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c-pap

Posted , 5 users are following.

david72297
david72297

How many here use C-PAP machine. I mean really use them.

0 likes, 13 replies

13 Replies

  • Poforoy
    Poforoy david72297

    Posted

    David,

         Well, I really do USE the C-Pap machine.  In my case, I can't say that it has helped me, but I've got a LOT of things going wrong at once (severe coronary artery disease that cannot be repaired again, atrial fibrillation, pulmonary fibrosis, surgically repaired prostate cancer, diabetes, high blood pressure, all the way down the alphabet of Medical Miseries).

         BUT, I do believe that sleep apnea is serious, and I try my best to wear all the C-pap snorkeling equipment every night.  It just takes getting used to--and I struggled with it, for awhile.  I learned to position my head a certain way on my pillow, and that helped.  I struggle to keep the equipment as clean as it needs to be kept, but so far I've not gotten the Dreaded Cpapitis (whatever).  Perkins Medical Center in my hometown has a special C-pap pillow that is too da--ed expensive, but I'm sure it would help.  I bought a special pillow at Walmart that is hard, curved, whatever--it allows me to be comfortable and still to have all the C-pap stuff on.  I sleep well enough with the mask on.  I learned to disconnect it quickly when I need to get up to go to the bathroom, and, really, I hardly think about it anymore.  I just wear it, and were my body not trying to kill me 14 other ways, I'd be more inclined to believe that the C-pap really helps me.  All the doctors in all the specialties I visit for help argue FOR the existence of sleep-apnea, but none have a clue HOW it is connected to heart disease and all sorts of other Boogers.  But I'm convinced sleep-apnea exists and causes trouble.

        

    Poforoy

    • david72297
      david72297 Poforoy

      Posted

      I have had it for a couple of years and it is ssssooo hard to get used to. The least reason why it is not convient or even comfortable is that it makes it hard to snuggle with my wife through the night. It just cramps my style there. Another is having to hook and unhook when it's time for the bathroom. Another is it makes me feel like Frankinstein. Along wih having a nerve stimulaer in my neck and all my other alments....I won't boar you....,seems I feel like I have 2 feet and one arm in the grave.

      However, It is VERY useful when I get out of breath, which happens  alot. II even get short of breath and breathe heavy after tling a shower.  It really comes in handy then. I think this situation is caused by........I forrgot I said I would not bore you, ha.  

      I got to  heart docter on the 10th. Maybe I will find out something, It could be my 2 benign Adrenal Tumors.

      Good luck with your snorcle equipment.

  • Greebo64
    Greebo64 david72297

    Posted

    David

    I really cant see what this has got to do with this discussion, or am i missing something ?

    • david72297
      david72297 Greebo64

      Posted

      DAH!

      THE dicussion was put up by me and is about how you deal with using c-pap.

      Am I missing something? Ex. by snorkle I mean c-pap machine. Is this what throw you off?  

    • Mazza44
      Mazza44 Greebo64

      Posted

      I thought the same, I'm not aware of any connection into CPAP and AF?
  • deanna82033
    deanna82033 david72297

    Posted

    I really use the C-PAP machine. It took me a few weeks to get used to it, but now it is easy to use. I've had the machine for about 6 months. It stores my sleep information and the Dr. Can tell that my instances of interrupted breathing have dropped to zero, so it's less stress on my heart. I do occasionally forget to put it on, because I am so tired at night that I fall asleep without it. My husband does remind me to put it on sometimes. I do feel much more rested with the machine, which helps me tremendously.
    • david72297
      david72297 deanna82033

      Posted

      I wish I could be more comfortable with using c-pap. I need it, I know. Sometimes I have very shalow but heavy breating, especically after a shower. Let me explain. The hot show gives me so much relief from the extremely tight muscles in my back........just had lumbar Synovial back surgery. I hope the damage from the surgeon waiting will not take too long to will heal.
    • deanna82033
      deanna82033 david72297

      Posted

      Hi David, sorry to hear about your back trouble along with everything else. It sounds like breathing in general has become a struggle and then to try and get used to the forced air from the cpap. I hope you heal quickly from your back surgery. Yes, keep using the cpap. It's very important for supporting overall health. Take care smile
    • david72297
      david72297 deanna82033

      Posted

      I have recently discovered just how imporgtant it is healthwise. For instance,I took a nap today and fell asleep with it on...I usually take it off after awhile..........and I woke up much more refresed.

      On the back pain...and I could be wrong.....I have decided to go with the streatching almost tearing feeling that goes with moving my legs this way and that way... if you know what I mean. The best exersise so far is to spread legs wide UP in the air and straight out too, When it is time to lower your legs. never bring them straight down while the legs are exstended as this will cause too much pressure on the back.....therapy told me this and it's true. Bend your legs before bringing them down. I will let you know how it works out..razz

  • maurice_41348
    maurice_41348 david72297

    Posted

    Everyone here knows that  the solution to sleep apnea is to lose weight. Then you will not need the CPap equipment. Why do people not just make the decision to lose enough weight to get into the no-apnea zone? I know losing weight is hard but it just seems easier than using Pap equipment. (This from someone who does not have sleep apnea)
    • deanna82033
      deanna82033 maurice_41348

      Posted

      Hi Maurice, yes, you are correct in that losing weight is great for sleep apnea and heart health in general. However, the question was not about that, and until someone can drop their excess weight, cpap is a useful tool so less stress is placed on an already damaged heart.
    • Poforoy
      Poforoy maurice_41348

      Posted

      Maurice, I am not overweight (6'0", 177 pounds) but I have sleep apnea.  Six months ago, I lost 40 pounds, down to 159, and the sleep apnea persisted.  Overweight people do tend to have more sleep apnea than trim people, but it is not true that losing weight is "the solution" to sleep apnea.  Sleep apnea is a very serious disorder, connected to heart, lung, stomach disorders, and losing weight is only ONE of a number of solutions that need to be tried.  You are being too simplistic about this.       --Poforoy
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