Is anyone home???

GuessI'm just wanting to communicate. well goodmorning everyone, I hope you all are feeling well this morning? this was my second night on my cpap, still trying to get use to it. well I hope everyone has a really good day! OH friend, SherryWhite

GM Sherry, Well I am at work not home.. LOL. I have been on a CPAP for about 12 years and I can tell ya it gets better with time. I also switched to the "Breeze" mask vice the bubble style. My advice is stick to it and wear it every night. I felt really really bad after nasal surgery and I couldn't use my CPAP. Good luck and stay positive. I have Pre-op class tommorow at Midwest and am as nervous as a cat on a tin roof.. But I am getting closer to surgery~!! On that note lets all do the happy , ok that hurt a little... LOL Gevin

I used a CPAP for about 4 months. It took that long to get used to it, and by then I was wheeled into surgery. I wasn't supposed to use the machine immediately post-op (pressure can be bad for stomach stitches, apparently), and when I could finally use the thing, it was choking me because I had already lost enough weight not to need it. And thank goodness for that! If you like to communicate, have you checked out the chat room here? Since this board has gotten pretty slow, you might have a more exciting time in chat. Pamela -102

Sherry, I may have told you this before, but I will risk repeating myself. I have been using a CPAP for about a year. It took a little while to get used to it, but I can really tell the difference when I don't use it. I was on a short business trip recently--away from home two nights--and didn't want to lug it onto an airplane. I really didn't want it to be opened and disassembled at Lambert. I was very tired after skipping it for just 2 nights. I plan to take it with me on our vacation. We are doing an Alaskan cruise that requires flying to Seattle. I am going to carry it on the plane in its nice tote bag. We'll see how it goes. I am hopeful I can get rid of it after surgery. I think I tested in the severe range, so I will probably have to had it reset during the weight loss. That means another stupid sleep study. Yuck!! I guess after surgery that will seem like no big deal. Linda

Hi Linda, I travel 3 - 4 times a year through Lambert and I have found that as long as it is in your checked bag, can be opened easy by TSA, and has the instruction manual in the bag no problems. I have two as a just in case, however APREA healthcare is good about replacments on trips. I have carried it on the plane and was going to use it on an overseas (16 hour plane ride) but didnt and I felt blah for a day or so also. Sooo I agree use it until you don't. As for after surgery, I was told by my ENT 6 mos post op I will need another sleep lab to confirm need, and new pressure. But I didnt with him. Sadly mine is currently at 13 which is pretty high. Well as always good luck to all that reads this... Gevin Elder

Gevin, Thanks for the tip. More sadly mine is set at 19. That is one below the absolute max on my machine. I had been having a hard time deciding about the surgery, but I can't imagine what I will have to do if they have to increase the pressure. I have seen some people post that they have both a CPAP machine and oxygen. I don't want to go there. I am working on my application, and I need a rec from my PCP. That will be no problem. I am contacting her office today. My psychologist will do the psych eval, and she assured me it will be no problem. I so look forward to losing the extra person I am carrying around. Linda

Hi Linda, Well you got me on the pressure... 19 is high, but your alive and thats what counts~! I agree going on O2 and being on a CPAP isn't good either but ya gotta do what ya gotta do to keep going. You might be asked to have your thyroid checked, it is worth the bloodwork. I have been HYPO for 8 years and it is more of a pain than the apnea, pills pills pills... I will be rooting for your success in this journey~!. Gevin Elder