Would Like Advice/Tips for Upcoming Follow-up With dr

scooterpie · Post by **scooterpie** » Thu Oct 13, 2011 7:28 pm

Hi Folks!

I've been doing well with my CPAP therapy for the last 20 months. I'm at a pressure of 8 with a straight CPAP machine (F&P Sleepstyle 244--see below). I'm at a little over 4K hours. I just got a download (paper report) from the data stick on the machine. I had the feeling recently that the pressure is diminished since I first started using it. When I questioned the tech at the clinic who downloaded the machine info, they said the report would tell it if it didn't match. I have no idea if that's true--just sounded like BS to me. I would think you'd have to hook up a pressure monitor to know for sure. But I digress--that's a separate concern.

So I have an appt with my cardiologist. He ordered the sleep study at my insistence sort of thinking I was a crank--my impression--it's immaterial at this point. I never followed up, but I am now, so better late than never:-) I have obstructive sleep apnea and during the study, my PVCs were virtually eliminated. I still use the nasal pillows mask and have absolutely no issues with air swallowing.

I'm at a point where I would like to have a sort of tune-up or something. I don't know what questions to ask, or who to ask. So I'll be asking the cardiologist and will take his impression for what it's worth I guess.

My questions to anyone reading this:

1. Would it be worth my while to seek out an actual board-certified sleep dr at some point? I don't as far as I know have any issues related to the CPAP therapy. But I'm not the expert so how would I know.

2. I purchased this machine from the personnel at the lab and today (just for grins) asked about trading it in (if necessary) and they said that wouldn't be an option. Do respiratory therapists work independently and would that be an option for anything at all?

3. I imagine the dr will order a Holter monitor at the least, based on my ongoing complaints. Would it be worth my while to just go ahead an get some kind of "tune-up" sleep study as well?

4. What are the recommendations for using a pulse oximeter from time to time as regards sleep apnea and ongoing CPAP therapy?

The way this shakes out is thus: I got a sleep study from a lab not associated with any of my drs. I have no insurance at the moment--that will change soon. I feel like a pariah from time to time because I have no insurance.

Thanks for reading!

JohnBFisher · Post by **JohnBFisher** » Thu Oct 13, 2011 9:29 pm

My responses are inline ...

scooterpie wrote:Hi Folks!

I've been doing well with my CPAP therapy for the last 20 months. I'm at a pressure of 8 with a straight CPAP machine (F&P Sleepstyle 244--see below). I'm at a little over 4K hours. I just got a download (paper report) from the data stick on the machine. I had the feeling recently that the pressure is diminished since I first started using it. When I questioned the tech at the clinic who downloaded the machine info, they said the report would tell it if it didn't match. I have no idea if that's true--just sounded like BS to me. I would think you'd have to hook up a pressure monitor to know for sure. But I digress--that's a separate concern.

So I have an appt with my cardiologist. He ordered the sleep study at my insistence sort of thinking I was a crank--my impression--it's immaterial at this point. I never followed up, but I am now, so better late than never:-) I have obstructive sleep apnea and during the study, my PVCs were virtually eliminated. I still use the nasal pillows mask and have absolutely no issues with air swallowing.

I'm at a point where I would like to have a sort of tune-up or something. I don't know what questions to ask, or who to ask. So I'll be asking the cardiologist and will take his impression for what it's worth I guess.

My questions to anyone reading this:

1. Would it be worth my while to seek out an actual board-certified sleep dr at some point? I don't as far as I know have any issues related to the CPAP therapy. But I'm not the expert so how would I know. ...

If you have complications that can not readily be handled, then it is a good idea to find a board certified specialist. For example, I have a neuro-degenerative disorder. It made a lot of sense for me to find a board certified neurologist and board certified in sleep medicine. But most folks do not need that. It sounds as if the sleep study showed what you need. And that is good. You do not need more complications.

scooterpie wrote:2. I purchased this machine from the personnel at the lab and today (just for grins) asked about trading it in (if necessary) and they said that wouldn't be an option. Do respiratory therapists work independently and would that be an option for anything at all? ...

No, most RTs are associated with a medical institution (hospital, doctor's office, etc.) or a DME.

scooterpie wrote:3. I imagine the dr will order a Holter monitor at the least, based on my ongoing complaints. Would it be worth my while to just go ahead an get some kind of "tune-up" sleep study as well? ...

If you continue to show problems, then sure. If not, then it would be a waste of your money.

scooterpie wrote:4. What are the recommendations for using a pulse oximeter from time to time as regards sleep apnea and ongoing CPAP therapy? ...

I have one and periodically use it (once a quarter) to be certain no new issues have arisen.

scooterpie wrote:The way this shakes out is thus: I got a sleep study from a lab not associated with any of my drs. I have no insurance at the moment--that will change soon. I feel like a pariah from time to time because I have no insurance. ...

Even with insurance that can happen. Due to my neurological issues, I get all sorts of reactions. Ignore it and forge forward toward your own better health. If they are insensitive louts that is their problem.

Hope that helps.

Would Like Advice/Tips for Upcoming Follow-up With dr

Would Like Advice/Tips for Upcoming Follow-up With dr

Re: Would Like Advice/Tips for Upcoming Follow-up With dr