Being on a ventilitator

[chatteykathy]

Do most people who are on a ventilator that are conscious find it to be a horrible sensation? I wonder which is worse being on a ventilator or having you stomach pumped? I have sleep apnea and when they put the mask on me the one that covers your nose and mouth I had them take it off with the quickness. I could not handle it. I don't know what I would do if the time comes that I would need to be on one. I wonder if you can ask the doctor to give you drugs so you can stay unconsious through the whole ordeal?

[Caspiana]

Hello chatteykathy .

I think there are medical benefits to not being sedated whilst on a ventilator. However, I am certain there would be a level of panic, pain and difficulty sleeping. I am sure hospitals take these issues case by case. And if need be will always try to consider the best option for the individual patient.

I would say, it is best to try not to worry about things we cannot control. This just causes stress. At some point I will have a lung transplant and be on a ventilator for a week or so I am told. I don't think about it, I know it just has to be.

I'm sorry you struggled with the mask. I know it's very unpleasant. I hope they can help you with alternatives to help your sleep apnea.

Sending best wishes.

Cas xx 🌷

[megshafer]

chatteykathy, don't know about a ventilator, have had friends who had their stomach pumped...they we just grateful and happy afterwards, neither were traumatized by the experience, and both are drama queens, if that's any help with that. Your Cpap...get a mask you like, I have a nose mask just covers my nose, and I love it...it's my magical sleep machine, you don't realize how much it helps, it took me about a week...you will have more energy and have restful restorative sleep, I can not imagine sleeping without it!! And, I'm claustrophobic, and use to have panic attacks many years ago. Just to add, my brother in law had his Cpap for 3 years before I got mine, would not use it, I got mine, and use it....he started using his, since I could do it, lol...he now would not want to be without his either.

Take care, hope I helped you in some way!!

Meg

[megshafer]

A Cpap machine and a ventilator are two different pieces of medical equipment. Some people who are retainers use BiPap machines which are similar to Cpap machines, but the way they work is different.

Sorry, I forgot.

Meg

[Tugun]

Hi Chatteykathy,

It sounds horrible. You probably need to speak with a doctor about your difficulties. There must be a reason why the sleep apnea interfered with your use of the ventilator. The doctors can help you work out a plan of attack if ever you need it again. All the best!

[Roessner541]

I was on one but don't really remember just remember how terrified I was when they took it out. I didn't think I would be able to breathe without it. I did.

[Rosie2008]

Hi chatteykathy, I had a copd flare up last year and by the time I got to hospital they informed me I'd also had a heart attack. I was put on the ventilator and omg I agree it was horrendous. What I would say though is...the attitude of some nurses!!!! I had one lovely nurse who tried to make the mask as comfortable as she could for me ,she was lovely....another nurse.....wish I could have put her on it so she could feel the suffering she was causing me. I had to pull the mask off in the end. The doc said it saved my life but it was no thanks to that totally unsympathetic nurse!!! So I would say if anyone is so uncomfortable ask for another nurse to give it a go. I wasn't really in a fit state but my daughters spoke to them.

[Hidden]

Hi kathy

I expect you mean a CPAP for apnea , I think a ventilator is for when you stop breathing altogether..

I never got round to using it, there are some smaller ones with a canular like for oxygen but anything in my nose, mouth, face irritates me so I have opted for the extra inhaling option. I have 2 puffs of ventolin and 2 puffs of Atrovent to take at night and on demand when I wake up gasping and that seems to do the trick.

Also I have been told to sleep on the side with a pillow between my legs, I tried that for a bit but I probably kicked it during the night and ended up on my back.

Then they have offered some kind of contraption which stops you from turning on your back..honestly who invents those things..

So that’s that for my personal experience..for now anyway..

Hope it works for you.

[MisUse]

I use a vpap (which is like a bpap I think), as I have poor lung function and retain carbon dioxide. It took years to get used to but finally got a dr at Brompton who understood my problems. She changed me onto the vpap, they reduced the pressures, and I use a wisp which just covers my nose, and now I rarely sleep without it. Really hope you get your issues resolved

[jabber]

Hi Kathy, I was exactly like Roessner541 . I don't remember much about being on a ventilator but remember being terrified when they removed it.

It was later decided that I'm a CO2 retainer so I've had to use a BiPap for the last 9 years. The masks are the same as those used with Cpaps. I've tried various masks over the years, the first ones not very comfortable but the improvement to my health as it got rid of the CO2 (don't ask me how!) was so miraculous that I had a real incentive to stick it out.

Have a look at this: eu-pap.co.uk/sleepweaver-an... A few years ago I came across these soft cloth masks and they are so much more comfortable, I recommend them every time I can. Of course they fit closely over your nose and mouth but as soon as the bipap starts up it doesn't feel so constricting. I found I automatically adjusted my breathing to the machine's gentle pressure. It's not a sexy look but now I would be nervous sleeping without it.

If you need a CPap for sleep apnoea please try it. It could be a lifesaver.

Good luck, Jan

PS. Don't take any notice of the price. The NHS provide them with your machine.

[Hidden in reply to jabber]

Sounds interesting!! Never heard of it, worth investigating thank you Jan.

[Bella124]

I've got a NIV machine none invasive ventilation. Once you get used to it you sleep so much better. You just have to persevere not easy but worth it in the end.

[Sandyeggo]

Oh yes you sure can ! And SHOULD. I myself prefer having a DNR B/cuz in certain circumstances I would much rather NOT wake up just to die in a manner favorable to a freakin doctor-I have obviously been messed with on more than one occasion. By all means be sure to have all your ducks in a row before checking in to a hospital ANYWHERE IN THIS WORLD.✌️