My husband is FINALLY getting treated for sleep apnea!
By mentalward
@mentalward (14690)
United States
January 12, 2010 8:08am CST
Yep, he saw a doctor and had a sleep study done last Friday! YIPPEEEEEEE!!!
During the sleep study, his sleep apnea reared it's ugly head as high as it could manage. They put a CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) on him and the sleep apnea AND the snoring stopped completely. Now, we're just waiting for him to get his own CPAP equipment.
He's had this condition most of his life but it has been getting worse. I've been trying to convince him (okay, okay, nagging him) to get tested and treated because, not only would I be able to get better sleep but he would, also. I've tried to make this stubborn man understand the health risks of sleep apnea but it wasn't until I moved out of the bedroom that he took me seriously.
He has a malformation in the back of his throat which would require surgery to correct but he's not ready for that. The thing with that is, it causes him to have an extremely sensitive gag reflex. I can tell you, first-hand, that it is NOT pleasant living with someone who gags on a daily basis. Unfortunately, he would rather gag than get this problem corrected.
But, at least his sleep apnea is being treated. It's a start!
Do you know someone with sleep apnea? How about someone who just snores especially loud? Have they thought about getting treatment or are they ignoring the health risks or your pleas of needing a good night's sleep? Do they even realize that they can die from sleep apnea? (It can damage the heart and cause death!)
4 people like this
16 responses
@Esmechan (53)
• China
13 Jan 10
My parents both have sleep apnea. Once they fall asleep, they snor loudly just as the sound of the gale. It is not so important that these noise affect me, but that i am so worry on their health.
Does CPAP really help? Is it a medical equipment ? Is seems that we seldom heard of such thing in china.
@allen0187 (58582)
• Philippines
13 Jan 10
hi esmechna!
here's the info for cpap. read on...
continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) is nearly always the first medical treatment for sleep apnea.
with cpap, you use a breathing device that prevents your airways from closing during sleep.
cpap is the preferred treatment for moderate or severe sleep apnea.
It may take time for you to be at ease when you use cpap. you may find that you want to take the mask off, or you may find it difficult to sleep while using it. If you can't get used to it, talk to your doctor. you might be able to try another type of mask or make other adjustments.
cpap does not always get rid of daytime sleepiness. if you still feel sleepy during the day while using cpap at night, you should tell your doctor.
some cpap devices automatically adjust air pressure or use different air pressures when you breathe in or out. these are easier and more comfortable for some people to use.
hope this bit helps out.
@ElicBxn (63643)
• United States
13 Jan 10
both my current roommate and my former roommate have apnea - actually I do too, but the mask gives me massive headaches from the pressure so I have to chose, mask or no mask - I chose - after giving it a several months try - no mask. I just can't go back to living with a daily migraine.
@mentalward (14690)
• United States
13 Jan 10
That just sucks! Having to decide between one problem or another. I'm sorry to hear that you get headaches from the mask. According to my husband, there are a "gazillion" different kinds of masks out now so do you think maybe a different kind would help you without giving you a headache?
The one my husband used during the study obviously felt fine to him. He didn't complain about it and, since he's so willing to begin using his own machine now, I'd have to say it didn't bother him at all.
1 person likes this
@gabs8513 (48686)
• United Kingdom
12 Jan 10
Hi Mentalward I am so glad that he is getting the treatment now
I know that at times I stop breathing in my sleep but I wake up when that happens but I can not ever take Sleeping Tablets
It is horrible when it happens as I wake up and feel as though someone is squeezing my Lungs and Airways close
But they told me it is through Panic Attacks I have in my sleep, which can be caused by bad dreams or having difficulty breathing while asleep
I hope it helps your Husband
@mentalward (14690)
• United States
13 Jan 10
Wow, gabs! I used to have some really severe panic attacks, usually 2 or 3 every day but I never had one in my sleep! At least, not that I'm aware of. Medication for panic attacks has helped me. Maybe it could help you? (I don't have any attacks anymore, not even a tiny one. I take Savella, which was prescribed for my fibromyalgia, actually, but helps a lot with the panic attacks.)
