Category: Health and Wellness
I am really nervous about CPAP treatment. I have to do it for the first time tonight. Wish me luck
Carly Carly Carly... I am so sorry. We lost touch for a while, but I am really sorry you have to do that. You are probably one of the youngest who has to do that... I would be nervous too.
good luck.
i don't know what it is, but it sounds scary
CPap is oxygen treatment due to sleep apnia. Sleep apnia is a condition where you stop breathing in your sleep, and the CPap machine provides a constant oxygen supply so that does not happen. It's not fun, I'll admit. I've done it before. But it really does help. Once you get used to it, it does help you get better sleep. Good luck to you.
Agreed with SisterDawn. I started in 2003, and because of my lifestyle decided to 86 using a humidifier rather than have to take a half hour or more each day to care for it.
The old stereotypes of who uses this treatment don't apply. I was in my early 30s when I started, and the people at the sleep center and clinic were constantly saying "You're awfully young," and "You're not heavy," as though only the aged and the heavily laden were subject to this. The doctor in charge claimed those stereotypes were largely unfounded, not to take any of it seriously and to get on the ball with the program.
Which, for the most part, I have.
All I will say is, I have not had an episode with my seizure disorder since around the time I started using it.
I understand it's harder for us, certainly the younger you are, the harder it is. You don't want to be reliant on some piece of equipment. And it takes some getting used to.
Apparently it's an airway situation perhaps in some people exacerbated by age or weight but it's got a lot more to do with the airway than anything else. It's also a lot more understood if you're in an airport and carrying the bag containing your device, and accompanying documentation.
My husband is on the same program. He just told me that it didn't take him long to get use to it, but I guess it is different for each person. I don't know.
All the best and goodluck to you!
Oh god... It aint fun. I am only 13, so I am much younger than you. I think it is Aweful! I hate trying to fall asleep with my mask on at night. I know I can't go to bed without it though.
Carly
I am really sorry girl.
thanks for the info about it, alicia.
does not sound nice at all
I think the same from what I have heard. Carly hates it.
Sucks to have to use extra equipment for stuff, especially when you're young. Hang in there, and try to be patient...it takes time to get used to having to use extra stuff like that. And yeah, make sure that, when you take it traveling, you have documentation; it will make stuff easier.
I agree. I don't have to do it thank goodness.
That would be very hard and sad. I couldn't imagne it.
Personally, I hate mine and don't use it. I developed Sleep Apnea in my teens but didn't get diagnosed until age 30. Anyway, I wasn't over weight or anything like that so the people who claim the stereotypes are unfounded are correct.
Anyway, the reasons I quit using mine were many.
1. I couldn't find a mask or nazle pillow system small enough to comfortbaly fit my face for sleeping.
2. I would usually end up wrestling with the stupid thing and it's tubes half the night.
3. More often than not, my hubby would have to wake me up to tell me to put it back on.
4. I started getting more sinus head aches when I'd use it.
5. It's a pain in the ass to have to clean all the time and even though I did that, I was getting lots more colds, sinus infections, strep, etc.
I will admit that when it was working propperly and on the rare ocasions when I could sleep with it, I got much better sleep. If you can use it, by all means, do so. You'll feel so much better.
Now there's something called the Piller Procedure that I'd like to try. My insurance doesn't cover it though so I've gotta save up the $2100 to pay for it out of pocket and it's only 65% successful.
Sleep Apenea sucks!
My fiance has it because of weight. He said that when he first got it, he hated it but now says he totally sees how sleeping with it on improves his sleep. Also he says though it might sound weird that the machine blowing air makes him fall asleep faster. It really can be annoying though in the night waking up to it coming apart or sliding down his cheek. I am sure it would take me a huge long time to get use to it if it ever happened I needed it.