Post by: onions! on August 04, 2005, 07:45:25 PM
It turns out that a combination of my snoring,increased age,& a wee bit of weight gain has changed my life for the worst.
I finally had a sleep study done last sunday.Turns out I'm "waking up" about 30 times/hour.Sometime around 4 A.M.I was fitted w/a mask & hooked up to a compressor.After taking an hour or so to get used to it I slept,finally.When the tech came to get me up & kick me out(morning)he told me that in the last two hours I hadn't woken up once!!!Wow!Now I have to wait for the DR.to call me to evaluate what exactly happened.& while I'm not looking forward to sleeping attatched to a 1970s womens hair drier/curler machine(that's what it looks like.a small box w/a a long hose attatched to a small mask)I will if it helps my sleep & can improve the rest of what ails me.
Anyone else?
Post by: atek3 on August 04, 2005, 07:51:24 PM
atek3
Post by: TarpleyG on August 05, 2005, 12:40:40 AM
Greg
Post by: JAlexander on August 05, 2005, 04:35:19 AM
If your doctor says you'd benefit from a CPAP machine, get it. I can't convey to you how much it'll improve your life.
James
Post by: SADShooter on August 05, 2005, 08:17:13 AM
Post by: TarpleyG on August 06, 2005, 04:08:19 AM
Greg
Post by: mike on August 06, 2005, 07:28:06 AM
Post by: JAlexander on August 06, 2005, 10:13:01 AM
Quote from: SADShooter
My experience hasn't been as positive as JAlexander's. I haven't used the CPAP in a while because I struggled with it for several months, and never really got used to the mask. I am going to see the doctor and try using it again. Most insurance will let you rent the machine on a trial basis. I would still encourage you to try it.
I have to admit that the first couple of months were a bit rough. I usually woke up to find that I had pulled the mask off during the night. That said, I eventually got used to it. My main problem is with my throat getting dry when the humidifier runs out of water while I'm asleep.Quote from: TarpleyG
I mostly sleep on my stomach but my position varies greatly with sleeping on my back being the least of them. Is wearing this mask going to prevent me from sleeping on my stomach? How about my sides? No way in hell I am going to be able to sleep all night on my back--hurts way too much.
Greg
It's definitely easiest to sleep on your back, but I have good luck sleeping on my side. Sleeping on your stomach while wearing the mask would be a good trick, although I bet it could be done.Greg
As I said, though, give it a try. It can't hurt, and it might help a lot.
James
Post by: toro on August 06, 2005, 10:57:37 AM
Mrs. Toro
===========================================
Romans 13:11
And that, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed.
Post by: onions! on August 06, 2005, 02:32:30 PM
The other person is a friend that I work next to all day,every day.Bruce is 48,6'3",& 195lbs.He's had four (four!!) surgeries on his throat to increase his airflow.All failures.He's had the compressor for about three years now.He says that he can only wear it for a few hours & then it comes off.
I'm glad to see that there are others here who not only have the same problem,but have benefited from taking the test & using the CPAP machine.
I hope that I end up being able to benefit from it.I sleep mainly on my side so I don't expect any problems there.
Post by: TarpleyG on August 06, 2005, 04:08:03 PM
Greg
Post by: onions! on August 06, 2005, 05:00:56 PM
Post by: Sergeant Bob on August 07, 2005, 09:07:38 AM
Like my second sleep doctor (a pulmonologist) told me, feeling more rested and having more energy are just pleasant side effects of being on CPAP.
Your case sounds pretty similar to mine in that I "woke up" 30 to 35 times an hour. In reality, the "waking up" is when you stop breathing. My O2 levels were going down into the low 60% range (if your level is below 88% all the time you need to go on supplemental oxygen).
Each time you "wake up" (also referred to as an "arousal, a medical term, don't get hinky) your brain goes into survival mode. It elevates your blood pressure, blood sugar level, heart rate, adrenaline levels. In other words, you go into "fight or flight" mode. Fight or flight is good and can save your life but, it's not good for you when it's happening 30 times per hour, and can lead to permanently elevated levels of each.
I have a ResMed AutoSpirit APAP (with heated humidifier), with a Respironics Comfort Gel mask and it has worked well for me so far.
