Patient Stories - Pam's Story

Sleep Apnea very nearly cost me my life. I was the first woman diagnosed with Sleep Apnea in the state of Missouri in 1989. The period from 5 years previous to my diagnosis is a vague blur of memories. I walked around in a sleep-deprived daze.

By sheer will power I forced myself to care for my son. Because of this illness my marriage fell apart, ruined my 10 year teaching career, almost killed myself falling asleep at the wheel of my car, gained over 100 lbs. and developed a serious self concept problem.

That is exactly how sleep apnea works. It comes upon you gradually; first the snoring and the interrupted sleep, the inability to concentrate, the weight gain, the extreme fatigue, the irritability until you are unable to recognize yourself when you look in the mirror.

I knew there was some kind of problem. I went to doctor after doctor. I was diagnosed with Hypothyroidism (a common secondary problem with Sleep Apnea). But still there was no answer to my awful haze of sleepiness. People did not understand the problem, many thought that I had just become fat and lazy, and even I started to think that maybe they were right.

While at my Grandmother's and with my Aunt one weekend, they experienced first hand the episodes of my non-breathing as I lay taking a nap on the couch. They were horrified and my Aunt found an article she had read about Sleep Disorders. I read the article and immediately knew that this was my problem.

I contacted my internist and practically forced him to set an appointment for me in the newly formed Sleep Center at Cox Hospital in Springfield, MO. The morning following the test the technicians could hardly believe the results. My findings were life threatening and forced even the Sleep field to take another look at their own conclusions. You see, back then, they felt that only men were possible Sleep Apnea victims. My case changed their minds.

They rushed to set me up with a CPAP machine, afraid for me to even go through one more night. I took to that air line like a duck to water. I slept 6 hours straight the first night, me the woman that had previously jerked awake at least every 45 minutes. I felt like Superwoman, able to leap small objects in a single bound!

It has proved to be a difficult process rebuilding my life. But with support of those who care about you, and your own courage, it can be done. My goal is to help others with Sleep Disorders get the help and the support that they deserve to live a long and productive life.

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