1 person likes this
@cher913 (25782)
• Canada
11 May 12
i have sleep apnea and it seems to be getting worse so i have started using a cpap again. i was feeling horrible and finally talked my family doctor to send me for a sleep study. turns out, i didn't need to do another one as i had one done at least 10 or so years ago and the new sleep doctor got the information from the old sleep doctor. i also have fibromyalgia which doesn't help with getting a good night sleep. seems i actually stopped breathing about 30 or so times an hour!
@mentalward (14690)
• United States
12 May 12
I'm glad to hear that, cher! I know the CPAP isn't the most fun thing to sleep with but it sure is a blessing for those with sleep apnea, at least IF they use it.
Turns out my husband doesn't like the way it feels on his face so he stopped using his CPAP. I mean, he outright refuses to wear it. I threatened him with moving out of our bedroom because I have fibromyalgia and you know what that's like, the better your sleep, the less you hurt the next day. I told my husband that but his desire to not use the CPAP way outweighed his caring about me and my pain level.
So, I moved out of the bedroom. He's still not using it. Actually, it's still beshide his bed, covered in dust. I don't care anymore since we're most definitely getting a divorce but I will always think it's not the smartest choice for someone with such severe sleep apnea to NOT use such a helpful machine. (The few times he did use it he said he slept much better and felt a lot better the next day, more energy, etc.) He actually stops breathing much longer than he does breathe every time he sleeps. I videotaped him during one of his episodes (he fell asleep in a rocking chair and immediately went into sleep apnea so I videotaped him for about 20 minutes. He watched the recording, the whole thing, and still refuses to use the CPAP. Idiot.
I'm very glad to hear you're using yours again. 
@dragon54u (31634)
• United States
12 Jan 10
I'm so glad your husband finally got treated! My ex had sleep apnea and refused to do anything about it. His business partner also had it and had a CPAP to sleep with and when my ex saw that, there was no way he was going to do anything about it. He snored so loud it sounded like a freight train was going through our house. I often slept on the couch or even out in the garage that we converted to a room so I'd have a couple of doors between us!
Since our divorce, he also developed diabetes. I'm afraid he won't live to a ripe old age, and that's sad.
@kaylachan (71773)
• Daytona Beach, Florida
14 Jan 10
No I've been lucky not to have that type of problem. My biggest worry would habe to be insomnia. other then that I sleep preaty good, though being tired all of the time doesn't help much. Comes with the sleepless nights. But, the good thing is I can sleep and that I do fairly good with that.
@mentalward (14690)
• United States
14 Jan 10
I have insomnia, too, so I know what that's like. I have fibromyalgia and the less sleep I get at night, the more pain I have the next day. I've talked to my husband about getting tested and treated for years but he didn't do a thing until I moved into a different bedroom. I couldn't believe how good I slept without his fog horn next to me all night! LOL Anyway, that did the trick. He got tested and now he's super-anxious to get his CPAP machine. So, it's a win-win situation.
@AmbiePam (93898)
• United States
12 Jan 10
You are definitely going to sleep better! My dad has sleep apnea as well as my mom. My mom lost some weight and she no longer has it (apparently in some cases losing weight cures the person, although it definitely doesn't work that way with everyone). Anyway, when I lived with them years ago I could hear them snoring from my room, even with my door closed and THEIR door closed. After they got the sleep test done, they both got a CPAP machine.
My mom got hers first, and then a couple of years later my dad did the test and he got his sleep machine. My mom was jealous because apparently during the time she had one and my dad got one, they had improved the masks, and they were more comfortable. Anyway, my dad's snoring quit, and he started waking up feeling extremely refreshed. The sound of the CPAP machine is so slight, that it didn't bother my mom's sleeping either. I am so glad your husband did the test. It will help you probably more than him!
@mentalward (14690)
• United States
12 Jan 10
I think you're right about it helping me more than him. I have fibromyalgia and suffer from insomnia anyway. With his waking me up I've been getting even less sleep than normal. The less sleep I get, or I should say the less uninterrupted sleep I get, the worse I feel. I've been telling him this but it did no good. It definitely showed me how much he cares about me. 
