ONE VETRANS STORY

[Tater52403]

Hi, my name is Chris Holcomb. I’ve been trolling this site for about 6 months finding tons of useful information. I thought it was time to introduce myself and tell a little about my journey in the event it may give someone else answers and hope. I am a disabled Army VET and use the VA system. I was released in early 2000 with a medical discharge. Over the last several years I have been noticing my energy level going down and eyesight deteriorating but assumed as I am now 42 that’s what happens when you get older. Memorial Day a little over a year ago I was on my way to ride my motorcycle in a parade and due to my vision, I missed seeing a stop sign lost control and totaled my bike. After the accident, I started to realize how bad my vision really was and started to use Google to diagnose it. One of my wife’s complaints at the time was how quickly and easily I fall asleep even during activities that should keep me awake like a dirt track race. This led me to the possibility that sleep may have some effect on the issues I was having so I discussed it with my Doctor and reluctantly she scheduled me for a sleep test. Due to the wait list with the VA sleep center of at least 6 months they referred me to the choice program allowing me to see a sleep specialist in my area. After my sleep study, it was determined I did have mild OSA and was referred back to VA to get my equipment. Through persistence and patience, I received my CPAP in about 3 weeks after a class consisting of use and fitting. I received a ResMed airsense 10 and an air fit mask. After about 3 months struggling with leaks and sores on the top of my nose I was issued the Amara view. This mask took me quite a while to fit and get a good seal but was allot more comfortable. I also discussed with the doc about excessive daytime sleepiness remaining a problem. He gave me a prescription for Modafinil, which has helped. I have now been on the sleep therapy for about 6 months and although I have still not had that magical morning I hear so much about where I wake up fresh and rested I think it has done me a lot of good. My vision issues remain, mostly when I’m active and I can control it somewhat with relaxation. VA has in my opinion been very helpful and supportive. I hope this post is not to long and maybe gives someone answers they may be searching for.

[MaxINTJ]

I too am with the VA, and overall, my experience with the VA has been a good one. I have a SDB problem of some sort - it's not a black and white OSA or not OSA, so I can't fault them for initially not coming up with the correct solution.

I can however, fault them now, given the amount of data I have provided them about my issues. We will see what they come back with now that my 2nd titration has been done.

[chunkyfrog]

Eye problems call for a visit to an ophthalmologist, not Dr Google.
Eyesight is too precious to leave to chance.
Thank you for your service.

[Tater52403]

chunkyfrog- That is another issue all together I have been diagnosed with Glaucoma and see a specialist for it she has stated that with my symptoms comming and going as quickly as they do it is not likely related but she will not put that in the report and since my primary care sees the glacoma diagnosis she will not look in to anything else. That's when I started looking for other options on my own. Also in the process i have discovered that no matter my activity level after a beer and a half my vision is crystal clear. As I do not drink very often (about once a month if that) and do not want to turn to alcohol for the answer this is not an option. My doctors do not want to hear this at all. Its frustrating.

[ChicagoGranny]

... I have now been on the sleep therapy for about 6 months and although I have still not had that magical morning I hear so much about where I wake up fresh and rested I think it has done me a lot of good.
...

You didn't mention how effective the data shows your CPAP therapy to be. AHI? Leak line?

[Pugsy]

Good morning.
Just wanted to welcome you to the forum and thank you for your service.

[Tater52403]

... I have now been on the sleep therapy for about 6 months and although I have still not had that magical morning I hear so much about where I wake up fresh and rested I think it has done me a lot of good.
...

You didn't mention how effective the data shows your CPAP therapy to be. AHI? Leak line?

Thats my fault. I have not taken the time to download sleepyhead or run the data in that way. ResMed gives me mostly good nights. Leak score (18/20) and a corrected AHI around 1.5. AHI started at 15.

[Goofproof]

chunkyfrog- That is another issue all together I have been diagnosed with Glaucoma and see a specialist for it she has stated that with my symptoms comming and going as quickly as they do it is not likely related but she will not put that in the report and since my primary care sees the glacoma diagnosis she will not look in to anything else. That's when I started looking for other options on my own. Also in the process i have discovered that no matter my activity level after a beer and a half my vision is crystal clear. As I do not drink very often (about once a month if that) and do not want to turn to alcohol for the answer this is not an option. My doctors do not want to hear this at all. Its frustrating.

Iv'e heard of Beer Goggles before, but I don't know where you can get the best price on a pair. Jim