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what is the next step in your progress of sorting this out?
have you done a sleep study yet?
oh fun..!!!
plugs and wires and sticky stuff!
have you done a sleep study yet?
oh fun..!!!
plugs and wires and sticky stuff!
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Boston
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Re: Scotty Larue~
Mon, February 23, 2009 - 12:15 AMNext month I do first sleep study... I am use to sleeping with wires on.... Have worn heart monitor at home 4 times in the last year for several days at a time... Still trying to find out if I qualify for a Heart Transplant I think... Even though I have said no to it... -
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Re: Scotty Larue~
Mon, February 23, 2009 - 10:53 AMwhy have you decided no..on the heart transplant ..idea
Scotty we are going to miss you..if something..big happens!!!!
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Re: Scotty Larue~
Mon, February 23, 2009 - 3:06 PMFirst of all, I don't like any kind of transplants.... They wanted to put a pig valve in my heart during the first surgery and I told them no... They played the audio of mechanical valve to show me how the pig valve is much better because of the more human sound rather than the clicking of the stainless steel and titanium valves.... After hearing that noise I told them no to either... I have had a unusual problem with heart sounds all my life, I can here my heart beat all the time, every beat unless I have my head phones on with sound on a medium setting... I even hear and feel the bijiminy arrhythmia, Premature ventricular contractions (PVCs)... Every since I was little I would lay in bed listening to my heart beat knowing that it could stop... thousands of sleepless nights I assure you... -
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Re: Scotty Larue~
Mon, February 23, 2009 - 7:12 PMS:"I have had a unusual problem with heart sounds all my life, I can here my heart beat all the time, every beat unless I have my head phones on with sound on a medium setting"
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Wow - its very easy for me, as the person who is not in your shoes, to think that is sort of cool. But I can imagine the stress of not being able to shut that off!
Good luck with your sleep study and welcome to the Sleep Apnea Circle, Scotty. :)
MC
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Re: Scotty Larue~
Tue, February 24, 2009 - 2:58 PMWOW Scotty...
that is heavy duty..to be able to hear your own heart beat!
I can understand..and respect your right of choice..
think i would feel a little wiggy about a pigs heart too!!!
glad you're here...alot!!
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Re: Scotty Larue~
Wed, March 11, 2009 - 12:37 AMWow, Did the first sleep study last night, I had been awake over 30 hrs before going there... the Technicians took one look at me and I am sure because of my being morbidly overweight just assumed I was there only for the sleep apnea study... I am seeing this place because of that and my insomnia... Amazingly I fell asleep right away and only woke twice to pee, (normal for me).... They woke me twice to check on me... One Tech got nervous about my rythums and woke me to see if I was OK... Another tech woke me later and wanted to know if I was blind in my right eye... Seems while in REM I only move my left eye, I told him I have a split personality and I was only half asleep... Then I showed him I can move my eyes completely independent of each other... He Said he never saw such a thing.... lol
for About.com: Among the many different types of irregular heart beats, few have created as much consternation and confusion -- among both doctors and patients -- as premature ventricular complexes (PVCs). In various doctors’ offices, and at various points in history, PVCs have been regarded as either harbingers of impending death, or as completely benign phenomena that require no attention whatsoever.
Patients who feel entirely well tend to think their doctors are a little nuts when they recommend aggressive measures in response to finding PVCs on a routine ECG. Patients who are plagued by PVC-induced palpitations regard their doctors as being cruel and heartless when they refuse to entertain therapy for such a benign condition. Which patients are right? Which doctors?
Sometimes the presence of PVCs indicates an inherent electrical instability in the heart, and therefore indicates an increased risk of sudden death. These “dangerous” PVCs are generally limited to patients with significant underlying heart disease. Yeah that's me... -
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Re: Scotty Larue~
Wed, March 11, 2009 - 4:58 AMthat is wild..Scotty!
one eyed rem..!
hey maybe you were a pirate in another life!
so how did the sleep study go..did they find apnea?
