worried about sleep apnea

Hi All, Last night I got a call from the sleep lab at 7pm, they had a cancellation and wanted to know if I could come in at 9pm. I thought ya sure why not get it over with. My original appt was scheduled for june 14. Overall the test was not to bad even with all that stuff hooked up to me. I thought I had trouble falling asleep but this morning the tech said it only took 14 minutes. I guess its a good thing I went in early because she said I have severe sleep apnea. She said the dr office would call in a couple of weeks then I'll go in for a cpac fitting then in a couple of weeks it would be ready. Sounds like the process is a few weeks. So anyway, My question is should I be worried? When the tech spoke with me this morning she used words like severe, very bad sleep and even said my sleep was HORENDICE {?SPELLING} I know I will need to take the machine with me to the hospital and to let everyone know I have it but I still cant help but think about what could go wrong because of it. Any thoughts you have would be great. Thanks and happy

Hi Jolene Believe it or not, there can be a silver lining to the severe sleep apnea cloud! Getting diagnosed with sleep apnea first of all gets you treated for the condition and you should sleep a whole heck of a lot better once on a CPAP machine. Also, sleep apnea is a co-morbidity to obesity and makes a stronger case for insurance approval of weight loss surgery. I found the CPAP machine to be a hassle but when I used CPAP properly I awoke with a lot more energy and feeling refreshed. I would suggest you remain positive and try to get the most out of using the CPAP. You should feel a difference in the morning after using it! I turned my CPAP in to the medical device company a few months after my surgery since my weight loss pretty much cured my sleep apnea. Just as a side note, make sure to get and give reciepts for all of your CPAP materials. In my experience, the medical device company said my machine was missing parts when turned in but I produced my receipt listing everything was turned in and the problem was solved. You've probably had sleep apnea for quite some time and didn't know it so there is no need to worry about having it now. It's a good thing it was diagnosed so now it can be addressed and hopefully cured. Best of luck with your journey! Dave

HI Jolene I agree with Dave. I'm glad I went through the study. I went for the first one and I thought no way do I have sleep apnea. Well I do ...a mild case, but I still had to go for a second study and get a CPAP machine. I do sleep better and have more energy. Good Luck Maura

It's good to get this under control before surgery. From what I've heard untreated apnea is a risk to anesthesia. That is why they have you(us) tested--since technically our surgeries are elective. Also--if you think of it--when you/we are hungry--we often become (mentally)weak and reach for food. If you apnea is treated--behaving after your surgery should also be easier. Best to you--Joan F

I personally love my CPAP! I can't believe how much better I sleep and how much more alert I am during the day. For me, the key was in getting the right mask. I didn't do well with the one that covers your whole nose and straps across your face. I kept pulling that one off in my sleep. I switched to one with nasal pillows (soft rubbery pieces that fit into your nostrils) and I've had no trouble! I did take my CPAP to the hospital for my surgery, and they had me stay overnight in the recovery room because of my apnea, but it was no problem. I found that the slight noise of the CPAP, to which I had become quite accustomed, acted like white noise for me and I was oblivious to the other noises of the hospital. I wish you luck with this, and hope you feel great after you start sleeping better! Mary Ellen

Thank you all so much, it sounds like I should get alot better sleep after I get the cpap machine. I cant wait for that. It's at least a little comforting to know why I am so sleepy all the time. My Dr office said I should get a date for july so I am so glad I had this done now. Thanks again

Jolene, I recently read that poor sleep can actually cause or make obesity worse! So maybe after you get the CPAP and sleep better it will be easier for you to lose the weight your surgeon wants you to lose before the surgery! I suspect you'll have a lot more energy after you start sleeping well, so good luck to you! Mary Ellen

Girl, don't worry, be happy as the song says. I too was diagnosed with severe apnea. The good part is that I got a cpap machine and love it. You may want to inquire (insist) on getting the nose pillow type attachment for the nose rather than the full mask type. The nose pillow is less obtrusive and much more comfortable. I feel so much better and sleep is a much, much better quality. Getting diagnosed is a good thing and most likelly, from what I have heard and been told, once you have your surgery you will not need it much longer. Good luck Judi