Hi Susan,
Thanks for your persistence.. im just sorting myself out and working out your site. Im quite fuzzy most of the time and loose concentration and enthusiasm way too easily. I have a senile old dog and the kids call me by his name now cos I have surpassed his level of awareness! Often things just dont sink in.. Ill be preparing for an appointment half an hours drive away, 10 minutes before im to be there.. etc etc.
I have been lucky to be on income protection insuance for the past 9 months.. but just now my employer has decided to close my position.. weeks from my return. The union is on the job, but I'd understand if I ended up unemployed. There holds a whole new set of problems and my brain just isnt managing.
Thanks for listening!
Glenda

Thanks Susan.
Your such good value. Im feeling calm now so i'll go get these doors painted.. I have painted the whole house in the last 6 months but just cant bring myself to finish the job.. (glenda eyes off the couch and the remote as an alternative)

Glenda.

Hi again Susan,

Thank you for the comment about service men & women. We were outcasts as the Viet Nam war came to a close, but I didn't realize how bad we were throught of until many years later. I spent 7 1/2 years either in Viet Nam or flying over Laos, Cambodia or Viet Nam.

Mt MD is great, knows all my medical history, because I brought it to him. He wanted to try me on some drug to help me sleep before I started using the CPAP daily. The problem is the drug was the Date Rape Drug. I's used to treat some people with Sleep Apnea, believe it or not. I resprectfully declined.

The Provigial doesn't bother affect my sleeping because I take them during the morning and at Noon. I also take some sleep medication to relax me before I put on the CPAP.

I also have Migrane headaches which are a result of many things including; concusions, anxiety, depression, lack of a normal nights sleep, PTSD, and 21 1/2 years in the military

I hope I can contribute to the group and maybe I'll even learn something.

Oh, I saw an add on the right side of this page with an article of "Comfortable & Effective Anti-Snoring product. The article was by Stephen Matthews who also in vented the "My Snoring Solution Jaw Supporter Very interesting along with very detailed articles from CNN and others all about Sleep Apnea and using this device and others.

Thanks again, Rick.

Hi Rick--first, re: post-Vietnam--that's a shameful piece of this country's history. There were SO MANY of us who were enraged by the stuff you guys went through, what little of it we really knew. I've always wondered how much of the lack of care came out of governmental policy. 'Nam vets got screwed. There's just no question in my mind about it. You guys were the ones who were keeping us safe and doing what they'd been trained to do.

I'm sorry, Rick. I'm really sorry you and all your brothers have had to put with such bullshit. You all deserved so much better.....still do......

So.... back to apnea.....I'm glad you have a good, pro-active MD. That can make all the difference in the world in how treatment goes, ANY kind of treatment. Hey, do you know the actual name of the that date rape drug? I don't know that I've ever heard it called anything else. I wonder what it's actually used for, what it's actually Rx'd for.....

'Ya know, Rick, the way you've gotten right into this Forum makes me know you're gonna be a bigtime contributor. I don't think you need to be concerned about that. You've already got what it takes, which is caring about your own health and caring about other people's struggles. Hell, you could write the book on that last one, I'm sure.....and you'll get a lot back from us in the process. I may only know you in cyberspace, but I can tell already that you're a class act.

Re: the snoring solution ads: there's been a fair amount of discussion onsite about whether or not those ads lead people away from treatment by lulling them into believing all they have to do is stop snoring and they'll be all right. On the other hand, there are quite a few patients who use a chin strap to keep from breathing through their mouths. One guy on here uses an athletic headband and it works just fine for probably only 10 bucks!!

(I'm pretty sure I need one 'cause I wake up with a really dry mouth a lot of times. I'm not thrilled with the thought of having yet one more thing circling my head when I sleep, but reality's reality, right?)

The expressed concern about the ads is the way some of them are worded, i.e., touted as "a cure", when we all know there's no overall cure in sight, even with treatment.

