I have just realized that it has been  9 months since I last posted. Far too long, and I know I will need to post more frequently on Rod’sHealth in the future. A lot has been happening, so here is a brief summary:

I am continuing with the challenges of CPAP treatment – nobody should ever say it is easy! There is so much to learn. I have struggled a bit with insurance companies, DMEs, not to mention masks and machines! I have learned that probably because I have a beard a full face mask does not work for me. I have tried a couple, and end up leaking all around the mask, particularly where it sits on my beard.

I have tried various solutions to the mask question over the last 18 months, and have come to the conclusion that for me, a Silent Nite dental device works well – used in combination with a chin strap and the CPAP machine. More information on that later, but please note you need to find a dentist who is experienced in the treatment of sleep apnea or who can work with your sleep medicine professional. I am neither, so I can’t tell you if it will work for you. Also, I have learned about the importance of regular cleaning of the interface and the humidifier chamber – not doing this regularly has a serious impact on the ability of the machine to keep my AHI under control.

My mother-in-law was diagnosed with advanced cancer last year. She had a surgical procedure, then was put on treatment with hyperthermia. It is still experimental in the US, and requires careful medical supervision. It is being used more frequently in Japan. However, you can read more about it here. As I learn more about it I will post more information here.

I was forced to change my daytime job earlier this year – despite my working very hard (including long hours) my previous company was not doing well. In fact, after I left, they laid off a large number of my former colleagues. It seems like I escaped just in time! My new company has required the dedication of longer hours than I wished for, but I am now well established and able to focus on a few things other than just work!

Just a short post this time. I promise I will post more regularly in the future!