I just wanted to let everyone know that I had a wrist reconstructed yesterday.  I have needed this surgery since before my first foot surgery two years ago (see nightmare saga in "Vicki's Challenges" above) but I had to wait until I could walk again, so it has been awhile.  I am in more pain than with my foot so I need the strongest pain meds. but they are making me sick to my stomach.  Six major surgeries from hand to foot including an abdominal surgery in between.  Plus I got laid off in Nov (not because of my foot, so did 2500 other people).  It can only get better right?  I do have a job at a start up company.  I keep telling myself that 2008 will be a great year!

I'm typing pretty fast one handed, now to lay back down!!  I have figured out how to do most everything by myself except put my mask on.  You folks are creative, any ideas?  I need help with that ASAP because I keep falling asleep without it on and that makes me feel worse.  It is a FF F&P Flexfit 431.

Vicki


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That which does not kill you makes you stronger-Friedrich Nietzsche
Friedrich must of had apnea.

Vicki:
 
I'm sorry to read of your surgery and wish you a speedy recovery.  Nine years ago I had to have a new joint put into the base of my left thumb where it meets the wrist.  I agree there's no surgery more painful than hand surgery.  I was amazed of how debilitating the surgery can be.  Unfortunately, my right hand was put on a "watch" as it would also need the same surgery but wasn't bad enough to do it immediately after recovering from the surgery on my left hand.  Well, fast forward 9 years and it now looks like surgery on my right hand/wrist is imminent in the not too distant future, in fact, I will be calling my hand surgeon on Monday.

When I have my hand surgery I will have a similar dilemma with my mask as you.  I think you should repost your question in "CPAP Mask/CPAP Machine Questions" so more people will see it and hopefully get you some good responses quickly.  Good luck with your recovery.  You didn't mention the expected length of your recovery but I know mine was 3 months before I could begin using my left hand and about 5 months before I had full mobility in it by having occupational therapy 3 days a week.



Last edited by lking on Sat Dec 08, 2007 10:44 pm; edited 3 times in total
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OSA Sleep Test 8/29/07, AHI 64, Sat. 74%
Titrated 10/1/07, Pressure 13
BiPAP Auto M Series w/Humidifier, set at 13/8
OptiLife Mask; Ruby chinstrap


CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFO~ http://tinyurl.com/69q52a

Vicki,

Is there any way you can snap in the clip on the right side of the mask and then slip the strap onto the hook on the left side of the glider strap with your left hand? Only thing I can come up with on short notice. My 431 has donated it's headgear to a different mask, so I don't have it together to try that.

I just went in and put on my Quattro using my left hand only. I put my hand inside the top straps so the the back of the headgear was resting against the back of my hand. I was then able to slip the headgear over my head. Positon the mask cushion and hook up your lower strap and you should be good. Of course I'm full of coffee and not pain meds.

Vicki I feel kind of helpless right now. You were such an anchor for me when I was starting out, I really wish I could do something for you.

Brian

Vicki,

Just read your call and I'm here to the rescue.  Is your head gear fixed the way you usually have it on?  If so, then this is what I just did ...open the velcro on the right side so that it is still through the little snap thingy.  Take the mask in your left hand and hold the mask up with your right arm or bandaged right hand, bring the rest of the head gear over and down your head with your left hand ( you don't need to connect it just yet.  Once the headgear is in place pretty straight, use left hand to lock the little thingy to the slide bar then take the velcro and tighten as needed.

I sure hope everything goes well for you.  2008 has to be better than 2007 has been.  Not just for you and me but for the world.

I hope I've given you some help in putting on the ole 431.  I wish I was there to help you.

NN and GB  JuJu

Vicki, I don't have any words of wisdom, I just wanted to lend my support.  My best friend had hand surgery, not nearly as serious as yours, but I saw just how difficult things were for her.  I will keep you in my thoughts, and wish for you a speedy recovery.  Here's hoping 2008 is much, much better.  

