Sleep apnea ("no breath") means when a person stops breathing for periods during sleep, hundreds of times per night, usually caused by obstruction of the air ways. It ruins the quality of the sleep, and robs the brain of oxygen. They say quite many people have it.
A pen pal of mine was worried that I might have it, so I looked it up, and found these helpful little videos.
I've established to my own satisfaction that I don't have it. (Part four of the videos have data about indicators that you have it, which include being awakened by your own snoring, dry throat or headache upon awakening, much drowsiness in the day, and inability to get refreshed from naps.)
That is a good set of videos on S/A
ReplyDeleteAbout two and a half years ago I was diagnosed as having S/A ...I used a C-PAP for several months but got lazy about using it and stopped...Recently I have been diagnosed with heart problems...70% blockage in one of my artories...I was told to git back to using the C-PAP...So I use it religously now...I have the full face mask...(I tried several others but they didn't work for me...)
Since I have Medicare my C-PAP is paid for ...(They cost around 6-700 dollars)...Recently a new product arrived on the scene which clamps your jaw shut and you are forced to breathe through your nose...I have a feeling this is a better solution to the problem but it costs $70.00 plus shipping...I'll have to ask my doctor about it...
RC this product that you point out will not replace the purpose of the CPAP for you...which is to force your airway open w/pressurized room air...which has been prescribed for you for a very good reason.
ReplyDeleteIf you are not happy w/your mask, I recommend that you call your Sleep Doctor to let him know what issues you are having with the current mask. CPAP manufacturers are continually designing different, more comfortable masks. There are many brands. Please do not give up on your CPAP because it can slow further deterioration of your already damaged heart.
EO, I believe the only way to KNOW for sure is to be tested. This means going to a sleep lab and being wired up for the night and monitored. Mabye you should consider this, just to be on the safe side.
ReplyDeleteI was finaly tested and I do have it. I faithfully use the CPAP every night. My wife is a nurse and she makes sure that I do...
I hear you.
ReplyDeleteRC...sorry about the "lecture" re: the mask. I guess I was jumping around on your post and missed the part where you wrote that you are now using it "religiously" again. Good for you. I am also glad that you are planning on talking w/your doctor about that product that you pointed to, before using it.
ReplyDeleteTommy: I am glad that you went for the sleep study and that you have been doing well w/your CPAP. I wonder if you would consider volunteering at a local support group for CPAP users? There are many people who give up using their machines because they aren't comfortable with them. They don't realize that the CPAP is prolonging their life! People need to hear success stories and have lots of encouragement for the first few months. It is a lifestyle change that will be with most CPAP users for the rest of their lives...which is a pretty tough thing to have to hear and accept, at first.
And...even though it is great that your wife is a nurse and "makes sure" that you use it, I think that it is important to mention that no one can "make" us do what we don't want to do so...if we don't want to comply by wearing a CPAP, after having been diagnosed with Sleep Apnea, then our health will continue to deteriorate at a much more rapid pace than had we complied. Choices to be made; consequences to be dealt with, if we choose to do our own thing. That is kind of a selfish choice -- especially if we have a family -- but...it is our choice to make, individually. Sadly, however, our choice to NOT wear a CPAP could end up costing taxpayers much more in our health care costs, as our health (heart, etc.) deteriorates.
I think that it is important to mention that no one can "make" us do what we don't want to do so
ReplyDeleteWow, TC, what an amazing insight!