[Twinkletoes]

I've been using a CPAP for a few years; however, I never wake up feeling energetic -- takes a few hours to really be wide awake. And then I'm chronically lazy unless there's something I HAVE to do (I work part-time). Butttt, that could be because of my Multiple Sclerosis. I just dunno.

While on vacation last month I took my trusty toaster-size CPAP and got told by my travel roommates that I snore! Also, I kept falling asleep at inappropriate times during the day.

So I called the doc upon my return home. The CPAP tech raised the pressure to 12, but now the seal leaks. Last night I must have awakened at least once an hour to adjust the thing.

During the weekend I was to sleep one night wearing a blood oxymeter -- first with the mask on, then without. I got the results today and, even while wearing the mask, my blood oxygen is in the low 90%.

Today my GP ordered oxygen to be delivered while wearing the CPAP. The tech just left and now I have an oxygen machine setting in my closet. Also, I got a new style of mask, but was told to not try them both the same night. First the oxygen, then the new mask.

Has anyone else had this experience? Did you notice a difference? I just can't imagine that a 5% increase in my oxygen is going to make much of a difference.

But, I HOPE I'M WRONG!

[Twinkletoes]

I slept with the oxygen again last night and

I've been busy today -- I even vacuumed! *gasp*

In the past vacuuming would wipe me out for the rest of the day.

I did a little dusting, decorating, and moved some furniture.
Cleaned up the kitchen and fixed dinner.
Went to my Spanish class.
Refilled 3 week's worth of "daily" pills.
Watched a little TV.
Read the newspaper.
Sorted the mail.
Spent some time at the computer.

And the best part:

I haven't needed a nap today!

I've been up for 12 hours now and I'm still okay. My head/thinking has been clearer today.



So THIS is what it feels like to have some energy. Wow! I like it!

I hope today wasn't just an "off" day. I want to feel like this every day!

Who'da thunk that just 5% more oxygen at night could make such a big difference?

[Twinkletoes]

Meh, so I haven't been that energetic or ambitious since I last posted. But I have been able to stay busy and haven't needed naps.

I did some shopping today, then made Valentine's cookies with my granddaughter (she calls them "rolly cookies" b/c we use the rolling pin) and even cleaned up the big mess in the kitchen that we created!

Tomorrow is a big day with the grandkids, so I hope I can at least maintain this energy level. We're spending tomorrow night at a hotel with them and have some fun activities planned, including hiking in Arches Nat'l Park.



It's so quiet in this thread that I can hear the clock ticking. I feel like this is my very private Blog, lol!

[Darlene]

Sorry I have not replies before now. There are some days in which I just want to stay in bed, I never thought about it being my CPAP, but it could be. Some days I drag so much and then I have the runs, and I am not saying to the bathroom, then here comes the drags again.

I thought it could of been my surgery I had last December, but maybe not. I do know I need to get some new nose pieces, because at night I have a hard time getting to sleep.

Hope you are getting better results. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Darlene

[dllfo]

Twinkletoes,
I use oxygen with my Respironics BiPAP Auto Servo Ventilator (SV) machine. I am titrated for sea level and Lake Tahoe (6300 ft).

I use the Swift II nasal mask and it has held 30cmH20 for 40 straight minutes (I quit breathing and the machine breathed for me), so the Swift II WILL handle high pressures. I have a lot of medical problems, but the SV, oxygen and Swift II get me through the night.

I use a bacterial filter, then the oxygen "valve" that keeps oxygen from getting back into the machine, then the connector where the oxygen line connects.

Green oxygen hose is the best, less resistence, etc.

Oh, do you have an oxygen concentrator or Liquid Oxygen?

Best wishes...Dave