A firefighter in need of help...

[pats]

The pulse oximeter is a great idea, I think the cheapest one I could find with a 24hr recording feature was like $90, but maybe it's worth it.  I am afraid of going through all this and finding out I just wasted everyone's time at the sleep center.  I definitely don't want sleep apnea, but I know how frustrating it must be to have someone waste your time at a place like that.  Also, I really can't afford to be wrong on this one.

Don't attach too much significance to the oximeter if its report is OK but not perfect. I do have sleep apnea, but my untreated oxygen saturation does not go below 90% and averages much higher than that. I do breathe correctly in light sleep, and my brain somehow pulls me back from REM or deep sleep whenever my oxygen level drops. That means that the main effect of treating my sleep apnea is improvement in sleep quality rather than oxygen saturation.

If the oximeter were to show low levels it would be good ammunition when talking with your doctor.

[Pugsy]

http://www.pulseoxstore.com/Downloadabl ... anchor_107
$70 plus around $6 for shipping.
He has all the software that you need along with step by step instructions on how to get the reports.
I have this one. The paperwork that comes with it leaves a lot to be desired in the way of instructions. So I am glad to have Kevin's instructions. Much clearer.

[lazer]

Get a new doctor who will get a sleep study approved for you. Either "in-lab" or "in-home".

[sleepslikeadog]

I was determined to sleep on my back last night in preparation of a possible sleep study (as that seems to be the worst position for me waking up gasping) and I want to get used to it.  After about 45 minutes of trying to fall asleep, I did. I don't know for how long, but it felt like mere seconds, I woke up making a strange sound in my throat (almost like a seal bark, haha) and again had the sensation that I had been holding my breath.  It severely unnerved me and I had the worst time getting back to sleep, I tried for another hour before conceding and flipping to my side.  I slept for about 3-4 hours and woke up feeling tired and weak with severe disorientation (very normal for me) and a mild headache that went away within 30 minutes.  Sigh...

wow waking up gasping is something that you should take serious. fire your doctor and get a doctor that would recommend a specialist like a ent doctor. you need to get a sleep study done quick. put your pride aside and get it done. "I slept for about 3-4 hours and woke up feeling tired and weak with severe disorientation (very normal for me) and a mild headache that went away within 30 minutes. Sigh..." waking up weak with severe disorientation is not normal. you need cpap therapy.

[RandyJ]

I had a high deductible medical insurance plan when I had my sleep study and had to pay $1,100 out of pocket. Make sure you check on that with your insurance company before you have a sleep study.

However, most hospitals have a financing plan where they transfer the balance you owe to an outside financing company, and you can pay over several months, if necessary.

It is worth checking into so that you don't dismiss the idea of a sleep study just because it may be expensive.

[AbbyNormal]

Hi there! I'm a baby on here myself. I just signed up yesterday. Your fear of the sleep study is one I can relate to though. Okay, you didn't say you were afraid, you just said you couldn't sleep. I did two sleep studies. The first one, I couldn't sleep at all either. The second one, I stayed awake a full 48 hours to and then took 5mgs of Melatonin to be sure I'd crash and burn. Even then I still had trouble. (Abuse background and things that make me feel like I'm choking/can't breathe wig me out.) Anyway, long story short I'd suggest during your sleep study you try going to it sleepy (sounds easy in your case if you're always tired.), bringing a mild sleeping pill such as a higher dose of Melatonin like I did, and bringing things from home that calm you. In my case my favorite blanket and my teddy bear. Who cares if you look silly with a comfort object, if it helps, it helps. Besides, in seeing the other people there, almost all had things from home. LOL Oh, I also use Snoring U on my iPhone. If you can get that app, it's worth every single penny. Even my ENT was amazed by it!! It might help you know where to go from here. I agree with the gang though, it sounds like apnea. Good luck from one noobie to another!

[the_nap_ster]

Hey there,

First of all, I'm sorry you're going through this. And I'm glad you found this forum. A few things:

1.) If you get a sleep study, you're not wasting ANYONE'S. Testing people is what they're there for, and a test that comes back negative is just as valuable as a test that comes back positive. I do think it's very likely you have sleep apnea (and I'll explain why in a second), but if it's not apnea, it could be something else. A sleep study -- if your insurance will cover it -- is a very valuable tool.

2.) The sleep study is not bad. I was so nervous about it, because I am such a light sleeper, and I thought there was no way I could sleep with all those cords. But you know what? It was okay. Ask your doctor for a sleeping pill as insurance (many give it automatically, just in case). But you might not need it. And if your insurance company doesn't pay for one, there are ways around that. We can help you figure something out.

3.) I have OSA and don't snore. The only symptom I had was daytime sleepiness and fatigue. The long, even snoring that people think of from cartoons isn't actually the best indicator of OSA. The "strange" breathing patterns, the feeling like you've been holding your breath... that sounds a lot more like OSA.

4.) Your doctor was wrong to turn you away because you're not overweight. My family is of Viking decent. We are tall, muscular, and athletic. And almost all of us have sleep apnea. So does my tall, muscular, athletic husband (in fact, his is so severe that he desats down to 64% O2 during the night). I am in my early 30s, and I've probably had it for over 10 years. And oh yeah, I'm a woman! OSA can happen to any of us.

