Lung nodules & scared!

Hi @pattymac

It is always good to hear from you, we so appreciate your post! It sounds as if you have covered a lot of territory since your last post in terms of appointments and decisions regarding the fungus meds, etc.

From what I understand the CPAP machine can be quite helpful - when you sleep more soundly - you feel better during the day. I guess it takes a while to get used to the apparatus, but it would not be impossible. You seem to have a desire to get well so most likely you would adjust to it.

Please keep in touch with us and continue to let us know how you are doing.

Teresa

I had a hard time adjusting to the CPAP machine. I found the Nose Pillows to be very comfortable and not so confining as the Mask.

@rcfan9 I understand. I have been on CPAP for 30 years, and it has kept me alive. However, all the face pieces seem to have some problem for me. and I have tried everything I could find except an iron lung. The only time I use Nose Pillows is when I go to the dentist for work or a cleaning. Without the CPAP then, I had to stop the dentist or the hygienist so I could take a breath. Now I sometimes even go to sleep in the dentist' chair! It surely speeds up the procedures.

Hi, @pattymac

CPAP machines are a wonderful invention! I was very surprised at how easily I took to it, given my claustrophobia and anxiety. At my first follow up with the sleep doctor, he was very impressed by how many hours I used it every night. I slept twelve hour nights for several weeks because I was so sleep deprived. I've been using one since 2002. I recently had a sleep study, and they tried nasal pillows, which they found to be more effective than the full face mask I'd been using all these years. I also changed from the CPAP machine to a BIPAP.

If a sleep study calls for it, I would totally recommend it. Not only will you have more energy, there are a number of things that are effected negatively by sleep apnea. I won't list them here - Google can do a better job than I can.

Please give it a fair trial. Some people take longer to get used to it and get discouraged, but I can't word it strongly enough - it could have a significant effect on your quality of life. There are several different masks available, so if you don't like one, you can try others.

I wish you well. I know how frustrating it can be to get the right diagnoses and the right treatment. Keep on standing up for yourself. Don't let doctors brush you off.

Jim

Hi Patty, in addition to the information you're getting from members here, you might be interested in the discussions about CPAP and BiPAP machines found in the Sleep Health group https://connect.mayoclinic.org/group/sleep-health/

For example:
- Sleep Apnea https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/sleep-apnea-29d741/

I’ve been using CPAP since 2000 and have tried dozens of masks, nasal pillows, chiropractic care, dentists, acupuncture, biofeedback. Finally found a good mask and machine that works fantastic for me. https://www.google.com/search?q=respironics+full+face+cpap+masks&client=safari&hl=en-al&prmd=sivn&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwjdtOH64KvYAhXq4IMKHZXPAUcQ_AUIEigC&biw=320&bih=454#imgrc=0iTHJJ2Yh2QO_M:
Some adjust to using the machine sooner than others. For me I stop breathing 139 In 3.5 hours. So I noticed a difference immediately. We kinda get addicted to breathing. My doctors had me start by using the machine while I was awake in the evening for hour before bed. Adding a few min each night over 1 week then try to fall asleep with it. That helped me a lot.

Good luck!!
Dawn

@dawn_giacabazi Thanks, Dawn,

That sounds like a good way to adjust to the machine, I'm sure that @pattymac will appreciate the suggestion.

Teresa

@pattymac
Hi Patty,

It has been awhile since I have heard from you. I hope you are dealing with your voice and sleep problems.

I would love to hear from you when you have time to post again.

Teresa

Hello all, I still do not have internet so I am at my sons now. Anyway I have been working a lot and taking care of my granddaughter., although I still have not had my vocal cord return to normal. It will be 1 year on May 12th and ENT Surgeons say it likely will not. I also just found out that the insurance I have had this past year I wont have after May 31st bc I made about 100 bucks more than I should have? I am more than stressed about this and not sure what I can do now. I am supposed to start @ Purdue this fall to continue on to earn my Bachelors. I may not be able to if I have to find a job with benefits. So my granddaughter is in remission thank god. My daughter in law joined the Army and graduates in May, so I will have to try and get my money back for the ticket in case I need the money now for scripts. It seems something always happens. Im praying for a better life! Just wanted to check in and let you know I'm still here.patty

@pattymac

Hi Patty:

It is so good to hear from you. I am sorry to hear that your insurance will change and will affect your medical care and prescription costs. Lots of people are having that problem right now.

I went for over 15 years with a non-functioning (paralyzed) vocal cord. When the opportunity opened up for surgery it went quite well, so hang in there. Your time will undoubtedly come as well!

You mentioned that your granddaughter is in remission - I take it that she has some form of cancer? That must be a concern for you.

I hope that your job search and your educational pursuits bring good things your way. I will certainly pray for your granddaughter's remission to continue and pray that you will have wisdom for the next steps in your career path.

I look forward to hearing from you again.

Teresa