Hi everybody,
I've been lurking for about a month, ready to say hello now that I'm on the program.
41 year old male here, I was diagnosed recently with OSA, I have probably had it for 10 years or more, not knowing what was wrong with me. I had all the classic symptoms- falling asleep any time I was sitting without something actively occupying me (and even sometimes when I am doing something), I couldn't drive more than 30 minutes before I got sleepy, woke up numerous times a night with multiple bathroom trips, and of course I snored like the biggest grizzly bear ever. I'm 6'2", 380 lbs, classic profile it would seem based on what I have read here.
I got my CPAP a few days ago, unfortunately, it's the Resmed Escape... I didn't find out about it's lack of data capabilities until I already had it, I'm currently attempting to get it exchanged for one of the machines that are data capable.
I have had a fairly easy time getting started, I have a full-face mask and a nasal pillow one, too. after experimenting, I find I am more comfortable with the nasal pillow. I don't seem to be having any trouble with my mouth falling open, which amazes me, because I have always been a bit of a mouth breather- I have always had some sinus trouble- in fact, I'm currently having some trouble that I think may have begun during the titration part of my sleep test a month or so ago- I think it was a shock to my sinuses. I think they are getting better slowly. I was given corticosteroids to aid in healing it. I'm on 12cm of pressure. My apneas were many in number per minute, they classified me as severe.
I was really hoping I was going to be one of those who felt miraculously improved very quickly, but honestly, after 5 days I'm only feeling a little better. I'm still having sleepy bouts here and there. I was especially disappointed today that I got sleepy this afternoon after I had spent 9 hours on the CPAP last night, and slept straight through the 1st 7 hours of that. It's just adding to my being down in general because I have so much going on in my life at one time. My business has seemingly lost its core values. Two days ago they forced out a fellow manager, a very good friend. We had worked together 6 years. We suspect it was his age and pay level, he was costing too much. I fear I am next, so I have already made up my mind to find a new job, because I can't work under such unethical middle management. Our head manager was always considered a friend, so his now secretive behavior that you can't trust is disheartening. My place of work was always a very caring business, so it is a shock to the system to see it all go downhill, and to need to get out. Just seems like too much change is happening at once, I guess I hoped the CPAP was going to "energize" me to face all this stuff, and so far it's not. Any encouragement is greatly appreciated.  

First of all Welcome...glad you are posting and no longer peeping in the windows!  I knew I should have been more appropriately dressed!

Hey...sounds like you are doing pretty good.  You are sleeping through the night with it on...Pre XPAP, did you haev morning headaches, getting up to pee in the night, a wee little bit short tempered, still snoring like a grizzly bear?  If not..then it's working!  The tiredness will get better in time...and as you must know, it is not all about the daytime sleepiness.

Once you have been on this for 3 or 4 months and the afternoon tiredness is still an issue then talk to your Dr about it...I personally do not think that the xPAP effectiveness should be gauged in the first few weeks...it takes time.  Plus you do not have the data and dod not know if you are getting leaks or still having many apneas.

Yes...the changes of life...hard to swallow...I have found having the XPAP and treating my apnea has helped me deal better with the other issues.

keep us posted and best of luck to you.


_________________

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

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

Hiya Wall-E,

Let me add my welcome!

If you find yourself mouth breathing or suspect you are, you might ask your DME to show you the Hybrid or Resmed Liberty.  They use nasal pillows but also cover the mouth for mouth breathing.  And if you are interested in that, ask to see and try both.  They work the same way, but there are some small differences that might make a difference to you.  Masks are like shoes -- one doesn't fit or suit everyone.  Plus be sure to have followup visits with your doctor, as things progress.  Much of feeling better takes time.  But if there are other issues going on, they will need to be addressed.  And it's good to fight for a full-data machine, so that your data can be read and printed out, and you can track how you're doing.

Sorry about your work.  Keep your options open and look around, just in case.  Besides, it never hurts to do so.  It's good you're concentrating on yourself.  I can tell you are, because you've gone through the process of being diagnosed and starting treatment.  That's a big step.  Hang in there.  Do nice things for yourself, while you're working out the bugs with your cpap treatment.  Even with everything working right, it can take time to feel better.  And it sure helps to talk here with others who are going through the same thing.  Keep us posted.


Linda

First of all, we are glad to see those 'glowing eyes, Wall-E!  I am 38-and I was DX about 4 months ago, presumably had OSA most of my life.  The worst symptoms went on the past 5 years!  I am so thankful you made it through those drives-you are really lucky!  I am also on pressure of 12.  CPAP is a life-saver!  I will tell you everyone is different.  Some folks perk up immediately, others take longer.  There are challenges along the way (I have had plenty!)  I will tell you , I literally cannot sleep at all without my CPAP.  I needed it so bad, I have been 100% compliant.  

I am sorry about the job situation.  Change is tough, but sometimes for the better.  It sounds like it is time to 'turn a new leaf' in more ways than one! '  I wish you the best as you set out on  a new journey.  You have many new friends here that will support you along the way.  Who knows, maybe you will completely change careers after a while, and be in a position to help others in a different way.  You sound like a very caring person.  Keep us posted Wall-E! Lantern4life

Good luck with all areas of your life. At least you are exploring your options and taking care of your health.