Since becoming aware of having sleep apnea, it seems like everything I pick up to read has an article about it.

One thing that most of the articles point out is that being overweight, drinking alcohol, and smoking, all seem to contribute.  Well, I am guilty of all three.  Has anyone tried to fix those issues before going on the machine, and if so what were the results?  I am scheduled for a mask fitting tomorrow, but am really really reluctant to do this machine thing.  

Barry

Barry wrote:

Since becoming aware of having sleep apnea, it seems like everything I pick up to read has an article about it.

One thing that most of the articles point out is that being overweight, drinking alcohol, and smoking, all seem to contribute.  Well, I am guilty of all three.  Has anyone tried to fix those issues before going on the machine, and if so what were the results?  I am scheduled for a mask fitting tomorrow, but am really really reluctant to do this machine thing.  

Barry

Hi Barry,

I can't answer your specific question, for I didn't try to improve my health significantly before starting treatment.  Perhaps someone else has.
But keep in mind, there are plenty of normal weight, non-drinking, non-smoking people out there who have sleep apnea.  I know of a couple of friends like this.  And even if you improve your health, it all might alleviate the severity of your apnea but not make it disappear.  True, there is always hope, but I suspect that even if it were to eliminate your apnea, it wouldn't eliminate it right away.  Your body adjusts, and many of us have plenty of health issues which if eliminated would likely require our bodies to catch up.  Keep following your course of treatment.  It can't hurt to improve your health also.  And again, there is always hope.  But do this to make you feel better.  Don't you think it's worth it?  If it makes you feel better, it definitely is worth it.

When you go for your mask fitting, you might ask to try out different types, like a nose mask and the nasal pillows.  Some say the nasal pillows are less obtrusive.  I don't know.  But if you have this opportunity to try different types, take advantage of it.  It will likely all seem strange to you.  But when you are home and using it, things seem more normal, in my opinion.  Hang in there, my friend.  You're not alone in this.  And I for one want to see you feeling better from this.  Let us know how it goes.


Linda

Barry,
  Many people reach for nicotine, caffine, and carbohydrates in an attempt to overcome the exhausdtion of untreted apnea.  The lack of energy also inhibits natural excercise (just being up and busy) as well at attempts at planned, structured excercise programs.
   Apnea alters the balance of many hormones that control metaboolism and hunger.

My message is that accomplishing control of caffine, nicotine and appetite and excercise is much more likely to ber successful "after" treatment with cpap.

As for alcohol, andycentral nervous system depressant, including muscle relaxers, narcotic pain relievers, etc they can make apnea (airway collapse) worse, while making your body's response of waking (arousal) to overcome the obstruction less likely.

SO get your cpap, give yourself a while to overcome your sleep deprivation, then tackle those other nasty habits one at a timel.

I have used cpap for over five years, and only regret that I haven't had it for fifteen years!!!

PS At that mask fitting be sure, at a minimum, they show you the ACTIVA  BREEZE  and SWIFT!!
If possible, try them on with the machine running AND you head on a pillow, even if you lay the pillow on the table in front of you.  Lift and turn your head from right to left several times and be sure they show you all the masks adjustments.

I am a heavy smoker/drinker/over weight otherwise healthly 42 male. Last week I had a severe "asthma" attack during sleep. I was actually dreaming that I couldent breath, jesus it was scary. I awoke not able to breath in, I just couldent open up. I kept thinking it was asthma and I was stumbing around my house looking for an old "asthma" breathing thing(ephidrin mister) I had gotten years ago from a doctor that obviously misdiagnosed me with asthma. It lasted a good 1-3 minutes, Im not sure how long but I was starting to heave my chest to force in air and spots where starting to fly in my eyes and I was close to passing out, I was freaking out big time, my concerned wife suggested sticking my head in the freezer, which I did, of no help though. Finally I just stopped and told myself to relax and a small amount of air starting coming in. It took a few more minutes before most air intake was back, a good half hour before normal breathing was back.

Damn! that really sucked! It really scared me and I have been perplexed as to excatly what had happened. Although this was by far the worst, it has happened before at least once this year. Ever since this last incident I have been wondering what the hell had happened and ironically I was watching a Sopranos show where Uncle Junior was diagnoised with apnea, and a "light" went off in my head, I started reading on this web site and now Im sure it was sleep apnea, and my heavy smoking/drinking is most likely to blame.

thats my story.

Mine didn't become "noticeable"  to me until I lost my weight (16 inches and 30 pounds).  But since it has gotten worse, I have gained some in the weight again, eating to stay awake.  That's my experience with weight.
As for the alcohol and tobacco, I don't do smoke and drink on rare occasion but I'm a substance abuse counselor and can tell you this.  When quitting either, it will effect you're sleep pattern until your body stabilizes.  Depending on how much you drink and how often, you may be able to stop right away or you may need to gradually cut back (people have died from alcohol withdrawal - consult a professional about your habits).  Smoking has been described as worse than trying to get off heroin.  Going cold turkey may not be great for you there either.  Try cutting back and consult a professional about ways to begin cessation of smoking.  Both of these things will be healthier for you anyhow  
Good luck with everything and let us know how it goes.
Sher

Barry wrote:

Since becoming aware of having sleep apnea, it seems like everything I pick up to read has an article about it.

One thing that most of the articles point out is that being overweight, drinking alcohol, and smoking, all seem to contribute.  Well, I am guilty of all three.  Has anyone tried to fix those issues before going on the machine, and if so what were the results?  I am scheduled for a mask fitting tomorrow, but am really really reluctant to do this machine thing.  

Barry

Hi Barry,

A lethal combination.
From a general health point of view it is important to address these issues. You don't mention whether you have mild/moderate or severe apnoea. It would be helpful to know.

The mask is everything. Make sure it is comfortable otherwise you will have problems with the machine. Take your time.

If you opt to 'not use the machine', the problems with smoking, alcohol and overweight might prove to be the least of your problems. You have a serious condition which requires treatment. When you become compliant with the treatment, you will be better prepared and informed to look for other solutions.

Daniel


_________________
The untreated Sleep Apnoea sufferer died quietly in his sleep.......
Unlike his three passengers who died screaming !!!!!!

(Anon)