Question:
Just got diagnosed w/Apnea. Long timers, please share...

any information about what this means would be helpful. I am going to have to get a machine - any suggestions?    — Julie S. (posted on September 16, 2001)

September 16, 2001
jULIE, Sleep apnea is when you stop breathing while sleeping. There are several types. Most heavy obese people have the obstructive type, which means the esophagus closes not allowing air in. I have been diagnosed with it since 1994. I use a c-pap machine, now a days people us a by-pap (almost the same thing) It delivers pressured air to the back of your throat in order to keep it open and you breathing. It is difficult to get used to, but once you do you will not believe how good you will feel sleeping through the night, It took me 6 months til I was able to keep the mask on my face all night. Just keep tying. unteated apnea can cause a wide variety of healt problems from organ deteriation to increased risk of heart attack and stoke, possible some brain damage due to lack of o2. hope this helps, if you have any other questions feel free to write me.
   — sherri W.

September 16, 2001
I had critical sleep apnea, stopping breathing 125 times per hour. My CPAP became my very best friend in 4 hours flat. Even before I got the mask fitted comfortably, I slept better than before it. Even sleeping 1 entire minute, breathing the whole time was an improvement! I took it with me to the hospital, as it was set for me and MY mask. My husband's story is similar. He was done with his CPAP in 60 days after surgery, but I hear many are done in a month! Wow. I was TOOOOOO scared to let go of mine and I think I finally stopped sleeping with it, at least under my pillow, running, at 14 months, when I weighed about 105! It was my security blankie. Hopefully, you will be able to just rent yours and by the time you are through surgery, you'll be done with it and out of danger.
   — vitalady

September 16, 2001
I too was recently diagnosed with severe obstrcutive sleep apnea. I have been using a c-pap machine for about 3 weeks now at a pressure of 15. I am adjusting to it slowly, but I already am feeling the improvements. For one, I don't have the overwhelming desire or need to fall alseep in the afternoons now. I am much more alert and my energy level is going up. A couple of things have happened since I started using my c-pap machine and I do not know if they are related or not. I have had a period, which I have not had one to speak of for over 9 months. Also, I have Protein C Defficiency (a genetically inherited blood clotting disorder) and my coumadin dosage has changed, actually gone down, which is really unusual for me. Just make up your mind you are going to adjust to sleeping with your new best friend. No one told me how serious sleep apnea is until I was finally diagnosed with it. If I had known I would have demanded the sleep study 3 or 4 years ago. Make sure you get a mask that is comfortable and don't be afraid to ask to try others. I have met a person who also has a pressure of 15 and he has just the little nose tubes instead of a mask and they work really well for him. You can do a little research on sleep apnea on the Internet (Mayo Clinic has a very informative web site) and you can shop for masks as well and at least see what is available. Good luck!
   — Susan M.

September 16, 2001
I have used c-pap and bi-pap for 5 yrs. I gained more weight -so I am pre-op. The c-pap is definately my best friend now- When I started I had a noisy machine and nose tubes. I learned to ask questions as to new things and other masks to try Some people change from nose tube to different masks - every other nite or so- I don't- right now I have a whisper quiet machine WITH a humidifer finally. I use the GEL type mask usually - check out others too I used to put flat powder puffs under certain "straps" so no skin masks if you have it tight. You have to work with it- it's not perfect- but a little air leakage from time to time is ok- just try to fix it. Bi-pap means air is forced in AND THEN OUT, I believe. But- I would like to part friends with my friend anyway- time for a change for the better.
   — charlene M.

September 18, 2001
I have had my CPAP only a few months. Within the first week by blood pressure went from 160/90 to 140/80. And I had so much more energy. No more falling asleep or desperately having to have a mid day nap. No more having to be in bed by 9:30. No more sleeping in on Sat. and Sun. mornings or Sunday afternoon naps. You will be walked through all masks, etc with the company providing the equipment. Relax, go with the flow. It is a good thing. Lisa Marie
   — Lisa Marie D.