CPAP users - please read

[Aldy]

Fellow pilgrims
If any of you are currently using a CPAP machine and are considering NOT bringing it on the Camino, you may want to reconsider. I've been on a CPAP for almost 3 years now, and last summer I completed my second Camino without my CPAP. This year, however, following my same thinking (the machine is too heavy, I may not get power in the albergue etc) I opted to leave it at home.

MISTAKE - actually big mistake that curtailed my Camino by quite a few weeks... and it could have ended very badly and here's why. When we walk most of the day, our bodies are very tired. When you are used to a CPAP machine you may be able to "wake" yourself up enough to start breathing again, but in pilgrim tiredness, this could potential not happen. None of us want to end up in the hospital (as I did and was quite fortunate that I did wake up, and got good care before flying back home to Canada) or worse yet.

I just want to remind those who may feel they can do without their CPAP that you likely will end up with limited sleep and possible serious problems. Apparently, there are new compact travel size machines that take up little space and weigh far less than the traditional larger model.
I want all pilgrims to be safe and sound, and I felt sharing my recent experience may save someone some unhealthy moments on their Camino.

 

[Nikki]

My husband's CpAP won't work! We have the correct adaptor, the machine will turn on, but nothing is happening. We are currently in Paris on the way to the Camino. Help!

 

[krazeekuban]

Did you try to contact the CPAP provider?

 

[Deleted member 3000]

A plug adapter may not be enough. You may need a voltage converter as well.

 

[dougfitz]

Returning to the OP topic, I consulted my sleep specialist and an ENT specialist when I was being diagnosed, and raised the question of what the issues might be if I wasn't able to use CPAP for a period of time. I was advised that my apnoea was not so severe that I would do permanent damage by not using the CPAP for a month or so, even though I would suffer the daytime sleepiness and other effects if I wasn't using it. I would suggest that if you are a CPAP user, it would be wise to discuss this with your sleep specialist before deciding to leave your machine at home.

 

[Nikki]

We have the correct converter and now we are on our way! He's really nervous, but we 're going slow and steady--and leaving early!

 

[dougfitz]

@Nikki, is their more information you can share with us so other CPAP users can avoid the same problem?

 

[Nikki]

Our converter wasn't equipped for the CPAP--the machine wasn't getting enough power. Paris Hilton gave us a converter that has worked so far. We 're keeping our fingers crossed. We start walking tomorrow morning.