Discussion with my GP

[CruzTerri]

I haven't been around much, life got in the way. I'm using my equipment successfully and the thought of sleeping without it at any time scares the you know what outta me.

Recent appointment:
Doc: How's the CPAP Therapy going?
Me: Going well, thank you. I've learned how to read my data and make sure that I'm getting optimal therapy.
Doc: You're what?
Me: I've learned how to read my data.
Doc: Your DME should do that.
Me: Really, in almost 2 years they've never asked to see my machine or to read the memory card.
Doc: I wish my other CPAP patients could be as successful as you are.
Me: Well, they should go online and find support message boards/forums like I did. One in particular helped me from the very beginning to get used to it and offered many helpful suggestions.
Doc: What is this message boards/forums?
Me: http://www.cpaptalk.com

At that point my doctor wrote the website down and was going to start providing the information to her other OSA patients. I also told her that over 50% fail because they do not have the proper support from the DME. All they do is hand over equipment and say get used to it! So I hope that passing the information along to other patients will help them with their therapy.

I want to thank all of those who helped me in 2011 go down this road successfully. I have passed on information that I have received and have, as you see above, I tell them that our group here can provide much insight and assistance.

Thank you all once again. Happy Holidays!

[eeckel]

Thanks for helping others by educating your GP.

[johnthomasmacdonald]

the average level of help from MDs and/or the DMEs seems pretty disgraceful - I've come to have so much more respect for DENTISTS as professionals over the medical community. If you go to your dentist to have work done it seems that the dentist at least feels that it is THEIR responsibility to actually solve the problem the problem that you came to them for.

i no longer get that feeling from MDs.

They have their couple of minutes allocated to your case and if their advise works: great, if not, too bad, they bill the same either way

my sister went to an internist who is rated as one of the top MDs in NJ by jersey magazine, you need to give him $1000 up front each year for him to take you as a patient in addition to any insurance - for ANY and ALL problems he just refers you to a specialist - no exaggeration, he really wouldn't be wiling to give his own advice on the best treatment for a paper cut - he'd refer you to the wound clinic - I guess this is his way of avoiding any lawsuits - why people keep going to him, i have no idea

[Lizistired]

the average level of help from MDs and/or the DMEs seems pretty disgraceful - I've come to have so much more respect for DENTISTS as professionals over the medical community. If you go to your dentist to have work done it seems that the dentist at least feels that it is THEIR responsibility to actually solve the problem the problem that you came to them for.

i no longer get that feeling from MDs.

They have their couple of minutes allocated to your case and if their advise works: great, if not, too bad, they bill the same either way

my sister went to an internist who is rated as one of the top MDs in NJ by jersey magazine, you need to give him $1000 up front each year for him to take you as a patient in addition to any insurance - for ANY and ALL problems he just refers you to a specialist - no exaggeration, he really wouldn't be wiling to give his own advice on the best treatment for a paper cut - he'd refer you to the wound clinic - I guess this is his way of avoiding any lawsuits - why people keep going to him, i have no idea

But have you found a dentist that isn't just looking for a tooth to crown?? I haven't. The tooth that doesn't bother me, they all want to crown it.
Can we talk about my grinding? my bite? no, not til I get a crown on that tooth!!

[zoocrewphoto]

I hate going to the dentist, but I have been pretty happy with mine. I have never been to a dentist before who checks blood pressure and actually cares about the results.

Two years ago, when I went in for a broken wisdome tooth, they actually pulled the tooth in less time than it took to numb my mouth. And during the exam (next visit), they found a lot. My fault as I had been avoiding dentists for many years. But it was early in the year. They recommended doing a small amount of the work, and waiting until the end of the year so that I would have insurance money available should an emergency arrive. My inusrance does up to $2500 per year for dental work. Not a percentage. No coverage past that point. I did my normal avoidance routine and did not go back until last month. Almost 2 years. I knew I needed to get the other 3 wisdom teeth out (one has been broken for about 10 years). And I had a ton of smaller cavities. More than $2500 worth, and my work contract is up for negotiation next May. I figured I better use as much as I could now, finish the rest in the new year before the insurance possibly changes.

