Update

[lexin]

The latest news is that have a diagnosis of sleep apnoea. I do feel that my doctor in London should have spotted this ten years ago, when the problems about me falling asleep constantly first arose. It may even be that the problems I had learning Welsh was down to my sleepiness. Several of my other problems are possibly related to having this, too.

I will be issued with a NHS CPAP machine in July. I am a bit wary of this as when my friend Julian was given a CPAP machine back in the 2000s, the NHS one wasn’t very good and he ended up buying one, a top of the range model. He has offered his old one to me, but I do know that the NHS won’t take them back once issued for some reason, and I will ask why that is. It may be that taking a second hand one isn’t a good plan.

A top of the range model from Amazon is £800, with a good, perfectly adequate, one £450. I can’t currently afford £450, let alone £800, so that puts paid to the idea of getting ahead by buying one before July. I would really like to do that, but obviously can’t.

In more health news, I’ve broken another tooth, again while eating a chip. I will have to stop eating chips. Or just stop eating.

In other news

The cats are doing well. Opal (the little tabby) is running during the day from window to window supervising the birds. I think she really believes that she could catch one if only I would let her. She’s an absolute diamond of a cat, who spends her evenings curled up on my lap.

Smokey is upstairs being standoffish. She’s fine, though. Her fur is lovely and glossy and she seems pleased to see me when I go upstairs.

Comments

[watervole]

Fingers crossed for the CPAP machine. I know other people who use them, and then can be a real benefit.

It may be worth trying the second=hand machine. it will give you an idea of what difference it can make, and let you assess the NHS design. (It may be that they are made to suit the individual user in some way, or else they are concerned about passing infections between users?)

[lexin]

I want to see how the NHS one works before buying the second hand one from Julian. I’m also wondering if I can scrape together enough money to buy a new one.

[watervole]

Ah, I hadn't realised that 'offered' meant you had to pay for it.

[lexin]

Yes, he is hoping I will pay him for it. I’d really rather have a new one.

[kotturinn]

I'd definitely wait for the NHS one - it's quite likely they've improved from earlier models.

Someone I know swears by their CPAP - don't know if it's NHS or private purchase though.

[kalypso]

I presume that's the equipment my brother has, as he has sleep apnoea, but I don't know where he got it. I could enquire?

[lexin]

That would be really helpful, thank you.

The NHS one is issued free by them, but talking to my friend Julian has made me wary about how good it is. Does your brother find his helpful?

[kalypso]

I've forwarded his reply by DM. In short, he thinks it's why he's still alive!

[lexin]

Wow! That does give me hope!

[resonant]

I have a ResMed AirFit with the nose style of mask, and I adore it, so if I can help in any way, let me know. (In the US so NHS is not something I'll have any useful insights on though.)

[corvidology]

My SIL's ex-boyfriend had one and he said it was life changing.

He also said he had friends who had earlier models who couldn't believe how comfy his is so they have changed quite a bit since your friend decided to opt for a different one,