Getting Closer, but yet still so far away...

Hello all...I am kinda still new here...I do more reading then I do posting...Guess you would say I am group shy or something...Although, in person I am not shy...Anyway I thought I would update you all on my happenings...I have attended the class, the support group, the nutrition class, physical therapy, the psych. evaluation and the pulmonary consult they scheduled because I have sleep apnea...I was diagnosed last year and haven't been able to use my machine because of the masks, between panic, and the way they fit, causing me more headaches and jaw aches, cause I also have TMJ...So then I was put on oxygen as a form of treatment, which will not stop the apneas but it was getting me the oxygen because apparently my oxygen levels drop down to 41% while sleeping...SCAREY!  So now I met with a Dr. in Bangor at Penobscot Respiratory and he is having me try a different mask without the air to get used to it that way...Well I got it and the mask would actually be great except for the fact that the head gear that keeps it on my head, or supposed to, keeps sliding up...So if anyone has any suggestions on this please let me know...Because right now he told me he would not let me have surgery without being treated with the machine because its a serious matter...Also I am diabetic and have to have my A1C under 8 before I can even see the surgeon...I am just hoping that neither of these things hold me back so I am trying my hardest...I am supposed to have a breathing test but they can't even get me in for another month....and my dietitian one on one is in May, the breathing test is after that...I know I shouldn't be in a hurry but you all know what jumping through these hoops is like...Anyway that's where I am at right now...Not to mention I started counseling for emotional eating problems to help now, and also physical therapy to help me exercise without so much pain because I have a lot of pain issues, and I've been going to the eye dr because it looks like I need laser treatment because I have blood spots on my eyes from the diabetes which is blood vessels that burst...So lately I have had appointments every day! Yuck!  Anyway I apologize for this post being so long but I had to get this all off my chest to someone...Thanks...Angela

I make a pony tale and   put the mask headgear in the back  below my ponytale  that  keeps it from  sliding up.  Hope that helps you

Hi Angela, It sounds like things are going along well for you to get your surgery.  It always seems like a long wait and it is annoying but it all fades from memory when your day gets here.   I hope they can get your c-pap fixed up and a mask that makes you feel less claustrophobic. Counseling for eating problems is a good idea, there was just a woman on another board saying she was re-gaining all her weight and wished she had dealt with the emotional side too.  Maybe the dietician will have some better ideas to help get the A1C down...hopefully! It sounds like you are doing everything you can to be ready for this!  Good luck and drop in often, this really is a great group (and very nice to new friends and old) :) Sheli

Hi angela, sounds like you are close to a date. How long has all this taken so far? My sleep study is in May. Keep posting, and good luck..

Wow, look back on what you just shared, at all the hoops you have already jumped through...and besides the hoops, your health improves with every step you take toward suregery.  So good for you and a couple of honks to boot!! Welcome,Angela, keep poting! Kate

Angela, welcome and congratulations on taking the very important steps to better health.  I know how frustrating it is to have all these appointments and feel as though it will never end, but you are one step closer with every appt.  Keep your chin up and your mind positive.  The surgery will be here before you know it and all this hard work will benefit you in the end.  Positive Positve Positive I feel is the only way to get through all this.  Keep in touch and you can vent to us anytime.  We are all in the same shoes!!

Hi Angela!  Welcome!  Sounds like you are well on your way.  It seems as though the hoops we have to jump through will never end, but they do...in time!  Like everyone else has said, stay positive, take it one day at a time, and know that each appointment is getting you one step closer to where you want to be!  Good luck and please keep us posted on how it's progressing!  Ruth