Doin' the Chest Pain Shuffle II- The Quest for an Informative Sleep Study
Posted: Thursday, November 12, 2009
by Ken McCreless
RMS1437- "Answer the Call"
Greetings Fellow Travelers ...
When last we spoke I was waiting for the E.D. Doc to tell me what what. He basically told me what I already knew. The RN asked me if I was going back to work!
No, I said, I'm going home.
And that is exactly what I did.
I was able to see my doctor the next afternoon and she ordered a bunch of tests and a sleep study. I had known that such a procedure was in my future for some time now, but was NOT looking forward to it. I mean, how can I possibly sleep with all that @#;! stuck to me and KNOWING I'm being watched?
I showed up at the appointed time, 745 pm, and was shown to my room. I was pleasantly surprised at how nice it was.
Everything appeared as if it were brand new and the technician was very good at making me feel at ease even while glueing electrodes to my head. Two more went on my chest and one on my left leg as well. A stretchy band was wrapped around my chest and abdomen and I was ready.
All of this is done to record my vitals along with brain activity during all phases of sleep, and to document any movements. A doctor will read the data and give a recommendation to to my doctor.
The camera aimed at the bed was a bit disturbing at first, but only for a moment. Soon, I forgot it was there.
I got a book out of my backpack and settled in. My plan was to read until I was so sleepy I could not stay awake. It did not work out that way.
Even though I had gotten up early that morning and had not taken a nap, I was certain I would have to read myself to sleep. After about 15 minutes or so I could read no more, so I turned the TV on.
After surfing for a few minutes I landed on Americas Funniest Videos on WGN Chicago. Even that did not bring on the ZZZs, so, I turned off both the TV and the light and tried going to sleep.
It was maybe 10 or 15 minutes before I finally knocked out. That's pretty much normal for me, though. The technician woke me up to fix one of the leads a couple of times, and I had my usual "wake up" frequency- it has been many years since I've had a full nights sleep.
What surprised me was that I could sleep at all!
I've yet to hear the results, but I strongly suspect that there is a CPAP , (Constant Positive Airway Pressure), unit in my near future. As a Respiratory Therapist I can tell you they work.
And that's where I stand, not having a definitive diagnosis but knowing that stress is a major player in my health issues. My caffeine intake is a shell of its former self and I am using deep breathing exercises as well.
More importantly, I have informed my director that January 30th 2010 will be my last shift as a Respiratory Therapist.
I feel better already!
When last we spoke I was waiting for the E.D. Doc to tell me what what. He basically told me what I already knew. The RN asked me if I was going back to work!
No, I said, I'm going home.
And that is exactly what I did.
I was able to see my doctor the next afternoon and she ordered a bunch of tests and a sleep study. I had known that such a procedure was in my future for some time now, but was NOT looking forward to it. I mean, how can I possibly sleep with all that @#;! stuck to me and KNOWING I'm being watched?
Everything appeared as if it were brand new and the technician was very good at making me feel at ease even while glueing electrodes to my head. Two more went on my chest and one on my left leg as well. A stretchy band was wrapped around my chest and abdomen and I was ready.
All of this is done to record my vitals along with brain activity during all phases of sleep, and to document any movements. A doctor will read the data and give a recommendation to to my doctor.
The camera aimed at the bed was a bit disturbing at first, but only for a moment. Soon, I forgot it was there.
I got a book out of my backpack and settled in. My plan was to read until I was so sleepy I could not stay awake. It did not work out that way.
Even though I had gotten up early that morning and had not taken a nap, I was certain I would have to read myself to sleep. After about 15 minutes or so I could read no more, so I turned the TV on.
After surfing for a few minutes I landed on Americas Funniest Videos on WGN Chicago. Even that did not bring on the ZZZs, so, I turned off both the TV and the light and tried going to sleep.
It was maybe 10 or 15 minutes before I finally knocked out. That's pretty much normal for me, though. The technician woke me up to fix one of the leads a couple of times, and I had my usual "wake up" frequency- it has been many years since I've had a full nights sleep.
What surprised me was that I could sleep at all!
I've yet to hear the results, but I strongly suspect that there is a CPAP , (Constant Positive Airway Pressure), unit in my near future. As a Respiratory Therapist I can tell you they work.
And that's where I stand, not having a definitive diagnosis but knowing that stress is a major player in my health issues. My caffeine intake is a shell of its former self and I am using deep breathing exercises as well.
More importantly, I have informed my director that January 30th 2010 will be my last shift as a Respiratory Therapist.
I feel better already!
Ken McCreless is just a guy who loves to write, and was born to do so. He is a freelance writer with several projects ongoing, including books and magazines. A huge fan of both irony and history, Ken has dedicated his life and his writing to serve the Lord Jesus Christ.
Got a need for short fiction? --Once-Told Tales-- Twilight Zone inspired!!
Got a need for short fiction? --Once-Told Tales-- Twilight Zone inspired!!
This Article has been viewed 270 times. (Not updated in real-time.)
Top-level comments on this article: (6 total)I'm cutting back on caffeine and trying some deep breathing techniques to help me fall asleep too Ken. I hope your tests show good results and hope the changes you're making in your life cut back on your stress. Take care.Thank you, Brianna. One chapter is closing but another is opening, one that is far more exciting!
It is ironic that you guys are having problems and some of your warpie bros and sisters are writing about it before knowing about your problems - it is like this website is coordinated in response to each other's healthcare needs - hum... maybe this is an alternative... Glad you are getting answers and feeling better, Ken! MarijoSearchWarp is indeed an entity unto itself, and, a place where I belong!Thank you so much for your kind words and sentiment, Marijo.
Ken . . . glad to read your update! The coming year 2010 will be a good year for you! You've made the right decision! A new life awaits you!!Wishing you all the best!Thank you, Howard. I am excited about the change!
Good luck KenThank you, Steve.
Hey Bro! I understand what you're going through. I went through the whole sleep study thing a couple of years ago --- I also know the rarity of a full nights sleep.The CPAP machine you see in your future, I presently have. I am hoping and praying that your health concerns will come to a blessed conclusion.Thanks for letting us walk through this with you. Take care of yourself Ken and blessings to you and yours.Thank you, Edward. It seems we truly are brothers!Once I allowed God to take this burden things got a whole lot better. But, as "they" say, "life is a journey, not a destination."Thank you, my friend and brother, for your kind words and support. They are most appreciated.
Oh, I didn't catch that - are you really resigning as a respiratory therapist? Maybe you feel like I did when going out the back of the long term care hospital to my car before moving to Colorado 16 years ago. I resigned as assistant DON so I could pack in case our house really did sell (pretty weak, I know) AND I have never gone back to nursing since - after 23 plus years it was time and the Lord allowed....MarijoYes indeed, Marijo, January 30th, if not sooner. I have had enough.It is time.
We want your comments! If you can read this, you don't have javascript enabled, so you can't use this comment system. Please enable javascript.