gettingbetter - Therapy Thread

[gettingbetter]

As I review my 3.5 months of PAP therapy, there are 3 constants I note:  OAs are stopped by very low EPAP (4-5), lots of flow limits continue, aerophagia persists especially when raising EPAP, and terrible daytime fogginess/fatigue persist.  Based on my level of FLs, I highly suspect UARS.  I'm currently using the Aircurve in S-mode, 6.6/5.2

Something I'm wondering...is it possible I may do well with a low EPAP and a higher PS, like 8.0/4.0 in S-mode creating PS of 4?  Or is this a really bad idea.

Thoughts?  Any advice is appreciated!

[gettingbetter]

It's been quite a while since I've posted on here.  I struggled with what seemed like significant aerophagia for quite some time.  However, my symptoms gradually progressed to other vague GI symptoms, as well.  Long story, short...I have a condition called gastroparesis that causes severe bloating and stomach pain, among other symptoms.  So, my advice for those whom are struggling with aerophagia...if it doesn't go away or get better soon, find a good GI specialist.  You could have something more going on.

[cathyf]

Aha! I'll hold off with the "toldya so!" because it sounds like they can't actually do much about the gastroparesis. I wish I had been wrong and it was just aerophagia...

How is the sleep apnea going? Did you try the higher PS to see if you could tame the flow limits?

[gettingbetter]

Hi Cathyf:   I wish you had been wrong, too.  There's not much they can do in the short-term, other than symptomatic relive and a feeding tube if you're losing too much weight (which I am).  In the longer-term, there are many things to "trial" that can help gastroparesis...some involve surgery.  It takes time to explore those options.  Unfortunately I'll have to travel out of the area for most of those things.

Because of the bloating, I've been unable to advance my Bipap past 7/5.2.  It will have to be good enough for now until other things are under control.

[gettingbetter]

Hi everyone!  I'm in need of suggestions on ways to protect the bridge of the nose from my full face mask.   I tried the silicone pads but they my skin tends to break out.  I tried moleskin directly on my nose but the adhesive wrecked my skin.  Does anyone have any other tricks?

I also could use advice on tricks to keep my mask from leaking at the bridge of the nose.  I have a very narrow nose bridge and mask adjustment doesn't seem to be enough to stop the leak.

Thanks for any input.  Happy holidays!

[Gideon]

Have you tried nasal Pillows? Nothing anywhere near the bridge of the nose. Yes we may need to work on a solution to mouth breathing if you need it.

[Silvia10]

How are you doing now?

[gettingbetter]

Hello to all!   How do we post a graph when we're out of data?

[Crimson Nape]

Delete your oldest images first.  This area is in your UserCP (User Control Panel).  Look on the lower left side for "Manage Attachments".
Here's a quick link to it: https://www.apneaboard.com/forums/usercp...ttachments

- Red

[gettingbetter]

Thanks for your response, Red.  Isn't there an alternate program we can use to post graphs (a long time ago there used to be, I think).