Gaining weight can cause sleep apnea in some people so it's logical that losing weight can get rid of it in these people. Unfortunately, that's not my husband's problem. Oh, he's getting a belly on him but, for the most part, he's still skinny.
My father snored. My room was at the other end of the house and I could hear him through their door and my door. It was a reassuring sound to me but I'm sure my nmother had other feelings about it. LOL
Gaining weight can cause sleep apnea in some people so it's logical that losing weight can get rid of it in these people. Unfortunately, that's not my husband's problem. Oh, he's getting a belly on him but, for the most part, he's still skinny.
My father snored. My room was at the other end of the house and I could hear him through their door and my door. It was a reassuring sound to me but I'm sure my nmother had other feelings about it. LOL1 person likes this
@pyewacket (43903)
• United States
12 Jan 10
I'm glad to hear your hubby finally got officially diagnosed and is being treated now for sleep apnea. As for knowing people who have this problem, I know quite a number of fellow MyLotters who have this problem and have to have that breathing machinery and mask on while they sleep, and yes, it can be a serious problem for those who don't get help
@mentalward (14690)
• United States
13 Jan 10
Hi pye. He normally will not see a doctor for anything but I think he's anxious to get this machine because he's such an electronics geek. He loves "gadgets". I'm just wondering how often I'll have to wake him up to put the mask on. He'll say he's watching TV and lie down but he's asleep after only a few minutes. But, it'll be worth it to have him sleeping through the night without snoring or those sleep apnea episodes.
@weasel81 (2496)
• Australia
13 Jan 10
good to hear, it's nice to be able to get a good nights sleep with out being woken up by someone snoring.
my partner has sleep apnea, so does his dad. it's been nearly 12 month since my partner finally had the test done. mind you i had a good night out at my boss's place when he got it done. it took a bit to get him to go, but he did.
@mentalward (14690)
• United States
13 Jan 10
I wish I knew why some men are so stubborn about gettiing treatment for things like this. My husband won't even take one pill for a headache unless it is really bad.
If I knew I had sleep apnea, I'd want treatment as soon as I could possibly get it!
Men! 
@allen0187 (58582)
• Philippines
13 Jan 10
hi mentalward!
i would like to think that i don't snore but sadly i do. not so sure if i already have sleep apnea but i definitely snore a lot, moreso if i'm tired. of course, i don't want the situation to escalate so i've decided to lose weight. that has helped although i think i still need to lose more weight. anyway, i did findou tthat i don't snore as much / don't snore at all if i sleep on my side. easier said than done but i manage to find a way. lol!
i've also read that raising your head, either using a cervical pillow or raising the head rest side of the bed, also helps.
i think this is a good first step for your husband. hopefully, he gets treated fully for this one.
@mentalward (14690)
• United States
13 Jan 10
Hi allen. My husband has tried all those things. They actually recorded him having sleep apnea while lying on his side. He snores louder when lying on his right side than on his left side and I'm always asking him to roll over because, when he's lying on his right side and snoring louder, he's facing me. Well, he was before I moved out of the room. He has also tried those pillows. Nothing works other than falling asleep upright in a chair. If he falls asleep in a recliner, he snores.
I honestly don't understand what took him so long. If I were snoring like that, I'd want to get any treatment available.
I used to joke about snoring, saying "I don't snore at all. I stayed awake all night to listen and I didn't hear myself snoring once!" 
@sunnflr (2767)
• United States
12 Jan 10
My brother in law has sleep apnea and has used a CPAP machine for the last four or five years. He says he can't even explain the difference in his sleep and how he feels. One of the guys Roy worked with snored really badly and we think he has it but he won't go to the doc. It is a dangerous condition. I'm glad your hubby got tested and is getting a machine.
@mentalward (14690)
• United States
13 Jan 10
I don't understand these guys who refuse to see a doctor when there is a treatment for what they have. Oh, I can understand not going to a doctor because of a head cold or something like that but something like sleep apnea which can be very serious, I just don't get it.
