Yesterday I got to my last craft show of the season. I got set up and then sat down in my booth to regroup before the show started. I was nice and warm and I started to fall asleep. At 9 o'clock in the morning. In front of hundreds of people. Several times during the day, I had to get up and walk around (and steal fudge samples from the booth next to me for the caffeine) to stay awake.
Why do I get so tired? One of the many reasons is the fatigue caused by my fibromyalgia (and its insomnia) and rheumatoid, to a lesser degree. It also turns out I have been diagnosed with sleep apnea which causes me not to sleep very well. (What's another ailment along with all the others? I have stopped keeping count.)
Because of my reports to my primary care that I get so tired sometimes I can't stay awake and need to nap extensively, she sent me for a sleep test back in September. It came back with reports of Apnea. So tonight I am going to another sleep test, to try out a CPAP machine. (I am so excited, I can't wait.)
If I end up with a CPAP that has a giant mask on it, I won't be happy. I think the new ones have something under your nose only. I don't think I can sleep with a big mask on my face.
At this point, I would be happy with a good night's sleep regularly.
2 comments:
As a fellow sleep apnea sufferer of many years, I an offer a few comments you may (or not) find of some comfort. Sleep apnea can kill you in your sleep because you are not breathing sufficiently to bring in enough oxygen to your vital organs...so being diagnosed and treated for it is a very good thing!
If you stop sleeping for very long, usually your central nervous system will wake you in time to start breathing again. Also the sensors in the machine should be able to detect when you're not breathing in enough time to give you a shot of air down your windpipe to your lungs to keep those vital organs (your brain in particular) oxygenated!
For another, once you acclimate yourself, you will likely finding yourself waking so refreshed and energetic, you'll come to regard to your CPAP as your new best friend! You won't want to give up your new buddy for anything!
As time goes on, and you get used to it, you won't be able to imagine yourself not wearing it. Your quality of life will be so improved, you'll be amazed how much better you feel using it!
How to acclimate? (Get to used to using this new machine)...try taking it on and off several times for a few seconds each day, gradually increasing your time wearing the mask. If you feel yourself starting to panic wearing it - take the mask off and relax a few seconds! You'll get there! Good luck honey!
BTW, I'm an advanced stage IV breast cancer patient myself, so I enjoy reading your blog. Thanks for sharing!
Oops! Pardon me for "If you stop sleeping for very long" I meant to say "If you stop breathing for very long"
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