Just found out I have sleep apnea

I have my mask and I have let both boys hold it and see what it was like.  They seem to be ok with it now.  We will see after I get the machine next week.

Kelly

My surgeon wouldn't even consider surgery until I had a CPAP machine.  It took me TWO years to get my extended medical to cover the damn thing.  I have had it for five days and already notice a difference.  I actually want to go to bed at night because I wake up feeling rested and relaxed instead of stressed and tired with a headache. 
I am now going to complete a second sleep study so that the surgeon can see the difference and will give me a date to go ahead with surgery. 

That is so great you are seeing a difference.  I hope I get the same results.  I am so tired all the time and I am ready for a change.  I should get my machine next week.  I am sorry your insurance has been such a pain.  I am lucky that right now.. before July 1 I have pretty good insurance. 

Kelly

I don't know how or if this fits in around your WLS plans, but there are outpatient surgeries now that can help with obstructive sleep apnea.  One, they insert a small plastic device in the top of your mouth which holds the tissue up and away from your throat when you sleep.  Two, they go in and create scarring inside the tissue of your throat which likewise contracts and keeps your throat from closing when you sleep.  Both are outpatient procedures. 

I have had no luck with CPAP at all.  The mask is always askew and i get no sealed pressure.  I've been through so many masks it's not even funny.  nose masks, face masks,large masks, small masks... If i were not looking into WLS i would be getting one of those surgeries.  my surgical team is concerned about the apnea and asked me to try again with it, but didn't make my surgery contingent on a successful outcome, thank god.  they said i may have to spend an extra night in the hospital though b/c the anaesthesia and pain meds can depress your respiration and apnea adds additional risk of stopping breathing while you are sleeping (like, permanently) so they want to keep me under observation.

The cpap machine is not as big and scary as you might think for your kids though.  it was actually pretty small and pretty quiet.  they aren't like the used to be even a few years ago.

Thanks.  I know all that is scary!  I did ok with the nose mask.  I didn't pull it off and I kept a good seal all night.  I think the real key is keeping your mouth closed.  I could really tell when I opened it.  I should have my machine next week so we will see if I continue to do well.

Kelly

Tonight will be my first night with my bipap(!) at home. My dd came with me to the class/fitting and got to see me put it on and off, feel the air pressure and so is fine with it all. That's a big relief for me. Now to get used to this thing. Might be better after I lose this cold. Blech!

I am glad she did well.  I think my DSs will too =)
I was wondering how hard it was when you are congested.  I am always congested!

Kelly

I'm not gonna lie...it was a rough night. I think I got less sleep than usual. I think all total I had the mask on for around 4 hours...but that was sprinkled throughout the night. Its gonna take some getting used to...to be sure.

Yikes.. Sorry..

How are you doing? I've been getting more used to my bipap now that my cold is gone. I still only have it on for about 2-5 hours every night, but I know it will increase with time. I have noticed that I feel more comfortable with the pressure setting (18/14) than I did when I first got it. I didn't want to be discouraging, so I had to post again.