I needed only one study.. was a big hit..on my tests.. normal they said was about 5 per hour..to stop breathing.....I was 85!
they woke me..put the mask on..! -
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Re: Scotty Larue~
Wed, March 11, 2009 - 8:42 AMI was at 263 per hour!!!! They woke me to put a mask on me too and apparently were surprised I could still be alive! -
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Re: Scotty Larue~
Wed, March 11, 2009 - 9:32 AMHeron and Leah, they didn't tell me much except I slept better than any one there that night... They talked to me about the eye and the arrhythmia... One of the Techs I sat a talked to in the morning turned out to be one of the owners... He is not an MD but rather a PHD and has studied sleep for over 27 yrs... He said he has seen a lot over the years but never someone that had rem in one eye... but then he and I made some jokes about it, I guess when I see the sleep Doctor he and I will talk more about that... The tech was interested about some of the things I said that I believe causes me to not be able to sleep... Slices of death is how I looked at sleep or naps since I was about 9 or 10... The quote from Journey to the Center Earth, the bad guy says something about that and it stayed with me all this time....
I can't stand my heart beat so that messes me up because I can hear mine all the time even as I type this... Some thing out of... Edgar Allen Poe's A Tell-Tale Heart... It can make me so down and almost crazy... Opening line, ""TRUE! nervous, very, very dreadfully nervous I had been and am; but why WILL you say that I am mad?"
"It is when suspicion comes knocking on his master's door in the form of the authorities, is he at his most overly confident and assured self. Unfortunately, his subconscious is there ticking away at him, "It was a low, dull, quick sound-much such a sound as a watch makes when enveloped in cotton."
In movie versions they always play a heart beat, a heart beat that ticks and tocks like a slow moving metronome , just like what I have heard my entire life... But I have PVC's or skipped beats... that sounds like starts and stops... I can make my heart do it while on EKG machine... Over the years if nurses don't come to my bell or buzzer, I just send a bunch of bi and tri jimity's and believe me they come running... I can also slow my heart beat to the point that everyone worry about it stopping... Had a cardiologist worn me not to do that because It could stop... Even though it is thought to be impossible... He said some who practice Yoga and meditation can do the same thing but they are in good shape and at my best years ago I was not...lol
Sorry I get long winded but then the thread is Scotty Larue...! LOL -
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Re: Scotty Larue~
Wed, March 11, 2009 - 4:24 PMWow Scotty! You're a living, walking version of "The Tell Tale Heart"!!
I actually was incredibly relieved when the tech walked in with the mask for me to wear during my study because it was a confirmation in me that this was for real and not something imagined. Though I have to admit, it was a little disconcerting to be told that I stopped breathing just by lying down and I hadn't even fallen asleep yet! It wasn't until I looked at the report that I found out just how serious my OSA was. Yeah, you could say I'm "attached" to my CPAP machine.
I so apologize for that bad joke. I've just gotten home from physical therapy for my shoulder and I'm in a weird mood...
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Re: Scotty Larue~
Thu, March 12, 2009 - 4:47 PMthat is a wild story Scotty Larue!
so guess we have to wait to hear about your next study
did you sleep better ..BECAUSE THEY put a mask on you? -
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Re: Scotty Larue~
Thu, March 12, 2009 - 8:32 PMHeroness, I don't know if you question "did you sleep better ..BECAUSE THEY put a mask on you?" is to Scotty or me. But, yes, I apparently slept much better with the mask on. I asked the tech when the study was over if I stopped breathing at all while I had the mask on amd she told me that the mask worked perfectly and I never stopped breathing even once! So yes, for me CPAP is indeed a "miracle assist" in my life and I have been sleeping fairly well since I got my CPAP in June 2006.
Good grief!! I've been part of this tribe for almost 3 years!!!! You all have been so much help and encouragement to me and because of all of you, I'm thankful to say I'm a CPAP success!
BTW, apparently, my insurance allows me to get a new CPAP machine after 3 years so I'm going to be looking into getting a newer model in late June. My lung doctor is also considering another sleep study for me in the next year because I've been losing weight and he wants to confirm that the prescribed setting for me machine is what I really need. I'm hesitating on another sleep study and I know it's out of fear. No, I'm not afraid of the sleep study. Well, that's not entirely true. You see, I'm terrified of NOT using my CPAP. I'm terrified of even trying to fall asleep without my trusty CPAP. I now seem to have developed a morbid fear of not breathing when asleep. Didn't mean to go all OT on you.
