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The Apnea Patient's News, Education & Awareness Network |
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The Apnea Patient's News, Education & Awareness Network |
Editor's Note: This story was written in late 1998, when Jay F. was 40 years old. He continues as a CPAP user to this date...
Four years ago I was diagnosed with OSA. Here's my story.
I am a forty year old male who works in the music business, heading up sales for a large
distributor. I started this job at age 28 in 1986, and at 185 pounds. I first worked
telephone sales for a couple of years, then moved into management. We were a growing
company, "on the edge" if you will, so 12 to 14 hour days were not uncommon.
By 1988, I had begun to notice that I was able to fall asleep quickly once I went to bed. I didn't think much of it at the time - I simply thought I was a better sleeper than those who had to read or toss around before they felt drowsy enough to try and sleep. Besides, 70 hour work weeks would take their toll on anyone.
Around the same time I became aware that I was falling asleep at inappropriate times. I recall one party I went to, we all settled in late one night to watch a movie. About 20 minutes in, as I was later told, I nodded out (while sitting up) and begin snoring loudly. I didn't think much of it - I remember my father snored for years, and heck - he was the picture of health!
The severity of the snoring progressed, as reported by family members or friends, when I would stay over on a weekend or holiday. I became known for my "buzz saw" - like snoring, usually all night. Often I would wake up in the morning with a sore throat.
By 1993, I had put on considerable weight and lack of quality sleep was becoming evident at work. Often while reviewing paperwork or writing a memo, I would nod out and quickly awaken. Aside from the line I had just drawn across the page, I also noticed my penmanship suffer. As I was struggling to stay awake my writing would get smaller and my letters less distinct. I didn't realize what was happening to me! Often I would go home and deliberately try to "sleep" for 9 or 10 hours, figuring I was simply "stressing out" and needed the extra time. In the morning I would wake up feeling like an elephant had danced on my chest and more exhausted than ever.
The last straw came shortly thereafter when I kept nodding out during a morning management meeting! Even with two TWENTY OUNCE coffees in me, I could not stay awake. Later the C.E.O. of my company counseled me and suggested I see a doctor about my sleep situation.
The following day I made an appointment at a Sleep Center at the local Hospital. I never even knew these places existed! Once there I had an intake interview, and was asked to return the following day for a two night sleep study.
I must admit I was a bit scared and intimidated at first, but the attendants at the Center were both sympathetic and accommodating. They explained the entire procedure to me in detail, and allowed me to settle in to my room before coming in to tape some wires to my head, chest, arms and legs so they could record my brain activity, heart rate, respiration, blood oxygen and muscle movement. I know it all sounds a little unsettling but it wasn't that bad! All I could think of was finally having my condition treated and getting on with my life.
Once I was all hooked up, they asked me to take my time, get used to things, and watch TV, read or just relax. It took a while (the better part of an hour) but eventually I went to sleep.
The first night's tests revealed I had acute OSA, and the technician confided that I had an average of 25 apnea episodes every hour. Scared the you-know-what out of me.
The following night the sleep technician fitted me for a CPAP mask, and said we would "road test" it first while I was awake. This was what would keep my airway open and allow me to get some deep sleep. He prepared me by comparing the air coming through the mask to having your head out a car window going 60 mph. OK, that's more of what dogs do, but I got the idea! It really took some getting used to, and I looked like a Top Gun pilot in a cockpit of his fighter, but the effect of this new device was immediate. As I became more and more drowsy, I noticed I could comfortably breathe deeply without any "heavy" feeling or exertion. Exhaling against the pressure of the CPAP was the most difficult adjustment. Once I felt comfortable enough to attempt sleep, however, I lay down and was out like a light in under fifteen minutes. I slept a SOLID seven hours and had the best night of sleep in my life. In the morning, I had more energy, I was more alert, could think clearly, had less anxiety - you name it. I had found the answer.
Thinking back, I may very well have had sleep apnea since my early twenties. To this day, I still get a satisfying and restful sleep, thanks to a little device that whirrs quietly by my bed each night. In my travels, I have met customers and friends who believe they may have varying degrees of sleep apnea and scoff at the idea of having to wear a mask and hook up to a machine each night. If you're uncomfortable at the idea, there are other options you can discuss with a Sleep Specialist. Don't put yourself at risk (and there are DEFINITE risks for those with untreated OSA) See your physician or specialist even if you suspect you might have a sleep problem. What's more important than your health?
Now that you have read the story of JayF, if you would like to email your comments or questions to him, click here: JayF@apneanet.org.
If you would like to submit your own story for possible inclusion on the ApneaNET web site, please email Patient-Stories@apneanet.org.
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