Sleep apnea (alternatively sleep apnoea) is a common sleep disorder characterized by brief interruptions of breathing during sleep. These episodes, called apneas, last 10 seconds o...
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Just beginning use of BiPap
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I am 48 year old and have been told I am a very unusual candidate for bipap. I weigh 180 lbs, am 6 feet tall, do not smoke, do not have high blood pressure or diabetes. Per my doctor, I do not fit the typical profile for an apnea patient, but nonetheless, i still snore. I had soft palate and uvula removal in 2006 to correct apnea problem. It worked for a while and then returned. I have now had 4 sleep studies and have been diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea and they prescribed a bipap machine. I used it one night so far and I hate it.
Actually, I hate this whole situation and find myself being very bitter and resentful. I am married, but so humiliated and embarrassed by the machine, hose and mask that I am still sleeping in another room so that my wife will not see me with the mask. It is embarrasing and I feel like a freak everytime I put it on. I realize no one is forcing me to do this, but I also know if left untreated, it can lead to other health issues, so I will attempt to deal with machine. The first time I used it, I laid there staring at ceiling for 1 1/2 hours cursing machine. Finally dozed off, but kept waking up. As I said, I find this too humiliating and embarrassing to allow her to see me this way, and I will miss her being there with me at night. But I guess that is the price we have to pay for having this condition. I always found it very comforting to wake up and know my wife was there next to me. I have only been married for 6 years, so I guess I will have to be grateful for the time I could experience that and enjoy those memories. It will never happen again as long as I have to wear this mask and be connected to this machine. I have talked to others who seem to be able to accept this much better. I am not doing so well. Right now, it appears I will begin and end my days being angry at the sight of this machine and the mask. My hat goes off to all you who seem to be so well adjusted. I have no hope of ever getting to that point. As for me, this is a huge intrusion into my life. Blessings to all of you who are dealing successfully with this issue. SleepyinPa Posted on 03/10/08, 05:03 pm |
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What is the obstruction? 
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It is a huge intrusion on your life. The mask is horrible. I feel like an alien from another planet in my mask. But, I kind of like being alive and for me that was my choice. I either have to use the machine or will very likely die without it. I have COPD, right sided heart failure, and Bronchaectasis brought on by the COPD. I choose life. I think your wife would love you whether you are connected to a BiPap machine or not. I am sure she loves you enough to want you to be healthy. Good luck to you! JoAnn
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That is a good question. I have been told my airway is very narrow and collapses at night, thus the snoring. It does not happen every night. No rhyme or reason to when it occurs. They wanted to go in and stretch my air passage, but after pain of first surgery and no guarantees that this will work, I am leary of more surgery on throat
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SleepyinPA,
being a wife of a CPAP user, I know it is difficult for him having to use it. But, I am sure your wife is happy that you are trying. You shouldnt feel so embarassed by it. I am sure your wife would love for you to stay in the room with her. For my husband, I want to be by him to help him deal with this , every step of the way. Maybe in time you will soon not feel so bad about it.. take care and hope things get better! JBEAN
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Hi,
I just was diagnosed with SA as well. I am not handling it well either. I have yet to get the mask, but not looking forward to it, and I'm mad and resentful that I have to deal with it as well. Just wanted to check in and see if things were any better for you.
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I do understand the way you feel wearng the mask around your mate. But Sleep Apnea is serous and it is important that you know how important the machine is.
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ooops wearing...where's that spellcheck button .
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Sleepy--I feel your pain. I'm 49 and until the past year and a half, thought I was healthy. I've since had 3 cardiac stents, I'm tired all day, I've got back and hip pain, now I have SA. I just feel like my body has betrayed me.
Like you, I'm angry, resentful and embarassed. My husband is so understanding, but I'm so damn self conscious. We sleep in the same bed, but I now turn on my side away from him and sleep on the edge of the bed. My cuddling days seem to be over. This is not what I signed up for, however, I'm trying really hard to make the best of it. I joke about it a lot (I call it my Alien face or Darth Vadar mask)and that seems to help...some. Through all my anger, I also realize that this is something I must do, so I try to deal with it. Sorry if I wasn't able to give you any advice you could use.......just know you're not alone in how you feel. Sometimes just venting helps.
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heck my wife helps me with mine i tend to take it off at night and she wakes me to put it back on.
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I get picked on nightly for my "vadar mask" by my boyfriend (of 5 years). As long as he can sleep through it, I have found a way to get 'comfortable' enough to sleep in the same bed. I have the tv on so there is a little light, cuddle for a bit, and when it's ready to sleep time, I turn to my side, put the machine on, turn off the tv then go to bed in the dark. I also take it off before he wakes up. This seems to help me feel more comfortable using it, and still be next to the one I love. It might help to look at it as if your wife had this issue, would you want her to go in the other room, or would you still want her in the bed with you. Would you still love her? It'll be easier for both of you to accept it once you have too, as horrible and frustrating as it can be. Good Luck!
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What is a BiPap machine?????? Thanks!
Hi, I have been diagnosed with severe obstructive sleep apnea(sleep studies completed, have specialists advice, etc.). …
I have a bipap that is 5-15 is this considered moderate sleep apnea? I was just wondering, thanks.
