sleep apnea?

Hi everyone.... I just found out that I have sleep apnea... and I have to go for a cpap machine.... I couldnt sleep with the stupid machine when I had the sleep stdy, does anyone know if I have to use the machine? and if I dont will the dr be able to tell?

I do not have sleep apnea, BUT my Father does and he didnt use his machine and it made a big difference in his breathing. The doctor told him if he wants his breathing to get better then using the machine is beneficial to his health. I would try your hardest to use it.

If you are diagnosed with sleep apnea and they want you to use a cpap machine, by all means it means you need it! I have had sleep apnea for 8 years and if I hadn't used it, I would not be alive. I was falling asleep while driving and my children were waking me up as I was going off the road. That is when I knew I needed to find out what was wrong. I was told I probably had it for a few years undiagnosed. The reason you need it is because if you don't, you will not get as much oxygen to your brain when you sleep which can cause a stroke and it also starts to affect your memory and not to mention you feel tired all the time. Since I have used it, I have so much more energy and I am alert throughout the day. No more falling asleep while driving either. The doctor probably won't be able to tell if you are using it or not, but most cpap machines have built-in download numbers that your insurance will call periodically and ask you for the numbers that display on the side when you turn the machine on. This can track how much it is used and for how long it is used at one time. Personally, if you want to be healthy and not be more of a risk for heart disease and stroke, use the cpap. It has saved my life. Take care, Diana.

no but you have to bring it to the hospital and when the nurses ask you if you want it just say no i have one that i never took out of the case only to learn how to use it..... any word from fern yet??? are you going to the meeting wednesday night?? i hope to see you there..... Stacy 232/141/140

Thanks Stacy.... I talked to Fern on Friday, she said that I sould hear something by the end of this week... keeping my fingers crossed... If the meeting is this wed for pre op I will be there.... hopefully my mom can watch my daughter.... most likely yes... I thought that the meeting was next week though... I have to check the schedule that Dr Cooperstone gave me.... hope all is well.... Gia