Uncle George versus The SENSORS FROM FRIMLEY...

[eponymousarchon]

Hello all, I'm sat at Frimley station strapped up in sensors and feeling a lot like Darth Vader (though without the cool cloak.

Let me backtrack a bit: Last time I was at the Doctor's it was observed that I was sleeping lousily and snoring lots and loud.

This was turned into a referral to the local ENT clinic.


While there, I had two tests: (A) A paper test, the rough scoring of which was the category: "Stand clear - this person is about to slip into a coma and fall over" and (B) a thorough endoscope examination of my left nostril, right nostril, throat, airway, left lung, right lung, appendix and each nasal passage again for good measure.

While the nurse retrieved my sinuses from under the equipment trolley, the consultant explained that my nose was an odd shape (probably furrowing left by the endoscope if you ask me) and that Sleep Apnea was a real concern. As this means that I stop breathing during the night, you can see how this might be an issue. On the other hand, it *would* explain how I haven't had a good night's sleep in the last 20-30 years.

The next step was to be sent for a 'Sleep study'.


So, here I am strapped up for a 'sleep study' and feeling a lot like Darth Vader. Let's see: I have a box strapped tightly to my chest with lots of blinking leds, two bands of elastic woven with wire around my torso, above and below the box, and wired into it; A pulse reader is taped to my finger, this on a wire taped up my arm, through a smaller box on the back of my shoulder and into the cyberman control device on my chest. There's also a microphone taped to my throught and linked in and when I do go to bed, there's a pneumatic sensor that goes up both nostrils, over both ears, over my shoulder and into the box.

Now, I have to go home and not dislodge any of the elastic strapping or taped-on sensors and wires - oh, and then sleep normailly! Wish me luck folks!

(Posted from Android)

Comments

[absinthecity.livejournal.com]

Ooh crikey. that sounds exciting.

I also snore like a trooper. People don't believe me until they've slept in the same house as me, by which point it becomes obvious that size and gender are no obstacle to making one hell of a racket. I know I used to do that apnea thing when I was a kid too, so probably still do.

If I speak to my doc, will they send me for this too? And (most importantly) is all that busniess yuo're going through very likely to lead to an actual curing of this menace? I actually fear my other half may leave me if I don't fix this problem one day...

[absinthecity.livejournal.com]

oh, and sweet dreams!

[chained-girl.livejournal.com]

It's really awesome that they're doing something about this and are going to fix it! :O) I can see how it might feel a teensy bit weird with all the wires and boxes and things. Good luck dude, I hope they find something, and I hope you don't get too bored!

[rainbowuk.livejournal.com]

How strange! When hubby was diagnosed he got something clipped to his finger for about 3 nights. This confirmed (don't ask me how) that he did indeed "wake" in the night - often. Then he was given a machine to play with for a few weeks til they found the right pressure setting and finally he moved to the machine he now uses.

Apparently the most unpleasant bit was the fact that the temporary machine doesn't have a humidifier so he'd wake with a very dry throat.

Helpfully, I find I also now sleep better beause he basically doesn't snore now and I'm not worrying about the not breathing thing he was doing...

Good luck!

[http://users.livejournal.com/_kent/]

Watch out while you're wearing that, the slightest touch of gold could kill you.