When you get a DME (Durable Medical Equipment) provider, don't just let them give you what they want. Make sure you get what you want. Do not compromise (especially with mask selection). Make sure you can exchange the mask for a different type or brand (within a reasonable amount of time). It is your interface with the machine and may be the determining factor in regards to your compliance rate. I'm 100% compliant with the equipment I have and never even take a nap (which I don't need nearly as often as before) without my leaf blower, LOL.
Did I mention do not compromise? It's your health at stake, and you are in charge.
Here are a couple links to some good CPAP (hosehead) forums. You'll find alot of good information and support there. Good luck with it.
http://www.cpaptalk.com/viewforum.php?f=1
http://www.sleepnet.com/apnea/apneainf.html
Post by: Lt. G on August 08, 2005, 04:03:18 PM
Then I battled the one arm octapus for over 5 years, tossing, turning, struggling with the cpap. Then one night I went back to being able to tolerate the machine.
I recently went back for a second sleep study, now I am on a bipap with heated humidified air and they wanted to put me in a full face mask, no way!!!! I have what the call a comfort mask, I have lost 21 pounds, am walking/eating right. I am turning my life around. Get to the sleep study ASAP!!
Lt. G
Post by: Greg L on August 08, 2005, 07:16:59 PM
Although I do have to admit that it is funny seeing the Scout guy show up for a backpacking trip with an additional bag & car battery to haul along with him
. However to be fair the other adults have helped him haul along the battery as it improves OUR sleep as well 
.
Post by: One of Many on August 09, 2005, 05:39:45 AM
I do not use a Mask on my CPAP. I have instead a fitting that forces air into each nostril, and leaves the mouth and face uncovered. I had to learn to keep my mouth closed while sleeping, which was done by wearing a strap to apply a light force against my chin, toward the back of my head. After a few months time, I was able to eliminate the chin strap. I still must wear a harness to keep the hose in place, and I sometimes get tangled up when I toss and turn (for other reasons that lack of oxygen), but it is much better to have the CPAP than be dead. I have GAINED weight (didn't lose a pould) since I went on the CPAP - it depends on your lifestyle.
You may have difficulty sleeping on your stomach, if the mask exhausts out the front (you can't block the outflow), but that may depend on the mask you get.
It is definitely a life saving device, but it will require getting used to, both by you and your partner (there is some noise generated by the pump motor and due to the air flowing through the hose and exhaust outlet).
Post by: Brad Johnson on August 09, 2005, 09:32:31 AM
Brad
Post by: onions! on August 20, 2005, 03:46:29 AM
What a suprise!I was not only able to fall asleep within moments of putting the mask on(I'd had a BIG problem w/the mask during my sleep study),but when I woke up this morning I hadn't even moved during the night!No twisted,wadded up sheets!No swapping end for end on the bed!I almost feel like I want to cry.It's been almost a year since I've had a nights sleep like that.
However dorky I thought it would be at first I'm a believer now.If you can't sleep then definately-see your doctor.Once you start talking about it it will probably suprise you just how many people you know that have a problem & use a CPAP type machine to sleep.Heck,I've even found another guy where I work that uses one.That's THREE guys out of forty odd male employees!
The only negative came from my dogs.My oldest just gave me a "what's he up to now look?" & went to sleep.Of the twins,one wouldn't come close to me when the mask was on,& his sister just started sitting there barking @ me & finally had to spend a few minute or two sniffing the whole apparatus out.Satisfied,she went to sleep.
Post by: TarpleyG on August 20, 2005, 02:00:07 PM
Greg
Post by: onions! on August 20, 2005, 04:29:32 PM
Post by: Myself on August 21, 2005, 08:51:34 PM
Post by: Sergeant Bob on August 22, 2005, 09:01:31 AM
Quote
How involved is a sleep study? I might try one.
A sleep study will require you to sleep overnight at the sleep center for one or two nights.Some do a split study, where they test you for half the night, then hook you up to a CPAP (Constant Positive Airway Pressure) machine for the remainder of the night (to determine what pressure you require). Sometimes it will be done on two separate nights.
It's pretty expensive (mine was $3,200), so insurance is handy.
