Patient Stories - Jim's Story

A Sleep Apnea Chat Success

Like most persons with sleep apnea, at first I denied that I had a problem. It was my wife's love and persistence that prevailed and finally made me seek help. I respect and applaud my wife's insistence on having me seek treatment for my Sleep Apnea, which may have never been discovered without the help of her "online buddies." Something she was doing for her enjoyment in an online Sleep Apnea chat certainly changed -- and may have even saved -- my life!

Here is my story!

Late in 1998, my wife was invited to join in on a sleep disorder chat by one of her online friends. She knew little about sleep disorders. As she watched the conversation, she began learning about sleep apnea. The more she learned, the more she saw that I fit the profile, exhibiting all or most of the symptoms.

Looking back, I exhibited signs of sleep apnea for about 4 years. My symptoms were sleepless nights, as I would sleep for about an hour, awaken and then not be able to fall asleep again. I would become drowsy while driving early on and later would actually nod off momentarily while driving. I would need to take frequent naps during the day. I was also moody, irritable and suffered from leg "kicks" while sleeping.

My wife will tell you that she informed me about the sleep apnea chat. She told me I snored loudly and stopped breathing in my sleep and reminded me how tired I always was. She wanted me to see a physician and be checked to see if I had sleep apnea. I wouldn't hear of it! I laughed at her when she suggested I join in on the online chats to learn more about apnea. Eventually my wife's persistence prevailed and after about 3 months, I sat at the computer with her and "watched" the chat. I still did not believe I had apnea...oh no, not me!

A year passed and we were on the freeway, myself driving and my wife and children in the car. I nodded off while driving and crossed over into the next lane. Luckily, I was able to regain control and we were very fortunate that no one was hurt. My wife said, "that's it, I am making you an appointment to see a doctor about this!"

I finally made the appointment to see a sleep doctor, but had to wait 3 months to be scheduled in for an overnight sleep study. During those 3 months my physical health deteriorated. I was at my wits end. I was not sleeping well, and wondered if I would live long enough to make it to that appointment! I had severe swelling in my ankles, water retention, edema, an enlarged heart, high blood pressure, irregular heart beat an underactive thyroid, knee and back problems. I weighed 418 pounds.

Of course, the sleep study showed I had severe apnea. I was put on CPAP with a pressure of 11. It was difficult to adjust to the mask at first, but I finally achieved 100% compliance. I go nowhere without my CPAP. I use it when napping and when I travel, it goes with me! I no longer feel tired and I have energy once again!

When I was diagnosed with apnea, at age 47, I was in the process of retiring from a metropolitan police department. The memory loss and lack of energy from apnea was affecting my performance. The apnea would have made me totally unfit for my job had I been on full duty status. However, I was on limited duty status for my last 18 months due to knee and carpal tunnel surgeries. I also had high blood pressure, heart problems that included leg swelling. Having apnea combined with the obesity were the key factors in my retirement decision.

Once on CPAP, I experienced what I was missing in my life. I got back the enthusiasm to want to lose even more weight and regain a healthier lifestyle. I owe a great debt of gratitude to my wife and her "online buddies" in the Sleep Apnea chats where both she and I got GOOD information, encouragement and probably the best advice ever!

People who participate in these health chats should not underestimate their value to those "looking in". I am an example of how someone has benefited greatly by the sharing of information with virtual strangers in the Sleep Apnea chats online. For me, they have made a positive, profound and life changing impact!

Also Helped By Gastric Bypass

In addition to CPAP diagnosis and treatment, it was determined that my obesity was a contributing factor to other health ailments. In late 1999, one year after my wife discovered the Sleep Apnea chat room, I underwent a "Roux-En-Y" Gastric Bypass surgery. It proved successful for me as shown by these statistics and the photos below:

Measurement	Prior to surgery	10 months after surgery
Height	6"1"	6'1"
Weight	411 lbs.	295 lbs.
Neck	22"	18.5"
Chest	60 1/4"	50"
Waist	59"	48"
Forearm	16"	13.5"
Ankle	15 1/4"	11 7/8"
Calf	22 1/2"	20"
Shoe	14 EEEE	14 EE
Ring	24	16

Jim Before Treatment	Jim After Treatment

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