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+--- Thread: [Treatment] Advice Required (/Thread-Treatment-Advice-Required)
Advice Required - n00blit - 10-01-2016
Hello,
My dad has Sleep Apnea and I am fairly convinced that I have it too. Both my parents think so to.
Is there any harm in using a CPAP machine? I mean it is just air isn't it? What could be the harm?
Also, is it important to get a proper diagnosis, and are there other treatments than just having a CPAP machine?
Thank you in advance
RE: Advice Required - srlevine1 - 10-01-2016
Sorry if this sound snarky, but --- have you ever heard about the law of unintended consequences and the masking of symptoms which could lead to more serious conditions over time? Just because there are other people's medicines in your medicine cabinet is no excuse to self-diagnose and start popping pills. You need a proper diagnosis because many of the symptoms that lead to the use of a CPAP may also be related to heart, lung, kidney, and systemic hormone issues. Best practices say to leave the diagnosis to the professionals to safeguard your health.
RE: Advice Required - SuperSleeper - 10-01-2016
I would agree with srlevine1... just because you have some symptoms that are similar to those who have been diagnosed with sleep apnea doesn't necessarily mean that you personally have sleep apnea. It could be something completely different. You could actually exacerbate the problem by using CPAP if in fact you don't have sleep apnea. Best to get properly diagnosed first... after that, you can take a very active role in your own therapy... but until you're sure of the exact problem, (which could, or could not be sleep apnea) you're really shooting in the dark.
RE: Advice Required - Jim Bronson - 10-01-2016
Exactly what symptoms are you and your parents observing that would lead you to conclude that you have SA?
RE: Advice Required - jxyzobrien - 10-02-2016
Home test kit
A friend told me he did the sleep apnea test at home. Don't give up.
Your health is important.
I took a sleep apnea test in 2000. They told me i did not have it
BULL. I was tired all the time. It affected my relationships ability to
work and most everything.
Do whatever you need to do and as you say its only air.
RE: Advice Required - MitchS - 10-02-2016
Even if the results of the home test shows you have sleep apnea, you will need to be evaluated by a doctor to rule out other underlying issues. As others have said, sleep apnea isn't the only thing that could be causing your symptoms. It wouldn't be wise to ignore the other possibilities. At the very least, other underlying issues could negatively impact the results of your sleep apnea treatment.
RE: Advice Required - cate1898 - 10-02-2016
Hi N00blit and welcome to the forum!
Sounds like you should talk to your PCP and get them to arrange a sleep study or forward you on to someone who can. Good luck and keep us posted.
RE: Advice Required - trish6hundred - 10-02-2016
Hi n00blit,
WELCOME! to the forum.!
I wish you good luck in getting your health problems straightened out.
RE: Advice Required - Ockrocket - 10-03-2016
Your health is the most valuable thing you will ever have in your life...
Making a self assessment is not a good idea, you need a qualified professional to go through the diagnosis process for you.
That doesn't mean you can't have significant input and control of your own health needs, but ensure that is done in a way that is supported with full medical information from people who are qualified to assess and give the advice you need.
Dr. Google does not have a medical degree..... don't rely on "him" for your health.
Ask questions here, and elsewhere, but only to cross reference and ask for more information from your doctor or medical specialists for anything you want to know.
RE: Advice Required - n00blit - 10-04-2016
Hi guys,
Thank you for your reply.
I guess it's a case of self diagnosing which I know you all do.
When you get a head ache, you don't think about the possibility of a tumour. Or when you have flu like symptoms you don't think you have pneumonia.
You would just take some pain relief or some over the self medication for the flu not realising it is actually somthing worse.
Also I don't think I understand fully the severity of Sleep Apnea. To me, I simply stop breathing when I sleep momentarily and I quickly restart. I don't think you could die from it. So just to keep things in line I am self treating with a simple machine that involves no chemicals or other dangerous substances to breathe properly when I am asleep. To me it is just simply air.