Here's a link to a sleep test (not definitive, but will give you a good idea if you need to be tested).
http://www.sleepnet.com/sleeptest.html
Here are links to a couple sleep apnea forums. They are very informative and well worth reading before you get put on a machine.
http://www.cpaptalk.com/viewforum.php?f=1
http://www.sleepnet.com/apnea/apneainf.html
Post by: TarpleyG on August 22, 2005, 10:09:07 AM
Greg
Post by: onions! on August 22, 2005, 10:50:56 AM
One thing that really impressed me about the "sleep disorder" clinic was the money involved.The exam rooms were normal doctors office size,say,6x8 feet.The sleep study rooms,however,were huge!Each room was twelve feet square,had a double bed,a LAY-Z-BOY type chair,& a big idiot box.The place reminded me of a decent hotel room.Given the $$$ placed on space in any medical building I've ever been in I can only speculate that this profession is making huge money.On top of that,I had to wait almost two months to get in & see the DR.let alone get the study done.That tells me that they are real busy.
Imagine a nation of hoseheads.Come home,kiss the wife,check the mail,eat your Soylent tablet,put your mask on,& re-charge your batteries.Ahhh,the future is now.
:-)
Post by: TarpleyG on August 22, 2005, 11:56:32 AM
Greg
Post by: onions! on September 16, 2005, 03:13:03 AM
Good luck & sleep well.
Post by: TarpleyG on September 16, 2005, 04:54:10 AM
I have read where the DME providers have tried to stiff customers. Anyone have details on this? What I hear is that they get a prescription and while they can give you unit X which is better and they have approval for, they give you unit Y because it costs less therefore they put more in their pocket. I want the best I can afford even if it means a little out of pocket expense. Noise is not a factor as I already sleep with fans on but comfort and durability is a big factor.
Thanks all,
Greg
Post by: onions! on September 16, 2005, 08:42:07 AM
That women must have read the used car/appliance store salesmens guide.Geesh.
As my insurance picks up 1/2 (the balance is invoiced to me in 10 monthly payments) ,I chose half of the lesser total.
This is mine. http://www.cpap.net/manufacturers_cpaps/resmed/s7elite.htm
Post by: 280plus on September 16, 2005, 03:51:35 PM
Post by: TarpleyG on September 17, 2005, 05:42:54 AM
Anyway, glad that crap is over. Now I have to wait until the doc prescribes a box. Please post what you are using if you haven't already. I'd like to get some opinions. Hope my crap Vista insurance covers this. I am afraid they won't. Cheap bastards.
Greg
Post by: 280plus on September 17, 2005, 09:11:00 AM
Post by: brimic on January 23, 2006, 08:31:44 PM
Last friday night I had a sleep study done. It was the most miserable night of trying to sleep ever. I was dead tired and couldn't fall asleep, but apparantly I dozed off for awhile and they got enough data on me. My breathing was stopping on average 110x per hour. They hooked me up to the reverse vacuum cleaner and I slept very soundly, reaching deeper sleep than I was without it. I probably only slept a few hours, but felt very refreshed, hell I felt like Superman, unlike the groggy, headachey, hangover feeling I have most of the time when I wake in the morning.
I have a follow up with my doctor this friday, I hope I can get my machinery soon.
Post by: Fjolnirsson on January 23, 2006, 09:26:46 PM
I just read through this thread, and the things you guys talk about are things I've been having trouble with the last five years or so. Y'all have convinced me. I didn't realize how serious a problem sleep apnea is. I'm calling the doctor in the morning. I'd rather sleep on a machine than die in my sleep before 40. If I can get a good night's sleep, it'll be worth it.
Post by: IndianaDean on January 23, 2006, 09:42:23 PM
Post by: 280plus on January 24, 2006, 01:03:05 AM
Post by: brimic on January 24, 2006, 01:39:59 AM
Post by: 280plus on January 24, 2006, 02:48:43 AM
Post by: TarpleyG on January 24, 2006, 05:07:32 AM
If you are overweight, snore a lot, get up a lot at night, and feel sleepy all the time, you probably have sleep apnea. Go to the doc and get it checked out. Sleeping with a CPAP may seem like a huge PITA but once you get used to it you'll feel a lot better.
Greg
Post by: 280plus on January 24, 2006, 05:18:28 AM
My weight stems from the fact that although I was gaining I was always working out one way or another. So I did not put on fat, I put on muscle. OK, I put on some fat too but mostly muscle. I'm what the doctor refered to as "in good shape but overweight". I refer to it as "Body by Ben and Jerry's". My blood pressure is so good it astounds the nurses. Now that the holiday binging is over, I'm trying to cut back on those kinds of "empty" calories.
