So I am not complaining - I am explaining. Here's the scoop. As of last night, I have used the CPAP machine 11 nights in a row. The minimum I am supposed to use it is six hours a night. That is both for the maximum benefit as well as to make the insurance company happy so they will pay their 80% of the cost. I have met the minimum 10 of the 11 days.
It is uncomfortable, wakes me several times a night, and I have issues I didn't have before. I didn't have trouble sleeping before using this machine that is supposed to help me sleep better! I used to fall asleep quickly and wake up right around 5 am. I would get up rested and ready for my day. Now, I wake up around 4:15, happily take off the mask and go back to sleep for what I call "good sleep," hoping to waken at 5 but I oversleep until almost six because I am so tired. I am tired during the day and have not felt truly rested since 11 nights ago!
I know some of you who use these machines swear by them. I swear but not because the machine is helpful. Here's the deal. I think if a person uses one of these because they have a sleep issue, the machine is probably helpful. But if a person uses it without sleep issues, then I think the machine is not helpful.
Of course, I have to remember that the reason my doctor wants me to do this is because there is a chance this could stop my AFib. I see him this week so we'll see how that is going. If this can heal the original issue, great. If not, I really don't see the point in disrupting my sleep this way.
Sigh. All we can do is our best and I know the doctors are certainly doing what they think is right. There many come a point, however, when I have to become a difficult patient and say "No." And maybe this experiment will work and I will be happily singing its praises in a few weeks. In the meantime I think I'll start taking a nap in the afternoon so I'm not so darned tired.
Krysta: Mark has sleep apnea too. Only he has central sleep apnea, which means his brain doesn’t know how to breathe when he is asleep. He has to use his Bi-pap machine nightly. He also has to wear a chin strap to keep his mouth closed. Looks like an alien. It has taken him years to find a good mask and one he wears most of the time. He had had this for 15 years so has been through all the technologies. It takes some getting used to. Give it a full month. You may need a different mask. Your sleep doctor should work with you on this. Bummer, I know.
ReplyDeleteYes, I have the chin strap as well. I don't see the sleep doc until December - I know they want me to wear it long enough. I am doing my best to hang in there but when it is having the opposite effect it's difficult!!!! I am tired of being tired. LOL I guess daily naps are in order.
DeleteWe had personal experience with this condition. By accident we were able to 100% eliminate sleep apnea in my husband when he was 80 years old. Now 88 years old and he is still free of this condition. PM me if you like! They say there is no cure, but we have personal experience that shows otherwise!
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