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+--- Thread: Normal to feel worse? (/Thread-Normal-to-feel-worse)
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Normal to feel worse? - zooles - 12-05-2019
Hi all! I'm new to the forum and new to sleep apnea. I was diagnosed with moderate sleep apnea and started using a CPAP machine Monday night.
Since then, I've felt even more exhausted and am having a hard time working and taking care of normally daily tasks, fuzzy brain, a bit cranky, no motivation -- basically all my previous complaints, but more intense. I did some reading on the forums and it seems like it can take a long time time to feel better, but I didn't see a lot about feeling worse so I thought I'd post here to see if others have gone through this, too.
My results in the myAir app are excellent, 98-100 points each night. I also installed OSCAR and the amount of data there is overwhelming, but I think things look good. I can post some screenshots if it would help with only a few days usage.
I have a follow up appointment at the sleep clinic on Monday, but if anyone could share some reassurances in the meantime, I'd appreciate it!
RE: Normal to feel worse? - JoeyWallaby - 12-05-2019
Feel free to post some screenshots of your charts and close-ups of your flow rate. Please setup OSCAR according to the wiki article http://www.apneaboard.com/wiki/index.php?title=OSCAR_Chart_Organization
RE: Normal to feel worse? - Big Guy - 12-05-2019
I'm one that has been on CPAP therapy now for over a year. I don't feel any worse, but I don't feel any better either.
The MyAir numbers are good as well. I've had some 99's and such, but my downfall is having to get up during the night to use the restroom. 3-4 times a night is not uncommon.
Anyways, from what I have learned, the therapy takes a while. Some respond faster than others.
I saw my sleep doc in late Nov. I told him of my disappointment with the therapy. He didn't seem concerned, and told me to keep at it. He did tell me to remain complaint and that although I was meeting the requirements, he did advise me not to take a night off here and there.
Bummer!
RE: Normal to feel worse? - zooles - 12-05-2019
I hope I did this right! I wasn't sure what to zoom in on for the flow rate, so I just looked for some activity.
Thanks!
[attachment=17776] [attachment=17777]
RE: Normal to feel worse? - zooles - 12-05-2019
Thanks so much for sharing your experience! But I have to say, I'm not feeling very reassured.
Seriously though, sorry you haven't seen a lot of improvement yet - it sounds like you're due.
RE: Normal to feel worse? - JoeyWallaby - 12-05-2019
Your min pressure is too low. Whenever the pressure goes up, your flow limitations and snoring decreases significantly. The erratic pressure changes are also probably causing arousals.
Is there any reason why you have set so low?
RE: Normal to feel worse? - zooles - 12-05-2019
The person I dealt with at the sleep clinic did the initial setup so I'm not sure what the reasoning was, other than she mentioned that the 5-20 range was typical.
Do people typically adjust pressure on their own? What should my pressure be? I'm still in the 30-day trial phase, so I'm not sure if I should make changes on my own or wait until my next appointment. I have weekly appointment at the sleep clinic for the next month.
Thanks for your help! I'm still trying to get a handle on this.
RE: Normal to feel worse? - JoeyWallaby - 12-05-2019
They might be adjusting your pressure on Monday based off your data? Your pressure should probably be something around 8. If they don't adjust your pressure, it'd be interesting to hear why not.
Yes, people online often adjust their own pressure and other settings.
RE: Normal to feel worse? - Gideon - 12-05-2019
Welcome to the forum
A couple of changes if you could.
Set min pressure =7 not 5. With EPR=3 the EPAP (Exhale) will start at 4 the IPAP (inhale) at 7
Additionally, I'd like you to try the "for Her" mode instead of the standard APAP mode. This mode should better address the Flow Limit issues (maybe). Try it and let us see.
The snores are high for being on a CPAP machine and while not overly high the flow limits are consistent. The goal is to give you a smoother pressure over the night without hurting the efficacy being provided,
RE: Normal to feel worse? - Big Guy - 12-05-2019
(12-05-2019, 03:25 PM)zooles Wrote: Thanks so much for sharing your experience! But I have to say, I'm not feeling very reassured.
I'm not quite ready to give up on it as of yet. I'm shooting for two years of therapy, and if I don't feel any better, then I will have to make a decision.
Until then, I'm doing my best and this forum is supportive.