Hi windowleaper
I don't blame you one bit for wanting to be as prepared as possible. If my head had been screwed on right at the beginning, I would've done the same as you. As it was I felt absolutely blindsided. I was convinced they'd made a mistake. Even as I went for my 3 month follow-up, I was sure I was saying goodbye to my machine even though I was feeling better with it. I'm only a little strange
Just on Saturday I was at a CPAP Users Meeting organised by the Dept of Sleep Medicine where I'm treated. If you get the opportunity to attend something like this it's well worth it. Not only did we have talks on local service improvements and a little of the science behind OSA, but also general advice (including 'sleep hygiene'), and even talks from patients and their partners. It was a great way to hear others' takes on dealing with it, and comforting to hear that the problems you have are shared by others too... just as in here. I think it's valuable to be able to put faces to the words of wisdom; it makes it feel a lot more personal. There were also very knowledgable reps from the companies, with plenty of stock of have a play with. All the web searches in the world can't substitute for being able to feel masks, see how they move, understand the difference in materials for the seals/cushions.
I'm babbling perhaps, but it was a valuable experience and I'm so grateful my hospital was able to run this annual event. It's just a shame there was only around 5% attendance of their ongoing patients. If your hospital does something similar, I really would urge you to try it. I think you'd find it invaluable.
Judging from your penultimate post your appointment would be about due now, I think? Please do let us know how you're doing.
Good luck. Though from the way you seem to have been preparing, I suspect you won't need much!
I don't blame you one bit for wanting to be as prepared as possible. If my head had been screwed on right at the beginning, I would've done the same as you. As it was I felt absolutely blindsided. I was convinced they'd made a mistake. Even as I went for my 3 month follow-up, I was sure I was saying goodbye to my machine even though I was feeling better with it. I'm only a little strange
Just on Saturday I was at a CPAP Users Meeting organised by the Dept of Sleep Medicine where I'm treated. If you get the opportunity to attend something like this it's well worth it. Not only did we have talks on local service improvements and a little of the science behind OSA, but also general advice (including 'sleep hygiene'), and even talks from patients and their partners. It was a great way to hear others' takes on dealing with it, and comforting to hear that the problems you have are shared by others too... just as in here. I think it's valuable to be able to put faces to the words of wisdom; it makes it feel a lot more personal. There were also very knowledgable reps from the companies, with plenty of stock of have a play with. All the web searches in the world can't substitute for being able to feel masks, see how they move, understand the difference in materials for the seals/cushions.
I'm babbling perhaps, but it was a valuable experience and I'm so grateful my hospital was able to run this annual event. It's just a shame there was only around 5% attendance of their ongoing patients. If your hospital does something similar, I really would urge you to try it. I think you'd find it invaluable.
Judging from your penultimate post your appointment would be about due now, I think? Please do let us know how you're doing.
Good luck. Though from the way you seem to have been preparing, I suspect you won't need much!
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