5.) I'm going to tell you what I tell a lot of my friends in helping positions: you can only give what you have. You cannot help other people when you're not in a stable place yourself. And if it's hard for you to focus on yourself as a patient, focus on the fact that doing this will help you save other people's lives. Whatever it takes. Because you're worth taking care of, and you're the only person who can do it.

Best of luck, and we're all here for you.

[OldBearIan]

Well, not much headway with the insurance company today.  Just the same old run-around.  I guess I'll try again on Monday.  Any advice on how to get them to give you a straight answer over the phone?  

I've definitely decided to find a new doctor though, you guys have convinced me.  

I tried the apps you suggested while taking a nap today, and wouldn't you know it, I made not a peep, except for tossing and turning a few times.  Of course that was on my side, maybe I should try it while sleeping on my back.  Woke up with a brutal headache, still isn't gone...

[BlackSpinner]

If you have your insurance through work, HR should have a book with all the nitty gritty details in it.

[RandyJ]

If you ask them about coverage for a sleep study (billing code 95810) or split sleep study with titration (95811) they should be able to look up the code and tell you what your coverage (and deductible) is.

[OldBearIan]

Thanks Randy, I take it the codes are universal? I'm afraid the cost is going to be astronomical...

[chunkyfrog]

Think of it this way--it could save your life.
It's much cheaper than a funeral, and you have a chance of enjoying a longer life.
It's somewhat cheaper than a new, very nice bed--with better results.

[Todzo]

I'm new here so I'm very sorry if I'm reposting or if this is not in the right area, please grant me a little leeway as I am very tired.

I am a 27 Y.O. Male, 6'7" and about 245 LBS.  I'm a little husky but not by much.  I am a medic and a firefighter and work all kinds of crazy hours.

For as long as I can remember I have been so very tired.  I toss and turn while sleeping, wake up 3-4 times a night (that I can remember at least), wake up with headaches, am constantly tired, never feel rested when awake, have issues with slightly high blood pressure and cardiac arrhythmias, and when sleeping on my back I wake up with the sensation that I have not been breathing or have been holding my breath (which is why I can rarely fall asleep on my back.  But here's the kicker, I have never been told that I snore.  I have been told that I "breathe heavy” or “weird” when sleeping with someone, but not snoring.

That being said I'm not married so I really don't have anyone to keep an ear open on a regular basis for how I sleep.

I have been reading up on sleep apnea and wonder if I might be dealing with it and not know it.  The only problem is I'm not really overweight by much, and had these issues even when I was “fit” for my age and height.  Also, I don't snore...

I'm frustrated with my doctor because I have mentioned it to him twice and he shrugs it off and offers a sleeping pill prescription.  I really don't want to be on a pill, and because of my job I really can't afford to be sedated at night.  I'm thinking about looking for a new doctor, but I hate going to them in the first place (once or twice a year is more than enough for me).  Which brings me to my second problem...

I really dread the thought of a sleep study, I get worked up enough just going to the doctor let alone having to sleep with them around.  I'm not good at being a patient, I'm usually the one treating the patient.  How the heck would I ever be able to sleep all wired up and being watched?

Please help, am I making a mountain out of a molehill? Should I look for another doctor?  Could some of the symptoms above be sleep apnea?  

Thanks for your help ahead of time.

-Eric

Hi Eric!

Try to find a group that will foster this path:

In home sleep study (hopefully allow a second night if the first proves negative - try to find one that can use the data immediately).

--- then if OSA is found - followed by

Week long Auto-PAP tritration. They give you an automatically adjusting CPAP which "finds" your best pressure.

In the recent HomePAP trial this was found to be more effective than the traditional "Polysomnogram - Polysomnogram Tritration" path. The comments in the June journal "Sleep" are great!

This is also a much less expensive way to get there.

As for the doctor that proscribed you sleeping pills in spite of obivious apnea symptoms. You should mention to him that sleeping pills and sleep apnea can be deadly!!

May you find the best solutions!

Todzo

[BlackSpinner]

I'm afraid the cost is going to be astronomical...

Maybe this thread will help make it worthwhile

viewtopic/t80283/xPAP-and-Men.html

But recently, things have changed. A lot. Making those expressions of intimacy, ahem, even better. The only thing that's changed is that the Mr. has now been on XPAP therapy for about six months, and the effect on his biology is rather... staggering.

[GumbyCT]

From another post...

...the doctor suggested that I have the deviated septum corrected because he thinks it would help me. He also told me that I have a large tounge.
I would appreciate hearing people's experiences on the issue.

Correcting a Deviation is the first thing anyone, esp. w/OSA, should do.

Use a thumb or forefinger - Block off one nostril and breath thru the other for 60 seconds - then block the other nostril for 60 seconds. IF you found that breathing exercise difficult YOU should have that fixed.

How could you possibly be successful at cpap IF you can't breath?

I too have a large tongue - I don't know that there is a fix for that. That makes breathing thru the nose even more critical as blocking off one nostril AND then blocking the throat with the tongue does NOT sound like a recipe for success to me.

A Full Face Mask is NOT the answer and breathing thru the mouth is not normal. The reason people breath thru their mouth is because the nose is clogged or simply not functioning.

Folks the nose is not just an ornament. It should be functioning.