Page 37 of Brick Wall
Sebastian
I t’s confirmed. I have Obstructive Sleep Apnea, or OSA for short. After practice today, I had a follow-up appointment with my doctor, and he wasn’t the least bit surprised.
He also said it may be why I fall asleep often, especially at practice when we watch game tape and on other occasions. I may not be getting enough sleep at night without even realizing it. I go to bed early and allot enough hours for a good night’s sleep, but often, I still wake up tired.
The test I did at home, the one that made me look like an elephant, only recorded two hours of sleep. I thought I had at least seven hours. I often wake up and stop breathing without even realizing it—several times a night, according to my test results.
Apparently, sleep apnea is common, especially among football players. I’m unsure of the exact numbers, but athletes and football players are at a higher risk of developing OSA .
One reason is that athletes, linemen especially, have thicker necks and looser tissues, which can obstruct the upper airway during sleep. Obesity and weight gain can contribute to sleep apnea as well.
If untreated, sleep apnea can lead to chronic heart failure, high blood pressure, stroke, and other health problems. I now wonder if my dad may have had untreated sleep apnea, which could have led to his stroke. He was a bigger guy, but he still died too young. I guess I’ll never know for sure.
Thankfully, I am aware of the problem for myself and can take some measures to help. I need to use a CPAP machine, which will force air into my mouth and keep my airways open while I sleep. I look forward to getting better rest.
Annie enters my apartment, and her eyes automatically fall on my dining room table, where my CPAP machine sits. She lifts an eyebrow, so I lead her to the couch and tell her everything I learned today.
“I’m relieved they figured out what it was,” she says, echoing my own thoughts from earlier.
I’m still a little embarrassed that I will need to sleep with a machine every night.
“Don’t feel pressure to stay tonight or any night. I know the machine will be annoying.” I have no idea how annoying it will be since I haven’t used it yet, but I’m sure it will be.
“I’m not worried. I’d rather sleep with you, anyway.”
I’d rather sleep with her, too. I’m relieved she’s not bothered, but that could change in the future, of course.
“Have you mentioned it to your mom yet?” Annie asks.
“Not yet. I’ll tell her soon.” Probably.
Annie gives me a look, then says, “She’ll want to know.”
“I know.” I will, just not today .
We move on to other topics, which I’m grateful for. I don’t want to think about my health any longer.
“Oh! You should invite Calvin over on Tuesday night for dinner,” Annie suggests. “And don’t feel you have to tell him anything. I think it would be fun to have more people over.”
We’re having an impromptu dinner party with Scarlett because I realized when I ran into her, I have seen little of her since the season started.
That’s fairly typical for in-season, but this year has been much less than in the past. I have little free time during the season, and when I do lately, I usually spend it with Annie.
“Sure, Cal is usually down for free food, and it’s a short commute. You would think I would see him more since we live on top of each other.”
“Yeah, I live with Goldie and haven’t seen her as much as I’d like. Actually, do you mind if I invite her and Bryce, too?
“Sure, that sounds good. I think everyone knows each other. Maybe not Goldie and my sister…”
“They’ll get along great,” Annie reassures me.
It’s probably more fun with more people, and I know Scarlett would love to have more friends in the city. I need to get better at inviting people over.
“I think you’re right.” I lean down to kiss her.
“Magic to my ears,” Annie quips back.
* * *
Tuesday night is here, and we settled on takeout from my favorite French restaurant, where Annie and I had our first date. They don’t usually offer takeout, but they sometimes make an exception for me—the perks of being friends with the chef.
Scarlett is the first to show up, with Calvin arriving a few minutes later. Goldie and Bryce appear ten minutes late, but a few minutes before the food arrives.
We all sit around my sleek, modern dining room table, and it’s a great time. It fits the six of us rather comfortably. This is the first time I’ve used it for more than just clutter and sleep apparatuses.
I rarely have company over, usually just Cal and some of my teammates, and I’ve never hosted a dinner party before. In fact, the only dinner parties I’ve attended are mandatory team dinners, which differ from this.
“This is delicious,” Goldie says after she takes a bite.
“Yes, thanks, buddy, for hosting us,” Calvin says while lifting his drink.
“My pleasure.” I actually mean it.
We concentrate on our food but make small talk in between.
“Oh, Annie! I forgot to tell you!” Goldie says as she’s holding her fork in the air without placing it in her mouth. “I got my dress over the weekend! Remind me to show you a picture later!”
Annie beams at her friend. “That’s awesome! What color did you get?”
“Red, of course!” Goldie takes a bite of her food and then turns to Scarlett. “Oh, Scarlett, are you attending the Revs holiday party this year?”
“Oh,” Scarlett says, while looking at her feet. “I don’t think so.”
I’ve taken Scarlett as my date for various work events in the past, but this is the first time I’m taking a girlfriend instead. I’m looking forward to going with Annie, although I’ll miss having my sister there.
“You should go with Calvin,” Goldie suggests.
Scarlett says nothing in return.
“I don’t have a date,” Calvin confirms. “Is it okay if I go with your sister?” Cal looks at me for an answer.
“I’m good with that,” I say honestly. “I’d like to have you there, Scarlett.”
“I’d love to be there,” Scarlett says, as she smiles over at Cal. “Is it before or after the holidays this year?”
Every year, the Boston Revs host a holiday party at the same downtown luxury hotel.
The only thing that really changes is the date.
It’s always in December or January and it really depends on our schedule.
We had our bye week and Thursday night game earlier this season, so we are having our holiday party in January this year.
“After our last regular season game, which is on a Saturday in January, and the holiday party is on Sunday night,” Calvin answers for me.
Hopefully, we’ll have a bye week for the playoffs the following week.
I’m thinking about the bye, but I don’t dare say anything yet. Only one team in our conference will get a bye week. We are on track for the playoffs and the bye with our strong record so far, but with one slipup, that coveted bye week could easily go to an opponent.
I don’t want to talk about it. I’m a little superstitious and don’t want to jinx anything.
Goldie loudly gasps and claps her hands in excitement. “Oh! Let’s all go shopping together! ”
“Didn’t you just say you already bought a dress?” Bryce lifts his brow in confusion. I’m right there with him. You don’t need two dresses for the event.
Goldie rolls her eyes in retort while the ladies all agree to make plans to go shopping soon.