Sleep Apnea

[Dana5]

I have been recently diagnoised with OSA. I went through the first sleep study with no problems but when I had to go back for the second time to get fitted for my CPAP, I freaked out and had a serve panic attack. I am prone to panic attacks and very clostrophobic(Spelling??). My sleep doc sent me home with a CPAP that regulates itself to my breathing. I am having a terrible time getting adjusted to the CPAP. I feel like I can't catch my breath. I know it will take sometime to get use to. But what my question is: Does anyone have any suggestions on how to get use to this machine or anything they did to get use to it that might help me? I really want to use this but I am afraid my panic will take over and I will give up and not use it. Please help!!! Thanks!! Dana

[brendasue]

Hi Dana. My name is Brenda. I was just fitted for my CPAP yesterday and did the same you did. I feaked out when he turned it on and said I couldn't breathe that fast. He told me to just take deep breathes and try to breathe normally. I had my first night last night and did not sleep a bit. I finally took it off after 4 hours and tried to sleep, but of course I was scared to go to sleep after learning yesterday that I stopped breathing 25 times an hour the night of my study. I was told my oxygen levels fell below 70, too. I tried to go to sleep tonight but I ended up at the computer looking for someone in my boat, so to speak. I am 56 years old, have been snoring for years, having insomnia too and last year my husband told me I was not breathing when I was asleep. I resisted going to my doctor with this until February 10th, when my sister died in her sleep. She was 51. COD was determined to be respiratory arrest followed by cardiac arrest. She had not been diagnosed with OSA but was on meds that caused her to not be able to be aroused easily and I believe she had OSA and it was never known.
I have the set up that fits in your nose. I think if they had given me the full nose/mouth mask I would do better. I just cannot sleep with this thing stuck in my nose. I go back to the doctor on the 27th march and I will ask him if this can be changed. I have 2 sons with sleep problems and one of them has a daughter with problems too. I am trying to encourage them to go too. This stuff causes heart problems and both my parents died young with high blood pressure and heart problems. Its scary and I really need someone who is going through this, to talk to. Maybe we can encourage each other if we converse and stay in touch. What do you say? want to give it a try? My husband is trying to be supportive but he just doesnt understand how I feel right now.
[moderator note: email address removed]. Good luck either way.
Brenda