British Snoring & Sleep Apnoea Association

Hi Everybody,

I have been diagnosed with severe apnea, actually, the doctor said he had only seen 1 worse case in his career, which doesn't fill be with hope.
Anyway, I'm going into hospital on Wednesday to be fitted with my machine and I am wishing that this will change my life? (bad grammar, but you get the idea)
Can anybody give me any advice on what is likely to happen?
Thank you to all, in advance.

Welcome to the forum Born to be Wild! We're by no means an exclusive club .. membership is growing in leaps and bounds!

At least you've been diagnosed. You can now begin treatment to manage what is a severe medical condition. Management is life-long and is usually, as in your case, by xPAP therapy. This involves taking air from the room you are in, putting it under pressure and passing it through your airways ... often leaving your body by the back door. This keeps your airways open, allows the much-needed oxygen to flow into your lungs and then into your bloodstream, then going to your heart and brain, thus keeping you in good nick. You'll also experience deeper sleep, far fewer waking moments (even if you don't remember them!) and will find yourself better rested and with more energy for the day ahead.

You will have to learn how to use the equipment ... an air pressure unit, a hose and a mask which might cover your nose or your nose and mouth depending on what type of breather you are. The machine operates on mains electricity.

So that's the starting point. Good luck for your appointment - and please keep in touch. Sometimes new users need some advice or support. That's what we're here for.

Thank you very much for your support.
I have now been to hospital (6 days) and have come home with my BiPAP machine, exceedingly heavy battery for said machine, dehumidifier and a load of masks, which now make me look that I'm a F16 fighter pilot.
Taking me ages to get used to the "face sucking off" feeling, but managed last night to keep it on for 6 hours.
I am now only visiting our guest bedroom and my boyfriend has suggested putting it in the wardrobe tonight, not sure if he means me or the machine.
This is definately not an easy thing to get used to.

Hi,

You will get used to it and it will just become part of your going to sleep routine. It will take time though, so hang in there.
Lot's to get used to. For me the main thing is making sure the mask is on properly and leak free. You'll work out how tight to have it etc. in time too.

Your boyfriend has to get used to it too. However, he needs to know you have to use the xPAP and if you don't it will seriously affect your health. I suppose his main issue would be noise from the machine, but earplugs are very cheap.

Keep on trying and it will work out. I expect everyone on this site has gone through the same problems and had to work through them, and can tell you similar stories from when they were newbs

Hiya Born to be wild. Welcome to the forum. I presume from your post that you're female? Don't worry, there are quite a few "girlie hose heads"here, so don't feel you are the only one. I think your boyfriend means to put your machine in the wardrobe! (Or you try sticking HIM in the said wardrobe!)I was nervous about my box of tricks being noisy, but hubby was surprised as to how silent it is. Feel free to keep us posted on your progress, or for any questions you have ( no matter how silly you may think it is) or if you need to get something off your chest. But keep it clean if possible -"Dan the Moderator Man" doesn't like offensive language!

Good luck!

Hey

Boyfriend says it's not that loud so nothing to worry about really!!! If he moans then just dump him!

Vicci x

Thank you for all of your encouragements, but I have to admit I haven't even used it over the last couple of nights, I just don't want to disturb my boyfriend. Box now in the wardrobe, but I have to say that when I'm wearing it I try not to breath - it feels like I'm having my face sucked off and I just want to hide myself under the covers.

I note that you have the courage to say that you haven't used your machine.


But PLEASE DO! If you don't you have a very high risk of having a major health problem such as a stroke or heart attack in the night. Surely your boyfriend wouldn't want that.

Be brave. Make a start. It WILL take you time to get used to the machine. It did for us all. Please take care of your health. And if you don't really want to use it, there are many people begging for your machine, so return it to the sleep clinic for someone else to use .... or maybe ditch your BF because your health should come first.

BtbW,

Firstly welcome, I have been reading your posts and thought you would go straight on to the machine!
Don't worry about your OH they will very quickly get used to the machine, in fact my OH does not sleep properly now when I am not there, it is just to quiet!
How can she say that? She snores

Do use your machine, you will get used to it and after a while won't even care who knows you use one, in fact you will get to the point that you will miss it and can't sleep without it.

Give it a try