Sleep Apnea

[livingwith]

Very recently I found out I have OSA. I have to tell you, I am very overwhelmed and terrified. I am a mother and wife and scared to death I could die from this. I am waiting for my CPAP and I am not looking forward to wearing it but I know it will help keep me alive. I don’t know what the future holds or what lays ahead as far as any other test but I am going to do whatever I have to, to survive this. I am very upset about OSA.
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[Samijo]

I hope that you will find comfort in the fact that you are not alone. If your name had not been on your post and my family and friends read it...they would have sworn on a Bible that I posted what you said.

Hello, Samijo, age 38, mother of 3 (2 tweens & a teen), wife for 20 years, bread-winner for 6 years, etc. Want to use the machine? No. Going to use it? You bet my life on it! As scary as it sounds, we CAN do it! Mothers/Women have a built-in incredible "can-do"/"don't tell me I can't 'x' " attitude. Hang in there and take it one night at a time.

During my initial testing for "every/anything", I was shocked that I couldn't even put on the mask (stuffed up nose too). At my Desyns (mask fitting) appointment, my husband went with me for support. Him just being there and making me laugh, relaxed me and 30 or so minutes later...Viola! I decided right then and there, "I CAN!" I won't lie, the night of testing was a long one; but, I did it and you must have too...YOU GO GIRL!

What helped me to cope was lying there thinking of my family. How much I (you do too) mean to them. I don't know about you, but frankly...I'm too young to die!!! Besides, I'm a little competitive...my granny lived to age 98, and her sister to just a month shy of 104 recently. Girlfriend, if they can do it. We can too! Take care, I'll be thinking of you.

[kissi]

it is a very scary thing to think of when they tell you, you have, on average, 120 events an hour. i have osa, and recently sent my husband for a sleep study. hes got severe osa. i am just so thankful that he realizes how severe it is and is willing to do ANYTHING for a full night's rest. kudos to you for caring enough about your family to accept treatment too!
kissi

[Dawnm955]

Thanks for the response and comfort that you gave me when I read your posting. I was diagnosed Sept 9th, 2008. I think back and I have been feeling bed for at least 8 years and just progressly got worse. I don't know how long you have OSA. But, I think about it too much I think. So much so that I am feeling depressed about what the could be's are and the thought of using the machine for the rest of my life and possibility dying from this. The therapist told me, that in 20 years I will probably have severe sleep apnea. Right now I was diagnosed with moderate apnea. I feel for those who have severe apnea. I already feel miserable and worn out. It has been a week with my machine. I am still waking up, having dry eyes, sore throat and imprints from the mask. I am going to be a trooper and I just have to ride this out and deal with it. I just hope this gets better for me and everyone who is having the same emotions. My husband went with me for the fitting of my mask also and has been there through this all and what a blessing and comfort. It has meant the world to me. I realized how I am bless to have a man who loves me that much to support me with this horrible disease (OSA). My children are all teens and I don't think they realize the impact this has.