Question:
Does anyone expierence this.......

I went for my third sleep study, because in the first one I didn't sleep at all and in the second they put all those wires on me, well this time I thought it was going to be easier with the cpap, and I was wrong because it was a nightmare, they wired me up again, plus they put the mask. First of all I couldn't really sleep, cause the wires were very short and I couldn't move, they put me almost flat in my back, and that's a no no, because of my GERD, and hiatel hernia, second the oxigen mask was on 4, I guess the minimun, and I was so much in distress, I felt like I was having anxiety and shortness of breath, then some water went into my nose and I was drawning, I also felt like I hadt claustrophobia. Now what it's going to happened?, this is the only test is holding me back for my surgery, by the way I only have moderate sleep apnea. Any simmilar experiences?, Thank you for your comments, and God Bless You.....    — Rosa M. (posted on May 10, 2003)

May 10, 2003
When I was tested for sleep apnea, I actually took the test at home in my own bed. I "checked out" the equipment from the hospital and took it home for the night. Actually, it was just a little device that I hooked up to my finger and it read my oxygen levels all night. Then, the doctor read the readings and reported the results to my surgeon. It may not be an option for you, but it's worth a shot to ask if it's available. Good luck!
   — Kim L.

May 10, 2003
Couple of things. You could ask if they have longer wires. I couldn't use the cpap mask at first either. Did you have a nasal mask or full face? I guess I am werid but I did much better with a full face mask. (I have cronic allergies and don't even breathe with my mouth closed while awake.) There is another option with the pressure levels (someone correct me here) instead of cpap which is one constant pressure, there is a bi-pap(?) where your exhale pressure is different than your inhale pressure. Ask. Some people do better with this. Did you explain that you CANNOT sleep on your back? I still have apnea on my side, although significantly less. Yes you will have the wires and mask. I had to psych myself out and tell mayself that I was at home. Did they allow you TV? Some people even get a sleeping pill from thier PCP, but please check with your Drs on this and you will have to document it. Email me if you have more questions and i will see if I can offer more info. My the way I did get my cpap and am dooing well. Still Preop.
   — candylnd24