Speaking of apnea and CPAP

[ThingsGottaChange]

I did have a sleep test about a year ago but, didn't sleep long enough to meet Medicare's requirements. Although the tech said I definitely had it. I haven't gone back again because I know it will just be another night of no sleep. I also have severe anxiety.

So, if I just bought my own machine and accessories, do they give you all the info you need to use it? Or do you need to be shown by a sleep tech/doc? Is it hard to learn the proper way to use it? I know this would help my greatly. I haven't felt rested in about 20 years. But, I really don't want to go thru that nightmare of a sleep test.

Any info is greatly appreciated! :hi:

[cosmik debris]

1. Check out places that rent.

They can give you on-going service and assistance.

Just be sure you ask a lot of questions before you sign anything.

[riverwalker]

2. yes, you can do it

They will come instructions. The main thing is the fit of the mask. Do a search on "Respiratory Therapy CPAP" or similar, the RT techs have their own organisations with loads of information, as well as the manufacturers.

[jkshaw]

3. My doctor checked my blood oxygen level

after I complained of feeling exhausted during the day and found it to be much too low. I wore this clothes-pin type thing on my index finger all night which recorded this.

So he prescribed an oxygen machine for me with the long, thin, flexible hose, you know, and the two little tubes that go in the nostrils -- like the thing you might have used after an operation. The machine condenses oxygen out of the room's air. I use it at night. During the day there's no problem. At night, in my particular case, my air passages sort of collapse. The constant stream of oxygen going into my nostrils make up for this collapse, and two (so far) more tests during the night have shown my blood oxygen level to be normal while using the oxygen machine.

The lack of oxygen to the brain can lead to heart problems, stroke, memory loss. The list is rather scary.

In the meantime, I'm supposed to be losing weight. I'm not terrifically overweight and could hardly believe that could be a problem, but my doctor says it could, so I'm taking his word for it.

I rent the oxygen machine, my insurance pays for part of it, but the provider (I'm fairly sure) needs a prescription from a doctor.

I spent a night at the local sleep clinic, and it was indeed awful. The bathroom, for instance, was half a city block down the hall and I trotted down there at least a half dozen times, just out of nervousness. Moreover, I, too, have panic disorder and for the first time in years, felt an attack coming on in that nightmare of a place -- you have all my sympathy! Finally, at 2:00 in the morning, the attendants allowed me to take a Xanax and I finally went to sleep.

I was supposed to have two follow-up visits which I refused point blank. Had to swear to my doctor I would lose weight.

Do you have a sympathetic family doctor who would work with you on this? Good luck.

[FlaGranny]

4. Ask your doctor

for a sleeping pill to help you sleep for the test. It is common to have trouble sleeping and 9 chances out of 10, your doctor will oblige.

It is difficult to get used to a CPAP. There are different types and one might be better for you than another. Masks are difficult and you might go through a few to find one that works for you. Also, on your own, you will have a very difficult time finding the right pressure. You must use the lowest pressure possible to control the apnea. The higher the pressure, the harder it will be to get used to it.

I strongly advise you to try the sleep study again.

By the way, I used CPAP for 8 years. I no longer need it because I've lost enough weight to cure the apnea. Once you get your CPAP and get the correct settings, it is still difficult. My advice is to persevere. I did not sleep well for almost a month after I started, but even with that, I STILL felt better than I did before. No more severe morning headaches and I actually felt more refreshed during the day than I did when I slept (I thought) all night.

Good luck.