sleep apnea/CPAP machines

[melzie_99 22]

I had to cancel my original surgery date cause my blood oxgen levels were too low. I was sent for a sleep study and could not stand the mask. I am very, very clausterphobic. Unfortunately, I was told they would not operate on me unless I started using the CPAP. So it was back to doctor where a therapist worked with me for over an hour finding and testing masks that I thought I may be able to use. They even had me take nap once I found one I may be able to tolerate. The nostril pillows. I have to go back next week for another study with the new mask. Once the doctor showed me my breathing pattern without the mask, I knew it was pretty serious and I had to try to work with it. Here's hoping I can get through the study without panicing. I had a full-blown panic attack the first time.

Did any of you who use a CPAP and already have had surgery, have any breathing problems in recovery?

I was initially given a nasal cannula (the little prongs that go in your nose with flowing oxygen) after surgery; once they saw my oxygen levels were stable I just wore my CPAP when sleeping. Because I was continuously on oxygen, I am not aware of any issues with that, and my sleep apnea is pretty bad (during my sleep study I had over 100 episodes/hr). I think it's something they will monitor pretty closely, especially if you have sleep apnea. The only people I've heard about having a lot of problems are heavy smokers...

[abqann 3]

I too am a Respiratory Therapist with sleep apnea. I recently went in for a second study ( my first was 12 years ago) because I was getting very forgetful, tired all the time, muscle aches, and having difficulty concentrating. I had to increase my pressure from 9 to 13 and am now classified as "severe". I also was diagnosed with restless leg syndrome and take medication for that now. I feel great!!!!! My work quality has improved as has my memory and ability to concentrate. I am cheerful and not in the fog. I strongly encourage Tycos mom to pursue a solution. Sleep apnea is a very serious condition, the daily drowsiness can cause you to fall asleep driving and result in a car accident. Also the tiredness affects EVERY aspect of your daily life and your families. Worse case it can be fatal as your oxygen levels can drop so low to cause cardiac arrest. When you find a solution you will be kicking yourself because of all the years you spent in a fog. I would suggest you may do better with a bi pap, it is similar to cpap but has a high and low pressure, Makes it easier to exhale. My husband has vary severe sleep apnea with 2 minute and longer apnea spells with very low oxygen. He could not tolerate the cpcp either as he could not breathe and felt claustrophobic as well. He had to go in for a second study for the bi pap, That was definitely the ticket for him. I also like the suggestion of trying it while watching TV just to get used to it. Again I do understand that there are people out there that have a lot of difficulty adjusting to the machine but the results are worth the effort to find a solution that will work. I do not even nap without it because I not like to fee like I have a hangover and headache that comes with sleeping without it. Again, please persue this, work with your sleep doctor to find a solution you can live with. Yur quality of life will be so much improved. Good Luck!!!!

[Detgolfer 0]

I too am a Respiratory Therapist with sleep apnea. I recently went in for a second study ( my first was 12 years ago) because I was getting very forgetful, tired all the time, muscle aches, and having difficulty concentrating. I had to increase my pressure from 9 to 13 and am now classified as "severe". I also was diagnosed with restless leg syndrome and take medication for that now. I feel great!!!!! My work quality has improved as has my memory and ability to concentrate. I am cheerful and not in the fog. I strongly encourage Tycos mom to pursue a solution. sleep apnea is a very serious condition, the daily drowsiness can cause you to fall asleep driving and result in a car accident. Also the tiredness affects EVERY aspect of your daily life and your families. Worse case it can be fatal as your oxygen levels can drop so low to cause cardiac arrest. When you find a solution you will be kicking yourself because of all the years you spent in a fog. I would suggest you may do better with a bi pap, it is similar to cpap but has a high and low pressure, Makes it easier to exhale. My husband has vary severe sleep apnea with 2 minute and longer apnea spells with very low oxygen. He could not tolerate the cpcp either as he could not breathe and felt claustrophobic as well. He had to go in for a second study for the bi pap, That was definitely the ticket for him. I also like the suggestion of trying it while watching TV just to get used to it. Again I do understand that there are people out there that have a lot of difficulty adjusting to the machine but the results are worth the effort to find a solution that will work. I do not even nap without it because I not like to fee like I have a hangover and headache that comes with sleeping without it. Again, please persue this, work with your sleep doctor to find a solution you can live with. Yur quality of life will be so much improved. Good Luck!!!!

what pills do you take for your restless leg syndrome My wife has it from chemo and can't get any help I would love to hear a pill that could help her Thanks

[MelindaH 3]

what pills do you take for your restless leg syndrome My wife has it from chemo and can't get any help I would love to hear a pill that could help her Thanks

Hi, I take Mirapex (it comes in generic) for my RLS. It has helped enormously. I wish you and your wife all the best,

Melinda

[abqann 3]

I take Pramipexole. It comes in a low dose 0.125 mg that my sleep dr allowed me to increase until I found the correct one.I take 3 at bedtime. I can also take one if we are on a car trip or am going to be sitting for a long time as this can get very uncomfortable for me. I do not know the brand name, It has changed my life. !!! As well as my husband's. If he had kicked and thrashed around like I did I would have moved into the guest room. I now am able to just lay still and sleep like a normal person. You are a very sweet man to inquire for your wife. Good luck and I will be thinking about her.

what pills do you take for your restless leg syndrome My wife has it from chemo and can't get any help I would love to hear a pill that could help her Thanks

[JanPuppyLover 2]

As you've heard from other members, sleep Apnea is a very serious disease and can lead to death, heart damage, gastrointestinal problems, hernias...just to name a few. No one likes sleeping with a mask on =-- but there are literally hundreds of different masks that you can choose from and they need to be specifically fitted to you. I use a very minimal one called "nasal pillows." I can watch TV with it on, do email, keep my glasses on etc. As some have suggested, you can desensitize yourself to the claustrophobic feelings by wearing it for a few minutes at at time while you are awake watching TV or reading before you go to sleep.< /p>

Before being diagnosed with Sleep Apnea, I could not make it through the day without taking a nap, planning my evening activities so that I wasn't out "too late," or I would worry about falling asleep driving home. This is a serious condition that needs attention not only for health reasons but for quality of life reasons.

I strongly urge you to check out the website SleepGuide.com. You will find it as warm and welcoming and as filled with information and supportive people as the people you find on here.

Best of luck to you.