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When my partner of 39 years lost his sight due to macular degenerations six months ago, we were able to cope. However last month he began to have hallucinations.
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When my partner of 39 years lost his sight due to macular degenerations six months ago, we were able to cope. However last month he began to have hallucinations.

When I would take him to medical appointments, he would say that the buildings were moving or that I was driving into a brick wall. He became very fearful (understandable so). Four physicians and eye specialists later, we finally found the cause.

We finally were able to determine the cause is due to the functioning of the brain that interprets sight. THE DIAGNOSIS WAS CHARLES BONNET SYNDROME.

Although first described in the 1760's, it still remains virtually unknown to many/most physicians and eye specialists. Once we found the cause and were able to understand the process, we were able to handle the situation.

The problem generally resolves within a year to eighteen months, however there are several reports of treatments that seem very positive. Unfortunately, these require hospitalization for two or three days, and none of these therapies are recognized by his current insurance. Sigh...

Google, read and print out information about CHARLES BONNET SYNDROME and share it with your caregivers and medical providers.

Hopefully, this post may help others facing similar situations.

THOUGHTS ON SLEEP APNEA AND CPAP/BiPAP MACHINE EXPERIENCES

I was diagnosed with OSA -- obstructive sleep apnea about 28 years ago. I am now 64. I have used five different CPAP and now BiPAP ...Read More

THOUGHTS ON SLEEP APNEA AND CPAP/BiPAP MACHINE EXPERIENCES

I was diagnosed with OSA -- obstructive sleep apnea about 28 years ago. I am now 64. I have used five different CPAP and now BiPAP machines during that time.

There have been considerable upgrades in the quality, size, portability and effectiveness over the years.
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MASKS
As others have said, it takes time to find the most comfortable mask.

I probably went through 10 to 15 different styles to find my current one.
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IF YOU ARE LUCKY ENOUGH TO FIND A RESPIRATORY THERAPY OR PULMONARY SPECIALIST'S CONFERENCE, IT IS WORTH ATTENDING.

USUALLY YOU CAN VISIT THE VENDOR'S BOOTHS AT NO COST, and without actually registering for the conference.

I HAVE SEEN SIX OR SEVEN VENDORS AT A SINGLE CONFERENCE REPRESENTING DIFFERENT MANUFACTURER'S MACHINES AND MASKS STYLES DISPLAYING THEIR NEWEST PRODUCTS AT THESE SHOWS.

Ask the person who services your machine or the medical tech who fit you, when the next show will be coming. He or she is probably planning on attending to receive ongoing continuing education credits required for maintaining state license.
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The most comfortable mask style (for me) is using nasal pillows. These are small inserts which only enter nares (the nose or nasal passage) about .5 inch.

I did not like the masks which covered my entire nose, even after trying several models to find the proper size to snugly fit around my nose, without pressurized air leaking out and drying my eyes while I slept. I found these full nose masks bulky and uncomfortable especially when I changed position while sleeping (i.e., rolling over, etc.). In order for me to get a tight enough seal, I needed to increase the tension on the velcro straps so much that the area between my upper lip and my nose actually hurt when I woke up in the morning.
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If you find that you have a dry mouth each morning, it means that during your sleep you have been mouth breathing. Ask or a chin strap. This is a special additional strap that attaches to your headgear and keeps your mouth from opening while sleeping. (I think my copay was about $10.00, but it sure helped !)
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TECHNOLOGY CHANGES: You should anticipate upgrading your machine every four to five years. Usually by then your rental agreement (through your insurance company) has fully paid for your machine.

HOWEVER, be warned, your provider will NOT tell you that your machine is now fully paid for and that you own it free and clear. You must ask. Otherwise, they are more than happy to continue accepting your co-payment (forever, I guess).
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Keep your old machine!

You do not need turn "turn it in" or trade it in when you purchase a new model. It is always a good idea to have a spare in case of an emergency. I had one machine's electronics 'fried' in a power surge during a lightning /thunder storm.
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I have used both CPAP and BiPAP machines. A CPAP is a continuous pressurized air pump; a BiPAP is a bi-directional pressurized air pump. The Bi-PAP makes adjustments for both inhaling and exhaling, which I found more comfortable.
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As to your original question of how long a forty-five year old with sleep apnea should expect to live, I would think 80 to 85 should be realistic with no problem.

Weight loss and exercise will likely improve your chances to not only live to that age, but to actually enjoy it. Please understand that this last comment is a "do as I say, not as I do" comment. I immediately lost about 25-30 pounds following my initial OSA surgery twenty five plus years ago (but have lost little weight since-- a few pounds each year) and do not get (realistically) any exercise.

Sigh...