It's Official

I was diagnosed with mild sleep apnea. Apparently, since I stopped breathing so early on in the study, (that's when the technician came in to put the mask on) I don't have to go for a second sleep study. Today, I made an appointment to meet with a technician and pick up my CPAP machine for next Friday afternoon. Something I wasn't expecting was the cost. My insurance company only covers half. I was a little shocked at MY half of the cost. Oh well. It's necessary and I will have to come up with it somehow by next Friday. At least it's payday.

Wednesday is the big day!!! I've actually managed to lose about 12 pounds now since February. How?? I don't know. I have not changed any eating or exercise habits. I'm so ready to sit down with the surgeon and get this moving so I can have the surgery already!!

Sleep Study Results

I just got a call from my pulmonologist's office and the sleep study results have come in. Bad news is I have to go to his office so we can talk about them. I'm not that worried because I already know I have sleep apnea and he already gave me clearance for the surgery, but it means I will have to go back for another sleep study so they can figure out the proper oxygen level I need. Ugh!!! On a positive note, I will hopefully finally feel well rested and actually will sleep through the night.

My June 30 visit with my surgeon can not come soon enough. I'm ready!! The more I think about it, the more I'm hoping that it will not be too delayed. August is the latest I want to have the surgery.

Cardio Clearance

WOOHOO!! Just got a call from my cardiologist and he said all of my tests came back negative and he was giving me clearance for my surgery!! So excited and so happy!!

The Sleep Study

It went well last night. I wasn't exactly sure what to expect, but it wasn't nearly as uncomfortable to sleep as I thought it was AND there was a TV in my room!! I'm still quite sleepy. I had a restless night. It took 45 minutes for the technician to hook me up to all the wires. She pretty much packed my entire head and face with wires, electrodes, tape and jelly. Afterwards, I went right to bed and it only took me about 45 minutes to fall asleep. Halfway through, she woke me up to put a small mask over my nose with oxygen. I probably slept the best after that was on. Guess that means it helped. The technician woke me up at 5 am and started taking everything off. Not pleasant at all and my face is still sticky after my showerS. In two weeks, I have to call the pulmonologist regarding the results. Not only was I videotaped, but the computer file has 1000 pages of information on my sleeping now too!! That is some test to analyze!!

Sleep Study

Tonight is my sleep study at the hospital. Believe it or not, I'm actually looking forward to sleeping in a bed and having nothing to do, sort of like a vacation for me. I haven't slept in my bed in about 3 weeks. I have been doing a ton of renovations at the house and every room is filled to capacity. I am at the point now of emptying the rooms, throwing out and putting things where they belong. I look forward to having my bedroom back by the end of week. Anyway, the part I'm not looking forward to is NO TV (I always fall asleep to it) and being hooked up to machines and having sensors all over my head and face. Should be interesting.

I have to say something. I haven't told a lot of people about the surgery. Most I have told are incredibly supportive, but there are a handful that are trying to discourage me. If I could snap my fingers and the weight disappear, I would. I have tried EVERY other option....endless diets, exercise and hypnosis. Nothing has worked to this point. This is definitely a last resort for me. I completely understand all of the negatives and side effects, but if I had any other options, I would be taking them. What I find interesting is one person in particular that has criticized my weight isn't thrilled about the surgery. Honestly, it's none of her business and she should never have known about it to begin with, but how can she discourage it when her biggest issue with me has been my weight?!?! Makes no sense and I don't want to be around people that are negative. I am having the surgery and want to tell who I want, when I want, what I want. I am excited about it and I understand the obstacles awaiting me.

That is all I have to say about this now. Thanks for the vent session!!

Last night was the Shrink

I passed the psychological evaluation with flying colors!! Twenty minutes and $275 later, I was told I have an excellent head on my shoulders and am a perfect candidate for this surgery. YAY!!! Just waiting for the results from the cardiologist and to complete the sleep study on Monday.

Cardiologist

I went to see the Cardiologist last week and he heard my heart murmur. I don't think he was really concerned. It's never been an issue before. He sent me for an echocardiogram (which was so cool to watch) and a stress test yesterday. I had been freaking out about the stress test because, let's be honest, I'm not in the best shape and now they want me to run on a treadmill on an INCLINE for an extended length of time??? It was not bad at all. I just had to walk at various inclines. I was quite proud of myself. I lasted the entire time until the technician stopped the test, which was probably about 6-8 minutes long. Hope I passed so I don't have to do the nuclear test.