Jim Farrell, my gentle man - robbed of a new life

by Marika
(Guildford Surrey UK)

My lovely Jim had sleep apnea for many years but it was only a confirmed diagnosis in May 2012.

He was issued a CPAP machine and within days most of the symptoms of ME/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (which he had since 2000) had dramatically reduced! we were so excited as he got stronger and stronger.

We started making plans for our new life together (including celebrating 30 years together in October 12).

I was going to work less so we could do more together. But on 15th July 12 he did some heavy work in the garden and then went for a snooze on the sofa..... the CPAP machine was upstairs in the bedroom.

He never woke up. We didn't even realise anyone could die from Sleep Apnea, which is why he wouldn't have been aware of the risk of the snooze.

If only someone had warned us! After all those years of suffering with CFS, then a bright new life - extinguished. We were both robbed.

I wrote to the Guardian newspaper (UK) who published an obituary online, because a) I was so proud of him, and b) I want to make more people aware of the risks associated with sleep apnea.


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Nov 10, 2012
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starstarstarstarstar 		So Sad
by: Kath Hope

Thank you for sharing your tragic story, and I hope this story gets the attention it deserves to save the lives of others.

My heart goes out to you, and bearing in mind most sleep apnoea is hereditary, it's worth having Jim's children, parents, siblings checked out so another tragedy doesn't happen in your family.

Bless you!

Kath
Nov 10, 2012
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starstarstarstarstar 		Devastated by Sleep Apnoea.
by: Joan Kiincey

I am very sad to read your tragic story of your sad loss of your dear Husband.You are so right when you say you had no idea one could die from sleep apnoea,niether did I,they simply do not inform us enough.I too lost a son from sleep apnoea,in 2010,I still find it so hard to accept my loss.What you have done in writing your story takes a lot of courage,and is not easy,you are doing this to make others aware,as I am still doing myself,we have to do this ,mostly for our loved ones,and so that others understand just how serious SA is ,and will take notice,Bless you,sincerely Joan x
Nov 10, 2012
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starstarstarstarstar 		Loss
by: Thomas Ellis PAC

I am so sorry for your loss, I am a provider who works in sleep medicine, trying every day to try to keep this from happening, I have sleep apnea and my dad had it and died from having it not treated for thirty years, twenty three years ago, I wish that the American Sleep Apnea association would stop being so political correct and scream out loud what this process can to to so many. I will continue to fight the fight to keep this from happening to anyone else. Please know I am so sorry for your loss

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