CPAP

Friends, I KNEW I wasn't sleeping right. It doesn't help that the summer air is like soup, here. My wife finally convinced me to see the Ears Nose Throat specialist and a sleep study was ordered. I immediately needed the CPAP machine (positive pressure air) in my mouth to keep me from snoring and blocking off my airway. Saw the doctor AGAIN and he ordered a CPAP machine.
Last night was my first night using it and I feel like a new man! I SLEPT all night! I got so much good sleep!
My suggestion to you is to get checked for sleep apnea. I have it BAD. Maybe you do, too.
I really think I can go outside and restore TEN IHCs right now, I feel that good!

For those who truly have it, it is a god send, for others not so much. My brother was diagnosed with it, has been on a CPAP and found little or no help from it. I've heard stories like yours and like my brothers. I think it is the diagnosis of the month, and is not truly understood by health professionals. When it works, it is like night and day, when it doesn't it can even have a negative effect.
For those who drive professionally, it can be especially tricky, if one medical professional say you need it, and it doesn't help, it can be all but impossible to get it off your record so you don't have to be on the machine. DOT regs say if you have it you must be on the machine, and it MUST record you useing it.
IF you don't have to get a DOT physical, (like my brother, he doesn't) than no harm in checking it out. But for those like myself, I need to be very careful as I could be forced to use a machine that doesn't help and keeps me from sleeping.
My brothers case, he found like or no benefit and has the option of discontinuing use.
For those it does help, I hear good things.

CB, if it's a person by person experience then you shouldn't dissuade others from trying CPAP.

Here's the symptoms.

http://www.rightdiagnosis.com/d/decreas ... mptoms.htm

No, I'm not, but if you hold a CDL, you should be aware of the ramifications, they can be very hard to reverse if it doesn't work for you.
It is the fault of the government getting involved in healthcare decisions that should be kept between the person and their doctor.
For the general public, If it helps, great, if not keep searching for answers.

I watch "adult videos" to improve my breathing. One of the positive side-effects is, my hearing seems to get better for the duration of the video. I hope this helps others.

I probably should be checked but I'm afraid of it affecting my CDL. How's that for regulations improving safety?

Nikki, the effects of pornography aren't very long lasting. Certainly not eight hours. IMHO.
There's that threshold of being "compatible with life". Somewhere around 85% oxygenation is that threshold. Sleep apnea kills. Get tested.

I suffered shortness of breath and interrupted sleep for years. My situation became an emergency life support transport to hospital. I was in intensive care for nearly two weeks after a day in emergency. This was just over a year ago.
My situation was a pulmonary embolism and near death experience. My lungs blood movement was partially blocks by blood clotting. Without any family history and none of the other classic contributing factors being present, I became a worrisome case for the medical team. I am on prescribed Coumidin for life. My life has changed completely and for the better.
I don't waste any time worrying about my situation now that it is under control, for now. I was told, if my PE returns, it will likely be fatal.
I am trying to be proactive by losing weight in a controlled and Doctor approved way. I have lost 15 kilograms since my last Doctor visit. My diet has changed to improve my chances of survival. See your trusted Doctor for care. Your situation may vary.
I am doing well and enjoying my life.

MM, I just went through my sleep study, not impressed, but will wait to see what a doctor has to say after they look at the results. Not sure, I would wear one even if they think I should, but it will be determined if I keep my CDL. I have never had a problem with going to sleep, nor sleeping as much as needed or wanted. I am with CB on this, be careful on getting it on your records if you are a CDL Driver. Caveat of that is, YOUR health is also important. Do know that it is hard to keep weight off on the runs that we do.

I have insomnia the result of 20 years nightshift linehaul and is dealt with accordingly. I go for physical for my Class A every 3 years and my method of treating insomnia is between the doctor and me. Government can't access our personal health files.