Greeting and biography for searching

[tpstinson72]

Hello there! I'm on another forum or two (motorcycles and audio/home theater gear) and have learned that an introduction can be useful. I headed to the "success stories" to put my introduction there, but realized that forum didn't fit. I have some questions of my own, but forums like this are a "trade" for information. That's why we're all here! I can possibly provide some answers, without claiming to be an expert. I'm sorry for the bullet point format, but the odd format is designed for searches, aka search engine optimization. Here goes:

Tom, 52, male. 

Diagnosed 2009. Overweight, obese, or heavy at the time. 5'8" BMI 37 AHI 32 severe

Rejected or had difficulty with CPAP. Noncompliant. Success with BIPAP. Fully compliant until recently.

I've had surgery for apnea: Maxillomandibular a.k.a. jaw advancement with genioglossus a.k.a. tongue advancement. This is where I might bring some insight to the forum?

I've also had weight loss surgery, specifically gastric bypass. Quite successful! This is another area where I might be able to provide some insight?

I have insomnia. At best, I'm a very light sleeper. Primarily due to mental illness. Perhaps my final area where I might be able to provide insight? Thoughtful opinions at least. 

If you would like to have open conversation about how mental illness affects sleep, sleep apnea treatment, or even just mental illness in general, please contact me privately. Stigma surrounds mental illness. I'm unashamed, and perhaps unusually honest about it, but due to stigma it's also quite personal and requires trust. Your PM should include your real name. Thank you.

If you read the last bit and thought "Whoa! Awkward!" or perhaps "TMI!": Please know that I'm not weird, a criminal, or looking to meet or "hook up". I am quite obviously an extrovert!  I'm also happily married, with a 10 year old son. I attend church regularly. It may be uncommon these days, but I don't "do" social media because I think it always winds up being toxic. Sadly, even some forums can end up being toxic. Regarding that, a nerdy quote might make sense: "There's also good in this world Master Frodo, and it's worth fighting for!" 

Have a good day today.

[TechieHippie]

Welcome, Tom! I've only been here a little while myself. It's a very helpful community and I'm grateful for the fine tuning.

I've been wondering about the effects of sleep apnea contributing to poor mental health, as well as the other way around. My family has a history of so many disorders, physical and mental health. After caring for my dad, who had heart failure, diabetes, bi polar, COPD, emphysema, and more, but wasn't diagnosed with his quite severe complex sleep apnea until age 74, I realized now that it's time to do what I can to avoid those for myself. He passed in 2022, I wish I knew more back then about taking ownership of one's own treatment.

[tpstinson72]

For many people, It’s a significant shift to take an active role in their own care. It certainly was for me. I’m my own advocate. In the end, I’m  fully responsible for me! It’s easier to understand if you’re an advocate for your minor child. For adults with elderly parents, it’s a bit of a shift as well. Some doctors, nurses etc. aren’t accustomed to it. Remember that anything a doctor recommends is merely a suggestion. If you get real pushback when asking “How or why is this in my best interest? What are the potential downsides?” That’s a huge warning sign, even with mental health. Find a new provider. If you’d like to get more specific, let me know in a DM. Cheers!