Learning CPAP

[Chuck-2-20-2011]

Finally got my CPAP machine and mask yesterday. It was a day filled with appointments. My wife had to see a surgeon for what turns out to be shoulder surgery, and I spent a couple of hours with the respiratory therapist that will be managing my first couple of months with the machine.

Got myself set up on the web site so I can monitor my progress. (The machine transmits this data daily to the website and to the therapist).

Did fairly well my first night with the full face mask. Slept about four and a half hours before waking. I usually wake at least every two hours. After waking up the first time, I had a bit of trouble sleeping, but slept on and off the rest of the night. Wore the mask for seven and a half hours total.

Though I didn’t sleep the greatest, I still felt an abundance of energy so far today, which means if this is how it will be, I’ll be thrilled to get used to this thing!

One thing I know is that I know how to make life changes, and considering what can happen when one doesn’t take care of things, it’s all well worth it. Just thought I’d check in with this.

ONWARD TO FREEDOM!!!

Chuck

[Thomas3.20.2010]

So glad to hear this, Chuck! You are getting the treatment you need and already feel the difference! I have worked with many people who use CPAP and they do get used to it rather quickly just because they feel so much better. It's also nice to know that the data is going to your health team. That will be tremendously informative.

HOORAY!

I hope your Wife's surgery goes well!

[YoungAtHeart]

I will add a note of caution to those putting off the test or using the mask.  A good friend's husband has developed severe memory loss and is becoming increasingly confused.  Pretty soon he will need 24/7 care.  It started with him rear ending stopped cars - the message that they were stopped was not being transmitted (or received) in his brain.

The neuro folks have ruled out both Alzheimers and dementia......they are theorizing that his untreated apnea deprived the same area of his brain of oxygen over many years - and that a part of his brain has atrophied from it. 

Be forewarned...this man used to make his living playing international tournament bridge....and has been reduced to a dependent child.

Get the test; get the mask - USE it!

Nancy

[wlh]

Happy Friday Chuck!  I am so glad you shared this with us.  Not bad for 1st night.  I'm sure once you get use to things, you will sleep much better through the night.  

Lynne

[Chuck-2-20-2011]

I know what you mean. I had a friend die from sleep apnea several years ago. He was only in his late thirties. The thing is, I never even suspected that I had sleep apnea. I don't snore and I never really had any of the symptoms that give a person a reason to think they have it. It was discovered during an overnight home sleep study and was confirmed in the hospital during another overnight sleep study. I most likely wouldn't have had the sleep study ordered if it weren't for my diagnosis of COPD. 

 I'm glad they did discover it. The respiratory therapist told me that she had a person die just a week ago. She'd gotten them all set up and they refused to wear the mask. She said she tried everything and he just refused. A week later, someone brought in a CPAP machine that they'd bought at a flea market, asking to have it adjusted which of course, they wouldn't do because of no prescription. It was the machine that she'd set up for this guy. A week after that, she found out that this person had died in his sleep because of heart failure due to sleep apnea.

 From what I've been learning, it's a deadly chronic disease if left untreated. So glad I went for it!!

Chuck 

[elvan]

Wow, Chuck, I am so glad you are doing so well with the CPAP machine.  I use an oxygen concentrator at night and, like you, I woke up feeling very bright and awake when I started using it in May of 2015.  I think that was the case until about a year later and then I started having more and more trouble waking up.  My oxygen sats are good during the DAY, I don't monitor them at night.  I am only on 2L, I will need to re-certify in this coming May and it will be interesting.  I did not use any oxygen when I was on vacation and I did not notice feeling overwhelmingly tired.  I don't even think I took a nap, LOL, naps are one of my favorite things.

I am really glad that you are doing well.  This is a great thing to share.

Ellen

[MarilynH]

Thanks for sharing Chuck, I'm so glad that you got yourself checked out my friend and fellow Exer. Chuck_Quit_2-20-2011 .

[Chuck-2-20-2011]

I'm going to do another home overnight sleep study to see if I need supplemental oxygen at night with the CPAP. So far, I haven't used oxygen with it, though I checked when I woke in the middle of the night and oxygen saturation was a little low. My machine is set up to add extra oxygen if I need it. The next test will probably determine that.

 Before; I used oxygen at night, Two liters when doing OK and three when things got rough. Just kind of learning as I go. But I'm a good learner!

Chuck

[elvan]

You most definitely ARE a good learner and a GREAT teacher.

[Bree19]

Hi Chuck.  

We now call the machine my pacifier.  I can't even lie on the bed reading without my mask on...but normally reading means dozing off so then my pacifier is in place already and I can just drift off for an hour.  

The C-Pap also gives me a sense of security (except when the power goes out!  - But that's another story.)

Use it in good health my friend.  The difference in sleep habits is a revelation!

Bree