Biguglygremlin

I don't normally hang out in forums, or at least not since the old days of Hub chat rooms, but that seems like a good idea.

I wonder why they chose not to implement that?

I still reckon a free set of steak knives and a complimentary chin strap for new members is the way to go. :)

Ok, I get it, who doesn't suffer from time to time with these things, right?

Well folks, although it may apply to me, for a change I wasn't talking about myself.

In fact I'm not talking about people at all.

I'm talking about the dwindling health of the myapnea.org Forum.

Yet, as with all things in my twisted reality, there is a connection.

Many of the people who visit this forum have dwindling health.

If the symptoms are the same might it not be the case that the solutions could also be the same?

What are the solutions?

Well once the medical and technical issues have been addressed as effectively as possible there is still a lot of scope for improvement in attitude, outlook and lifestyle.

We are constantly being encouraged to focus on the positives and rise above the negatives.

There is a general consensus that humour is good for us.

It would seem that learning new things and expanding our horizons is good for us.

There is a growing awareness that positive elements linked to our past (memories, faces, music etc) can help revitalise the mind.

We all understand the importance of staying active.

I didn't start this thread to discuss how individuals could or should change these things but could they be applied to this forum?

Can't this forum apply the same concepts and be revitalised in the same way?

I understand that there is an entire structure that is Myapnea.org but I, personally, have rarely ventured beyond this forum so are there aspects or options that could be better connected or even inserted in some way into the forum environment?

I'm not sure of the proper designation for the management team for this forum but they have the opportunity and perhaps the obligation to maintain some level of input into this forum, for the purposes of protection and direction, so could they have a more positive influence over time?

When the future is uncertain and it's hard to find enough positives in the moment many old folk go back to fond memories and significant events in the past. Is there a way that this forum could do that?

Perhaps the folk managing the forum could pick discussions from the past that they deem meaningful or significant and remove the locks.

Of course there is also the option of direct intervention on their part by launching topics themselves, specifically to encourage positive and stimulating participation.

Oh, btw, don't forget the pictures ... and music ..... and colourful borders. :)

Hi singingkeys.

I like that name btw

I'm glad that you posted the above query in this forum because, although you are unlikely to get the answers you might hope for, at least the comments you get will be well intended.

I confess to having only skimmed through your notes above. For that I apologise.

The thought that first comes to mind is that life is complicated and messy for all of us and I'd gladly trade places with you, in a heartbeat.

My second thought is perhaps a tad more constructive.

You sound like you could use a protracted series of counselling sessions to give you the tools to manage uncertainties and worries more effectively.

I hope you find the answers you need.

Life, despite being complicated and messy, is too precious to waste in perpetual worry.

Hi laad,

I have an F&P Icon and a Resmed S9 and Sleepyhead seems to accept data from both machines.

I don't ask Sleepyhead to access the SD card though.

I copy the files to a folder on my computer and tell the app where to find them.

I have three chinstraps. Each a staunch friend and ally in my various battles.

Initially I was content to face my many adventures without allies but over time I found that I would come limping back to reality with a parched mouth and a serious hangover so I went in search of friends.

The first one was a single strap version and would disengage and leave the battle with the least provocation.

The second one was a bit more determined with two straps and the kind of tenacity I needed in an ally but it did nothing to enable my mask to stay in place during the long hours of darkness.

The third one was like a knight in full armour. Double reinforced tough and almost undefeatable in battle.

There was an added bonus too. It made me feel like royalty! After all didn't the man in the iron mask have royal blood?

Of course the downside of all that surplus armour is the endless itching and discomfort but that's part of the adventure right?

Unfortunately I have a skin condition which periodically feels like I have spilled acid on my face and chin. A serious distraction from the purpose of all that gear.

Last night I had another exciting dream. All fangs and claws. So I dragged myself out of bed and waited for the monster to fade off into the distance.

In the meantime I mowed off my hair and plastered cortizone all over my face, then found that my best friend, Courage, had packed his bags and gone on holiday. Seems like he wanted to find his own dragons and monsters to slay.

I can tell you I was rather put out with him deserting me in the early hours of the morning like that but I rallied my allies and decided that I would dig my old chinstrap out of it's crypt and equip it for battle once more.

Well the plan, born of desperation and lack of sleep, seemed like a good idea at the time but I had forgotten about the endless leaks and so I endured many hours of oxygen deprivation and the resulting consequences, feeling like I had spent the night on the rack.

Eventually dawn arrived and my oldest ally, Courage, returned so I was able to equip the iron mask and venture back into battle.

Who knew that a simple chin strap could be so much fun!

Hi renrenbri.

This is really a question for his doctor or chemist/pharmacist.

I don't use Pramipexole yet, although I expect that I will have no choice eventually, but if I was using it I think I would try the Melatonin anyways unless the fine print on the meds precluded it.

If I was still in doubt I would ask my pharmacist. He probably knows more than my doctor about chemical combinations and his advice is free. :)

I've made a number of purchases through 1800CPAP and not regretted any of them.

Hi huffnpuffing,

I hadn't thought about the issue of insurance companies.

I might have to go back and read the fine print.

This whole thing gets to be such a quagmire.

Old discussion about Australian license

Recent discussion about American license

Hi Ineedanap

Most of my experiences have been with nasal pillows which are probably quite different for the purposes of this discussion.

I have generally found that nasal pillows effectively clear the airways unless I have seriously swollen sinuses in which case I use antihistamines.

The reason I think there is a significant difference is that the pillows only clear the airways when they are well seated and properly directed so I doubt that a nasal mask would have the same capacity. I suspect that for me just increasing the pressure around the nose would be more likely to close the airways.

Perhaps others have had more experience with both options and could offer some suggestions.

Hi dano9258

Unfortunately there are no magic solutions, at least none that I have found yet.

Many nasal pillow users (myself included) find that they resolve nasal congestion rather than compounding it but I don't think the same applies to constrictions caused by allergic reactions. I use antihistamines when I have swollen sinuses.

Defusing the brains alert files can help lessen the awareness.

One way to do that is to wear the mask while you are awake, perhaps reading or watching something with the mask on until you can more easily tune it out.

Relaxation routines might be worth consideration.

Immersing yourself in a new hobby or interest could provide a helpful diversion.

It seems to me that by the time many people are diagnosed with severe apnea they are already sleep deprived, confused and stressed out.

Adding a CPAP machine significantly increases the level of stress and anxiety.

Perhaps CPAP machines should come with counselling sessions.