I can understand the thinking that the 'professional' (whomever and in whatever field) is the expert. I'm of a generation and upbringing which respects this viewpoint. Doesn't make it right. Just perpetuates the myth in the 'professional' 's mind that they are a god, and in the lay person's mind the same.
The fact is, some people are far better off taking responsiblity for themselves and their therapy.
I agree with Slinky and some others that this forum has people who - despite perhaps their good intentions - are counter-productive to many people, and in turn cause these people to turn away from our forum, which is a pity since it denies them of real and valid assistance. I can ignore these, since there are others I can heed. Not everyone is so thick-skinned or insensitive to barbs.
I also agree with blackspinner, I can add 2 and 2, and not get 22. How hard can it be that we cannot be allowed to monitor our AHI and tweak to more effective numbers? It is a sham perpetuated by many, and forums such as this, perhaps unintentionally, debunk it. Sure, some people probably do need the 'experts' to monitor and assist them, and let's face it, they're not here. The ones on this forum are for the most part capable and in the long run become cpap-educated.
In my own case, I'd NEVER go back to (Australia's version of) the DME or the sleep doctor. Condescending, rude, closed and unhelpful in the case of the doctor, and downright ignorant ability-wise in the case of the DME. Like Dori, if I have a problem, it is solved here, and far more efficiently. Attitude I could do without, same as with some of the closed minds, but again that's my choice to ignore and take the good.
The pity of it all is that some of the negative posters in this forum have such wonderful senses of humour, and add so much value from that viewpoint.
