Hi all!  

I was thinking about all the people I've told that I have sleep apnea. I guess it's my way of getting support,and I've ben lucky as far as work is concerned.  Family too.  I'm aware all day, every day that I have it, and maybe that won't be so much a part of my thoughts once I get my CPAP, but I'm wondering if anyone else talks about sleep apnea, and how much  And to who?  

I don't mean to say that I talk about it 24/7, but it does enter many of my conversations.  So ... ?

Sleepytime

I know hubby talked about it at work and found out there were a number of guys that used it.
So I guess it made him feel better and not like an oddball.
This was when he was first diagonsised.
I don't know that he says much about it any more to anyone.
We don't discuss it much unless he is needing something for the setup.
I make certain he has what he needs and push him to order the new items, as needed.

Since the apap has helped me so much, I talk about it to everyone.  I've found a lot of other xpap users out there too.



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hhopper wrote:

Since the apap has helped me so much, I talk about it to everyone.  I've found a lot of other xpap users out there too.

That is pretty much the same I have done. I've also pretty much done the same with my lap band surgery. Both have helped me tremendously health wise and given me a better quality of life.


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I use one of my Swift mask's soft-sided travel cases as a gig bag (a gig bag is the musician's equivalent of a junk drawer, it holds spare strings, capos, tuner, and miscellaneous stuff). I was surprised at the number of "Hey hosehead" greetings I get. We're everywhere, to steal a phrase.

Now I don't feel like I'm "out there" for talking about my sleep apnea so much.  Raconteur, that's a great idea, using the travel case as a gig bag.  I'm also a musician, and in desperate need of a new one, so, maybe when I get my CPAP, I'll be doing the same.  (My titration is this Tuesday, and I can't wait!)  Lori, I had major surgery about five years ago, and I talked about that, too.  

Again, thank you all.  Can't wait to be a hosehead!  

Sleepytime

I have told everyone!  I cant stop myself.   Maybe it is a need to explain the person I have been for the past few years of my life.  Maybe it is just because I still cant quite grasp it myself.  Sometimes to really make yourself believe something you have to say it out loud.   I suppose that once the newness of this goes away and I have my CPAP and life settles back in I will speak of it less, think of it less.

Everyone at work knows and I feel redeemed because for years people accused me of staying up late at night and that's why I was so sleepy every day.


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When I first was diagnosed and began treatment I told practically everyone I knew, for a couple of reasons. First was just wanting to explain what was wrong with me for so long -lol-  The other part was wanting to casually explain why the bridge of my nose always looked like I had went a few rounds with a professional boxer (I had a difficult time getting up and going with my various full face masks).

Anymore I don't really talk about it much unless it just happens to come up in conversation. It isn't a matter of being embarassed or anything negative, it's more a matter of being used to being treated and just don't think much about my apnea on a daily basis.


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I have told nobody but a few close friends.
I doubt I will mention it to my co workers.


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Again, thanks to all.  I guess that, like you, Will, once I'm treated and feeling better I won't need to talk about it to friends and coworkers any more, but I know I'll be coming here to talk about all kinds of things, and hopefully, to help others as I have been helped.  And, of course, to learn.  I'll be a baby hosehead for quite sometime, and counting on everyone to help me take those first steps.    

Sleepytime

I am VERY outspoken about it. In fact, I have doctors who have asked me to talk to patients about it, and I work in surgery, not a sleep lab.

I have friends who ask me about it. I met a couple at a wedding this past weekend, and we ended up talking about it, and to her husband, encouraging him to get tested, because, yeah, he did sound like it.

I have a public awareness program from Respironics, that I do whenever I get the opportunity.

The victims speaking out, is the only way we can get the word out about this vicious condition.

Healthcare people may be listed as the "Experts", but, unless they have it, they are only booksmart about it.
We know how it feels.

Yeah...We need to get the word out!


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painless

Sleep Apnea is a Killer! Get it Tested!
Get it Treated! Use the Treatment!

I guess then, I can see myself doing the same thing, Painless, because I feel the same way about blindness.  Many of the people I've come across in the field of visual impairment and blindness think they know what it's all about because they've been to college, but I'm here to tell them that, unless you live it, you don't have a clue.  So I may be doing the same once I'm feeling better.  

Two days and counting until my titration!  

Sleepytime

I am in the sign business. My son is also and is having the sleep epnea test tonight  I posted about sleep apnea on a sign forum.
 
 and boy did I get replies. There are lots of people that want to know. Thanks for this forum it is needed. Henry G

Everybody knows; friends, family, coworkers. The funny thing is that when I began talking about it at work, I found that a lot of people I've been working with for the past seven years have it or know someone who does. So now, after the usual greetings and small talk, we trade mask and machine tips. I always mention this forum. I've come across a few folks who are trying to convince someone close to them to get diagnosed and treated. Hopefully, they've visited here and are seeking treatment.


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