Scotty, did you sleep better with the mask on?? -
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Re: Scotty Larue~
Fri, March 13, 2009 - 2:12 AMAh it was my first night and they never put the mask on me... I slept better that night than any other for a month or two... imagine that, go there bcause I can't sleep and all I do is sleep. I mean I fell asleep in waiting room, I fell asleep while they were hooking me up... In the morning all the other sleepers had been gone for an hour then the techs woke me up... I felt funny that I slept so well...lol
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Re: Scotty Larue~
Fri, March 13, 2009 - 5:08 AMwell Leah..CONGRATS ON THE WEIGHTLOSS!
what are you doing..anything special?
and Scotty ..that is one of the things on the questionaire I get every visit to my sleep doc
do you fall asleep..in ...all kinds of strange places..
like stopped at a red light
sitting on the couch..trying to watch tv
movies..
after lunch etc
do you always fall asleep when you lay down for a nap..
hmm there are a while schlew of questions..
I find I am definitely not as sleepy during the day..
when I wear my mask all night
I didn't need to go for the second night sleep study ..because of what they found on the first one! -
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Re: Scotty Larue~
Fri, March 13, 2009 - 2:24 PMThanks Heroness. Yes, I have been on a special program so I'll just send you a message since it would certainly be way OT here. So far I've lost over 30+ pounds and have gone down about 3 sizes.
I remember those questions. I knew something was really wrong with me when I would answer "yes" to all of them! Thankfully, since I've been faithfully using my CPAP, that doesn't happen. However, I have been falling asleep during part of my PT sessions for my shoulder rehab. They've got me propped up on a bed with pillows and hot packs on both shoulders. Trust me, I nod off! But then I think everyone does when warm, cozy and comfy.
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Darkness Darkness by the Youngbloods, could it be Sleep Apnea Circles' theme song song?
Wed, March 25, 2009 - 11:40 AMDarkness, Darkness
Be my pillow
Take my head
And let me sleep
In the coolness of your shadow
In the silence of your deep
Darkness, Darkness
Hide my yearning
For the things I cannot be
Keep my mind from constant turning
Toward the things I cannot see now
Things I cannot see now
Things I cannot see
Darkness, darkness,
Long and lonesome,
Ease the day that brings me pain.
I have felt the edge of sadness,
I have known the depth of fear.
Darkness, darkness, be my blanket,
Cover me with the endless night,
Take away, take away the pain of knowing,
Fill the emptiness of right now,
Emptiness of right now, now, now
Emptiness of ri-ight now.
Darkness, darkness, be my pillow,
Take my hand, and let me sleep.
In the coolness of your shadow,
In the silence, the silence of your deep.
Darkness, darkness, be my blanket,
Cover me with the endless night,
Take away, take away the pain of knowing
Fill the emptiness of right now,
Emptiness of right now now now
Emptiness of right....
Oh yeah Oh yeah
Emptiness, emptiness
Oh yeah -
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Re: Darkness Darkness by the Youngbloods, could it be Sleep Apnea Circles' theme song song?
Wed, March 25, 2009 - 12:17 PMWell, Yesterday I went to my follow up with the results of the study and the review with the Doctor... Surprise Surprise! I have sleep apnea... Severe no less... In the Night the fingers of death wrap themselves around my throat 88 times... Periods of none breathing up to 2 min...
Most around 35-40 seconds... Hyponeas or partial obstructions 91... Durations were from 24 seconds to almost a full minute and with these numbers and my complete obstructions and Partials being almost equal indicates serious apnea or sleep disorder... They also said that I had very little limb movement a concern but I didn't truly understand why...I was in bed they have down 8.50 hrs, but I actually was in bed 9.5 hrs... I had thought I had slept very good that night but they said I woke up many times, and I had very little REM sleep... OH yeah my oxygen went down to only 80% and that could be a major part of the Dementia I am now starting to show...
