Navigating senior years.

KARNUT · January 1

26 minutes ago, Atlas said:

Phone? Yeah, I think I still have an app for that somewhere on this device..

In reality I have many phone apps for work and other communications. One of the unfortunate parts of still being on the clock.

I'm older-millennial, and I particularly don't enjoy "talking on the phone". Need something, message me. If I don't pick up? Don't leave a voicemail, send a text instead, and why didn't you send a text in the first place.

Someone died? Message me and tell me we need to meet, or talk on the phone somewhere privately, that way I know it's serious and to make time/space. My parents drive me nuts in this regard. They still call - for everything - so every time I see one of their names pop up, they may just be calling to catch up, or make plans, or maybe someone died or is in the hospital. Ya just never know.

I only talk on the phone when I’m driving. Sometimes I remember what button to hit on my steering wheel. To think of it, only if’s is my wife.

Edited January 1 by KARNUT

Donstar · January 3

I mentioned to a couple 70+ year old couple we were visiting yesterday that my wife just bought me a travel CPAP machine for an early birthday present. This prompted the wife of this couple we were visiting to tell her husband that he should have his snoring checked out. He snapped back that he will get it checked if a professional tells him to get it checked! Obviously the CPAP topic struck a nerve and I did my best to ease the tension. I told him you don't need a professional to tell you that you snore or have breathing issues while sleeping. Be glad that someone cares enough to tell you!

customboss · January 3

Any senior Canucks remember these GM Oldsmobiles.

https://www.hagerty.com/media/car-profiles/george-barris-centennial-oldsmobiles-were-canadas-ultimate-land-yachts/

Edited January 3 by customboss

customboss · January 3

davester · January 4

18 hours ago, Donstar said:

I mentioned to a couple 70+ year old couple we were visiting yesterday that my wife just bought me a travel CPAP machine for an early birthday present. This prompted the wife of this couple we were visiting to tell her husband that he should have his snoring checked out. He snapped back that he will get it checked if a professional tells him to get it checked! Obviously the CPAP topic struck a nerve and I did my best to ease the tension. I told him you don't need a professional to tell you that you snore or have breathing issues while sleeping. Be glad that someone cares enough to tell you!

That becomes a chicken/egg problem for him, because I doubt he has/will bring it up w his physician that he snores, and it would be pure luck if his physician happens to ask about it, so it never gets checked out. Maybe the wife needs suggest to his physician privately that he should ask about it...

Donstar · January 4

^^^^ Exactly! I was bad in this regard so I'm going to man-up and talk to him on his own. Personally, I wasted a lot of time and money on over the counter snoring remedies but it took me having a stroke before I seriously spoke to my Doctor about my wife's concerns. If someone complains about your nighttime noise, or you are having any sleep concerns, tell your Doctor. If he refers you to a sleep study, jump at the opportunity. Your only regret will be that you didn't do it sooner. If you end up being prescribed CPAP therapy, the benefits far exceed the hassle. If you've been prescribed CPAP equipment and quit, you're doing it wrong. There are an overwhelming number of CPAP users, like me, who will help you succeed.

Atlas · January 4

The rise of sleep clinics and provider awareness has increased over the last 15-20 years with regards to sleep issues, thankfully. Insurers have discovered that treating with CPAP is a better financial alternative than treating decades of symptoms related to apnea and eventual complications like strokes/heart attacks.

A good majority of sleep studies for suspected apnea and prescribing treatment are done at home. You go to bed with a couple of ECG leads, pulse oximeter on your finger, and nasal cannula hooked into a device the size of an iPhone. It records data while you sleep. Then, drop the box off at the clinic, and have a follow-up visit with your provider. They still do the overnight sleep studies at hospitals/clinics but usually for more complicated sleep issues. Even then, those are no big deal.

Snoring is one symptom of apnea. The sleep interruption, increased inflammation, vascular stress, and oxygen deprivation happening in the background is the silent killer.

Donstar · January 4

52 minutes ago, Atlas said:

The rise of sleep clinics and provider awareness has increased over the last 15-20 years with regards to sleep issues, thankfully. Insurers have discovered that treating with CPAP is a better financial alternative than treating decades of symptoms related to apnea and eventual complications like strokes/heart attacks.

A good majority of sleep studies for suspected apnea and prescribing treatment are done at home. You go to bed with a couple of ECG leads, pulse oximeter on your finger, and nasal cannula hooked into a device the size of an iPhone. It records data while you sleep. Then, drop the box off at the clinic, and have a follow-up visit with your provider. They still do the overnight sleep studies at hospitals/clinics but usually for more complicated sleep issues. Even then, those are no big deal.

