I was diagnosed about 3 months ago (139 episodes/hr -- flow level of 11). Life has been very good --almost great -- since then. Lots of good sleep, REM rebound with a ton of dreaming, and found a great support group (that's you guys). All in all, I'm a much happier camper.

But I can't help but relate a few fun episodes I've encountered during this journey:

1) My Cats.   I have three cats, and they've all taken to the machine in a different way. One won't go near it. One has stepped on the on/off button twice in the middle of the night and stopped my airflow. I can't help but think this is the basis of a very bad sci-fi movie. And just last night, the kitten that likes to sleep on my chest as I sleep on my back tried to claw the airvent to my mask, got his claws caught in the tiny holes, and pulled on the mask enough to wake me us just as I saw the mask flinging back at my nose.

2) Mouth games  I'm using just a nose mask, so talking to my wife is nearly impossible once it's running, BUT I have learned to create enlongated belches, whistle for a full minute, and drive away the aforementioned kittens with an extended burst of air. Next I try an hour-long harmonica solo.

3) The Head Jerk  After about a week, I started sleeping through the night with many fewer trips to the bathroom. One night I DID have to get up, but was so rested I forgot the mask was attached. Did you ever see the scene in My Big Fat Greek Wedding where the woman forgets she's wearing a phone headset and is dropped to the floor trying to walk away? Bingo. So glad my wife slept through that.

Anyone else??

In any event, thanks to all of you for all the vital information over the past months. Merry Christmas everyone!

--Michael

I was diagnosed with severe Osa(AHI 88). Iam now on cpap therapy with a pressure of 8. I was watching cartoons with my children, and a cartoon came on with a man with a big fat bellysleeping & snoring loudly.my children asked me what he was missing. I said I don't know. They replied his hose(cpap)like mama wears so she doesn't snore. I was really surprised& grateful they understood my explainations on what the cpap is used for.

I was so careful to keep the straps adjusted and had trouble getting the mask on my face last night . . .  then I realized that I forgot to remove the clear plastic protection cover!  

CrossEyed,

That was great!  I know this stuff is serious, but if we can't laugh at ourselves, what good is it?

I really needed a laugh today, and I was rolling after your post.  I have had cats, and I can just imagine!  I'm planning to get a new kitten after the holidays - so now I know what to expect with my new machine friend!

I loved the visual of the My Big Fat Greek Wedding - priceless!  I haven't done it yet, but I'm sure it's only a matter of time....

I can definitely relate to the noises when you open your mouth while on CPAP - my husband thinks it's quite hilarious!  He's really enjoying the fact that I can't talk back, once I've "hosed up".  That's all right - I have my revenge by turning on my side and blowing cold air on him  

Thanks again for the laughs - and Merry Christmas!

Karen

My wife keeps asking me to say "Use the Force, Luke".  Yeah, funny to her.  

I have not said it yet.  I still find it uncomfortable trying to talk, so I don't.

But this all came about due to her urging, so she has really been great about it anyway, and now she sleeps better too.

My kids think I look more like Luke in the bacta tank after the snow monster got to him.  But one niece when she came in to wake me up called out "Aunti looks like a snufelupagus" (Sesame Street)  I agree we should laugh.  We are fixing the problem, find the Joy in life now.  Merry Christmas.


_________________
Believe in yourself--you are fantastic!!

that was funny. It helps to laugh at ourselves at least a little bit. So good to hear your doing well. Thats very encouraging for me.


_________________
Thanks to all, Michael

CPAP is the closest I'll get to wearing a fighter pilot's mask!

Or am I an elephant? ("Once there was an elephant, who tried to use a telephant, ...")

I go to sleep thinking I'm at 20,000 feet on oxygen and looking down at all the lights....