Got My CPAP Machine

Image via WikipediaIt has been a long road to discovering about my sleep apnea and my need for a CPAP machine.  It all started a little more than three months ago when I had a small scare while taking the garbage out to the curb for pick up.  While carrying the bags, all of a sudden my whole left side started tingling.

I went to the doctor that morning and my doctor ordered a series of tests.  First, he did a full blood workup and discovered that I had a low Vitamin D level, which could put me at risk for high blood pressure (which I have), heart attack or stroke.  I have since been taking Vitamin D supplements on a daily basis.

Another test ordered was a sleep study to test me for obstructive sleep apnea.  Untreated sleep apnea can also put you at risk for those same health problems.  I had the first study in July.  That study showed that I had sleep apnea.  I had a follow up study in August so they could determine the level of pressure that I would need from the CPAP machine.  Last week, I met with the doctor who ran the sleep clinic, and he wrote my prescription for the machine.

Finally, after three months of tests and doctors visits, I got my CPAP machine.  My insurance company required a particular company to provide the machine. A technician came to my office yesterday to show me how to operate and care for the machine.   The care of the machine seems to be pretty straightforward and simple.  The company also set me up for automatic replacements every few months for my mask, tubing, and filters.

My wife, and I, were both concerned about how loud the machine would be.  The good news is that the model they provided for me is whisper quiet.  The other good news is that my wife told me that I did not snore last night either.  It is obviously too early to tell if the machine will improve the way I feel during the day and how I sleep at night.  Last night, I stayed up too late watching football, so I was pretty tired today.  Still, no snoring and a quite machine are a good start.  If nothing else, the lack of snoring will make sleeping better for my wife.

Sleep Apnea Results

Image via WikipediaBack in July, I started the process of getting checked out for sleep apnea.  I had my first sleep study done on July 27th.  Two weeks later, I received a call stating that they needed me to go in for a second study.  At first, I thought something had gone wrong with the first study, but instead they told me I had mild to moderate sleep apnea and they wanted to see how I would respond to a CPAP machine.

On August 11th, I had my second sleep study so they could determine if the CPAP machine was the right treatment for my sleep apnea.  It usually takes a couple weeks to get the results back from the study as they have a lot of data to analyze.  Two weeks ago, I received a call from the doctor's office that runs the sleep clinic saying I needed to schedule an appointment to go over the results.

He proceeded to explain to me how when we are awake, that the air opening in our throat remain open because we are alert.  When we sleep, our muscles relax, and the opening narrows.  In my particular case, due to the shape and position of my chin and jaw causes my throat passage to be a little more narrow than average.  When sleeping, the passages can completely block the passage.

He then went over each of the two sleep studies with me.  First, he showed me the charts of the initial study.  He could identify each episode that occurred throughout the evening when my air passages were blocked and I stopped breathing.  During each occurrence, he showed me how my heart rate increased and my oxygen level dropped.  These episodes happened several times over the course of the night.  

Another thing that he showed me from the initial report were incidents that he called "brain arousals."  Each time that my air passages were blocked and I stopped breathing, the brain responded.  I would wake up enough for the brain to send a message out that would allow me to breath again, without fully gaining consciousness.  It was a lot of stress through the night, so no wonder I never feel refreshed when waking.

Next, he showed me the results of the study with the use of the CPAP machine.  Through out the night, they monitored my snoring and as my snoring would increase, they would increase the air pressure from the CPAP machine.  In the early part of the evening, I had more blockage episodes, but as they increased the pressure, those episodes decreased to less than one per hour.  This way, they would be able to identify the proper pressure to set the CPAP machine to.

The doctor said that normally with my mild sleep apnea, he would recommend some lifestyle changes including weight loss.  However, due to some other conditions that I have such as my high blood pressure and a history of blood clots his recommendation is to treat the sleep apnea with the CPAP device.  My insurance requires that I get my machine through another company other than the clinic doing the study so I was unable to get my machine right away.  I should have it early next week.  I am anxious to see if if it helps.

CPAP

Image via WikipediaA couple weeks ago, I had my sleep study to check for sleep apnea.  They said that it would take about two weeks for them to review all of the data and to get back to me with the results.  Originally, they told me they would send the results to my doctor and that I would hear from him once he had the report.  Consequently, I was a little bit surprised when I received a phone call from the hospital where I had the original test done. 

When I picked up the phone, they told me that they were calling to schedule another sleep study.  My initial thought was that they were not able to get a good enough reading during the first test.  For one thing, I never sleep very well when I am away from home.  After they hooked all the wires to me, it felt like I had 10 pounds of wire hanging off of me.  All of that combined, and I felt like I was awake most of the night for the test.   

When I asked why the need for the second study, I was told that I was diagnosed with mild to moderate sleep apnea.  The recommendation is that I used a CPAP machine when I sleep.  They want me to come in for the second study while using the CPAP machine.  The purpose of the CPAP machine is to provide air pressure to prevent the blockages that occur while sleeping if you are suffering from sleep apnea.

I have some mixed feelings about the CPAP machine.  I have read that people who use the CPAP machines successfully experience better sleep and feel more rested when waking.  Consequently they tend to be more alert and have more energy.  Successful use of the device also helps to reduce the risks associated with having sleep apnea.

On the other hand, I have also heard that some people have trouble sleeping while using CPAP.  I also worry that device will be loud, though it will probably be better for my wife than my incessant snoring.  The other drawback is that you are told to use the CPAP machine every night, and most likely every night for the rest of your life.  That means I will have to take it with me whenever I travel, so I will have another thing to lug around with me on my trips.

I am scheduled to have my follow up study next week.  I am hopeful that using the CPAP device will have the desired results of better sleep.  So often, I go through the day feeling completely drained and exhausted.  It will be nice to wake up and feel like I actually got some rest.  With any treatment, there are potential side effects.  Hopefully they will be minimal. 

Related articles

• Snoring and Sleep Apnea (dickstersrandomthoughts.com)
• CPAP Machine And MAD Mouthpiece Best For Obstructive Sleep Apnea (medicalnewstoday.com)