So I was happy finding all this out and I realized that I do need some help for it...
The Doctor escorted my wife and I to the counter to make an appointment to do the test on the machine... First test available is in first part of May... So as we waited to finalize the appointment, the receptionist answered the phone from some one canceling they're sleep test last night.... So I got to go last night.....!
I tell you I haven't slept so well in years... The mask was a full face mask and it was no problem for me.... I have had jobs were I have had to wear breathing equipment in some of my job functions... I never woke up at all said the tech not even to go to the bath room like I do every night... I would like to have a week on it to see what the difference will be over all...
I am writing this during the time I would be taking my first of many naps during the day.... I may even now get the energy to get out now....! I may no longer be part of the "Children of the Night" and actually enjoy the sun again....lol
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Re: Darkness Darkness by the Youngbloods, could it be Sleep Apnea Circles' theme song song?
Wed, March 25, 2009 - 3:13 PMScottay!!!
I'm so glad it was "good for you, too"!!!!
You will feel SO much better. AND b/c of your experiences with masks, you're ahead of the curve. I was very lucky and had next to no adjustment period, but others, like Heroness, have had a struggle. I think that, ultimately, we all agree that it was worth it.
Just FYI, 1 in 6 people with depression also suffer from OSA...
Hugs,
D.
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Re: Darkness Darkness by the Youngbloods, could it be Sleep Apnea Circles' theme song song?
Wed, March 25, 2009 - 9:03 PMGot a phone call just before I came online from the RX provider... I will get the machine here at the house Fri... and if he can get to me maybe move it up to tomorrow.... -
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Re: Darkness Darkness by the Youngbloods, could it be Sleep Apnea Circles' theme song song?
Thu, March 26, 2009 - 8:09 AMScotty Larue...way to go man..
whooooooohooooooo...progress
you will find you sleep so much deeper...
as you have already ...noticed..
and yep..not having to get so often at night...was one of my greatest pleasures!
keep us posted on your progress..
and we had the same amount of wakeups..mine was 89!
the doc never gave me all the rest of the info you seem to have gotten!
sweet dreams..my dear f riend! -
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Re: Darkness Darkness by the Youngbloods, could it be Sleep Apnea Circles' theme song song?
Thu, March 26, 2009 - 11:57 AMI always ask for copies of any kind of testing... I have to explain this stuff to my family and they are not forgiving about my bad memory especially when I take Ladypugs with me and she doesn't pay attention, (she is there, ordered by the family to take notes and such, she usually leaving the notes behind, or forgets all about taking notes in the first place)...
I think it will make a big difference for me and I am glad that I went through this, now as soon as Carol's insurance kicks in I'm sure she will do study to....
Then we both will be sleeping with face huggers' like the movie....Alien.... -
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Re: Darkness Darkness by the Youngbloods, could it be Sleep Apnea Circles' theme song song?
Sat, March 28, 2009 - 1:36 AMScotty - so glad you got a diagnosis. And that your machine is en route.
And I dig your analogy of the facehuggers - I just watched that again a few days ago. My full face mask was exactly that - a facehugger.
Let us know how the compliance goes.
MC -
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Re: Darkness Darkness by the Youngbloods, could it be Sleep Apnea Circles' theme song song?
Sat, March 28, 2009 - 2:17 PMScotty,
One thing you will notice about this group is that we are all very interested in each other's experiences and that we are always supportive. I have never had the feeling that anyone in this tribe even knew what a troll was, let alone been one! We owe a great debt to our fearless leader, MC, for making this a safe and informative place.
Oh, and did you know that Leah is the OSA poster child? No, REALLY!!!!
Here's to better breathing (she said, raising her Coke Zero)!!!
D. -
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Re: Darkness Darkness by the Youngbloods, could it be Sleep Apnea Circles' theme song song?
Sat, March 28, 2009 - 2:38 PMOh this sleep apnea is the best thing that has happened to me in along time.... I slept last night with my very own machine... It was wonderful.... I have been plugging up this tribe with my won stuff maybe to much... I'm not trolling just happy...
