Opinions about self treating sleep apnea please.

[markk]

For all the years they spend in school, doctors are not miracle workers, and they do not have instant answers for everything. They often have to look up in books to find out what to do about you, if you're a case that isn't "everyday". That being said, they have great access to an astounding lot of information. Much of which you would have great difficulty finding.

The largest difference between you and a doctor, is that he or she likely knows what NOT to do, or how doing certain things could be dangerous. And that knowledge is kept, deliberately, from the public, because it's believed you aren't educated enough to know what to do with it. Agree or disagree, that's just how it is. On the other hand, good physicians learn far from from the patient than from a book.

Given all that, for those of you who want to learn about things and learn how to deal with them, I say, "more power to you", and that would include believing you should have the same access to both experience and information they do. But can you do a sleep study on yourself? Of course not. But can you find that you can improve your quality of life even thought you don't have the funds for the high cost stuff? Apparently so. It seems not just arrogant, but a little condescending to tell anyone they can't try to improve their own quality of life. So, I'd say, learn everything you can, if you're willing to gamble (hey, it's YOUR life, not mine, or anyone else's) on a pretty sure bet, then why not? Experience that rest of us have can't be handed to you, and understanding isn't just a picture in a book, but if the two alternatives are to live as you have been, or make likely change, then make that change. Go for it. (BTW, this is in response to the title)

Take responsibility... for good, and for bad, as well.

[2kittymom]

My big question is whether or not I should put my machine in the Auto set mode, and see whether or not I need the full 11 pressure. I'm curious as to why the clinician didn't do this.

The people at the DME office are bound to honor the doctor's order. He likely wrote "cpap machine and 11 cm pressure". They aren't allowed to change it without an okay from the doctor. They can't even use 10.8 minimum and 11.2 maximum in APAP mode.

If you want to try APAP mode without consulting the DME and getting the doctor's blessing...you are free to do whatever you wish. Anyone can figure out how to change their pressure if they want to. You are an adult and as an adult free to make your own choices. Just make sure that they are well thought out choices.

Pugsy, I really appreciate your reply. Being so new to all of this apnea stuff, I had no idea that even small adjustments could result in sleepless or low-quality sleep nights. I guess if something isn't broke, I shouldn't fix it. After 3 weeks of adjusting, the 4th week I finally was over that hump and was falling asleep soon after turning out the lights. And, I'm sleeping well. Perhaps some time down the line, I'll bring it up to the sleep tech who set up my machine. But, for right now, I'll just do the minor adjustments - like the ramp (I put that down from 20 minutes to 5), the humidification, and the exhaust relief. Thanks again.
Lori

[MrPresident]

Thanks for all the good feedback and I'm glad to see maybe some others are looking in and taking advantage of the good information left here. I think that because of you guys it is a great thread. I know it has helped me and I hope others.

I think I am in a pretty good place right now and as some have suggested I may let it ride for a couple of weeks without making any changes. That sounds good right.

Until then.....