OSA Stories

When I was a graduate student, I expected to be busy and exhausted, but I didn’t like that I kept dozing off during interesting lectures even after I had gotten a full night’s sleep. The first specialist I spoke to said that it was next to impossible that I had obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) given my average weight and young age. After a 24-hour lab study, he concluded that I didn’t have narcolepsy and told me that “this is what getting older feels like.”

I moved, and found a new specialist, who took me more seriously. An at-home sleep test was inconclusive, but my insurance company denied the specialist’s request for an in-lab test, citing, in part, my age and weight. I moved once more and saw a specialist who listened compassionately and was able to schedule an in-lab test for me. The results were clear: I had severe OSA.

Even after my diagnosis, the odd comments haven’t stopped, but I have also found reasons to celebrate. I first tried a dental appliance as a solution, but when I walked into the dentist’s office to get fitted for one, his first comment was, “You’re not fat!” I stopped seeing him entirely.

When I started CPAP therapy, I was worried it might affect my ability to find a relationship or travel. But, as my sleep apnea symptoms slowly got better, month after month, so did my outlook. I did, in fact, find a boyfriend. I’ve traveled across the continent, gone on an Alaskan cruise, toured 12 state capitol buildings, and found unexpected allies at TSA checkpoints and airport gates. Gaining access to treatment has made my life healthier and more successful.