Anybody have sleep apnea?

[Cindy923]

Hi all,

Does anybody have OSA (obstructive sleep apnea)?

I do and the exhaustion is diffuicult to deal with. I'm not responding well to the
VPAP machine either. In fact I sleep less when using it and is is causing me a lot of anxiety. I try to exercise almost every day and I feel it helps me stay in better health. I have to listen to my body and not overdue it. It would be nice to chat with others who have it and how do you maintain your fitness?

Cindy

 

[crazystepr]

Hey Cindy,

Yes, I have OSA. It's beyond brutal. My immune system is really low from not sleeping--I'm sick all the time. I had a CPAP for about 8 months but it just didn't work for me. I tried all different face apparatuses (apparati?) and nothing worked. I eventually just gave it back (since I was being charged over $300 a month for it!).

I have tried almost everything to relieve the OSA. Except surgery. I've looked into it, but the problems I have would not be solved or helped by having any type of nasal surgery.

Somehow I'm still able to workout at the same intensity I always have. I push really hard, though, to get through Cathe's brutal workouts. I can't stay up late like most people my age and it's really hard on my social life. I have to prepare for days or even weeks ahead of time if I know I'm going to be out late at a concert or something. Coffee's my best friend. I'm asleep by 10 at the absolute latest most nights.

Just thought I'd share my experiences. The doctors can't seem to figure out why a young, fit woman has the problems I do. I guess normally they see it more in older, overweight men. Plus, I snore like a grizzly bear. Just ask my Roadtrip roomie.... Lucky for me, she's a close friend and not some poor soul who offered to room with me and had no idea what they were getting into....

Good luck and PM me if you would like to talk more. I don't really have any advice. I can listen any time you need to talk/vent, though.

 

[janie1234]

Hi Cindy,
My husband has sleep apnea. I can really see how it affects him daily when he doesn't get restful sleep. I sypathize with you. I on the other hand have terrible insomnia and I mean terrible. I sleep probably 4 hours a night and that is if I am lucky. Some days I can go 2 days without any sleep at all. I've sorta just lived with it and have had it since college, now I'm 33. With that said I can hear all the funny noises my husband makes when he sleeps. He snores and gasps for air. I always know what he'll be like in the morning based on how restful his sleep is. Insomia is nothing like sleep apnea but I can feel your pain because I am just dead beat tired in the day time. Somehow I just manage. I've recently just started taking medication for my sleep deprevation out of sheer desperation for a night of restful sleep. My dr. has me trying out a few things and trust me I've tried everything prior to submitting to medication. I workout 2 hours a day, eat good and take my vitamins. I've tried pillows, bed toppers, yoga, soft music, a glass of red wine, . . and nothing worked. I guess my point is to keep trying different things. There are a lot of options out there. If something doesn't work for you don't feel bad, talk to your dr. about other options. Good luck to you.

 

[Cindy923]

Allison, Janie1234,

Any condition that causes lack of sleep or poor quality sleep is difficult so I consider insomnia to be just as difficult.

I'm a "complicated" OSA patient too. In addition to obstructive apneas I also have brain or central apneas during my sleep studies when using both CPAP and VPAP machines. I didn't have central apneas on my first sleep study, without CPAP or VPAP. I think that may be why I am not tolerating the VPAP machine at home and feel like I am smothering.
Thanks for your input ladies and I feel that now more than ever I must keep my level of fitness. My doctor was amazed at the hight oxygen level I had during my apneas. I contribute that to being fit.

Cindy