Glad to hear from you, Rick. And I'm really happy to have you on SG. I'll look forward to seeing you online!!

Susan :-)

Oh my Gosh Susan......I just got my CPAP this afternoon and I'M LOST! I have this horrible range of emotions.....anger that I have OSA and have to use this icky machine, scared that I won't use it correctly......afraid that I'll have a bloody and sore nose forever like after the testing, afraid that if I don't use it my health will continue to deteriorate, afraid that my cats will want to chew on it, afraid that I won't be able to sleep, afraid that it'll affect my personal intimate life, trying to figure out where I'll hide it before company comes over......and then the good feelings......happy with the great machine I got and that my insurance is paying 100% until the end of the year, happy that I'm more fortunate than others......BUT right now I'm having a hard time focusing on the positive things about it.

REALLY ALL I WANT TO DO IT SIT DOWN AND CRY BUT I KNOW HOW STUPID THAT IT AND HOW SELFISH AND SELF-CENTERED THAT MAKES ME APPEAR.

Hi Susan

Just checking in, thank you for your support! My dad just got out of surgery a couple of hours ago. He had a quad bypass. They let me see him for a minute in the ICU. The nurse was telling us all about the surgery, and then what really stuck out was " and he has sleep apnea". Lol so the first thing I inquire about instead of the heart was the apnea. He is so stubborn he would not listen to me when I first started to talk to him about getting checked out! Anyways thanks again. He is doing well and I will be here with him for the week. I only read a few of your posts, hope they get resolved soon!

Janey

hi susan, i just happened upon this site today. thank you. i was diagnosed with severe sleep apnea in july. while i am not pleased with my new lifetime bed "partner", i realize how life saving/enhancing the CPAP is. i am divorced and have just ended a long term relationship with a man who had a CPAP machine as well. it was an easy entry into being "seen" with my mask, as he had been a longtime user. now being newly single, i dread having to introduce this to another man. it is making be relationship shy. also is it necessary to use the demineralized water as prescribed and any time saving cleaning tips thanks, ivy.

thank you for adding me as a friend. it's nice to know i am not the only masked woman out there. :)

Hi Susan,

I am doing ok... So exhausted, we just got back home last night. Dad is in Oregon and we are in Washington. I have to say that this last week was the most stressful that I have ever encountered. Dad is doing well. They did a quad bypass on Tuesday, and he finally was able to come home today. He is madder then a hornets nest when he found out that I cancelled my second sleep study and delayed getting my cpap for a month so I can be there for his surgery. Do you know of any "user friendly" forums or websites for heart patients? We finally got dad on the computer. He only visits his email and craigslist. I am going to see if I can find him something similiar to this site for bypass patients. I think it will help him.

Thank you,

Janey

Hi Susan, thanks for the welcome. This site was mentioned on another apnea forum I belong to so I thought I'd spread my wings a bit. As soon as I become familiar with things around here, hopefully I can join in with my perspective as the spouse of a cpapper as well as have some of my own questions answered as well. Thanks again. Spouse

Your support and friendship mean a lot to me, especially at this very special time in my life.

Hi Susan,

I am feeling so much better. I have been doing a lot of sleeping, but now I feel more refreshed. Thank you for the info. I am going to go check them out and email my dad one or two to get him started. =). If you want to post please do, I guess I am really shy, lol. Take Care,

Hugs,
Janey Clark

Thank you for the warm welcome. I'm looking forward to learning a lot on the forum.

Carolyn

Hi Susan, hey there are lotsa truckers i have issues with. like truckers who tailgate, or act like they own the road. they make all truckers look bad. As a group truckers are as human as the next bunch, making lotsa mistakes. Hopefully, none we cant walk away from. I wish all of us could slow down, just alittle. everyone runs around full tilt, like giong faster will save you time like a time machine. There is so much stress in our world as it is, we dont need to generate more.

Hi Susan! I'm doin ok. Have had alot goin on, nothing with the sleeping really. Alot of dog issues. But I'm doin ok. How are things with you??

