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Newbie here...help needed!
Hi everyone
I completed a home test for sleep Apnoea a month ago. I was told by the specialist that she would call me back to discuss the test results.
Instead I received a letter this morning telling me to go in to the hospital to be fitted with a CPAP mask and machine.
I am a bit annoyed that I have not had a chance to talk about my results. I have no idea how bad my Apnoea is, just told I have to use the CPAP machine for 3 months and have an overnight oximeter.
I had the overnight oximeter a few weeks prior to the full home test.
I am really concerned about wearing a face mask. I am claustrophobic when it comes to masks on my face. This stems from going to the dentist as a child and having a mask for anaesthesia.
I also have really, really sensitive skin which even when touched in the wrong way comes out in red weals . I have to use special skin care. I just know that wearing a mask strapped to my face is going to cause me real problems. I have just got my skin settled and I know this will upset things.
I have Body Dismorphia relating to this skin condition and I am scared it will trigger it again.
Just wondered what people thought. Does the trial mean I have serious sleep Apnoea?
Are there any other masks which don't have to be strapped across the face?
I read an article about a disposable product called 'Provent'. Any one had any experience of this?
I am so scarred that I am going to cause my skin to erupt. It is really worrying me.
Any help would be great, if anyone has time.
Thanks
Sue☺x
Views: 241
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Kath Hope on
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Hi Sue
That's certainly a shock to receive a letter confirming a diagnosis of sleep apnoea and to be told to go straight in for a CPAP fitting, but I guess they're trying to speed things up as many of the clinics are struggling. Back when I got diagnosed I had a different problem, as I'd been called back to the consultant to be told I had severe sleep apnoea, but had to wait several months for my CPAP, which was unnerving and frightened my young son and I regretted telling him at the time. It all depends on which clinic people are with as to the speed and system that is offered at the different sleep clinics.
It's understandable you're feeling anxious with you saying you have claustrophobia and have sensitive skin. Regarding the claustrophobia, I can promise you I have come across many people with this, who have overcome it and never believed they would. One helpful way of looking at it is to think to yourself that not wearing a mask is more claustrophobic because you really aren't able to breathe when asleep, so the mask will become your friend. As for the skin conditions, discuss this with the sleep clinic as there are a lot less invasive masks out now. The DreamWear is the newest one for nose breathers http://www.hope2sleep.co.uk/products/143 and the Amara View for mouth breathers http://www.hope2sleep.co.uk/products/141 Also we now have the Silent Night Mask Liners available which act as a barrier between your mask and your skin, and these are helping lots of people with both skin issues and mask leaks http://www.hope2sleep.co.uk/products/134
The CPAP trial doesn't necessarily mean you have severe sleep apnoea, but you need to discuss all this with the clinic to find out how severe it is and whether it's obstructive or central sleep apnoea. The Provent isn't available on the NHS and has only limited success with certain nose breathers, and it's very important to be on good therapy so wait and see what they say. I hope you don't have long to wait for your appointment.
Hang in there Sue and try not to worry - easier said than done I know!
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Permalink Reply by Sue Cully on
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Hi Kath
Thanks for your reply. I am so sorry that I have only just round to thanking you.
Thanks for the info, I am off to see the specialist this afternoon. I insisted on seeing her to see exactly what the problem is before thinking of coping with the trial.
If I can come back to you after I have seen her that would be great.
Thanks again
Sue☺ xx
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You're welcome Sue, and I know it's not the best news in the world to be told we have sleep apnoea, but keep telling yourself that we're the lucky ones that have actually been diagnosed, because believe me this is far more common than people realise, but most people are still struggling through life unaware that their undiagnosed sleep apnoea is at the root of their problems. Have a read of this article I wrote a few years ago http://www.sleepapnoeablog.com/is-cpap-a-blessing-or-a-curse/ and good luck with your appointment this afternoon x
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Hi Sue.
I hope your meeting with the specialist went well and you are able to cope with CPAP therapy and that it helps you as it has helped me and others.
Can I suggest that if you are struggling with issues of mask usage from childhood that you seek counselling / therapy, I've had to do this recently myself for difficulties with memories from many many years ago and I have recently come through a long course of therapy that has been highly successful.
Your GP will help, or you may be able to self-refer to a local talking therapy team (we can do that in Hull!)
Good luck with the CPAP - ask questions here!
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Hi Sue I do hope you are doing Okay. I've only been diagnosed and treated for a few now and its the best thing that could have happened. I am sleeping so much better, I have lots more energy and the bags under my eyes have cleared up loads. Stick with it. I have the Amara View for mouth breathers http://www.hope2sleep.co.uk/products/141. The first mask I had covered my nose and had a "foot" that pressed between my eyes. I imaging it would feel very claustrophobic. The new one is much much better.
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