leak rate going up VA won't help: update and thank you

[thimarine]

To those kind people who responded to my request for help--- My new 7 day avg. leak rate is 32.1 with an AHI of 0.2. The acceptable leak rate for this mask is, I think, around 35, so, pretty good. It was, indeed, a leak, as adeptly pointed out by one very astute member of this panel. I found it, removed and replaced the part and am doing great. Also, the VA local clinic director contacted me after I complained of no service since I got the machine (I checked the days of usage and it comes out to 4.10 years) and she is arranging a consult and maybe a new machine.

Most importantly, I wanted to thank everyone who responded to help me. I have said this before, but it bears repeating. You ladies and gentlemen are fantastic. You encouraged me from the start, helped me when I had no one to turn to, and improved the quality of my life. I try to contribute when I can. I'm no where near the storehouse of information you folks have but I can offer encouragement to others.

Once again---THANK YOU.

SEMPER FI!

Dennis

[Spirit]

From my experiences, all VA is concerned about is avg AHI events. If your mask is within acceptable leak range, and your AHI is below 4.0, according to VA your doing outstanding. Don't sweat it.

As for making appointments with VA specialty clinic, appts need to be made by patient. And make sure, you renew consult with primary doctor each year, otherwise process takes longer. Take all your equipment with you, including mask, hose, etc.... Every 6 months to a year, make appt with RT clinic, to check cpap unit for functionality, or if pressure does not feel adequate. Make sure to visit your sleep doc at least once a year, for pressure change, etc..... With the VA if you don't take initivative, they don't either. Wishing you well on your journey.

[thimarine]

Thanks Spirit. The Polmo dr. at the Indy VA quit and they don't have a replacement. I but the clinics constantly. They are actively trying to not schedule the older guys (I'm 61). I'm supposed to be seen in endo every 3 mos. If I don't follow through, they won't schedule the appt. I'm a first name bais with the patient advocate. I hear what you're saying. When I got this machine, they were pretty good about having me come in twice a year for the first two years. After that, they actually told me not to come in unless it was an emergency and, even then, they might not be able to help me. I keep plugging away though. The patient advocate has been in contact and is working on it. Thanks again.

[Spirit]

Thanks Spirit. The Polmo dr. at the Indy VA quit and they don't have a replacement. I but the clinics constantly. They are actively trying to not schedule the older guys (I'm 61). I'm supposed to be seen in endo every 3 mos. If I don't follow through, they won't schedule the appt. I'm a first name bais with the patient advocate. I hear what you're saying. When I got this machine, they were pretty good about having me come in twice a year for the first two years. After that, they actually told me not to come in unless it was an emergency and, even then, they might not be able to help me. I keep plugging away though. The patient advocate has been in contact and is working on it. Thanks again.

Hi, sorry to read VA in your area, set priorities to teatment. VA used to have routine scheduling, but now it's up to the patient, to make the appointments. Most vets recieve poor care from VA medical facilities. Mainly due to overcrowding and understaffed. But, they have alway's been on top of equipment supplies and medications. I try to encourage all vets to make appointments, wheter they feel they need to or not. I mean honestly, I learned if a Vet doesn't care, neither does VA.

But, don't wait around to recieve proper care, VA does have good, caring doctors, even though most are looney's

Good luck on your cpap journey, and keep us posted on your progress.

[Gabe]

What is an RT clinic? You're right Spirit on the things you say about the VA. I have been in the system since 1956 on and off up to 1992 and steady up to now. They are my primary care. I don't have an private doctor on the outside. I have seen the VA deteriorate along the way. I have gotten some very good treatment and some bad treatment. You have to go through your Primary Care doctor to get appointments, as I have experienced. It is very difficult to get a specialist on the phone. The communication system SUCKS. You have to go through alot to get someone. It may seem like I'm not thankful, but I am. They save me alot of money. I also have good insurance, so I don't freeload. They have some very good doctors. I don't know if any of this helps, but it makes me feel good.