The Sleep Study

Life in Thailand has not been problem free.  In fact, I guess life has never been problem free. It was here in Bangkok that I finally found the source of my problems.  And I wasn't a bit surprised when I found out.

In late Decemeber, I was diagnosed with Obstructive Sleep Apnea and Delayed Sleep Phase Syndrome.  Two disorders I have long worried about having but never had the money, insurance, or proper healthcare to get help.  Its amazing how much better the healthcare is here in Thailand.  I have been seeing doctors for over 30 years, but just one consultation with a specialist here and she knew exactly what was wrong.  Sleep tests later confirmed her diganosis.

I was told a week in advance about the sleep test.  I knew what the results were going to be but I was excited to get them confirmed.  This was possibly an eye opening moment.  A moment that could change everything in my life.  To be able to fix sleep problems that have been plaguing me my entire life is priceless.

It was day after Christmas when I had my sleep study scheduled.  I had a pre-wedding photo shoot with Siri that morning and did not have much sleep.  Once again, I was sleep deprived.  Siri and I showed up to the test lab at 10pm that night.  When the clock struck midnight, it was time for me to get get ready.  The medical technician came in and started to get to work.  I was getting strapped up to I don't know how many machines.  I had electrobes all over my head, heart monitors, multiple things up my nose monitoring my breath, devices hooked to my hands and legs.  How was a person supposed to sleep like this?:

I was so glad that Siri was with me.  She stayed all night in the couch next to me.  It took forever to fall asleep, even with my lack of sleep from the night before.  That night, I didn't sleep much.  It took me 2 hours to fall asleep and I was asleep for 65% of the time for the remaining 10 hours.  As I expected, the the diagnosis was confirmed.  I had just discovered one of my biggest obstacles in my life and I was ready to deal with it.  With the help of great medical support and a incredibly wonderful, helpful and supportive wife, I knew it was only a matter of time until I defeated these disorders.