My CPAP Strategy

OK, so here's the deal.

Seems I'm not tolerating that blasted mask for more than four hours tops.

The past few nights have been passed in shifts.

Admittedly, each night the shifts get longer.

I've been wearing the mask for a few hours; removing it for a few hours; putting it back on for a few hours.  Then it's time to get up for the day.

Last night, there was only one shift with the mask.  I managed almost four hours before I had to rip it off.  Just couldn't bear it any longer.

The dry mouth that it induces is ridiculous.

So too is the sweating around the perimeter of the mask.

Not to mention the itching.  And when my nose itches, I can't get at it without removing the stupid mask!

As I've already said, I'm not convinced that I'm a candidate for CPAP.

But I don't think it's fair to pull the plug just yet, especiallly since I've not actually spent a full night with it on yet.

I'm simply not prepared to forfeit what little time I have left to enjoy the benefits of the steroid injection.

Soooooo, when I see rep guy tomorrow, here's what I plan to propose we do.

I'm going to suggest that we put this experiment on hold until September, which will allow me to enjoy my summer.

By that time, the benefit of my sterioid shot should have run its course.

The weather should also be a little more amenable to whatever discomforts the current heat is adding to the mix.

Then perhaps we might get a better read on whether or not my snoring is an issue that needs to be addressed.

Now, I have no idea if my plan is workable without again going through another sleep lab.  I'll be seeing the sleep specialist at the end of July and would obviously have to own up to what I've done.  She may or may not concur with my strategy.

But it's my strategy and I'm sticking with it.