I'm glad to hear that your brother in law is being helped by the machine. I can't wait to see the changes in my husband after he starts using his. Maybe he won't be so lazy! (He calls it lazy.)
@JenInTN (27514)
• United States
12 Jan 10
I don't snore but I tend to hold my breath when I sleep. I had a sleep study done and they said that I was a level 3. My insurance requires a level 5 to have a CPAP machine. I am thinking of checking into surgical options if there are any. They don't expect me to have any real health problems because I am ideal weight and have no bad health history so they often ignore what I'm saying to them when I have a question or concern. Good thing that your hubby got the CPAP. I hear it can really make a difference in your energy level.
@mentalward (14690)
• United States
13 Jan 10
Ah, insurance companies. Don't you just love them? (NOT!)
My husband was told that he could have surgery to correct his problem but I know he won't go for that. The back of his mouth, where the uvula (sp?) is (that hangie-down thing) is lower than it should be, which not only causes his snoring and sleep apnea but also causes him to gag quite a lot. If it were me, I'd be sitting in the doctor's office until surgery was scheduled!
He hasn't gotten the CPAP yet. The sleep study results are being sent to the doctor and we all know how long those things can take. He called his doctor already to ask about it and was told they would be calling him as soon as they receive the results. Then, he can get a "prescription" for the CPAP machine and can order one. He's already picked out the one he wants and chose a mask similar to the one he used at the sleep study which he said was not at all uncomfortable.
I hope it's soon! Even if it is, it's not soon enough for me!
Now, if I were you, I'd look into any possible alternatives to the CPAP machines. Holding your breath while sleeping is never a good thing! Maybe you could try another doctor?
@uicbear (1900)
• United States
13 Jan 10
My brother has sleep apnea. He snored for years and his doctor finally set him up for testing. When he was given the results, it was shocking. The doctor told him that even though he was in bed for 8 hours, his brain only rested for like 2 hours and that's why he never felt rested when he woke up in the morning.
The CPAP machine works wonders. It will take a little getting used to, but he's going to notice such a difference. You're the other one who's benefit from the CPAP. Going from a buzzsaw to the gentle hum of the machine...you'll sleep like a baby.
@neildc (17239)
• Lapu-Lapu City, Philippines
12 Aug 10
hi marti. for 8 months, i thought i have responded to this post but no.
anyway, i already heard about your husband's sleep apnea for a long time. and yes, we are only two of the people within this community that is very serious about this health condition.
after almost a month of hearing the recommendation of the surgeon for zayzay's condition, which turned your dear friend here into a cyber beggar, i am happy to tell you that so far, we have received about 22K Pesos. that is still too far from the 120K total estimated cost, but we still hope that we can get some more within a week, at least for the deposit required by the hospital.
there are more funds coming. there are still more to come as there are more people pledged their support. but even if we could not have the complete amount, we will push through with the surgery. we are very very hopeful, this will come true by next week, or at least within this month.
we will keep you informed.
love and hugs.
anyway, i already heard about your husband's sleep apnea for a long time. and yes, we are only two of the people within this community that is very serious about this health condition.
after almost a month of hearing the recommendation of the surgeon for zayzay's condition, which turned your dear friend here into a cyber beggar, i am happy to tell you that so far, we have received about 22K Pesos. that is still too far from the 120K total estimated cost, but we still hope that we can get some more within a week, at least for the deposit required by the hospital.
there are more funds coming. there are still more to come as there are more people pledged their support. but even if we could not have the complete amount, we will push through with the surgery. we are very very hopeful, this will come true by next week, or at least within this month.
we will keep you informed.
love and hugs.
@paula27661 (15811)
• Australia
16 Jan 10
My husband suffers from sleep apnoea and snores so loudly that he has moved out to the guest room! It is an issue for us and the only treatment that has been offered to him is a respirator type machine for him to wear every night when he goes to sleep which he has decided against. He has a narrow throat passage or something…The other option he has is to lose some weight and see if the situation improves for him. So far no results...It is aggravating because he didn’t snore before were married so it may well be a weight issue, I just hope we resolve it sooner rather than later. I’m glad your husband is getting some treatment.
