Have you guys ever heard of a CPAP machine? It's used for people with sleep apnea, which I have thanks to Parkinson's. Simply put, I stop breathing during the night. About 25 times a night. It's not very good for you. In fact, it can shorten your life (just add it to the list!). I snore, too. Loudly.*
I wore the thing for a while, but after I started chemo in late 2011 I put it on the shelf. As I said in my last blog, I've been feeling pretty rotten lately. Very tired and lethargic, with some progression of my PD symptoms.
So I decided to try the CPAP again. It has a full-face mask that makes me look like I'm in surgery; the mask is attached to a long hose that goes to the CPAP. I have to lie on my back -- no side sleeping. You get used to it.
After just a week or so I feel so much better. I have more energy, I'm not so tired, my mind is sharper. Huge benefits with a small trade off. The downside is that I can't take it everywhere -- electricity is a must. What, no CPAP at Everest? My fellow trekkers are in for a rude surprise.
*A side note. When I did the Avon walk recently we slept in tents the first night. My sweet friend Heather occasionally tapped me and said softly, "Ev, you're snoring, sweetie. Roll over." And I did. My campground mates weren't as sweet. Sometime in the middle of the night someone came and hit me on the head through the tent! Just smacked me! I guess I was pretty loud. . . . .
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