I am not happy with my sleep doctor

I was just diagnosed with sleep apnea. My doctor and I do not get along. During my first appointment he was arrogant and actually ran a background check on me before he would write me a prescription for Ambien. I had a sleep study a few days later and during my follow up appointment he barely explained the results. I was upset because I always thought of sleep apnea happening to old fat sick people with diabetes and I was panicked at the thought of wearing that mask strapped to my face. He barely explained my test results and when I asked him how lifestyle changes or alternative therapies would help he basically told me I didn't have any other options and I agreed to a titration test the next night. I left with a prescription for Ambien. When I got to work I googled CPAP and about had a heart attack when a picture of a man with a full face mask appeared. I immediately called and cancelled the study. A few minutes later I called back and took the appointment. That's when the doctor called and told me that if I didn't do the sleep study I would have to give the RX back. What a dick.

The technician during my titration study explained what he summarized. During the first study it took me over an hour to fall asleep (even though I took 10 mg of Ambien and 300 mg of Trazadone) and I guess my AHI was 20 during the first test and something about my pulse ox dropping to 84. Apparently I slept 72% of the 7 hours even though I swore I was awake all night until the last two hours.

During my titration I used a nasal pillow mask. I never received any explanation, just a 30 day follow up appointment. The doctor sent my RX to a DME provider who told me it could take up to two weeks to receive my equipment because Blue Cross has to approve it. Apparently he prescribed a ResMed Autoset which I knew nothing about.

I finally did some research and made peace with the CPAP. I'm willing to make lifestyle changes and give it a shot. I'm also exploring my options. If all else fails...I still have the CPAP. Today I had an appointment with an ENT. He told me that I only slept 2 hours during the titration(which I knew...the first two) and that the doctor prescribed pressure of 10-15 which is probably why I couldn't tolerate it. He also said that the doctor wrote my AHI was 24 and I had 89 episodes which was odd because I only slept for 2 hours. What the HELL? I think he's being shady so I scheduled an appointment for a sinuplasty in three weeks. I haven't told my sleep doctor and I'm just going to do it. My surgery is five days before my follow up with him. I guess he's in for a surprise.

I only saw the sleep dr once... Not even sure I met him, just the tech. One night test first part with like normal sleep (didn't ) and the second part using a FF mask. Slept 4 hours solid and thought it had only been a few minutes.

Took weeks to get the results, get approval and deal with DME to get a machine.

BTW my original pressure was 29 though I started with a BiPap.

Use my machine like clockwork, every time I lie down, don't sleep without it. Now been 8 years...

Doubt any surgery would help me.

The key is what is good for you, and forget the what the DR thinks. If you don't get good information, help help elsewhere. This forum is good once you get a machine and can get some data (assuming you have a machine which does that).

Hi... your doctor may be a jerk, but don't cut off your nose to spite your face until you've really looked into the surgery and what it means and what results/consequences might be (not suggesting there are any and it might be just what you need, but do more checking anyhow). It's quite possible that you had that many events even in a very short time - don't assume it's wrong because you don't like the people involved or don't think the test was valid.

If you can't make peace with your sleep Dr get another. There are things you have to do along the way that require a Dr . And your insurance co will demand a sleep study before they will give you a cpap machine. I have the resmed auto and it is a very nice machine. Be sure they give you a memory card and download sleepyhead or ResScan on your PC and you can follow your therapy.
Sometimes it's a shock being diagnosed. Once you accept that learn to accept the treatment. If you don't feel any different after a month you might want to talk to your Dr about a pressure change.
Cpap is a journey we are all following and sights like this make it a little easier. There are some very knowledgable people on this sight willing to help you. Best of luck