Redmed AutoSet II Clinical Guide

[GuyK]

In an ancient thread, I offered to email the AutoSet II Clinical Guide to whomever wanted a copy. The "backstory" is that when my machine was originally dropped off, the DME-R/T who came to my home removed a CD-ROM from the box as he was handing me several things. He put the CD-ROM in his pile, so I asked what it was. He said "just a CD-ROM -- do you want it?" so I said I did.

The only thing on the CD-ROM was the quick start guide, the manual which came with the AutoSet II and also the "AutoSet II Clinical Guide". This clinical guide describes, in more detail, the menus on the AutoSet II, and includes instructions on how to see nightly therapy data.

So because of my offer, I've emailed the clinical guide to about 50 people. I recently figured out I don't have to do that any more. Turns out I have an FTP site available to me. That means you're able to download the guide yourself at this address: http://public.me.com/klose4

Please understand -- I am not condoning you changing settings of your machine. That is between you and your medical care professionals, so please seek out their advice and make decisions accordingly (in my own case, my somnodoc is fully aware I was able to read data and change settings without going back to the DME; I send reports directly to him and have not made change beyond the boundaries of his suggestions).

[KengEsq]

Thanks GuyK. That is a pretty neat way to get the guide. My DME did not give me the Clinical Guide but he did show me how to see daily results and how to access the Clinical Menu so I could make adjustments as I thought best for me. My sleep doctor agrees that I should be able to access the Clinical Menu and make changes. He believes that the patient should be a partner with his doctor and DME in OSA treatment and device choices.

[GuyK]

You're welcome! And you're right, Keng --

On an old post, maybe from about a year ago, I did a long rant on somnodocs. I have no use for a somnodoc that doesn't want a patient to be a partner in therapy.

All too often, I've had doctors that just take the easy, simple way out. I'll give an example --

I was hospitalized, for an unrelated reason, in January 2008 (which was before my OSA diagnosis). While in the ER, and this was noted in the final report, I was observed to have apnea events. A note was made to refer me to a sleep specialist.

During my time in the hospital, not a single medical person discussed that with me. I didn't know. The "hospitalist", who is supposed to be my advocate, never mentioned it. My PC came in for a visit, in the hospital, but didn't mention it.

In a followup appointment with my PC, the next week, and then again three months later, I asked if he'd received a copy of the hospital report. He hadn't. I'd filed paperwork to get the report and all radiography sent to me (they dump it on CD-ROM now, with a viewer).

Eventually, I contacted the hospital to get the report. Had to fill out paperwork again. Didn't arrive. Eventually my wife went in for me, during the day when the records department was open, and found out that the whole "order" was ignored because they don't handle the radiography in records. Had to go to the radiology department to get that. (but what about the report?)

Eventually, she was able to pick up the report, which wasn't without trouble, even though she was a "signatory" on my account there.

So, months later, after my diagnosis of OSA, I find out the ER had seen it and had suggested that I see a specialist.

Except nobody told me!

AAAAAARGH!

It's not like I didn't try. I really did. Even my primary care doctor didn't seem to give a crap. He's now my ex-PCP. He'd already resisted dealing with sleep issues I'd had for years ("oh, you just need to take a walk after lunch, and lose some weight").

Take charge of your own therapy, but do it with knowledge and guidance.

Guy

[potholerepairman]

I am one of those fifty .Thanks a million, hope santa brings you so much junk you got to build a new garage.

[GuyK]

Thanks, pothole dude -- it was no trouble at all. My system was to click on the email address to pop open a new message, type in a short note and then drag the zip file onto the message and hit send. Ten seconds maybe.

But, rather than have Santa drop off new stuff and building a new garage, I'd rather have help cleaning out the existing garage!

[jlgwinn]

GuyK, Thanks a ton! I appreciate it.

Jeff