My husband told me he thinks I'm obsessed with my sleep apnea and trying to learn "too much about it." [insert argument at this point]. I'm not obsessed -- I'm just trying to understand it and learn what I need to know about it and the equipment.

I do admit that I'm a knowledge sponge, I like to learn things, but I'm like that for any topic. It's just my nature. But I hardly think I'm obsessed. It's my health and I'm confused with what is going on with my body and with what my doctor is saying and with what this machine does etc. etc. etc.

Has anyone else experienced this?

If you're obsessed than I am obsessed to.  I am obsessed with trying to find the BEST solution I can to reduce if not eliminate this problem.  I tend to learn everything I can about a topic as well but this is more driven out of desperation to find some sort of relief.  I am SO TIRED of being SO TIRED.  People really have no idea what it's like to live like this because the only way they can relate is after a night or two of poor sleep of which they snap back after even a single night of good rest.  We unfortunately don't have that luxery.

Add to the physical side effects all the stress and worry of how it's going to impact your life and it compounds even further.  I worry every day that my job is at stake.

So I'm obsessed too, although no one has ever told me that.  Although I bought my girlfriend a Russian Tortoise for Christmas and was told I was obsessed after pouring over several websites, books, magazines, etc learning about the thing :)

I recently had a conversation with my Pulmonary doctor and he was impressed
that I knew so much about sleep apnea, and had learned so much on my own.
In fact, he got excited to jump up and go to his office to get more information
to share with me.  

I think it is wise to learn as much as we can about sleep apnea.  In fact,
that's the whole purpose of this forum, and look how many members have joined!

If u guys are then so am i about both that and angelmans syndrome (the disorder my oldest child has). It may be my daughter who has it not me or my partner but i am trying to find out as much as i can to help her and benifet us.

Me too.  So what!  I know I have been obsessed with this/finding out what is wrong with me since October of last year.  Now, 6 months into treatment and it's finally working, I find myself less and less obsessed.  More like just maintenance of knowledge.


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ResMed Auto Set II w/hi4 Pressure 9 - 20 EPR at 3 SleepWeaver, Mirage Micro, Liberty, FitLlife
Orig AHI 30.4 RDI 36 & RLS/PLMB

Just curious,  are you talking to him nonstop about apnea?  If he doesn't have it, and is bored by the subject, then he'll think you're obsessed.  Those of us who have it understand your quest, but people who don't have it can sometimes be bored by it.  Just my 2 cents. Luckily ;), both my husband and I have it, and can discuss it candidly.


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Dianne's: Remstar Auto M, C-flex, humidifier, smart card. Mask: Swift LT, AHI- 23, lowest blood ox 80%.

John's: Same cpap, Mask: Respironics Profile-lite mask.
severe apnea, Cpap user for more than 20 years.

Add me to the pile of knowledge sponges (love that term).

If I have an interest in a subject, I'll scour for information until I'm satisfied that I have a handle on it - and then I'll keep an eye out for random tidbits of information as I've moved on to other subjects.  Not sure if it's obsession or just innate curiosity and wanting to know what I'm talking about if those subjects come up.. or if I just hate not knowing what I know I don't know.

Dianne -
Well, I just got diagnosed a week ago today so it is very new for me so to an extent, yes, but it hasn't even been a week. I explained to him about my results and stuff, but I think I did what most people would do when they are diagnosed with this or any illness/disorder. I guess I feel like he should give me a darn week to understand what is wrong with me.

Add me to that list as well, since DH's first study and he was called back for a titration I have been reading everything I can get my hands on.

I have moved from the denial, fright and anger stage on to the educating myself with everything I can find so that we know all the options for treatment.

He was diagnosed with mild SA, so he is heading back to the titration study but we will sit down with his Dr. before any orders are placed for a CPAP to bring home. As he never had any apnea episodes during his entire full night study. His AHI as 7.9 from 45 hypenoas but they didn’t look to have lasted that long.

We will discuss the results of this upcoming titration on 7/7 at his appointment on 7/10. The good news is that I am off work on 7/10 so I can get my questions answered by the dr as to treatment options. This is because his family dr sent him for the study and we haven’t had any consultation with a sleep dr. The sleep center’s medical director is the one who signed off on his study and ordered the titration but has never meant with DH.

Good for you for wanting to learn as much as you can.  My husband just said the following to me.  "Why are you so %$#& Tired?  You are ike an 80 year old lady!!  I have heard that many times before from him.  All I said was 7:00 was too late for me to go out to get something to eat because I am very tired.  He knows I have severe sleep apnea and bipolar disorder.   But he spouts out these hurtful things before thinking.

Grateful -
Boy do I understand! Recently, I was splitting a piece of cheesecake with my brother-in-law and my husband said "Don't you want to get rid of your sleep apnea?" I'm overweight but I'm not even that big. I was so angry!


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Previous Mask: F&P Zest (did not like)
Current Mask: Resmed Swift LT for her (nasal pillow)
CPAP: F&P Sleep Series 234

Thin people have apnea too.


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Dianne's: Remstar Auto M, C-flex, humidifier, smart card. Mask: Swift LT, AHI- 23, lowest blood ox 80%.

John's: Same cpap, Mask: Respironics Profile-lite mask.
severe apnea, Cpap user for more than 20 years.

I have not posted on these boards sinse Oct 08, I was obsessed but it is normal life function now, just maintenance of knowledge.  Maybe see if some new mask comes out.


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I hear you MAF79!  Thanks.  My husband would have said the same thing! And I am not that big either size 14.  

MAF79/Grateful,

Sleep apnea causes weight gain for several physiological reasons, therefore it is possibly why you are overweight.  Losing weight rarely "cures" OSA.  Rather what weight loss usually does is decreases the pressure required to hold our throats open.  We have OSA because of our internal throat anatomy.

Vicki


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Being defeated is often a temporary condition. Giving up is what makes it permanent.
Marilyn Von Savant

That which does not kill you makes you stronger-Friedrich Nietzsche
Friedrich must of had apnea.