I have mild sneep apnea. The doctor thought I was tested for 2 nights instead of just one, so now I have to go back! Argh. At least I know what to expect this time — and I’ll try to take better pictures. 
Also, Omnibus Driver pointed out that the 2 straps they wrap around your torso, for which I couldn’t see any obvious purpose, actually measures “the rise and fall of your chest and abdomen to get a feel for how much oxygen you are or aren’t taking in.” In other words, they’re important.
As for treatment, instead of a CPAP machine, I may undergo the pillar procedure, which is a relatively new treatment that’s done in the doctor’s office. As it happens, my doctor is one of the guys who developed this. Three tiny, little, pillar-shaped implants are inserted into your palate in order to stiffen it to lessen the vibration. A soft palate vibrates, which is what causes the snoring, and sometimes it collapses, which is what causes the blockage of airflow while sleeping. As I understand it, the pillar procedure is for people who have mild to moderate sleep apnea and may not be covered by all insurance companies.
Because of my constant sleepiness and lack of energy, the doctor thinks that I might have narcolepsy. When he said this, I twisted around in my chair to face him, and was like, “What?! I’ve seen movies in science class, and I’m not like that! I don’t fall asleep while I eat, or anything like that.” He and Brian laughed, and the doctor said those were the worst cases, that there are varying degrees of narcolepsy. Um, OK.
Now, I have to get yet another sleep test in which they put me in a dark room to see if I fall asleep. If I do, they let me sleep for 15 – 30 minutes. They wake me up, and I have to stay awake for 2 hours and read or watch TV. (This is done during the day, by the way.) Then they put me in a dark room again to see if I fall asleep. Repeat 3 more times. I have to have these tests done so the doctor will know the right way to proceed with my treatment. He mentioned the drug Provigil, which I only know about because the pdoc thought about prescribing it to me. Instead, we tried the Ritalin first.
I just want all this to be over with!!!
You sound so frustrated…I wish I could help but Im just a tard! I would be a bit irritated too tho, and I hope it gets all over with soon!
Both my Dad and I have had to have that test done! I’m Narcoleptic (diagnosed 17 months ago)… and my Dad has apnea, so he has a cpap! Haha, if anyone else ever hears u sleep with that machine they’ll call you Darth Vader for the end of your days!
Haha, good luck … seriously though, I understand the shock of possibly having Narcolepsy. This was post was pretty much identical to one I posted on an old blog about 17 months ago…so if you need anything, or have any questions, come stop by my blog or e-mail me! I always love to chat with a fellow potential Narcoleptic!
-Jim-
Let us know if you get that procedure done. I use my CPAP and I sure do sleep much better. I do NOT even get sleepy anymore during the day. I would wake up after 10 hours sleep still sooo tired…not anymore. I am awake at 5:00 a.m. ready to go. I might look and sound funny, but I sure do feel better.
Good luck and let us all know how it goes.
UGh! So sorry you have to do it all over again!
Is the apnea mild enough that you won’t need a machine or anything? (or is that what the second test will show?)
I’ll say a prayer that it all turns out okay for you!
By the way, are you going to sign up for my Apprentice fantasy game? I’m offering up a $10 Starbucks card….you know you want it! LOL
Those pillars actually look pretty kewl. I headed over to the website about the pillar technique and Kris and I watched the video: very informative. I hope that your sleeping issues gets resolved soon; it is disrupting your life so much, and I know that you rather be doing more fun things instead of worrying about all of this.
Awww. I wish they could figure it out already!
hippy, i hope it’s over soon, too! i hate having to take a 2-hour nap every day–seems like such a waste of time.
Jim, you don’t fall asleep while you’re eating, right?
being the Star Wars fan that i am, i wouldn’t mind the Vader jokes. 
Chrissy, that’s what everyone who uses a CPAP has told me so far. i’m all for feeling alert throughout the day.
writewingnut, i think that’s what the 2nd test will determine. though i love Starbucks, i don’t really watch the Apprentice. sorry.
April, the video’s good, isn’t it? one of the doctors interviewed is mine!
Kentucky, you’re telling me!!!
I’m lighting candles for you, Barb, that this may be over soon. A good night’s sleep is in your future!
i’m keeping my fingers crossed.