Post by: Guest on January 24, 2006, 07:12:46 AM
Post by: Sergeant Bob on January 24, 2006, 07:43:45 AM
Quote
I could use some dramatic weightloss myself. I set out to drop 30 lbs 2 years ago, now I need to lose 50.
Just be glad you didn't set out to lose 60 lbs! 
As my doctor told me, "Losing weight, feeling more energetic, etc, are just pleasant side effects you might experience. The health benefits are the primary concern."
I didn't experience a sudden increase in energy. I certainly didn't experience weight loss. But, I do feel less tired during the day and don't tend to get sleepy while driving or reading as much. My blood presure has decreased a bit (although it was never high and I also quit smoking so I'm not sure CPAP caused it).
But, I do know that when I sleep without my leaf blower, I can definitely tell a difference.
Another thing I've found is that most doctors and DME's don't know squat about the treatment of sleap apnea.
I've learned more about the treatment on my own from others who have the same problem than I've learned from my doctors or DME.
If you can, get a prescription for an APAP (Automatic Positive
Airway Pressure) machine. With an APAP, you can monitor the effectiveness of your day to day treatment and improve that treatment. Through the forums I've read I have more than doubled the effectiveness of my treatment. Things I probably wouldn't have found out without another $3200 sleep study, or not at all (as you who have had one know, you can't get any kind of real sleep in those studies)
Here are some links for some sleap apnea forums. These are very valuable resources for info on your problems.
http://www.cpaptalk.com/viewforum.php?f=1
http://www.sleepnet.com/apnea/apneainf.html
http://www.cpap-forum.com/forum/index.php
http://www.talkaboutsleep.com/message-boards/viewforum.php?f=1
Post by: brimic on January 24, 2006, 08:14:30 AM
I pretty much will need a full face mask as my nose isn't in perfect condition. What happens if I were sleeping with a full mask on and the power goes out?
Post by: TarpleyG on January 24, 2006, 08:29:30 AM
Greg
Post by: onions! on January 24, 2006, 10:05:13 AM
First,I was sleeping through the night w/fail.(WONDERFUL!)
Second,for the first couple of weeks I had expierienced cramps in my legs-it was like being a teenager all over again.Thankfully those went away.
The final,noticeable,thing that I noticed was an appetite INCREASE.I was hungry all the time.It was pretty wierd,I've not felt hunger pangs like that in years.When I told the Doc that he looked at me like I had just grown a second head & started scribbling in his notes.I was a bit concerned until he told me that I was the first to admit that symptom in "all his years".He then confided that there is a hormone released during (good)sleep that can make you hungry.I just have an overactive hormone (swell!).
My full face mask allows for my mouth to drop open so I don't start sucking on nothing if the juice goes out.I can't imagine being stuck in one of those rigs w/a chin strap.Yeesh.
The only problem I've had-& it's not much of one @ that-has to do w/the hose.The first time I looked into the mirror after just waking up & saw a long row of what looked like Caterpillar tracks up my face I freaked.A little.I'd slept w/the hose between my face & the pillow & the ribs had left their mark.It went away after a few minutes but was kinda funny.I guess you had to be there.
Anywho,this thing has completely changed my life.I'm still labeled as a curmudgeon,a malcontent,& a PITA @ work but I feel lots better.
Post by: Sergeant Bob on January 24, 2006, 10:59:57 AM
Quote
I pretty much will need a full face mask as my nose isn't in perfect condition. What happens if I were sleeping with a full mask on and the power goes out?
Are you sure you need a full face mask? Has anyone suggested using nasal pillows? They won't work for everyone, I can't use them because my pressure is to high (14.6cm) and the noise of the air rushing through them sounds like a wind tunnel. But, they may work for you.Have you tried other masks, made by other manufacturers? Not all masks are alike. A mask which works great for one might not work at all for someone else. What kind of mask did they use on you? Was it a Comfort Gel or Comfort Lite?
As for mouth leaks (which might require you to use a full face mask), they can sometimes be overcome with other methods. Such as a mouthpiece made by a dentist (expensive) or maybe a homemade device such as I use. Cost me about two bucks to make and is much more comfortable than a chinstrap or taping your mouth closed (yes, some people do that).
Do not just take the word of your DME! Many of them just want to sell you something. Most of them don't know SQUAT.
Take control of your own treatment. Most of you are gunnies, and you don't go into a store and let them tell you what you need to buy. You get educated on what's avalilable, then you go get what you want. This should not be any different!
