Several weeks ago, I re-scheduled my appointment for the sleep study that had been prescribed most recently by my pain specialist. Although I had reasons to be reluctant, I thought it best to comply to help create a rapport between myself and my doctor.
Upon arrival at the sleep study unit, I was taken to my private room where 30+ electrodes were glued to my head. But it didn’t stop there, they then began placing more electrodes on my neck,shins, thighs, and chest with leads that passed under my pajamas. Belts were tightly wrapped around my upper and lower chest and a pulse/ox monitor was taped on one finger. Then I was told to go to sleep. Oh brother!
It was a very difficult night.
Several days later a technician called informing me that I do have Obstructive Sleep Apnea and would require the second study.
The procedure for the second study was identical to the first
, with the addition of the apnea appliance. I chose the full face mask. Again I was told to go to sleep. The last thing I remember was looking at the ceiling thinking I would never sleep with this thing on my face. The next thing I remember was waking up and wanting to go home. As I sat up, the tech. asked “oh, are you ready to get up now?” to which I responded “what do you mean,is it like 1am?”. She entered my room and responded: “we have been waiting for you to wake up because it’s time for you to leave”. I was completely stunned. I felt rested but it couldn’t possibly be time for me to go home. I kept asking her over and over, “are you serious”? “Really?”
I was so wrong! I slept without waking up and I didn’t even move. I am a believer!
Now, I call my doctors office each day to attempt to move my appointment to receive the results and prescription. I think this will really help.
I am no longer in rebellion with my doctors. Here is a brief list of the complications from Sleep Apnea.
What Are the Effects of Sleep Apnea?
If left untreated, sleep apnea can result in a growing number of health problems including:
- High blood pressure
- Stroke
- Heart failure, irregular heart beats, and heart attacks
- Diabetes
- Depression
- Worsening of ADHD
In addition, untreated sleep apnea may be responsible for poor performance in everyday activities, such as at work and school, motor vehicle crashes, as well as academic underachievement in children and adolescents.
http://www.webmd.com/sleep-disorders/sleep-apnea/sleep-apnea
Oh my goodness, congratulations! I know it’s always such a strange feeling, the bad news is you have an illness, but the great news is you now what it is and how to deal with it. I’m so glad you’re able to sleep well again. :0)
Thank you honey bunch! And being able to sleep may help my pain levels