Sleep Study Completed - Half Way There

I had been dreading it, but it is over now.  At 5:30 a.m. this morning I drove home after having completed my sleep study with a new diagnosis of sleep apnea, added to diabetes, hyperlipidemia, hypertension, morbid obesity, and chronic lower back pain.  I've been worried that I may have it and do not really want to sleep with a CPAP machine.  When they woke me up half way through the night and put the CPAP on, I had the hardest time going back to sleep.  The respiratory therapist said I may have to come back in and request a sleep aid, but that she thinks the two hours I had should be enough.  I'm hoping that it is.  I guess the plus side is that there is another reason for the insurance company to approve me.

I have very little left to go to complete the process.  Now that I have all my cardio and pulmonary testing done, I just have to get the clearances from the corresponding -ists, cardiologist and pulmonologist.  I also have to visit with the exercise and behavioral consultants once each and then the dietician twice.  (I finished my psycho, I mean psych, consult yesterday and was cleared.)  My last appointment is June 8 and I hope to have the surgery, pending insurance approval, shortly thereafter.  I keep trying to think what I can do to make the process move faster, but I can't think of anything.  Patience is a virtue I missed out on.  

I'll be joining you all in getting healthy soon, and sending these comorbidities into remission!

-Danny

Congrats on getting sleep study over. I know they are a pain but, I couldn't believe how much a CPAP machine helped me before my RNY surgery. Prior to the CPAP I had zero energy and was constantly tired. I was so much better (and better prepared for RNY) thanks to the CPAP.

I'm not sure what your co-mobidity of hyperlipidemia is. Could you enlighten us?

I was lucky enough to have the surgery without the 6 month waiting period. But, believe me, I'd do whatever it takes to have the surgery. I can't begin to tell you how much the surgery has changed my life.

You also said that "...patience is a virtue I missed out on". I can sure identify with that. But, I prefer to say that patience is a virtue and I've never been virtuous.  :)

Keep jumping through the hoops because it will be worth it.

Everyone keeps saying how much they love the CPAP after they get it, and how much better they rest.  I'm sure I'll feel the same way after I get used to it.  It too me forever to get to sleep when they put it on my face during the sleep study.  I have to use it for two weeks and the anesthesiology department does some sort of a download to make sure I've used it.

Hyperlipidemia is both high cholesterol and high triglicerides.  I can't take statins.  When I did, I ended up in the hospital with rabdomiolosis in ICU for a while.  It was a scary situation.  The only control I have for them is Lovaza, prescription strength fish oil.    It doesn't work all that well to be honest.  

I may have to steal your line about being virtuous...I resemble that remark.  :)  

I'll keep jumping through the hoops, partly because of the successes like you and other I see on this board.

Where do you get the compression shirts?  I'm already planning to get some.

-Danny

Danny,
Keep taking your steps before to long you will be on the loosers bench with the rest of us. Don't get frustrated it will all be worth it in the long run.
Compression shirts/shorts/underwear can be purchased at almost any store. Sports Authority, Wally World, Target, etc. There are medical version of these but I believe most o us use the nylon, poly, cotton versions found in sporting goods sections of stores.
These versions are much cheaper, they are basically just tight clothing the helps keep stuff from giggling in all the wrong places. I bought some at Sports Authority (Under Armor Brand), REI (store brand),  and JCPennys has a BVD version I got on clearance last week for 4 bucks a pair.
Hugs
G