I had a procedure done earlier this year. During the recovery period, nurse David Mueller asked if I had ever had a sleep study or been diagnosed with sleep apnea. I had been asked many times by my heart clinic to have one, but I always refused because I knew the only remedy was a CPAP machine. When I said this to him, he asked if he could sit down and talk with me for a bit. He shared that he had been diagnosed with sleep apnea and that the use of his CPAP machine changed his life. That he wouldn’t be without it one night. He talked about his own experiences and thoughts.

Also, he listed all the detrimental effects of untreated apnea and the fear of even more heart problems and Afib, along with a chance of higher risk of dementia and organ damage, finally convinced me to have a sleep study. He said he was quite sure I would have it, and boy, was he right. It was determined I have sleep apnea with a score of 47, which is in the severe range. I finally received my CPAP machine a week ago, and it has already helped me feel better and more energized. I have waited until now to write anything to see if the machine would help, and it has already made a big difference!

I credit this to David’s effort to take the time to sincerely and intelligently explain what he saw as a life-threatening condition. He didn’t have to do this, but he took the time for me, and I will always be grateful that he encouraged me to take care of myself. It has touched me to the core, and I hope he receives some credit for his above-and-beyond patient care.