I had the new exam and detailed cleaning 3 weeks ago. They planned it out with the 3 extractions and as many fillings as they could do while keeping me under the $2500 limit. They did great, only $52 left unused. They also checked my blood pressure several times. It was higher during the detailed cleaning, so they used a numbing medication that is not their first choice, but doesn't raise blood pressure. They let me know that they would only do fillings if my blood pressure was not lower for the next appointment. I got it down enough to get the teeth out, so I am thrilled that I was able to get it done.

During my appointment, the patient in the next cubicle was discussing treatment. He had two bad teeth that needed work, but was short on money or insurance (not sure which). Only one was actually bothering him. The dentist was very nice, and was telling him the options, and clearly understood that the one that didn't bother him could easily wait until later. No pressure at all. They really seemed to understand how to work with people's insurance and budget to take care of whatever issues were causing pain and let the other things wait.

[49er]

Four years ago, per my dentist's suggestion, I started using Listerine as part of my dental hygiene program. Unfortunately, it caused me to lose my sense of taste which fortunately returned once I stopped using the product.

Feeling that doctors routine blew off med side effects as had been my experience, I expected the same reaction from my dentist when I told him what had happened. I was happy to be proven wrong as he was very concerned and said that it would be noted in my chart.

In subsequent visits, it was clear to me that this had been done and they would never mention it again.

Back on topic - TeriCruz, when I read your post, initially, I was expecting a different result when you said your doctor said, "And you did what?". Usually, someone asking a question in that manner is not happy what what has transpired. As in the case of my dentist, I was very happy to be proven wrong. Thank you for what you did.

49er

[chunkyfrog]

My dentist is a sweetheart.
We started when he was fresh out of dental school.
Over 40 years later, he's like an old friend.

[wildflowertx]

My regular doctor is pretty good about listening to me and spending extra time when needed; she's the one who found anomalies in a blood test early last year that eventually resulted in a diagnosis of auto-immune liver cirrhosis. She also is the one who referred me for a sleep study after I complained about still being tired all the time even after being on sleeping pills for a couple of years and even though tiredness is one of the side effects/symptoms of cirrhosis. It can take a hellacious amount of waiting time for an appointment, though (not to make it, but waiting once I get there). In the end, though, I won't depend on her for keeping up with my OSA, just like I don't depend on her for the specifics of my cirrhosis; I think some diseases just need specialists to oversee treatment even if it's just a once a year visit. Hopefully I'll find a good sleep specialist doc that will be willing to work with me as needed.

My dentist is an absolute gem. I went for a cleaning about 5.5 years ago, and my blood pressure was SO high, he refused to do the cleaning, he insisted I call my doc as soon as I got back to my office and he insisted I call them as soon as I got back to my office so they knew I made it safely (they're downtown as is my office, so I'd walked). Thanks to them, I found out about a really big problem that I now control with meds. I'm also currently without dental insurance for the past year, and they work with me on costs for my cleanings and such. Very helpful.

CruzTerri, it's great that your GP was open-minded to your being active in your therapy!!

[zoocrewphoto]

My dentist is an absolute gem. I went for a cleaning about 5.5 years ago, and my blood pressure was SO high, he refused to do the cleaning, he insisted I call my doc as soon as I got back to my office and he insisted I call them as soon as I got back to my office so they knew I made it safely (they're downtown as is my office, so I'd walked). Thanks to them, I found out about a really big problem that I now control with meds. I'm also currently without dental insurance for the past year, and they work with me on costs for my cleanings and such. Very helpful.

My dentist refused to do a deep cleaning a couple years ago because my blood pressure was too high. They did do it 3 weeks ago, and my teeth extractions 2 weeks ago. But I have been treated for blood pressure, so it is lower than it was 2 years ago. They were still concerned and kept checking it. I have never been to another dentist who checked blood pressure. And most of my friends and coworkers are surprised too as they have not experienced that.