Newbie member

[grega60438]

Newbie from south side Chicago suburb. 54 year old male, 5'7", 185lbs. IMO in decent muscle shape.
I have been researching this website for days, and amazed at the wealth of information and willingness to help.
I may be joining the team soon, because of 21+ drops per hour.
ViATOM Wrist Blood Oxygen Saturation Monitor
Day Average SpO=97-98%
This test is sleeping on side. My wife says I snore really bad on my back, and keeps me on my side.
Mouth breather for sure.
What started this? Blood pressure over the last few months went from 130/85, to 200/130 with fatigue. All hospital tests so far have been negative, including COVID, EKG, clot blood test, and heart damage blood test. Day blood test oxygen level was 98%
My doctor had discussed sleep apnea as a possible cause, and stated a sleep study may be required after some additional tests.
I mentioned to the doctor I had purchased an expensive home sleep oximeter and would share my results. I expect to discuss with my doctor after my heart echocardiogram (ultrasound) this coming Friday.
Peace,
Greg

May 25 sleep apnea 2.jpg (157.16 KiB) Viewed 462 times

May 24-25 sleep apnea.jpg (160.63 KiB) Viewed 462 times

May 22 sleep apnea.jpg (159.13 KiB) Viewed 462 times

[Pugsy]

Don't put off getting the sleep study when it is suggested that you get one.

[Sheriff Buford]

I second what Pugs stated. Get a sleep study. Just so you know.... a sleep study will require 30+ wires to be hooked to you, unless you take the home sleep study, which has become more and more popular these days. Ne sure and ask for a copy of your sleep study. Scan it, but never lose it. If you go to a sleep center, ask if the can do the titration study the same night. Titration is the study the sleep center will do to find out what pressure settings you need to properly treat your sleep apnea. A lot of times, you gotta come back another night and hook up all the wires again... A lot of times, they can do it all in one night. Ask for it.

Then come back here, and well help you be successful. Be sure you get a copy of your sleep study and prescriptions. Ask for two separate prescriptions. One for the machine and accessories and one for the mask. Get a sleep study. Even if you don't have sleep apnea, it's a nice way to rule it out.

Sheriff

[chunkyfrog]

In lieu of a separate titration study, an APAP can be used to find an effective range.
Some insurance uses this method to reduce costs.
One of the RARE measures than helps the patient as well as their own bottom line.

[grega60438]

The doctor sent me home with a sleep apnea test machine of which I did three nights over a weekend. Today the doctor says I have obstructive sleep apnea that averaged 28.6 drops per hour. Just under severe. The sleep study office tried to get me to purchase the machine through them, but I declined and asked for the script instead.

I read here that I should get the results of my test in my possession. I have the results of my sleep test.

The doctor has emailed me the purchase authorization which says, Services Ordered: E0601 Variable Pressure CPAP (APAP5-20, pt needs all supplies and machine).

I talked with my insurance BCBSIL and they say I have to rent for three months and then I can buy the APAP. BCBSIL pays 80% and I pay 20%, but must be purchased in network. Rental and purchase is covered.

After calling numerous DME, there was only one in-network supplier I could find close by that supplied CPAP. Faxing tomorrow for a quote.

I researched for weeks. The following is what I want:
ResMed AirSense™ 10 AutoSet™
ResMed AirFit F30i System M/STD Model 63332
ResMed ClimateLineAir™ heated tube

Thank you for your recommendations,
Greg