Sleep Apnea Anniversary

Maria & I - 12/31/2010

Exactly 5 years ago tonight, I had my first sleep study for sleep apnea. I was 27. I had zero energy. I didn’t have restful sleep – ever. My mother knew I stopped breathing at night in my sleep. Something had to change. I was sleeping 12-14 hours a day and felt like I was sleeping 4. It would take me 2-3 hours to mow our little yard in town. It was embarrassing. 

2015

After encouragement from her and my doctor, I had a sleep study. My breathing was so horrible that I hadn’t even put my head on my pillow when they came rushing back in to put the mask AND concentrator on. Around 4 a.m., I clearly remember waking up in a panic attack, ripping the mask off my face as fast as I could and I walked out. I wasn’t mean, I just couldn’t take it. 

Jynelle & I - 4/11/11

That day I couldn’t believe how I was so much more rested. After only 4 hours of sleep? This couldn’t be real. I had energy. I felt like a new person. I chose to use a full-face mask because I’m an open-mouth breather at night. Did you know there are HUNDREDS of masks to choose from? Neither did I? However, I liked the first one enough to stay with it. 

2016

Within a couple weeks, it only took me 45 minutes to mow the yard – front and back. Accompanying family in the hospital, I was walking yards ahead of them instead of yards behind them. IT CHANGED MY LIFE. I can now sleep 4 hours and feel rested, instead of vice versa. If I overhear people at my sleep specialist’s office, I butt in and advocate for the sleep apnea machines. I was extremely irritated with my father for choosing not to use one, because he would have benefited from it as well. I cannot control other people’s actions, only my own. I still use a c-pap machine and concentrator. Did you know it will guarantee you a third bag to carry-on the airplanes for medical reasons? It will also guarantee glares from the flight attendants/passengers for breaking the two-bag rule. I no longer have panic attacks when I use it, but rather I can’t sleep without it. Not even for a nap! Please, if you have trouble sleeping or functioning during the day, or if you think your loved one may suffer from sleep apnea, don’t stop nagging (gently encouraging). People can die from sleep apnea. So where’s the proof in the pudding? Check out my befores and afters. 

Please take the necessary steps to save your life.  

❤️‍