A Piece of the Puzzle

So, I've been dealing with pretty extreme fatigue for months now - since the end of October 2017 to be exact.  In November, my PCP recommended a sleep study to eliminate the possibility of sleep apnea.  After waiting months for the first place to call me back, I found a different place to have my testing done.  (I never expected that sleep apnea was my issue, as I don't fit the typical patient.  I don't have a big neck.  I'm not severely overweight.  I don't snore.)  Anyway, I had my consultation for my sleep study at the end of April, and they gave me the home study kit to take home that night.  Within a couple of days, I was notified that I actually do have sleep apnea, and was scheduled for my machine titration at the end of May, where I stayed overnight and tried out the mask.  This one was most comfortable, in my opinion.  And the cutest.  (Just kidding.  None are cute, but better sleep might just make me look cuter!)

It was definitely not the best night of sleep I've ever had.  I never sleep well the first night in a new situation.  I had on this crazy mask, and I was connected to sensors all over my body (legs, head, chest, and finger).  I had to sleep on my back for part of the night, which is not comfortable for me in the least.  However, I suppose that's the most likely way your breathing is cut off, and the best way to test the pressure of the machine that is necessary to prevent that from happening.  Apparently, sleep apnea is where your throat relaxes to the point that it cuts off your breathing, which causes your brain to wake you up so you start breathing again.  

So, tomorrow is the day (after over 3 weeks of waiting since my sleep study - insurance is so sloooooow to approve anything) where I will finally get my CPAP.  It's not something I ever expected to be excited about.  In fact it makes me feel old.  I know it will take me a while to get used to the mask, so I get a better night's sleep, but at least I can sleep on my side!  I hope this will help me to feel rested so I have more energy throughout the day.  Fingers crossed that this is a missing piece of the puzzle for me!

Don't be jealous that I get to look like a fighter pilot while I sleep!  And if you are battling fatigue, consider going for a sleep study consult.  Even if you don't fit the mold of a typical sleep apnea patient.  Especially if you are a woman because we are under diagnosed for this very reason.