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+--- Thread: MaggieL, Better than a Sweaty Zombie Meat Sack Therapy Thread (/Thread-MaggieL-Better-than-a-Sweaty-Zombie-Meat-Sack-Therapy-Thread)
RE: MaggieL, Better than a Sweaty Zombie Meat Sack Therapy Thread - MaggieL - 09-05-2024
As I approach the 6-month mark, I thought I'd add an update here. Prior to starting CPAP therapy, I recorded myself using Snorelab. I was horrified and embarrassed about what my husband and family had endured for YEARS. I was also getting up multiple times each night to hit the can. My sleep, especially going through menopause was fitful and I did not wake up rested, no matter how long I slept. I often fell asleep while reading or watching TV. Workouts were becoming increasingly sporadic due to my constant exhaustion.
After a month of changing masks, learning how to titrate my ResMed 10, and getting useful accessories (hose hanger & cover, dust cover for the machine, and one set of backup supplies), I began to sleep through the night.
The summer brought some additional challenges - high heat & humidity, week-long road trips. Once a person determines to make something work though, adaptation follows. Sharing a hotel room with my family used to be a challenge. I snored loudly and constantly. No more! My kid said it was weird how quiet I was - they had to get used to it! Some hotels had me using ironing boards for my setup, but I made it work.
Starting with an AHI of 26 (moderate OSA), I am usually below 1 now and last night was at 0! I tend to feel rested after 6+ hours of sleep and workout most days. I'm back to running regularly, but the CPAP has made me very conscious of my breath, so even running I find myself breathing deeper and more through my nose (always been a mouth breather). I never felt that huge difference that some people talk about, but differences at the margins are sometimes enough to propel a person to make more positive changes. And sleep quality is a pretty big margin to improve!
The DME where I purchased my initial machine continues to stalk me, despite my requests not to be called, texted, emailed. I order everything from an online CPAP store or that unnamed behemoth online retailer (hate ordering from them, but SO much cheaper). I absolutely understand the first-year 50% quitting CPAP stats. Persistence and patience are key. Hard to have when you're tired, but one day, one step at a time.
Getting ready to fly international with this setup now that I have more confidence with it. As always, grateful for this forum and the tips I've gotten from a variety resources.
RE: MaggieL, Better than a Sweaty Zombie Meat Sack Therapy Thread - UnicornRider - 09-05-2024
It is always very rewarding to hear your updates. It has me reviewing your entire thread for inspiration in assisting other members of the board. A couple of items really stick in my recollection of your therapy thread, first being the desperation expressed in your posts leading up to my response in post #12,
https://www.apneaboard.com/forums/Thread-MaggieL-Better-than-a-Sweaty-Zombie-Meat-Sack-Therapy-Thread?pid=509032#pid509032
Then your response to that post, with your sleep lab report. My first though when I saw the graph of the "Audio Volume dB" in your Sleep Lab Report was, She is as loud as a lawn mower with a dull bent blade and a burned out muffler going through an overgrown lot with variable height noxious weeds growing in it.
If you google lawn mower dB, you will see I was not far off at all. I did sympathize with your family. It made me want to send a condolence card to your family members, even before you mentioned the results in the reduction in "Audio Volume dB" and your family's reaction to your CPAP use. Probably a totally unexpected bonus to your expectations of effective CPAP therapy.
Do post back after your European trip and consider a post to the "Personal CPAP Success Story" thread.
https://www.apneaboard.com/forums/Thread-Your-Personal-CPAP-Success-Story-Post-Here
May your success inspire other forum members.
Thanks Maggie.
