Recommend questions for dr appt?

[hedgie]

On Tuesday, I'll be going back to the sleep doc for my first appointment since starting on the CPAP machine. I wanted to ask the experienced folks here whether ya'll have any particular suggestions for this appointment. Are there questions I should ask or topics I should discuss? I've got my own list, of course, but would love suggestions.

[Guest]

since starting on the CPAP machine.

Which was when?
What problems are you having, if any?

Bring detailed copies of your data whether it's Sleepyhead, Encore, or whatever.
Also bring a current copy of any meds you take, incl over the counter thingies.

Keep a notebook for your sleep or healthcare questions. Write your questions in there leaving room under the question for the docs response / answer. Don't let the doc go until you have read thru your questions.

In reality you may not even see a doc so be prepared as it could be a Nurse, PA, or even an RT, ask your questions anyway.
I find bringing a type written copy for the them to copy works best as that way I don't forget the name, freq., or dosage.

On Tuesday, I'll be going back to the sleep doc for my first appointment since starting on the CPAP machine. I wanted to ask the experienced folks here whether ya'll have any particular suggestions for this appointment. Are there questions I should ask or topics I should discuss? I've got my own list, of course, but would love suggestions.

[robysue]

On Tuesday, I'll be going back to the sleep doc for my first appointment since starting on the CPAP machine. I wanted to ask the experienced folks here whether ya'll have any particular suggestions for this appointment. Are there questions I should ask or topics I should discuss? I've got my own list, of course, but would love suggestions.

Without knowing what's already on your list, we're shooting in the dark.

In general, if you are using the machine 100% of the time, with a good leak line and you are consistently getting AHIs that are less than 3 or 4 AND you are feeling good, there's not much that needs to be discussed.

But if you are having real problems with CPAP therapy, you need to discuss the specific problems you are dealing with.

For me, I bring a printout of my data (from Encore) and I discuss the problems I am experiencing and any concerns I might have. In my April appointment with my sleep doc, that meant that my questions focused on the fact that my AHI had crept up to being in the 4-6 range consistently while the way I felt in the morning and throughout the day had decreased substantially. And we discussed the fact that the frequent wakes that I have always had on CPAP were getting worse to the point that they were once again disturbing the quality of my sleep. And finally we discussed my total sleep time and my bedtimes, which were also problematic. And we then came up with a set of experiments for me to try to see if any of them would improve my sleep back to where it's good enough for me to wake up feeling decent as opposed to awful. The appointment ended with the doctor adding that I should get back to him with written updates on the results of the experiments every couple of weeks or so.

[ChicagoGranny]

Are there questions I should ask or topics I should discuss?

Here is how the discussion goes with my annual visit with the sleep doc.

Me: As you know, I use Sleepyhead to manage my therapy. My AHI was under 1.0 the last 12 months,
and the leak level was 0.5 with very rare episodes of excessive leak. I'm doing fine. Here's the card out of my machine. Do whatever is needed to keep me compliant under Medicare rules and give me my card back. Here's my $50 copay. See you next year.

Doc: It's good that you are doing well. If you have any problems, call or email the office.

Me: If I have any problems, I will fix them myself. Bye.

I've got my own list, of course, but would love suggestions.

What's on your list? How are you doing? Are you using Sleepyhead software to manage your therapy?