Wednesday, December 9, 2009

Time to sleep

So I have been very tired lately (past two or three months) and thought it was nothing until I finally gave in and went to the doctor. They did blood work but everything came out fine so my doctor did a referral to a sleep clinic to see if I had sleep apnea.
Last night I went to spend the night and sleep in the clinic. What an experience. The tech procedded to apply sensors all over me! The sensors had to be taped down so she had to put paste in my hair where she was applying it so the tape wouldn't get stuck. I had them stuck to my face, chest, and legs. I looked like quite a sight to see all of these wires attached to me. I was allowed to sleep on my back and turn slightly on my sides, but that was difficult with the wires wrapped around me. All of these monitor your sleep - like what stage sleep you are in and how long you stay there, how much oxygen you are getting, etc... I could have gotten under the covers but thought I would be fine with just the blanket I brought. After a couple of hours the door opened and the nurse proceeded to tell me my body temperature was way up and that she had to put the fan on me to cool me down. After that I think I shivered all night.
I was awoken at 5:30 am (way too early for me) and then the nurse proceeded to pul the sensors off of me. She said I was then ready to leave. I decided to stay and take a shower because I had to get all of this paste out of my hair. It took me 20 minutes just to wash my hair! (and still I get to school and there is still paste in my hair!).
I was told someone would call me to give me my results. If I do have sleep apnea I have to come back and do this again this week , but this time with a mask on my face. I would really like to know why I have been so tired all the time, but the idea of having to wear a mask to bed for the rest of my life does not appeal to me and probably wouldn't appeal to my husband either.
Has anyone been through this before?

2 comments:

The Rasoul Family said...

My nephew, Ethan had to do that same test, but he didn't end up having it! Hope you don't either!

SouthernBelleJM said...

A friend of mine actually did this. He ended up having to get the mask, but it has helped his sleep A TON!!! Although, hopefully, you won't have to!