Frustrations

[SedonaDreaming]

I started APAP about a month ago. Just had my re-check with my sleep doctor. He downloaded the data from the machine and without further investigation, decided that I failed compliance and that because I said my sleep has not improved and in some ways seems worse since starting therapy, I should stop. He is certain insurance won't want to continue to pay. He said he thinks the machine is adding fuel to my insomnia fire.

If he would have asked why I am not wearing the machine, I could have told him. On Monday of last week, I had a bone graft to my lower jaw. The procedure I anticipated was not the procedure I got. i have been in severe pain all week and unable to wear the neck collar to keep my mouth shut, so to prevent air from blowing on the new graft, I have not worn the machine. I knew it would raise a flag and I am ok with that. I will resume trying to use the machine tonight as the pain to the jaw is a more tolerable and I want the benefit of the machine.

I have struggled with adjusting to the sounds and feel of the machine, but was making progress before this bone graft. I want to continue therapy to be successful and I was ultimately P'd off at him this morning for making me feel like a complete failure. I felt better after talking to my DME and they reminded me that they are working from a 90-day adjustment period and that I have to show 70% compliance at 4 hours a night. They were very encouraging and said there was no need for me to turn in the equipment and that according to their records, I was doing well. I'll get there, I know I will.

Just had an off day and am going against the MD advice to stop. I know my insomnia is a problem, but it won't be better if I am having apnea and waking all night from it.

I will entertain a cognitive behavioral therapist for a session to see what that can offer. Something tells me that since moving to an office job a year ago (which in reflection seems like when the chronic insomnia really started regularly kicking my butt), perhaps I need light therapy or something. It's not that bright in my office and I go in before full sun-up and come out after the sun sets. No real light all day, no windows. Might not be the whole issue, but I am willing to lay dollars to donuts it plays a role.

Hope everyone else had a great day!

[jim22]

It sounds like you have your hands full recovering from the surgery and an excellent attitude to be successful with the cpap therapy. Don't let the doctor discourage you. I would expect some insomnia while getting used to the cpap, and it should improve over time. Tell us about your equipment and what you are having issues with. We may be able to offer suggestions. Hang in there!
Jim

[chunkyfrog]

Sounds like a good time to consider a different doctor . . .

[LSAT]

I started APAP about a month ago. Just had my re-check with my sleep doctor. He downloaded the data from the machine and without further investigation, decided that I failed compliance and that because I said my sleep has not improved and in some ways seems worse since starting therapy, I should stop. He is certain insurance won't want to continue to pay. He said he thinks the machine is adding fuel to my insomnia fire.

If he would have asked why I am not wearing the machine, I could have told him. On Monday of last week, I had a bone graft to my lower jaw. The procedure I anticipated was not the procedure I got. i have been in severe pain all week and unable to wear the neck collar to keep my mouth shut, so to prevent air from blowing on the new graft, I have not worn the machine. I knew it would raise a flag and I am ok with that. I will resume trying to use the machine tonight as the pain to the jaw is a more tolerable and I want the benefit of the machine.

I have struggled with adjusting to the sounds and feel of the machine, but was making progress before this bone graft. I want to continue therapy to be successful and I was ultimately P'd off at him this morning for making me feel like a complete failure. I felt better after talking to my DME and they reminded me that they are working from a 90-day adjustment period and that I have to show 70% compliance at 4 hours a night. They were very encouraging and said there was no need for me to turn in the equipment and that according to their records, I was doing well. I'll get there, I know I will.

Just had an off day and am going against the MD advice to stop. I know my insomnia is a problem, but it won't be better if I am having apnea and waking all night from it.

I will entertain a cognitive behavioral therapist for a session to see what that can offer. Something tells me that since moving to an office job a year ago (which in reflection seems like when the chronic insomnia really started regularly kicking my butt), perhaps I need light therapy or something. It's not that bright in my office and I go in before full sun-up and come out after the sun sets. No real light all day, no windows. Might not be the whole issue, but I am willing to lay dollars to donuts it plays a role.

Hope everyone else had a great day!

Even it he didn't ask....why didn't you tell him? If you don't have good communication with your doctor, you need a change. Why wouldn't your doctor know that you had this surgery? All your doctors should know everything about you in order to make proper recommendations.

[TASmart]

Seems like there are some unsaid things here. What about the time period before your surgery? How did that look? I cannot imagine a Dr looking at data and not asking a patient what's going on, how are they feeling and generally asking about the patients assessment of the therapy. If the good Dr. did indeed say you are not in compliance then he is not looking at insurance compliance because most if not all US based insurers use the Medicare 70% use in any 30 day period in the first 90 days for compliance testing. Perhaps the Dr was telling you that at this time you are not in compliance, and that i you do not improve you will lose the device?

If indeed you told him that the therapy is not working, then he agreed with you, what are you complaining about? Was the Dr supposed to try to browbeat you into feeling better? I disagree that 30 days is an adequate trial, but that would depend on how forceful you were in telling me things were getting worse, If in fact your numbers look good, and you say things are worse I may tell you that it's not working for you.

Some additional details would be useful to dissuade my thinking on this.