CPAP not working after 2 years
I have had 4 sleep studies, diagnosed with sleep apnea and restess legs. The meds given for restless legs had no impact on my sleep, so I stopped them. I was on the CPAP oevr a year when I called the sleep lab back to let them know that I was not any better. So I had the 4th study which showed the pressure was too low. Also that I get NO Stage 3 & 4 sleep. And only half the REM sleep I should.
So they upped the pressure but I am still exhausted. I also have tried 5 masks, none work that well. I have tried taping the nasal pillows to my face with first aid tape.
I am 54, female, not at all overweight, and I don't need any nasal septum surgery. The sleep doc tried me on Provigil, but that made me so jumpy another doctor took me right off. Now he says I am just a hard case & wants to try Ritalin. I am very discouraged, and just as pathologically sleepy as I was when I started the testing. But a lot poorer! A memory foam mattress topper helped some with the restless legs.
Any ideas on how I can get some rest?? I am so tired that sometimes I see double. I am VERY discouraged.
Thanks for your question. From what we know about the CPAP - and what alot of our members say, it really is difficult to make this work. But once you have tried and tried again - it is just like the little train that could.
You may want to read another member's posts - Leah. She has written about her battle and ultimate triumph with the CPAP machine. As well, our expert Dr. Allen Blaivas also has written several posts on OSA and the CPAP.
Hope this helps, all the best, sue
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