IN THE
STILL OF THE NIGHT
Family
members said my snoring has increased both in decibel level and frequency over
time. I became aware of the change in my sleep pattern, unable to sleep through
the night, always ready to nap during the day. I rarely had a need to see a
doctor, and never mentioned it on the few occasions when I did.
In 2002 I passed out while dining at a
restaurant with family members. I awoke about fifteen seconds later, confused
to see them all standing, clutching each other. They thought I had died before
their collective eyes, perhaps from a heart attack. I had no recollection of
fainting and assured them I felt fine. The event mystified me. I had no medical
history to explain my suppertime swoon.
The following week I undertook a series of
medical examinations to determine the cause of this blackout incident. My
physician observed that I have a restricted air passage in my throat and
arranged to have me tested for Sleep Apnea.
I spent a night in a motel-like
room where technicians monitored and recorded my oxygen count, pulse, blood
pressure and other vital signs while video taping my body motions. After a few
hours of restless sleep, a technician awakened me and fitted me with a C-PAP
(Controlled Pressure Air Pump) breathing mask. This device forced air through
my nostrils and past the narrow restricted region of my throat. The mask was
uncomfortable but I fell asleep while wearing it.
Two weeks later, my physician reviewed the
findings of the test. It proved conclusively that I have Sleep Apnea, big time.
The test showed that before using the mask, I awoke almost every minute,
gasping for air. I never reached the state of sleep that is termed restorative.
It noted that my sleep pattern became normal, once I started breathing through
the mask.
My doctor said I had two options to solve my
sleeping disorder. I could have surgery to remove various and sundry parts of
the throat, but he did not recommend this procedure because it only works half
the time; or I could rent a C-PAP device
similar to the one I used during the test. I made this my choice.
For the
past seven years, I have slept with a mask which fits over my nose; a flexible
hose connects it to an air pump. I also wear a strap that helps keep my mouth
closed while sleeping. I look like a tethered elephant when I am fully
connected.
Sleeping this way is uncomfortable and
unpleasant. However, it has allowed me to sleep much longer and better. I no
longer snore and am able to stay awake during the day, mostly.
If I lost a hundred pounds, my Sleep Apnea
condition would improve and I might be able to forgo wearing the mask, said my
physician. I have not done so.
Did I
mention the hospital technician determined that my snore sound had exceeded
that of any other patient they had ever measured? It is good to be number one at something. My
record stands above them all, and may never be topped. I wouldn’t want to hear any
person who snores louder than I do.
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