Depending on your insurance and if they don't require renting the machine first (or if you are spending your own money), you may be able to buy your machine outright.
In that case, you can get your equipment much cheaper if you don't buy it from a DME, Most of them charge up to twice what you would pay if you bought it yourself online.
Here's an excellant and reliable souce for all your CPAP needs.
http://www.cpap.com/
There is a link on their site for billing your insurance company.
http://www.billmyinsurance.com/
Post by: Ex-MA Hole on January 24, 2006, 11:16:47 AM
A bit over 6 months of use, it is a beautiful thing!!!
Post by: 280plus on January 24, 2006, 01:09:04 PM
LOL...
Post by: Fjolnirsson on January 25, 2006, 02:31:35 PM
Post by: 280plus on January 25, 2006, 02:54:17 PM
Post by: brimic on January 25, 2006, 03:48:35 PM
Post by: Brian Williams on January 26, 2006, 05:15:59 AM
Post by: Devon on January 26, 2006, 09:26:20 AM
Devon
Post by: 280plus on January 26, 2006, 10:19:04 AM
Post by: Fjolnirsson on January 26, 2006, 11:31:36 AM
Post by: TarpleyG on January 26, 2006, 12:06:32 PM
Greg
Post by: 280plus on January 26, 2006, 12:36:35 PM
And tell us what he/she says! Please!
Post by: Fjolnirsson on January 26, 2006, 03:32:09 PM
Quote from: TarpleyG
hosing up at night.
Greg
Lol. What an image...Greg
Anyway, The doctor set me up with the lab for a blood test(don't know if that's related or not), and sent in the paperwork for the oxygen test. The way they do it here, is the testing company loans the equipment and to you with instructions, and you do the test at home. After that, I go for the part where they try the mask on me overnight. Didn't ask about the allergies, forgot. The sleep specialist will know more, I'd guess.
Post by: brimic on January 26, 2006, 04:27:13 PM
Quote
Anyway, The doctor set me up with the lab for a blood test(don't know if that's related or not),
Maybe to rule out thyroid or liver problems?
Post by: Fjolnirsson on January 26, 2006, 05:45:59 PM
It's one of those where I have to fast for 12 hours prior, so they can test my blood sugar.
Post by: brimic on February 03, 2006, 12:57:56 AM
Post by: TarpleyG on February 03, 2006, 02:41:02 AM
Quote from: brimic
Just got set up with a machine and mask yesterday. Not sure of any improvement yet as I only got about 2.5 hours of sleep before work tonight, I guess I'll get to give it a full test run in a few hours.
It'll take you a few weeks before you start seeing any improvement. Of course, YMMV.Greg
Post by: 280plus on February 03, 2006, 03:04:38 AM
Good luck, hose head!! Don't be afraid to ask questions. I'm sure we'd all be glad to help our newbies. Hell, I'm happy knowing we turned so many on to this! May you all enjoy life a little more!!
Post by: Brian Williams on February 03, 2006, 03:16:31 AM
Post by: Fjolnirsson on February 04, 2006, 03:53:58 PM
I picked up the machine for measuring my oxygen level yesterday. Decided to sleep on my back, as it seems that would be the worst position. My wife was listening, though, and says I actually snore and stop breathing more on my side. I'm a little concerned the machine wasn't working right. I had a heck of a time getting ti set up right. It would run for a few minutes, then stop reading. So, I may have to do this again. I hope not. Awful, absolutely awful sleep last night! Once I finally got the danged thing to work right(after two hours), I couldn't get comfortable. My wife said I snored horribly, and was stopping my breathing so often it scared her. I kept forgetting thwe machine was there, and turning over on my stomach, so I was lying on top of the machine. I finally took it off after 10 hours, and slep four hours over my normal wakeup this morning.
So, I trun the machine in Monday, then make a Dr appointment for a referral to the sleep clinic. At this point, I'm afraid the doctor will say nothing's wrong, that it's all in my head. If so, I'll have to see another doc. At this point, having learned about sleep apnea, it's worse than before. Now I feel as though there's a chance at a normal life, without constant exhaustion. I've caught myself fantisizing about a good night's sleep with the machine, LOL!
Well, wish me luck!
Post by: M14rick on February 05, 2006, 10:08:43 AM
I do dream now, it had been a long time since I had dreams, and they were usually nightmares...I am an alcoholic, and stopped drinking in '98.
