Well, here we go again. In order for me to continue to take Tracleer--that monsterously expensive medication ($4k a month), I have to have a blood test every month. These tests are very important because they show whether or not my liver has been affected by the Tracleer. So far, it hasn't! Although, it does lower my red blood cell count. It's still within acceptable range. I'm sure the doctor would like for me to take a vitamin with iron in it but iron does not agree with me.

I'm gearing up for 3 doctors' appointments this month. I'm so excited. Not really. =o) Tomorrow is when I plan to have my blood test and to reward myself for doing so, I'm going to the craft store! Now that's exciting news.

I've noticed that I've put on a couple of pounds of weight. So, I'm going to try hard to make myself more motivated. I've really lagged on getting things done. I'm telling ya'll, my readers, that I'm going to do better! Are you with me??? =o)

If you have questions, post it as a comment. It won't immediately appear once you post it. I have the comments set for me to approve them first before they are posted. Sorry about that. I'm trying to battle the spammers. Your questions are important. Remember, I'm not a doctor but I am an oxygen patient who happens to have scoliosis & heart problems. =o)

Take care!

Christine

please tell me about your exp. with bipap. just got mine after 3years pm oxygen. find breathin hard at nite. dry mouth .panic seems like machine cuts way down till i take a panic breath.

****
Panic attacks, for me, were common when I first started using my bipap s/t machine. When you turn on your machine and put on your mask, wait until the machine to kick out that first breath to start sychonizing your breathing with the machine. The way I do this is when that first breath comes out of the machine, I lift my mask a little to let the mask leak air a little. This will make the air blow out harder. Once it does that I lower the mask back down, make sure there are NO LEAKs, and then on the next breath of air I inhale deeply and then exhale deeeply. Then pause for a moment, then take another deep breath. I do this several times to sync my breathing with the machine. Time Inspiration and Rise Time are two functions on the BiPap S/T that might be what is giving you trouble. I have both of my set at the value of 1.0 sec for Time Inspiration and 1 for Rise Time because my lungs are really weak and it seemed that without these two settings, my machine felt like it was cutting off my ability to take a deep breath.

I, too, get dry mouth but I prefer that over using a hydrater with my bipap. If it gets bad enough to make me thirsty, I just get a drink of water.

Christine