Re: Barbara/ CPAP - Margaret

[Guest guest]

Margaret,

I also have obstructive sleep apnea. I started out on a c-pap machine

with a nasal mask; tried the full face mask and ended up feeling

claustrophobic, went back to the nasal mask (ended up with cellulitis

and a staph infection despite cleaning my stuff daily). When I

started waking up gasping and choking, I told my pulmonologist who

switched me to a bi-pap machine (it lowers at exhalation). I also

went to nasal pillows. I haven't had any issues, only when I get

nasal congestion! HTH. I would definitely talk to the doctor who

prescribed your machine.

Darlene

>

[Guest guest]

Darlene,

That was interesting! I have wondered about a Bipap machine. I will

speak to my Dr when I see him. My DIL is really pushing me to make

an earlier appointment with him. Last night I tried just the oxygen

alone and it was a lot more comfortable but I hated the feeling in my

throat and the smell. It did have a humidifier bottle on the machine

so that wasn't the problem. I actually slept 1-2 hours more than

usual but did not feel at all rested when I got up. Then I tried

just lying back down on the bed and I had trouble breathing. I had

to try the oxygen again and it did make a difference. Ever since I

have been up (over 3 hours) I have had some problems with breathing.

Seems as though I just have to try too hard instead of it being

natural. I'll try one more night and then I am going to try the CPAP

again without the humidity as has been suggested.

What does HTH mean?

Thanks so much, Margaret B

> Margaret,

> I also have obstructive sleep apnea. I started out on a c-pap machine

> with a nasal mask; tried the full face mask and ended up feeling

> claustrophobic, went back to the nasal mask (ended up with cellulitis

> and a staph infection despite cleaning my stuff daily). When I

> started waking up gasping and choking, I told my pulmonologist who

> switched me to a bi-pap machine (it lowers at exhalation). I also

> went to nasal pillows. I haven't had any issues, only when I get

> nasal congestion! HTH. I would definitely talk to the doctor who

> prescribed your machine.

>

> Darlene

>

>

>>

>

>

> ------------------------------------

>

> 1. While it is wonderful to share our experiences with everyone on

> the list as to what treatments do and don't work for us, pls always

> check with your dr. Some treatments are dangerous when given along

> with other meds as well as to certain health conditions or just

> dangerous in general.

>

> 2. If you are in a difficult situation (doesn't matter what it is)

> pls don't be afraid to ask for help. It is the first step to

> trying to make that situation better.

>

> 3. To unsubscribe the e-mail is: Fibromyalgia_Support_Group-

> unsubscribe

>

> 4. Also, it is not uncommon for more than one member to be feeling

> bad at the same time when it comes to flares and b/c of that

> potentially take something another member says the wrong way. And

> that includes the things that one member may find funny (even if

> it's laughing at fibro itself) even though we who deal with illness

> whether one such as fibro or multiple illnesses try to keep a sense

> of humor.

>

> 5. Pls let's be gentle with each other, and if you are having a bad

> day pls let us know so that we can do our best to offer our support.

>

> Have a nice day everyone.

>

[Guest guest]

Margaret,

HTH = hope that helps

I have a humidifier built into my bi-pap machine as well (have it set

on 2 most nights) and don't have any issues. You mentioned oxygen -

do you also have oxygen attached to your machine? I don't, just

whatever comes thru the machine itself. What kind of water did they

tell you to use in your machine? If they didn't tell you, you should

use distilled water.

It is going to take some time to get used to using your machine. I

have switched to a contour pillow and am checking into another one

that is supposed to make it even easier for mask wearers! I also

belong to a yahoo group about sleep apnea....lol.....that might help

you some. My doctor (and others who are " non-breathers " ) suggested

wearing just the mask part around the house to get the feel of it. I

couldn't because of my glasses, but others have tried it successfully.

Good luck! It's important to keep trying to use the mask and be as

compliant as possible. It will help alleviate some of your other

health issues if you have anything besides this fibro beast!

Darlene

> >>

> >

> >

> > ------------------------------------

> >

> > 1. While it is wonderful to share our experiences with everyone

on

> > the list as to what treatments do and don't work for us, pls

always

> > check with your dr. Some treatments are dangerous when given

along

> > with other meds as well as to certain health conditions or just

> > dangerous in general.

> >

> > 2. If you are in a difficult situation (doesn't matter what it

is)

> > pls don't be afraid to ask for help. It is the first step to

> > trying to make that situation better.

> >

> > 3. To unsubscribe the e-mail is: Fibromyalgia_Support_Group-

> > unsubscribe

> >

> > 4. Also, it is not uncommon for more than one member to be

feeling

> > bad at the same time when it comes to flares and b/c of that

> > potentially take something another member says the wrong way.

And

> > that includes the things that one member may find funny (even if

> > it's laughing at fibro itself) even though we who deal with

illness

> > whether one such as fibro or multiple illnesses try to keep a

sense

> > of humor.

> >

> > 5. Pls let's be gentle with each other, and if you are having a

bad

> > day pls let us know so that we can do our best to offer our

support.

> >

> > Have a nice day everyone.

> >