I had heard over the years people I know talk about the mask and machines... Almost all of them stopped using it or never started... What a shame, Darla and Heron know What kind of shape I am in and this machine has given me some hope of comfort and maybe even a little longer life...(Ten years is what the rep said)...
I will talk to any one about it in the positive but also I see the funny side easily so the quips and joke come easy sorry... If I get out of line let me know....
I hope by what I make note of, might help someone else... to stay on the machine or get the therapy...
having said that I have posted a picture taken of me while techs getting me ready for sleep study... I will post on my blog and let me know if you want it here.... you may use it if you want.... -
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Re: Darkness Darkness by the Youngbloods, could it be Sleep Apnea Circles' theme song song?
Wed, April 1, 2009 - 3:37 PMScotty we all post alot in the beginning..THAT IS WHAT GETS US THROUGH THE PROCESS!
but than..you become one with your elephant trunk!
this may help your heart function..I HOPE!
Leah is our POSTER GIRL...!
and would love to see your pic..post it here..we would love it..
and..Lee has been kinda quiet..wonder how he is doing after his surgery! -
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Re: Darkness Darkness by the Youngbloods, could it be Sleep Apnea Circles' theme song song?
Wed, April 1, 2009 - 5:38 PMmay avatar is a picture of me they all are except the eagle eyed one.... so Leah can only post here?
I am doing OK but I still get bouts of insomnia... so I see the Doc next week and I hope to get some help on that front... Carol (lady Pugs) says the machine coesn't bother her at all, infact she likes the breeze coming from it when I lay on my side....
I am not napping every day but when I do I put the mask on and continue reading a book I started, The Three Musketeers (Les Trois Mousquetaires, 1844) by Alexandre Dumas, père ( my attempted at humor, can you guess why this book?) ... -
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Re: Darkness Darkness by the Youngbloods, could it be Sleep Apnea Circles' theme song song?
Thu, April 2, 2009 - 5:40 PMDid I ever tell you that I call my CPAP, Darth? And my mask is Gonzo? And that when I go to sleep at night my husband "complains" that he has to share the bed with Darth, Gonzo and our dog, Rookie? AND when I spent a ladies' night at one of my friend's house this past weekend, I of course brought my CPAP. We were so slap-happy by the time we went to sleep (we saw the sun rise first, LOL) that one of my friends took one look at me with my mask on and dubbed me "Snuffleupagus". Yeah, fun times! So yes, I completely understand the reading "The Three Musketeers". So Scotty, what name are you calling YOUR machine?? -
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Re: Darkness Darkness by the Youngbloods, could it be Sleep Apnea Circles' theme song song?
Thu, April 2, 2009 - 5:58 PMHaven't named it yet, but when the grand kids see me in it... They start mimicking Darth Vader by cupping hands of the mouth and breath huskily "Come to the Dark side, Luke" and such things... by the way the girls are just 7, I didn't even know they had seen the movie....
I keep looking at the machine and try to figure out how to make a bong out of it.... -
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Re: Darkness Darkness by the Youngbloods, could it be Sleep Apnea Circles' theme song song?
Fri, April 3, 2009 - 4:15 AMBong..oh Scotty that gave me such a giggle..
hey if you figure it out..LET ME KNOW>>ok!
and what are the names of the three muskateers?
have you seen... Slumdog Millionaire?
.....................it's a pertinent question!
it was a freakin fantastic film..and it deserved every award it won!
oh and I missed the association between the muskateers and ...cpap!
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Re: Scotty Larue~
Thu, March 26, 2009 - 11:50 AMScotty,
A whole new world of LIFE is going to open up for you once you have your machine. May many wonderful, blissful and sleepful nights be in your future and gloriously wakeful and productive days.
I am SO happy you finally got your diagnosis.
Keep us posted!!
Love,
Leah -
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Re: Scotty Larue~
Thu, March 26, 2009 - 11:59 AMThanks Leah... I love to talk about my self have you noticed? so I will be posting up dates and thought as I go through this....
I really am looking forward to it....
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