Oh man, that really stinks Susan! Man, instead of getting it fixed, I'd make them give you a brand spankin' new one!!

Hello Susan,

Thank you for your nice comments. That is awesome that your kids want to buy you a new bed, but please make sure you go in with them, dont let them pick one for you.
If you are a side or back sleeper you definitely do NOT want something too hard. If you are a stomach sleeper you do not want something too soft. Tempurpedic is an interesting option, but it's a love/hate mattress, it is pricey, and some people are very hot on it, and I don't reccommend it if you have mobility issues. Latex foam is a great bed for a lot of people, but again, it is on the pricey side. Some basic suggestions:
1) Buy a brand name you recognize
2) Buy from a store with a good reputation
3) Buy from a salesperson you like..one who is informative and not a hard sell
4) If they start to negotiate price (call manager for a lower price, etc) beware! The beds are marked up much higher and even with a few hundred off the "marked" price you will still be overpaying. The national chains are notorious for this.
5) You do get what you pay for...for a queen expect to pay at least $600 - $1200.

If you live in the Boston area I'd be thrilled to help, but if not I wish you the best of luck

Outlaw

I go for my overnight sleep test next week. And yes, sleep disorder training is part of our job training, but the store I work for is kind of unique (sorry...just in Boston area)

This will be my 1st sleep test. My thought is that I will end up with a CPAP machine. I'm wary of this, but from what I've heard it will help both me and my wife

Thanks for the welcome susan. Glad to help with any advice if and when I can. I just realized u can add friends on here. Didn't know that.

Thanks,
Jackie

Thanks Susan! We're excited now, but I imagine we'll be pretty overwhelmed soon. :)

Thanks Susan, I haven't quite figured out this site - yet. I'm working on it.

Hi Susan,
The book club is such a great idea! I have read Dr Park's book....in an effort to educate myself....I should probably pick up another one soon. Have you read any yet?

I am glad you have taken such an active part in the forum Susan. I feel like we are old friends, although we have not officially met.

I had to bring home work for the week-end and have procrastinated on doing it so must do at least part of it today. I should be around and hope you are as well.

Isn't Mike's lttle girl beautiful!!

Thanks for the welcome :) I am in perioperative surgery. Mostly pre and post-operative. Pretty much have done the full gammet other than ICU or OB-GYN. 20 years worth now. Getting pretty sick of it since it is such a BUSINESS and as you know, we workers are the PAWNS. If I get going on it, will be too keyed up to SLEEP! HAHA.
Thanks for the support too. My "NEW" mask came on friday. How exciting looking forward to going to bed on a friday night JUST to try out my new mask A gel something. Everyone has their brand names down. I'd have to look. It has the adjustable pad for my forehead and is supposed to eventually mosh to my face.
Still wonder if the flow settings are too high. Had TWO good nights of sleep. I wake up feeling nauseaus. Odd or no? I can't remember if this one sprung a leak early morn or not. Ended up not having it on a full night but it looks like that it is common to work UP to the full time. Then again, what the hell do I know!? I am just a nurse.
Did have the two nights of almost FULL time and felt GREAT. SO, I am crossing my fingers.
Peace.
And thanks again for the note. Yes, seems like nice ppl here. Almost like we are all in some asylom or have leprosy eh?
(pardon the typos. no spellcheck here??)

thanks susan. I appreciate it. I could be on the phone with the RT all the time asking questions. A gal I work with has a CPAP, another's husband does. They arent much of a help other than the one gal says it took her a month to get used to the whole schpeel. I must have done well last night cuz I am still up. WHICH is not good since it IS recommended to go to bed at the same time every night. Hard when its then weekend. Get researching online. Getting into looking at my mom's family record. Time flies.
So.....is it a matter of getting accustome to the CPAP with the nausea, gas? Heck, I even had severe flatulance one night and I never ate beans that day!???? This is just a whole new world to me.
Go to bed feeling like I am blasting off on a space ship. Hubby sleeps separate now. FOUR years of marriage. Yeahhhhhhh. HOWEVER, he isnt as crabby anymore WHICH makes me believe MY snoring was REALLY detrimental to his sleep.
At least the dogs breath is better in the morning than his. :P
You're a hoot!
thanks.
C.