Snoring is one symptom of apnea. The sleep interruption, increased inflammation, vascular stress, and oxygen deprivation happening in the background is the silent killer.

Excellent! It is evident you have current first- hand familiarity with sleep issues! The sleep clinic I went to is in a nearby strip mall. I didn't know it existed but apparently it's been there for years. They average 6-8 overnight sleep study patients per night, 7 nights a week. Each attendee has a clean, comfortable, private room and the clinic has a waitlist! Initially, I was hesitant but would do it again tonight if asked!

customboss · January 4

21 minutes ago, Donstar said:

Excellent! It is evident you have current first- hand familiarity with sleep issues! The sleep clinic I went to is in a nearby strip mall. I didn't know it existed but apparently it's been there for years. They average 6-8 overnight sleep study patients per night, 7 nights a week. Each attendee has a clean, comfortable, private room and the clinic has a waitlist! Initially, I was hesitant but would do it again tonight if asked!

Did mine at altitude ( we reside at 9000 feet) with a digital finger connection while I slept. Downloaded data via Bluetooth to my phone then uploaded to VA.

Because I have severe combat related PTSD I hold my breath in dreams of fighting in water against enemies. Adds a real complexity to my apnea diagnosis.

Edited January 4 by customboss

Donstar · January 4

Does/will CPAP therapy reduce incidents of holding your breath because of PTSD? I know it won't change the horrific dreams but may at least keep your oxygen levels normal.

customboss · January 5

2 hours ago, Donstar said:

Does/will CPAP therapy reduce incidents of holding your breath because of PTSD? I know it won't change the horrific dreams but may at least keep your oxygen levels normal.

It does drop the breath holding significantly!

Still have dreams that now are exacerbated by dementia issues.

O2 is great.

I’m happy and fighting for every day!

Grumpy Bear · January 5

13 hours ago, Atlas said:

Snoring is one symptom of apnea.

Nail on the head. Not everyone that snores has apnea. A study is required.

Donstar · January 5

4 hours ago, Grumpy Bear said:

Nail on the head. Not everyone that snores has apnea. A study is required.

This is true and a great reason to ask your Doctor to be referred for a sleep study. If you snore, get tested to hopefully eliminate worry! My friend is using the argument that snoring doesn't always mean apnea to minimize the importance of telling his Doctor. I did the same until I had a stroke while sleeping. I was surprised my sleep study revealed severe apnea. It was ignorant of me to put myself at such easily avoidable risk and to be so inconsiderate to the woman who sleeps with me every night. CPAP therapy is highly effective in keeping apnea at safe levels and providing a healthy nights sleep for you and anyone sharing the room!

Atlas · January 5

5 hours ago, Donstar said:

This is true and a great reason to ask your Doctor to be referred for a sleep study. If you snore, get tested to hopefully eliminate worry! My friend is using the argument that snoring doesn't always mean apnea to minimize the importance of telling his Doctor. I did the same until I had a stroke while sleeping. I was surprised my sleep study revealed severe apnea. It was ignorant of me to put myself at such easily avoidable risk and to be so inconsiderate to the woman who sleeps with me every night. CPAP therapy is highly effective in keeping apnea at safe levels and providing a healthy nights sleep for you and anyone sharing the room!

Exactly. Folks don't realize how destructive obstructive sleep apnea can be. They chalk up "not sleeping well" or being tired during the day, or falling asleep for little naps, to just getting older. Snoring can be extremely disruptive to sleep even if it's not causing severe apnea events and can take a serious, often overlooked, toll on one's health. It's the little things, like resistance to infection/ flu/ colds. Taking longer to recover from illness and injury. Failing at exercise routines because your body can't easily recover.

CPAP isn't the only therapy for obstructive apnea, and not all apnea is caused by obstruction (airway issues). The tests are easy (they don't put anything up your butt or in your weiner!).

Young guys should take heed, too. OSA can occur in young people regardness of fitness level.

Donstar · January 5

26 minutes ago, Atlas said:

CPAP isn't the only therapy for obstructive apnea, and not all apnea is caused by obstruction (airway issues). The tests are easy (they don't put anything up your butt or in your weiner!).

Absolutely painless! The overnight sleep study is the "gold standard" for determining OSA and some report that it is the best night's sleep they've had in years! A CPAP machine and mask is not the only option for correcting night time breathing but you'll also hear the term "gold standard" when comparing CPAP to the other remedies.