep...

 

For everyone else on the forum, thank you so much for your insight and the information provided.  I feel decently equipped now to deal with the DME company, the physicians (thanks to whoever suggested to get a copy of your study results) and the insurance company.  This is not an experience I would have chosen for myself, but it's nice to know someone's been where I am, and survived. 

 

Thea

 

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Cliff on August 25, 2011 at 9:37am

you are lucky Thea...after my cpap sleep study, the following day i was groggier than ever, having woken up at least once an hour and felt worse than i normally did.  like the others said, i guess it will take some time to get used to the machine...i'll wait to see what my doc says

 

congrats on it working for u!

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Mary Z on August 25, 2011 at 10:44am

Hang in there, Cliff.  A night in the sleep lab is in no way a normal night.  There may be bumps along the way- getting the right mask can be hard.  Getting used to the machine is a big deal.  You now have a chronic illness that you have to deal with- expect some resentment and denial.

The most important thing is right now to make a commitment to use the machine all  night, every night, and naps.  Only then will you begin to reap the benefits of therapy.  I know it's  not easy and not everyone succeeds, but let's have you be a success story.  Continue to post any problems and successes to the forum.  Keep us posted on how you're doing.  We'll do our best to help.

 

The hose hanger is a good idea to keep the hose out of the way and give you more freedom.  The feeling of being restricted goes away fairly quickly.

 

One of the PM pain meds with benadryl may help you have a more restful night in the beginning.

Good luck.  I've a relative newbie (on this forum) having only 3 1/2 years under my belt, but did well from the start with only mask problems.

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Dianne on August 27, 2011 at 11:16pm

Mary Z said:

Hang in there, Cliff.  A night in the sleep lab is in no way a normal night.  There may be bumps along the way- getting the right mask can be hard.  Getting used to the machine is a big deal.  You now have a chronic illness that you have to deal with- expect some resentment and denial.

The most important thing is right now to make a commitment to use the machine all  night, every night, and naps.  Only then will you begin to reap the benefits of therapy.  I know it's  not easy and not everyone succeeds, but let's have you be a success story.  Continue to post any problems and successes to the forum.  Keep us posted on how you're doing.  We'll do our best to help.

 

The hose hanger is a good idea to keep the hose out of the way and give you more freedom.  The feeling of being restricted goes away fairly quickly.

 

One of the PM pain meds with benadryl may help you have a more restful night in the beginning.

Good luck.  I've a relative newbie (on this forum) having only 3 1/2 years under my belt, but did well from the start with only mask problems.

• ▶ Reply

▶ Reply to Discussion