I try to tell everyone I can about my apnea and my bi-pap use. I also try to be as transparent as I can be about my medical use of cannabis to help with my disrupted sleep patterns.

Because I am part of a religious community that does not know much about the first point and is still suspicious of the second, its a risky venture. However, since I went through major clinical depression and ocd, I find myself more uncomfortable not being transparent.

Also, there is a practical component to my wanting to disclose as much as possible - I am constantly having to deal with people in group situations and I don't want people to be afraid or suspicious of seeing either element associated with me. I think it would harder to explain both my OSA (and related, intimidating looking BiPap setup) and/or my use of cannabis if they found out about it in clandestine fashion.

However, this is not to suggest IN ANY WAY that other should feel the same way or be more transparent themselves. Its a very personal thing and I am just sharing my PERSONAL experience. :)

MC

Generally, I'm in a "don't ask; don't tell" mode, because the first responses (spoken and unspoken) tend toward the "why don't you just lose weight" cliché. I get the same odd looks when I mention the "p" word (benign prostate hyper-whatever), and have to duck into the head ever 10 minues.

I'll know I've reached old age (which I hope will be "never") when various illnesses and surgery start dominating so-called polite conversation. Spent too much time in nursing homes and hospital waiting rooms, listening to the litany of complaints. If I get to that point, just stick me out on the ice floe....

I've been extremely vocal about my OSA! But then you know that, Darla ((giggles)).

Unlike cancer, OSA is one of those conditions the majority of the population may silently suffer from and not even know it! I was one of those unknowing, suffering for over 3 years before we finally figured it out.

I am open about having OSA and my need for CPAP. Ironically, I have found out I have several friends with the condition, all of whom have CPAPs but do not use them! I extol the virtues of using their machines because they'll feel SO much better if they do. I know it can be awkward to use a CPAP and I'm well aware that I'm not "Sleeping Beauty" with my mask, hose and machine. But I'd rather be alive and functional than worry about what I look like when I go to sleep. And you know what? My husband would rather I be alive too! My use of a CPAP doesn't bother my hubby in the least. He's thrilled I'm still here!

No, it doesn't embarrass me or make me feel "less than". In my own way if I can help just one person realize what's happening to their bodies and get them to a sleep lab or at least to question their doctor; than I'm happy. What I never expected was to be named the spokesperson on OSA and CPAP use for Rem Medical in Arizona! Yeah, I guess I'm "out"!

Love,
Leah

at first I only told my 5 closest friends, my boyfriend knew, because he is the one that told me that I stop breathing at night more than several times. and my immediate family knew, of course. I felt like it was a shameful disease that I had caught and couldn't get rid of.

I got myself check out because one of my best friends yelled at me to get it done now! This is her story about her previous boyfriend-- that she told me and you can tell other people also--

he did not get checked out and he died 3 weeks before his wedding due to an enlarged heart, which was caused by sleep apnea.

He was 30 years old!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! (and an opera singer- don't know if that adds anything to it- for me it did. cause of all the breathing exercises that singers do, etc. )

And now, after telling my dentist, turns out he has it & showed me the CPAP.com website where he bought his supplies from
&
his assistant was driving her dad to get his sleep study done that night,
and so many other people know people who have.

I talked about it with my co-workers now and they have told me stories of people who are size 0, who have it, etc.

my old roommate has it and won't get checked out, I yelled at her about that, too.

So, what I am trying to say is that- at first, I did not want anyone to know that I had it.
And now, I tell anyone that I will be sharing a room or bed with (road trips, etc)-- that hey, I have a breathing machine with a mask for my sleep apnea, it forces air into my throat continuously all night to keep the air passage open and it helps my body get oxygen and keeps my heart from enlarging. It sounds like a darth vader mask... but it is much QUIETER than my snoring. Asks my friends about my snoring if you don't believe it!

:-D

I am open about it, but I don't bring it up to strangers, unless I feel the need to share.