Scared Newly Diagnosed Woman!

[JanetB]

Hi. Just last week I was diagnosed as suffering from OSA. I am due to go back to sleep clinic on 6 March to try out the cpap machine. I have been looking through the forum and found some very helpful tips for which I wanted to thank you all.

One brave question - a number of you mention how your long term partners have reacted to this new situation - are any of you single and use CPAP and how do you cope with that? Just wondering whether or not to give up all hope now!!!!!!

[James @ Intus]

Hi Janet,

Thanks for joining the forums.

There's little to be scared about. There's much more to look forward to actually! On the potential partner topic, they'd much rather have a bright and energetic you with a mask than a lethargic and sick you. If they can't accept it they're probably not the right partner then. But certainly don't give up hope Maybe one day we'll start a CPAP dating site so you both know what you're in for

[Tigers Fan]

Single and staying that way

Hi JanetB

Did James get your point the right way? I read it that your concern is about living alone with CPAP.

Assuming that's right - relax, nothing to worry about, just add CPAP into your daily routine - it''s a breeze, literally sometimes. I think the point you must remember is that once compliant on CPAP, it's as if your OSA symptoms don't exist (in layman's terms).

An ex-wife, who was developing OSA-like symptoms, took one sniff of my brand new rig and went on a diet - she's now 13 kg lighter and sleeps like a baby again. A girl-friend made Darth Vader 'jokes' till she got bored, complains a bit about the noise of my APAP but shuts up immediately when I offer to shut it down and snore for all the night.

Safety-wise? If I stop breathing? More likely to happen before CPAP. All I can think of is that you may want some support in the early stages of getting accustomed to your new equipment. Here is good but a hand to hold is better (have some practise runs in the day time). There is some accepting to do as well as just plain getting used to having a plastic octopus strapped to your face. A benign one, but strapped to your face.

I now feel weird without a mask.

Tigers Fan

[Tigers Fan]

On second thoughts ....

I'll go with James' take.

T F

[JanetB]

Thanks to you both - thinking about it I was worried about both your takes on my question. My 2 kids will have to get used to it too! Can't wait cos if I do feel the way you all do I will be sooooooooo happy. Just about on my last legs at the moment, not sure how I am coping with work, looking after 2 kids and a house feeling the way I do but I guess we just carry on regardless. Thanks again, I am sure I will be back with more questions! :-)

[ashvaj]

There is nothing to be scared about.Health problems and disorders can affect anyone around.I think it is even better that you got it detected.At least you will start taking care of yourself now.Think of those millions across the world who are suffering from one or other types of sleep apnea and sleep disorders and even do not know about it.

[pilewis]

Hi Janet,

I have to tell you and all others here a funny story!

I was diagnosed first with OSA and my partner took a while to get used to it and was a bit flippant in all honesty about but I suppose that was understandable as lack of understanding for the condition.

However, as I started to improve it become more and more apparent my partner was very similar to how I used to be and we both become concerned and I kept on at him to go and get checked out! More because I thought it was Sleep Apnea but also because he is on a lot of medications felt it may be related.

It turned out he too has OSA and now we are both mask wearers! he has a full face and I have nasal pillows. Must sound strange in our house at night with 2 machines going off lol

[threewheelweave]

Welcome to the Weird World of OSA - Joking!

Hi JanetB

Welcome to the forum - I think James' take is very sound advice - what we all want is for someone to care for WHO WE ARE not what we are on the surface - so if someone has a problem with you being a bright bubbly cheerful person with loads of energy and feeling at least 20 years younger; but takes exception to a mask - then who has the problem?

NOT YOU!

Plenty more fish in the sea - and your Knight in Shining Armour is out there!

Great to have you with us - keep us posted!

TWW
UK

[pedrock]

lonely bro

Hi Janet,

Thanks for joining the forums.

There's little to be scared about. There's much more to look forward to actually! On the potential partner topic, they'd much rather have a bright and energetic you with a mask than a lethargic and sick you. If they can't accept it they're probably not the right partner then. But certainly don't give up hope Maybe one day we'll start a CPAP dating site so you both know what you're in for

hi james just a quick one any more thought on a CPAP DATING FORUM . my case in 18 months. 3 ladies have ran for the hills when i brouched the subject. lol oh and im cuddly,good sence of humour , dont scare children and babies and look good in fairground mirrors

[James @ Intus]

Hi Pedrock,

Welcome to the forums!

Just hanging out here will make you less lonely already. But it has been brought up before and we do have some ideas to turn this from a mere discussion forum into more of a social network type place. It's not high on the list as the forums are doing great already. If you see someone who's writing style you like, you can always send them a PM and take things from there.

[pedrock]

dating

cheers james ....deep breath !!errr hello girls

[dravidio]

Yes - I suppose if you are on Match.com you wouldn't put the fact that you are a hosehead on your profile. But then you wouldn't tell about your dentures, hearing aids or other prostheses - would you? It's not like having a sexually communicable disease - it's not catching.....but might affect your lovemaking I suppose....difficult to kiss with a mask on....

[JanetB]

There is hope!

Hi All

Just to let you all know there is hope for all of you who are single and use a CPAP machine! As you will have seen from my first post, I was diagnosed with OSA in February. I have now lost 2 1/2 stone in weight and have had to reduce my CPAP from 11/12 to 6.5. I still have weight to lose, but I am getting there! I have also recently met a man who I told after our 2nd date that I have OSA and that I use a CPAP machine (and I was expecting him to run for the hills!). He did not run and he says it does not worry him at all - in fact we both had a joke about it (darth vadar, etc. etc.).

There are men and women out there who will not run away, I know I am lucky to have found one and I am sure you will too.

Janet

[pedrock]

its not fair i want one

Janet my dear you restored my faith .All the best for the future with your new chap .dont go loseing to much we real men like real women lol