Hello Susan, The best sleep study(s) I've ever found are my own. On ebay search for cms 50e pulse oximeter. Contecmedical is the cheapest source and they are the manufacturer. This device clips on your finger, records data all night, and then uploads the results on your computer the next morning in the form of a sleep study. I first read about this method in a sleep research center article for the professsion where they said they had been getting good osa titration results this way.
Before you buy you must get a hospital sleep study first to determine what kind of sleep disorder you have. The device measures blood oxygen saturation, so if you desaturate as in osa or central apneas then you'll get results which give great insights into your own peculiarities. With such insights you'll have plenty to talk about with your next visit with your sleep doc. When my doc saw my oximetry results for the first time he said," You're going to figure this out."
I've been doing sleep studies every night since April, about 250 sleep studies, and I've turned up things you never dreamed of.
Once you have your cms 50e oximeter you might want to have a little fun with it by persuading friends to wear it overnight just to see of who is desaturating. If you find a desaturator he'll probably want to get a hospital sleep study. Also, you can wear it while bicycling, running, walking, or just couch "potatoing", and unlike other oximeters it records the data for examining later. Best, Mike

I think I meant you. I'm new to this sort of communicating. Patience! I was a real goof ball last time I tried to enter a comment a few months back.

Hi Susan,

where d\\\




Hi Susam

We are almost neighbors. I also live in the Indy area.

Carolyn

That's me!

I ordered the variety pack but also the 30 tan horseshoe shape which I have used the last 2 nights. They are very light weight and come off easily with no residue. Here is a utube video showing you how to put them on. I do it the 2nd way:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dy96tt480pE

Let me know how they work. Good Luck!

Carolyn

You can also buy them on drugstore.com

sent you a note Susan. Did you get it?? ZZZZ

My pleasure.

Hey Susan

Thanks for friending.. I've been on APAP for about 4 months and its really working well.. no problems I'm pleased to report...

Yep .. guess I got lucky.. first mask worked, one from devilbis.. also helped that I have done a lot of scuba diving so wearing a mask was no problem.. have got my incidents down from 6-7 when I started to 3 now by doing minor adjustments to the pressure range... and feeling much better.. no longer want to drift off in the afternoon

Hi Susan, yes the boys are fun, I Love them so much, thank God they are good men, just like I wanted them to turn out while raising them, sounds like you were just as Blessed, the baby is my Grandaughter, Olivia, Oh! she brings such life into the house when shes here, they only live 20 min. away , she belongs to Nicholas my youngest, he will be 30 on Feb. 23, Bobby is my oldest 32, working in D.C.,single, but just met a nice girl, so we'll see, how old are your boys? I would love to here about them. Hugs Lisa

Hi Susan, I sympathize with nasal dryness problems. They are such a pain! My ENT suggested several things for it:
1: MUCINEX; the regular expectorant, or else the generic guaifenesin
2: Neti Pot, use on the nose two times a day and
3: Ayr nasal gel spray -- I couldn't find this locally and am eagerly awaiting its arrival from drugstore.com. He says it sticks better and lasts longer than the regular nasal sprays.
He thinks that the hole in my septum may contribute to my unusually difficult dryness problems but doesn't think that any prescription drugs are helpful for me.
There's my take on nasal dryness right now, hope you find something useful. Thanks for inviting me to be your friend. :-) Irma

Yes, Susan, I know that it is very frustrating when nobody understands! I really hope one or more of these help you, let me know. And be sure it is the Ayr nasal gel spray... they have a gel in a tube and also a normal saline spray that all the pharmacies around here had... but I couldn't find the gel spray until I got on the internet. Hugs, Irma

Dear Susan,

I got the Ayr-nasal gel spray online from drugstore.com. However, I also found the website, www.bfascher.com and discovered that they have a store locator. It turns out that the product is available around here in Price Chopper and Hen House grocery stores, but not in any pharmacies!!! However, when I put in zip code 46203 for Indianapolis, I get a bunch of Meijer Pharmacies. Maybe there is one near you that has it.

