Introduce Yourself!

Hi there my name is Tom I am now 37 years old I found out I had sleep apnea in June 2013. I have been on CPAP for 1 year now and its really working well for me.

it is always great to hear patients success stories. thank you for being an early adopter.

Hello! I was diagnosed in January 2014 with severe sleep apnea, an 18 on the Epworth. My cpap has changed my life and I feel so much better! I speak out about sleep apnea every chance I get.

Hi. New here as well. Based on the survey results, I'd say there are about 16 of us so far.

Hi, Tom.

I've been using a CPAP for a year and a half. It works fairly well for me. I think that there will be other ways to treat sleep apnea and want to learn about these.

Hi, everyone. I was diagnosed with severe Obstructive Sleep Apnea in June of this year and I've been on a BiPAP machine since June 26th. My untreated AHI is 45. My average with treatment is 0.7. I've noticed improvement in my memory, vocabulary, energy and general presence when I'm with other people.

I understand that brain damage caused by untreated OSA is reversible with about a year on average to fully undo what OSA has done. I can't wait to see where I am in June of 2015.

Hello fellow PAPers I was diagnosed with OSA in the late fall of 09, when my thyroid shut down. Then complex mix sleep apnia in 2013. The elevation in Keystone Co. made me feel quite ill on a trip there. Live and learn! Anyone need encouragement I would be happy to chat. persevere.

HI and welcome to all the new people comming in. I think its great what there doing with this site and forums and info.

Nice sight. Looking forward to being a member

Hey All!

Just signed up via Rediit as I think this could be a good :)

I have not long turned 31 and have been diagnosed with sleep apnea when I was 29. Ever since using my CPAP machine, I feel like a million bucks :)

Shame it took nearly 5 years to diagnose and if it wasnt for more persisting to the 6th doctor to get tested, i wouldn't know what would be happening :(

Hi all. Thanks for joining the site. We welcome your ideas and input to make the site better and surveys easier and more enjoyable to complete. We also need your research ideas and symptoms and health measures that you would like to see tracked through personalized tools. Look forward to working with you.

Al...

Sorry to hear you learned about elevation and cpap treatment the hard way.

I have been using my CPAP machine for about 2 weeks now and can't believe the difference. My husband has commented on how I have changed (for the good) and I am now doing better at work. I wish I had not fought the idea for so long. I feel that I will continue to improve. I started out with only being able to use the machine for about 4 hours and now I am up to 6. Thanks truckerdad57 for the support you give.

Congratulations on getting up to 6 hours need2sleep!!! This website and the MyApnea network is here to learn things like what is common to you and others who went from "fighting" diagnosis and treatment to successful treatment. Imagine the strength of that information when there are thousands of network members to survey and ask what made the difference for them. Invite your friends and family to join us if they think they might have apnea or already know it. What made you change your mind?

I changed my mind because I was performing so badly at work I could have lost my job. I also had no energy for my husband and family (including my four legged) and just wanted to spend my off time sleeping, only to wake up tired. I now wonder why did I wait so long.

In 2006, I stayed overnight with a friend who has Sleep Apnea and they told me to get tested immediately. Knowing I'd be asked questions, I asked my husband (who's known me since I was 16) when the snoring got bad. He laughed and said "It's always been that bad and I married you anyway!" So while I've gained considerable weight over the last 40 years, and I can't prove it, I think I had Sleep Apnea when I was a 125 lb teenager. The difference in how I felt the first week I was using a CPAP was astounding! I'd like to see the CPAP manufacturers work more closely with women users. I have a terrible time finding a mask that fits my small girly face. They're so expensive, I'll put up with an the ill-fitting mask until its time to replace it.

Hi Denise. Welcome to MyApnea.org. I wonder how many others have a similar story. Snoring is so common we think it's normal and dismiss it even more if the snorer is young and/or not obese. Glad you felt so much better with the CPAP but hate to see you put up with a poor fitting mask. Sometimes your CPAP supplier can help make adjustments in the straps other parts of the mask or can add a "liner" to help the fit.

If you are reading this and you have a similar story, let's hear it. I'm sure there are important research questions here....what could help people recognize apnea and get treated sooner? how often is apnea independent of obesity? how common is snoring in teens?

Hello. Just joined the group. I was diagnosed with severe OSA in 2005 and have used a CPAP for 9 years. I have to use a full face mask and do not like it. At the beginning, I wanted to take it off and throw it across the room. I learned to tolerate the mask, and will not sleep with out it. Last year I had gastric bypass surgery and lost 130 lbs with more to go. They say I may be able to be free of my OSA, but I know it isn't yet. I dosed off without my CPAP and woke up struggling to breathe. My sleep doctor plans on another sleep study next fall to see any changes. I must say the rest of my health and quality of life has improved.

Welcome to MyApnea bash. You are a great example of someone who has struggled but focused on your overall health, overcame the struggles and is heading to a good outcome. This website is focused on learning what helps and hinders people from getting good outcomes then using that information to help improve outcomes for everyone. What was the most important thing that kept you from quitting your CPAP ? How about other forum members...what was most important in making you successful with therapy?