Anyone have any experience with sleep apnea?

[W_HAMILTON]

I just went to a sleep doctor today, and he believes that I may have sleep apnea. He has me scheduled for a sleep study next week.

Anyone out there with experience on this subject?

[elleng]

1. No personal experience, but a friend died,

having not slept properly for ???, feel asleep at desk, and had heart attack.

Best wishes.

[MicaelS]

2. I was diagnosed 10 years ago....

Been using a CPAP machines faithfully ever since. Just had another sleep test, got a new machine, and a new pressure setting.

CPAP Talk Forum here: http://www.cpaptalk.com/CPAP-Sleep-Apnea-Forum.html?sid=eb417c9e3b75e6252eb03de744d1dde5

[Frank Cannon]

7. A friend of mine started on CPAP a couple of years ago, and it changed his life.

Said he never realized that the reason he had felt like shit for ten years is because he'd completely forgotten what a good night's sleep felt like.

[canoeist52]

3. Hubby and I were both diagnosed about 10 yrs. ago.

He had the surgery. I got the machine. I believe both may have saved our lives.

Most certainly improved them at least.

[MilesColtrane]

4. I believe I have it.

But, I haven't been diagnosed because I don't have insurance.

I've got the risk factors for it, both parents have/had it, and I am having symptoms that seem to fit.

I've even looked into buying a black market CPAP, with no luck.

[pscot]

5. Try Craigslist

$90 and up. You need some training in how to use the device, but that's probably available online too.

[MicaelS]

6. No need to buy black market

Plenty of used machines and mask for sale at CPAP Auction. http://www.cpapauction.com/index.php

Cheap, too, and a little research at the main CPAP Talk forums will tell you how to access any machines clinician settings to change the pressure and or ramp times.

[MilesColtrane]

12. That is certainly an option if I can come up with money for a doctor's appointment and...

sleep study for a prescription.

Thanks

[Kali]

17. if you are near a med school look into possible studies

that is how I got mine - had to wait a long time and then was placed in a placebo group for 6 + months using a cpap with no real pressure, but when it was over I had all my stats, and they gave me a used machine and a new mask (plus getting paid to be in the study!)

dr's appt is easy and they do have some new technology for diagnosing at home - a study in a sleep center is really expensive - check out the two forums linked in this thread by me an another poster - join them and ask questions - sometimes there are other funds available for helping.

[W_HAMILTON]

11. That makes me sad.

I'm glad to see others have posted ideas to get you help.

It's a damn shame that our country has so many without access to healthcare. I believe some of my siblings may have sleep apnea, too, but they don't have insurance so they cannot afford to seek out medical treatment either. It breaks my heart knowing I can't do anything to help them.

I hope that the "healthcare reform" bill will provide tangible benefits for people like you and my family, but I am skeptical.

I hope you are able to use the advice others gave to get help!

[Dyedinthewoolliberal]

8. I do!

Been doing the CPAP for 12 years now. It's the best thing I did for myself. The sleep study is easy, you just sleep!

[Tripper11]

9. My wife may have it too....

She went in for a sleep study night 2 weeks ago. The doctor called her a few days later to say it certainly looks like she has it. The look of releif on her face was staggering.
She's been battling a lot of health issues, she's always tired, no motiviation, and has been a little bone of contention between us, but we work on it.
That being said, she is going back in for another night and I guess they will go from there.
Judging by the comments here,if she has it and she gets sorted out on this machine it sure sounds like her life and ours will change for the better.

[hedgehog]

10. I love my machine. If you get one,be sure to have the machine

running when you get fitted for the mask. That's the only real way to ensure a good fit.

Also - be sure to get a machine with a humidifier.

[Faygo Kid]

14. Yeah, I've got the CPAP, too. And agree about the humidifier.

You get used to it. It's well worth having, given that it can save your life. I've had mine almost two years.

[Kali]

15. I hate the humidifier, but then I live in a dry climate anyway.

[REP]

13. I have severe mixed apnea (central and obstructive)

The CPAP helps quite a bit.

[Kali]

16. yes

what are your concerns?

another forum that I found helpful when I was starting with cpap (the machine that provides continuous positive airway pressure): http://www.apneasupport.org/index.php

getting the official diagnosis and cpap turned my life around, seriously

I am a highly motivated, compliant cpap user. won't lie down to sleep without it, get panicky if I feel I might not be able to use it (getting stuck in an overnight situation somewhere without bringing it or having access to electricity - I am dreaming of a battery pack so I can camp again, but they are pricey)

[lazarus]

18. had severe sleep apnea

very life threatening. Went on a CPAP for a while (saved my life), then had extensive surgery to correct some issues. I don't need the CPAP anymore.

It's a remarkable change. I don't need naps, I wake up in the morning, it's great.