Recommendations for a newbie in Nashville?

Hi,

First, let me say that you guys are excellent! I was diagnosed with sleep apnea about a month ago, after a sleep study at Vanderbilt University Sleep Disorders Clinic. Of course, I immediately googled "cpap," found cpap.com, and through them, this site. Since then, I have been reading like crazy, trying to get up to speed so I can be an active participant in my Rx, machine choice, and ongoing treatment. I've learned so much so quickly from all the great info here! I already know I want a data capable APAP machine, and I'm excitedly geeking out about tracking my nightly numbers.

Right now, though, I'm waiting to hear from my doc after last week's titration study, and I'm starting to worry about the potential DME hassles and/or other grief that might still be standing between me and a steady diet of truly restorative sleep like I had during this last visit to the lab. Does anyone have any recommendations about who to deal with, or who to absolutely NOT deal with, in the Nashville, TN area?

Thanks!
HEM

HEM wrote: Since then, I have been reading like crazy, trying to get up to speed so I can be an active participant in my Rx, machine choice, and ongoing treatment. I already know I want a data capable APAP machine, and I'm excitedly geeking out about tracking my nightly numbers. Thanks!
HEM

HEM, you are already so far ahead of the curve....keep going.
Fighting for the optimum equipment seems to be a
rite of passage into the cpap world.
Embrace it.
Knowledge is power!

Judging by your avatar, you are locked and loaded.
That's the face you need to give your DME.
I wish I could be a fly on the wall when you get there.

All the best as your cpap journey begins.

Best way to avoid hassles-- if you have the money now and the desire to learn (which it sounds like you do), buy your stuff online. You will get exactly what you want, and no hassles, negotiation, or just plain copping an attitude on the part of the DME. Depending on your DME, in the end, you may actually end up saving money.

Locked and loaded....I see visions of walking into the DME with an AK-47 and an ammo belt over your shoulder, and then asling for service....

timbalionguy wrote:Locked and loaded....I see visions of walking into the DME with an AK-47 and an ammo belt over your shoulder, and then asling for service....

Well, seeing as how I use those as part of my job here for training Soldiers, I might be able to loan one to her. Can't make any promises though. You know how the Army can be about something like that. hehe

Thanks for the encouragement! I admit that, despite my fierce green alter ego and the satisfaction I can often find in a good argument (especially when I win ) I have been thinking about buying stuff out of pocket online, and then filing for reimbursement. The one source of hesitation is the mask. For my titration study, I had a nasal mask that worked well enough, but wouldn't be comfortable long term. From what I've read, it sounds like a decent DME would be set up to allow me to try out several different kinds over a 30-day period, and I'd like to try a bunch of options. It seems like the right mask can make all the difference between reliable comfort and regular frustration. What do you think? Is that a worthwhile factor for considering a DME?


HEM