Sleepytime

thanks brian and juju for your suggestions!  a combo worked!!  I loosen the left side by undoing the bottom velcro (which was under the rigt-side velcro so i had to switch them),  I cant stand my hair in the headgear so i slipped my left hand throuh the top of the head gear and grab my hair then pull my mask down close to where it needs to be and pull the velcro.

i tried to leave it adjusted and pull the left side on the hook thingy but couldn't quite do that yet, bt i'll keep trying since then it will already be adjusted.  OK, everybody else follow that   ?  Thanks so much you guys, i can't think straigt.  I'm still tasting anesthesia, bleh!!

And thanks iking and sleepytime for your thoughts and support.  It sure helps to know that people are routing for me!!  like you iking, this is a bilateral problem but maybe i can wait 9 years to repeat it on the other hand.

vicki


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That which does not kill you makes you stronger-Friedrich Nietzsche
Friedrich must of had apnea.

Vicki, as we say in the south "thar's more than one way to skin a cat"!  Didn't Hillary use Thar or Thems in a speech?
Get well soon.  God Bless.

Hi Vicki. I am not familiar with the type of mask you wear so I am of no help there. I just want to wish you a speedy recovery and let you know that I am sending good thoughts your way and also remembering you in my prayers.

I am on CPAP two years this month and I will never forget how helpful you were when I first started and I thank you for that.

I hope 2008 will be a better year for you.

All the best.

mustangal

P.S. I think you type great with one hand. That in and of itself is quite an accomplishment!

Vicki- you are such an inspiration to so many people here. Here's looking forward and GOOD KARMA in 2008 for you.


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EVERY SILVER LINING HAS A TOUCH OF GREY
-Grateful Dead


CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFO~ http://tinyurl.com/69q52a

Thanks Mustangal and Barb!!!  Barb, I'm glad you are home and doing well!!   Us two gimps can commiserate with each other!!

Vicki


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That which does not kill you makes you stronger-Friedrich Nietzsche
Friedrich must of had apnea.

Vicki, I hope you have a speedy recovery.

to make the hair part easier, put your hair in a ponytail before putting the mask on, then once you get in over your face and roughly adjusted, then I pull mine through the "hole" in the straps just above the nape of my neck... then I remove the ponytail holder.  It makes adjusting the make easier as you don't have to pull hair here-and-there.  You could even leave it in the ponytail if you think you will be up and down during the night.

hope it helps...


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Give peace a chance

The loosening sounded like it should work.  Hope it continues.
Thinking of you!!!  You have got to get back to your music once more. Music can 'sooth the soul' especially when you play it yourself.
Barb


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Remstar auto CPAP... mask=Hans Rudolph V2
Peace begins with each of us, as individuals

Vicki wrote:

I just wanted to let everyone know that I had a wrist reconstructed yesterday.

Vicki, when you had your wrist surgery how did you handle your anethesia?  Did you discuss your OSA with your hand surgeon or just with your anethesiologist?  I  bit the bullet today and called my hand surgeon, I have an appointment to see him Thursday morning.  I'm trying to decide if I need to bring up my OSA when he says it's time to have the needed surgery or wait until I see the anethesiolgist.


_________________
OSA Sleep Test 8/29/07, AHI 64, Sat. 74%
Titrated 10/1/07, Pressure 13
BiPAP Auto M Series w/Humidifier, set at 13/8
OptiLife Mask; Ruby chinstrap


CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFO~ http://tinyurl.com/69q52a

lking I would do both.  Tell your surgeon and then tell the anesthesiologist too.   I have to get scoped Wed and my doctor decided to do the procedure in a different place (closer to a hospital) based on my sleep apnea but he also told me to be sure and tell the anesthesiologist also.   Tomorrow will be horrible as I get to drink a gallon of laxative, wonder what I'll do tomorrow evening???


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~ElleMarie~ One day at a time, ARE YOU KIDDING ME! Sometimes it's just a minute at a time.



AHI 100 -Diagnosis June 2007-

If I was near by, I'd come to help.

This site, and YOUR support, is so greatly appreciated.  

What about neighbors?  

If you order a pizza just before bedtime, have the delivery person help you put on the mask!  

Best wishes, Ted


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As a Christian, you may be the only bible someone ever reads.