For about the past 8 or so years, I have been feeling progressively more and more depressed, tired, unable to concentrate, and extremely apathetic about life. So, naturally I went to a doctor who prescribed me antidepressants. After 4 different types of medications and combinations of them, and also after a year in therapy talking about my childhood, etc, I finally came to the conclusion that depression was not my problem but rather extreme fatigue caused by not being able to breathe when I sleep. I tell you my life has been hell on earth. I have been forced to quit jobs or gotten fired, ruined relationships, and acted out in all kinds of stupid ways. People constantly ask me if I smoke pot because I have such a mellow, Eeyore like personality. I think I have been having problems with sleep apnea all of my life. I am about to turn 33, and think that nowadays I can't get by on so little sleep anymore. I am single and don't have any children, so that is good in the sense that I don't have that to worry about that responsibility but also not so good in that I am basically on my own facing these things. I guess my point is that I am kind of at the end of my rope, and hope and pray that I can find some answers and begin to live a normal life. This is not life, but rather a pathetic existence constantly walking around in a haze. I can barely even smile anymore nor enjoy any thing I used to. Last week I saw a doctor who recommended I have a sleep study done. I guess my point to this post is that I am really hurting, and just needed a place to vent where people would understand.

SnoringBob...you sound so sad and unhappy. I hope you get the answers you are looking for so you can get on with your life. It's terrible being so tired all the time. Maybe you'll find out you have sleep apnea and get treatment and it will change your life. Hang in there Bob...


_________________
*** Linda ***

Hi Bob,

You are, unfortunately, not alone.  Go to the ASAA home page (link at top of page) and read the patient stories as well as the posts in this forum.  Mine is there.  I am glad you will be getting help.  Please stick around with us and know we truly understand because many of us have been there.

Vicki

Bob-

   I know how you feel - I am going thru hell also - and I've already had C-pap & Surgery.  Sleep Apnea is no fun.. Get a sleep study - and take it from there.  Good Luck -- John

SnoringBob wrote:

For about the past 8 or so years, I have been feeling progressively more and more depressed, tired, unable to concentrate, and extremely apathetic about life. So, naturally I went to a doctor who prescribed me antidepressants. After 4 different types of medications and combinations of them, and also after a year in therapy talking about my childhood, etc, I finally came to the conclusion that depression was not my problem but rather extreme fatigue caused by not being able to breathe when I sleep. I tell you my life has been hell on earth. I have been forced to quit jobs or gotten fired, ruined relationships, and acted out in all kinds of stupid ways. People constantly ask me if I smoke pot because I have such a mellow, Eeyore like personality. I think I have been having problems with sleep apnea all of my life. I am about to turn 33, and think that nowadays I can't get by on so little sleep anymore. I am single and don't have any children, so that is good in the sense that I don't have that to worry about that responsibility but also not so good in that I am basically on my own facing these things. I guess my point is that I am kind of at the end of my rope, and hope and pray that I can find some answers and begin to live a normal life. This is not life, but rather a pathetic existence constantly walking around in a haze. I can barely even smile anymore nor enjoy any thing I used to. Last week I saw a doctor who recommended I have a sleep study done. I guess my point to this post is that I am really hurting, and just needed a place to vent where people would understand.

Hi Bob,

Wow, yours is an amazing description of what it's like to suffer with sleep apnea and not know it.
All too often we are treated for symptoms of something many doctors don't know much about or care to check out as a possible cause.
We now know so much more about this condition and how to treat it.  There are no longer any good excuses for many to have to suffer so long to be diagnosed (my soap box opinion, lol).  

Venting is important, for if you were like me, I felt so terribly alone. I felt my life going downhill and just figured it was somehow my fault for leading a none-too-healthy life.  Payback, I figured.  

Not only should you vent, but you ought to let us all know how things go for you.  You are terrific at describing this.  
Your story, like those of so many here, help us all understand this and cope with it.  A lot of people view this forum, many who wonder what this sleep apnea is all about and if they might have it.  Descriptions like yours help them see they need help.  

Oh, and snoringbob, you might consider registering as a member here.  You needn't and you can certainly continue to post.  But being a registered member gives you a lot of nifty extra features.  My favorite is the Private Message (PM) feature, enabling you to talk to individuals as well as use the forum here.  It's easy, free and safe.  Consider doing it, so I can send you a howdy PM.  Haha!

Thanks for writing this.  Please keep in touch.


Linda

Bob,

I know how you feel. I feel like I just exist. I have been treated for depression for years and for the last 3 years I have been treated for MS. The MS doctor finally ordered a sleep study that shows sleep apnea. I am not excited about finally finding something wrong with me, but it would be wonderful to get help so that I feel better. I am so tired of feeling this way. Good luck with you and keep me posted.

Peggy