Had an allergic reaction

[Valhallan]

Hi everyone,

Had my first sleep study on Tuesday. It turns out that I was allergic to something (probably the adhesive) which left my face red with rashes and swollen and ended up vomiting multiple times through the night. The tech said I did sleep but I’m worried my results are going to be severely skewed because of this. He mentioned at the beginning that they would bring in a CPAP if they found apnea but that didn’t happen. I really feel like I messed up my chance for treatment. Any suggestions?

[Julie]

Either they got enough sleep time to make conclusions or they didn't and will tell you. You didn't mess it up, just possibly delayed the definitive answers. You may need to redo it, but maybe not... you'll need to ask your doctor when results are in and he'll tell you what to do. No one's going to decide what happens based on 'maybes' or feelings, etc... all very scientific.

[D.H.]

Don't let them tell you that it's your fault!

You had an allergic reaction. That's not the same thing as if you just "didn't cooperate."

Please let us know if they were able to get definitive results and what they were.

If they couldn't, insist on further examination; don't accept the blame!

[Julie]

No one suggested he was at fault... your own paranoia showing?

[chunkyfrog]

" . . . they would bring in a CPAP if they found apnea but that didn’t happen."
You could still have apnea, and not get the cpap trial the same night,
if there is not enough time left to titrate, or any number of other reasons.
I suspect some labs prefer to schedule a second study--for the moolah.

[Lucyhere]

No one suggested he was at fault... your own paranoia showing?

Your paranoia maybe. Go for a walk.

[D.H.]

Nope, not paranoia at all.

I remember being blamed for being lazy or inattentive when for years before any doctor even suggested I see a sleep specialist.

Doctors are pretty good at treating what they understand, but not so good at what they don't have a ready explanation for.

Insurance companies like what's inexpensive. For instance since I have clear Apnea diagnosis, they are getting off relatively cheaply by supplying a CPAP (with which I'm satisfied). At this point, oral devices, the Inspire implant, and surgical options cost quite a bit more.

Overnight sleep tests are quite expensive and the insurance company will probably want to weasel out of paying for a second one.

The cheap way out for the insurance company is to say that the patient was "uncooperative!"

[Julie]

Lucy? WTH?

[Valhallan]

Nope, not paranoia at all.

I remember being blamed for being lazy or inattentive when for years before any doctor even suggested I see a sleep specialist.

Doctors are pretty good at treating what they understand, but not so good at what they don't have a ready explanation for.

Insurance companies like what's inexpensive. For instance since I have clear Apnea diagnosis, they are getting off relatively cheaply by supplying a CPAP (with which I'm satisfied). At this point, oral devices, the Inspire implant, and surgical options cost quite a bit more.

Overnight sleep tests are quite expensive and the insurance company will probably want to weasel out of paying for a second one.

The cheap way out for the insurance company is to say that the patient was "uncooperative!"

This is what I would be most afraid of. From reading it seems like these tests are not something insurance companies like to pay for, and I'm worried about potentially messing up my chances for having my sleep issues resolved, be it apnea or something else. But Julie's right, I should have the results next week so I will not stress about it until then.

Also thanks chunkyfrog! I figured if they didn't come in with the CPAP that they had determined apnea was not an issue.

[chunkyfrog]

As I suggested, apnea could still be the issue, but the lab will use any excuse to get that second test. If your insurance drags their feet (they shouldn't), you may ne able to get a full data auto machine with less hassle.