you are dealing with so much right now.  you have a lot on your plate.  i would think it might be better to wait a few weeks to battle the smoking.  they say its not good to try to quit at a time when a lot of other stuff is going on.  you have the cpap machine to get used to and i would give yourself time to get through the adjustment with that and then try.

you are prayerfully in my heart.

with love.....

[image]http://img185.imageshack.us/my.php?image=bcandle3fq9.gif[image]

Dear Liliwings, thanks for the uplifting and inspiring post! I am going to take it easy as I need to adjust to the machine. I get it next Wed and I am both looking forward to it and nervous about it. Thanks for your supportiveness and encouragement too. I appreciate it all. :)
 
Love Karen

integrity is shown when no one is looking

dear kriann,
 
it is interesting what you write as I already made that difficult decision. I decided I will definitely quit but that one or two a day will help calm my nerves until I get used the machine. Not as an excuse, but its hard to make many adjustments at one time. I am eating better and exercising 3 times a week, so I am trying. I will quit the cigs when the timing is right. I hope for May 1st as my quit date. Thanks for the advice; I am taking it!
 
To all- thanks for the caring and sorry I dont get on this much lately. I have been super busy with life; you know how that goes. I love the warmth I feel here with all you dear friends. thank you ever so much for your caring.
 
Love to all,
karen

integrity is shown when no one is looking

Dear Karen, I, too have not been on the forum much lately and for some reason this thread caught my eye. I have a very close friend who has
been on the cpap for the past 5 years. It took five attempts with different masks before he found one that he was completely comfortable with. There are lots and lots of them out there so don't give up. He always would also get severe sinus infections that would eventually end up in pneumonia. The nurse practitioner in his ENT's office suggested that he use something called Neil-Med sinus rinse. It is a very fine, measured mixture of baking soda and salt. Initially he was told to start with two packets of the Regular and then switched to the Hypertonic packets and used only 1 twice a day. Once the infections were gone, he only uses it once a day in the morning now. I have recommended it to many friends who work in high risk situations for getting colds and have been amazed at their positive comments about it. It is over the counter but some stores don't carry the Hypertonic but will order it for you. Since my friend has been using it, he has not had pneumonia or even a cold. Neil-Med has a web page and also lists where you can buy their products. They are very reasonably priced. Good luck on the cpap. I am sure since there are so many different styles that there is a mask that you will find comfortable for you. Prayers go out to you for success with it.

Yesterday is gone forever.Tomorrow may not come. Live Fully each moment today. Look for Good Things that Happen to you Every Day.

Dear Karen . . .
I am happy to hear that you are adjusting to all of this.
It is quite a 'lump', I know.
As I see Betty has said, there are many options,
so you are sure, with patience,
to find one that is most comfortable for you.
 
When you are ready to quit smoking
you will.
Don't give up.
As a multiple-times quitter
I can tell you that it sometimes takes more than one try.
I have heard that the more times you attempt to quit,
the more likely you are to succeed.
I once quit for a year and nine months,
so at almost 3 months (I think I miscalculated on anther post) smoke free (at this point),
I do not take my 'success' for granted.
It can be either easier or harder to quit in the midst of other changes . . .
easier because it can sort of blend in with all the changes,
or harder because the stress level is often higher with change.
Whatever you do Karen,
don't judge yourself
but listen to your body
and be patient with yourself
with love . . .
sparrow

everything counts... ♥

Dear Imenuff and Sparrow,
 
thanks for the uplifting and encouraging replies . I will remember your excellent advice and information in case I need it Imenuff. And sparrow, your encouragement means alot to me as well.
 
To all-
 I know I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Having a strong spiritual belief, whatever kind it may be, can really help a person have hope, dont you think?
 
I made a joke and laughed at it this morning and it was so good to feel that rush of happiness and pleasure. I will probably watch a comedy soon so I can feel it again!
 
I decided to take it easy getting used to the machine, even if I only make it a few hours each night for a few days. i  might gradually increase my time with it if I am not successful at going all night at first. that relieves pressure I was feeling about how I am going to do it. I will still feel successful no matter how little I do it at first!
 
thanks for all the candles and concerns. They really help lift my spirits alot. The depression over the machine is lifting. I actually feel more grateful for the treatment and hopeful that it will help my health alot more than the negative feelings now.
 
I know your prayers and warm thoughts have helped with that!
 
I hope you all have a good weekend.
 
I love you,
Karen

integrity is shown when no one is looking

Karen, thinking of you as WEdnesday is nearing. Just do like you said and tak it easy. If you need me, you know that I am here. love ALways, Joya I will light  candle for you.

Dearest Karen,
 
No doubt having a strong spiritual belief will see you through these trying times .
 
Keep telling the jokes as the more relaxed you are the easier it will be to face your fears.
 
Each small step is a huge one really...
 
Take care Karen,Sandraxx
 
 

The greatest thing you'll ever learn is just to love~and be loved in return♥♥