Sleep Doc Appt Tomorrow I think, Have ?s to get cpap script

sapphireskye · Post by **sapphireskye** » Sun Jan 01, 2006 5:54 pm

Ok, I missed my original followup appt. because I forgot about it. So I have waited almost a month, and I do believe my appointment is tomorrow morning. I called the docs office last week, but they were closed the whole week, and no one from the answering service returned my message about when my appointment was. So, I will be down there when they open. I believe my appt is at 10 am. I am very nervous. I have been trying to comply with therapy, and am doing the best I can, but I am waiting on the Hans Rudolph mask. I am getting about 4 hours a night in total on the mask. Some nights I haven't been able to use it as much. A few nights I have used it longer. Me, I have bad anxiety and get anxious when trying to explain my needs to doctors, medical companies, etc. I want to get a CPAP script to have for my own use, because my DME has the original script from the Docs office. I want to bring up the APAP, but then if he is against it I don't want to shoot down my chances of having just a generic prescription to get one. Many of you, including Johnny have been so helpful. What would be the best way to request a CPAP script?
I also need a humidifier. I mean the guy just gave sent his script straight to the DME right after my study, so I don't know what it said or anything. I have only been on CPAP for 3 weeks. I want to buy a CPAP if my hubby gets extra money he has, we just have to wait till he gets it. I do have Medicare, but in a few months will have Blue Cross with a high deductible and I am assuming they rent out stuff too. The deductible will be hit right away with my IVIG treatments. But, I really just want to own the CPAP. None of this year long rental business. I am just more comfortable having what i need, and not having to worry about it later. Want to have choices, don't want to deal with my DME all the time. To be honest, they are ok, but I want more freedom to choose. So any encouragement, comments, whatever ideas you have so I don't screw this up would be so greatly appreciated.

HAPPY NEW YEAR
Chelle

sleepy gal · Post by **sleepy gal** » Sun Jan 01, 2006 9:55 pm

Hi Chelle,

Just a suggestion to help you out tomorrow. Make a written, preferably typed, list of your concerns and what you feel you need. Write it as simply as you can and number your concerns. Make 2 copies, one for you and one for your sleep doc. Hand it to the doc when s/he comes in to see you. Have your copy in your hand as well and if s/he doesn't pay attention to it (although most will) you can start yourself by saying, Dr. ---my first concern is.......

For instance:

1) I am trying very hard to use the CPAP every night and am averaging only about 4 hours of sleep a night.
2) May I please have a generic scrip so that I can consider buying a cpap machine on my own.
3) Do you have an opinion about APAP machines? I am thinking of getting one of those (Or don't even ask this one if you don't feel comfortable)
4) etc. anything else you want to bring up.
Good luck, hope things go well.

sapphireskye · Post by **sapphireskye** » Sun Jan 01, 2006 10:19 pm

Thanks for the help sleepy gal. I will try to prepare before I go in there. I guess I feel like because this is brand new for me that I don't have a right to decide anything yet lol, if that makes any sense. Like the Doc and wherever they send me are in control and that I am just the little(not so little lol) patient who does whatever I am told. I need some guts.

Hopefully I will do just fine.

God bless
Chelle

sleepyjean · Post by **sleepyjean** » Sun Jan 01, 2006 11:48 pm

Chelle,

Making a list of everything you want to ask the doctor is a very good idea. I do it all the time because if I don't I just know I will forget to ask something. Just keep in mind that you have the right to ask questions regarding your own health...if we don't do it for ourselves, no one else will do it for us. I'm not a very assertive person either, but I have become more so since being diagnosed with apnea, seeing how little information the doctors provide, and the slowness of all the medical people involved.
Tonight will only be my 6th night on cpap and so far I'm doing very well. Had I not pushed the professionals, I would not yet have the results of my second study, let alone be set up with my equipment.

So, go tomorrow with the knowledge that you have to be your own advocate and it is your right to get answers to your questions. And, don't forget, he is getting paid to treat you...that is his job.

Good luck and keep us posted as to your progress. We are all in this together. God Bless.

sapphireskye · Post by **sapphireskye** » Mon Jan 02, 2006 12:11 am

Thanks also SleepyJean. Johnny has given some good info too, so I am gonna take all this and so long as my appointment is actually tomorrow lol (then I will have what I need in order to ask the questions I need to ask.

God bless to you too,
I will keep everyone updated.

Chelle

Mask