Finally got home from my appointments around 4.30pm

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BrianMcFaddenFan82
BrianMcFaddenFan82 Online Community Member Posts: 89 Contributor
in Coffee lounge

Ive had a very tiring and busy day as I had my diabetic foot check at 11.35am. Finished that appointment about 12pm. Went home for a bit and then walked to my local hospital with my mum as she had a physio appointment and I was going to catch the shuttle bus to the other hospital.

Had to spend about 45mins waiting to be called through. Had my height, weight and other things checked. After that I got a drink of water from the water dispenser in the waiting area. I'd literally just put my empty cup in the bin when the doctor called me through and he told me that I have sleep apnea and he's referred me to be fitted for the mask. I really hoped that I didn't have it as I didn't want to have to wear the mask as I hate things covering my nose and mouth.

It's also the start of the seasons I get a cold and it takes me ages to shake a cold off.

I don't think that the machine will work for me when I'm full of a cold as I can't breathe through my nose, which is a pain when I'm eating as I get out of breath because I can't breathe through my nose.

I felt like crying when I was waiting for the shuttle bus to pick me and some other passengers up, but I managed to stop myself as I hate crying in front of other people who I don't know.

Comments

  • Bluebell21
    Bluebell21 Online Community Member, Scope Member Posts: 12,150 Championing

    Hi @BrianMcFaddenFan82 You have had a very busy, tiring day. When you go back for the fitting of the mask will you see the doctor again? You could perhaps mention that when you have a cold you are not able to breathe through your nose and see what he says?

    Please do not let this upset you, you were probably exhausted with all the appointments you had today.

    Please take care of yourself.

  • Jimm_Alumni
    Jimm_Alumni Scope alumni Posts: 5,717 Championing

    Hey @BrianMcFaddenFan82, I know it as difficult for me to accept with my Crohn's having to adapt my life to it. I will say, my partners dad has sleep apnea, and the mask really helped him get good sleep. He was getting awful sleep before, and was really struggling. After he started using the mask he was a lot happier. Just to give you an experience I know about having sleep apnea and using the mask. It really helped him breathe at night.

  • BrianMcFaddenFan82
    BrianMcFaddenFan82 Online Community Member Posts: 89 Contributor

    @Jimm_Scope I hate things that cover my nose and mouth as I get scared of not being able to breathe as I have asthma and at this time of year I get a lots of colds and it takes me ages to shake a cold. I also get a chest infection too,, but not at the same time as I have a cold though.

    I have even said to my fiancé that he should get checked for it as his older brother has it. Plus my fiancé snores when he's lay on his back or side (not that he'd admit it tho), but he refuses to. I wish I'd said to him that I'd only get checked for it if he does.

    I'm worried about my mum's lil pomchi cross chihuahua seeing me wearing it as I don't want to scare her as she sleeps with me and my fiancé when my mum's at work as she works 4 on 4 off on nights as she's a security officer.

    My mum's lil pomchi cross chihuahua is only 6 years old and she won't be used to me having anything on my face as she likes to givee kisses and when I'm wearing the mask she won't be able to give me any kisses .

    Tbh I don't want to use the mask as I sleep on my side as I can't lie on my back for too long as my back starts getting sore after so long. Plus I sleep better on my side. That's another reason for me not wanting to have the mask or machine.

    I'm just waiting for the referral appointment to come in the post as I need a physical copy of my letter just in case the driver on the shuttle bus needs to see it as the bus is only for staff and patients and visitors who are going to see someone who is in either my local hospital or the hospital which has merged with my local hospital as there have been people using the shuttle bus as a free ride from one hospital to the other hospital.

  • Rachel_Scope
    Rachel_Scope Posts: 1,649 Scope Online Community Coordinator

    Hi @BrianMcFaddenFan82. I can understand your worries about wearing the mask. It will feel very strange at first, especially when you're experiencing a cold. Maybe pop the mask on for a little bit throughout the day to get used to it (turned off) and then your mum's dog can get used to seeing you with it on too 😊

    I found some information about issues with the CPAP Machine and it mentions sleeping on your side. It seems you don't have to sleep on your back 😊 Be honest with your dr about your concerns and they'll help ease your mind. It'll take some adjusting but it'll be much better for you in the long run.

  • BrianMcFaddenFan82
    BrianMcFaddenFan82 Online Community Member Posts: 89 Contributor

    Ty you @Rachel_Scope

    I already sleep on my side as it's more comfortable for me.

  • luvpink
    luvpink Online Community Member Posts: 2,333 Championing

    @BrianMcFaddenFan82

    Hi as already advised you can lay in any position you want to when wearing the mask.

    You will be well supported by a specialist nurse at the sleep clinic.

    The machine will improve your symptoms and quality of life.

    It does naturally take time to get used to it.

    It won't affect your asthma in any way.

    I wish you well.

    Take care.

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