Go with CPAP if you need it, I am glad I did!
Post by: InfidelSerf on February 05, 2006, 11:15:12 AM
A couple of comments/questions though...
First, I don't have any health insurance, so all expenses in seeking treatment would be on my own.
Second, do you HAVE to have a DR. referall just to get in for a sleep test.
And third, since I know that increased oxygen during sleep would benefit me, why would I even bother spending $3200 on a study just to tell me that "Yep you have so many arousals per hour, you need a CPAP machine."
Why not just shell out $300-500 on one of those machines and start the treatment on myself.
I don't really see any NEGATIVE effects of increasing the air flow during sleep. So even if I didn't need it it wouldn't hurt me. Right?
-edit- after some further research is seems that an auto adjusting CPAP machine would be the choice without a sleeptest.
Post by: TarpleyG on February 05, 2006, 12:38:22 PM
Greg
Post by: InfidelSerf on February 05, 2006, 06:34:15 PM
Quote
It's all going to be secon-hand stuff which is okay I guess.
Why would only second hand equipment be available? This site seems to be selling new with no requirement of a Dr. referal http://www.cpap.com/
Perhaps I'm missing something.
Post by: Sergeant Bob on February 05, 2006, 07:56:15 PM
Quote from: veloce851
Quote
It's all going to be secon-hand stuff which is okay I guess.
Why would only second hand equipment be available? This site seems to be selling new with no requirement of a Dr. referal http://www.cpap.com/
Perhaps I'm missing something.
If I was going to buy equipment without using insurance that is where I would buy it from.
You'll not likely find XPAP equipment on EBay because it does require a script. People do list equipment on there but it is removed once they find out.
If you can get a prescription from a doctor (any doctor) you can buy from cpap.com. Many people have administered their own treatment by buying an APAP machine (Automatic Positive Airway Pressure). With an APAP you really don't have to worry about doing it wrong and it will allow you to monitor your progress and make the necessary adjustments to improve your treatment.
You need to get educated on how to treat OSA, and you can learn more by going to the forums at cpap.com than you are likely to learn from most doctors.
There are alot of different machines, and alot of different masks you can buy. There is no such thing as one mask which works for everyone. There is alot more to it than just slapping on a mask and cranking up a machine. It's not real hard to treat but, if you don't know anything about it you'll waste alot time and money without getting the full benefit of the treatment.
Post by: InfidelSerf on February 10, 2006, 06:35:53 AM
I will have to do more research and see if its worth acquiring a machine.
Post by: Trebor on February 10, 2006, 10:45:20 PM
Post by: brimic on February 10, 2006, 10:51:47 PM
Post by: Sergeant Bob on February 11, 2006, 06:05:50 AM
Quote from: Trebor
Thanks for the links to CPAPTALK and the othe forums. I posted there on the problems I'm having. Basically, I have a machine that I never use because I couldn't get used to it. I decided to try it again and gettting more info looks like it might help.
They are a great resource for info on CPAP. There are people there who have been on CPAP since it began and know more about it than most any doctor. I'm glad it was helpful.Quote from: veloce851
Thanks Sgt. Bob, and TarpleyG for the feedback.
Quote
I will have to do more research and see if its worth acquiring a machine.
My pleasure. I had a sleep study myself ($3,200 worth) and all I learned there was that I had OSA. Not much about how to treat it. Through those forums I learned enough to have at least some knowledge of machines and masks, and how to make it all work.Many people go into it blind, and when it doesn't work for them they just give up, not getting the benefit of the treatment. I firmly believe in the treatment is beneficial.
Before I started, I would get sleepy while driving, drift off while reading or in classes, woke up at night about every 2 hours to use the bathroom, would wake up in a puddle of sweat. Now all of that is over.
Quote from: brimic
I take to my machine like a duck to water. I sleep during the day because of my job and now I have the added bonus of pulling the covers over my head to block out sunlight without having the feeling of suffocating.
Me too! I call my machine and mask my SCUBA (Self Contained Undercover Breathing Apparatus) gear.
Post by: Fjolnirsson on February 22, 2006, 05:00:15 PM
Post by: Fjolnirsson on February 22, 2006, 05:35:02 PM
I don't know where the rest of that last post went. Anyway, I went back to the doctor, after they finally got in the results of the oxygen level test I did. So, I do have apnea, and now I'm waiting to hear back from the sleep center to schedule my appt for the overnight stay.