I'm on a couple of epilepsy forums, and lately I've been doing some testifying with good results.  I'm just amazed about the many people with seizure disorders who are probably suffering from sleep apnea, and their doctors do nothing but add more meds to the problem. Just this last couple of days I've convinced 3 people to have sleep studies done!  I've made a few converts at my depression support group also.  If you don't already, let others know of your story with sleep apnea and getting it treated, you may save a few lives!  Virginia


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Resmed elite , 17, mirage quattro ff . 25 + years of untreated OSA

My sister has epilepsy, depression, and anxiety.  I keep encouraging her to get a sleep study done-she has many of the symptoms.  She is being a bit stubborn!  I think she is afraid more than anything.  I wish I could put her in touch with you Virginia.  I know you could encourage her!  Lantern4life

PM me and I'll send you my e-mail address.  I just got another convert from a support forum for families of blind/blind persons.  A person suffering from depression, looking for help.  I told him of my experience getting my apnea treated, and he just wrote and said apnea is probably the root of his problems also.  I'll be posting on the success stories thread soon, my story is a bit long and complicated, so its taken  me a while to work through things , but it has been a success! Virginia


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Resmed elite , 17, mirage quattro ff . 25 + years of untreated OSA

I had depression and my lack of energy was probably thought from the depression, I had to eventually diagnose myself as did many early apnea sufferers

some doctors seem to think that depression makes people imnmune to all physical illnesses


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resmed S6 lightweight, respironics comfort gell mask using CPAP since 1995, no humidifier
during my many years of severe fatigue, no doctor ever asked me if I snored

"Ain't" that the truth tho, ESPECIALLY if you are a woman!


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Some people are like Slinkies... Not really good for anything, but they still bring a smile to your face when you push them down a flight of stairs.
Resmed VPAP Auto. Humidaire 3i, Simplicity & Micro masks, ResScan 3.4, S8 ResLink, Embla oximeter.

and if you are an overweight, depressed female, "it's all in your head! Get over it!"
>^..^<
Carla

Well , I had a talk with both my therapist and my P-doc, and I told them I was angry that they missed the call on this one.  I got an apology from both of them, and I hope a more open attitude about sleep disorders and mental health issues.  I still see both of them, but its with an mutual understanding that treating the sleep disorder is imperative to keeping the mental health issues under control.  Most of the older doctors need an education, and If I have to be the one to educate them, I will.  Virginia


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Resmed elite , 17, mirage quattro ff . 25 + years of untreated OSA

Yeah, my doctor kept blaming my nighttime acid regurgitation on GERD, but I didn't have any of the other symptoms related to GERD.  I self-diagnosed and asked her to prescribe a sleep study and oh yes, I have severe sleep apnea.

Now if I hear that anyone is snoring, I recommend a sleep test for them.  If a friend complains of fatigue and waking up at night, I recommend a sleep test.   It seems odd to me that so many people around me might have undiagnosed sleep apnea.  But, if it's inherited, maybe it makes sense that many of my family members would have it.

A friend of mine has COPD and I believe she has OSA. I got her to go and have a sleep study done. Can't do it till they save up the money (sucky medical insurance) but she is going.


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Respironics M Series BiPAP Plus with BiFlex, Heated Humidifier
Resmed Ultra Mirage II Nasal Mask with Headgear
Pressure @ 6/11

I asked the therapist at my sleep study how often they have people come in that end up not having SA, and she said hardly ever.  Most are actually moderate to severe.  That tells me that they are not testing enough.  I'm sure they do cardiac stress tests that show no problems all the time!  I mean if everybody that you test has it, you're way undertesting.

I was self diagnose too...after many years of suffering and telling every Dr I went to how I was feeling....my common statement was "I am just so tired all the time, I don't feel good, something just seems to be wrong".

Many KUDO'S to you Virginia!  Unfortunately, I have given up for the most part on advocating unless someone tells me specificly of a symptom that can be related to SA..then I mention haivng a study.  I find most times I am looked at with rolling eyes.  I recently got...no that is not my husbands problem...his problem is that his legs move all night, his snoring wakes him up and he has an over active bladder.  No matter what I said...I was phoo phoo'd and then subject was dropped by theo other person.  You know when you are trying to get something through to someone who does not see/refuses to see the light...FRUSTRATING...no matter what approach is tried.


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BiPAP Auto M 13/8 Mirage Nasal Swift. 20 years+ undx'd. RLS/PLMD, Hypersomnia & more.

Mrs. RVW, there's an appropiate scripture verse for this one,  something like " a prophet is not welcome in his home town".   People who are close to us just don't want to listen, they have blinders on for some reason.  I save most of my serious evangalism for people I don't really know that well, online support groups , people at DBSA. I have family members who should be "on the hose",  they never get a lecture, but they know how successful I've been with my therapy, and I'm here if they need me.  Your better health is a testimony in itself. Virginia


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Resmed elite , 17, mirage quattro ff . 25 + years of untreated OSA