Hope this helps, and you get to feeling much better quickly! Hugs, Irma

Great! I really hope it works as well for you as it did for me. Let me know! Hugs, Irma

Yes, Susan, mine has the weird top too. And I sprayed it up in the air as I pumped it and it did spray in a stream straight up into the air. But when I put it in my nose, I found it certainly didn't go straight. I wound up putting in a couple of squirts and then sniffing hard to get it up my nose farther. Once things were moist, though, they stayed that way for a long time. I am not sure it does a spray in there or a straight shot, but mine doesn't seem to go as straight or far as yours. That could possibly reflect the structure of our noses.

So you may want to be sure the front part gets moistened too, if it goes that far back for you.

I am glad my experience is helpful for you, that is the wonderful thing about this forum, that we can all share what we know.

Hugs, Irma

"Kermy" is my favorite, the monkey is "Seymour", a mascot for family programs at the Denver Art Museum where I volunteered for a while. I think his name is a play on the phrase "See more".

Hi, Susan, Actually, I only pumped the first time... since then I have just stuffed it in my nose and sprayed :-) Seemed to take two sprays in each nostril this last time. But that's just me, we are all different, and just see what works for you and keep experimenting and paying attention.

I have gotten so much from this group already, it is nice to be able to also have something to contribute. Hope you can sleep well tonight!!! Hugs, Irma

no problem -- i'll noodle on how best to post jeff's links on the sinus thread, and let you know what i come up with.

Hi, Susan, Sorry, I didn't notice this comment :-( Now life is slowing down a bit, and I saw it...glad you got the bottle figured out, that helps make a little more sense, doesn't it? I hope the stuff has been working for you better and better. I know that I am breathing a bit better every day.

It is still extremely dry, low near zero, but tomorrow it will be almost 30 degrees, that should help. We got a lot of snow in the past few weeks... today was the first time we made it to church since before Christmas! I think my breathing will be better when the air is a bit warmer an holds more moisture. Only things we have done before is errands and the grocery store. We are so glad we have a Subaru!

I went to the local Price Chopper and found the Ayr Spray Gel there... it is wonderful to have a local supply. I think it will be a big step in my feeling better. Hugs, Irma

Goodness, Susan, I am so very sorry to hear that things have become so difficult. I hope you can get the help you need as soon as possible. Surely your sleep doctor will be able to help! I hope you will call first thing in the morning!!
I am sending lots of prayers and wishes for your speedy recovery! Hugs, Irma

Thank you, Irma. I'm a little concerned at this point. My nose is bleeding easily now. I've never had a nosebleed in my life.....I'm trying to decide whether to try CPAP again tonight or just stay off till I talk to one of my MDs tomorrow. Just seems to me I should be feeling better, not worse. I DID feel better for a couple of days and then yesterday, blooey. Isn't that weird? If I felt better, I'd think it was interesting.

I will let you know as soon as I find out what's the next course of action. You've been so supportive--it means a lot to me.

Take care. -Susan

Thanks for the helpful info, Susan!

Thanks for telling me about how you are doing, Susan./... I am so glad you are doing better! I have been keeping up with your whole thread and have printed out Dr. Park's comment for in case I ever have that much trouble. I went to the internist on Monday and she says my nose is much better, only raw still around the edges in the hole rather than all over, so I guess the the Ayr Gel Spray is doing the job for me. Still having problems though, am discussing getting a new mask and maybe even a data capable machine so we can finally figure out what is going on. I am keeping my fingers crossed for both of us! :-) Hugs, Irma