Question...

[allterrainpaul]

So, I was diagnosed with sleep apnea when I was 10 or so.

When I was 21, I decided I wanted to start CPAP treatment, so I started seeing a sleep specialist. I did a couple of initial studies, was prescribed a P&K Icon with a Quattro FX full face mask. I'm not sure about my pressure setting, but I remember the number 15 coming up at the time. The doctor, once I had undergone those studies, became incredibly unhelpful. I became dissatisfied with the doctor to the extent that I stopped seeing her, and became so frustrated with her, I started to doubt my treatment, and stopped using my CPAP quite a while ago.

I now live in a different state. I moved from Utah to California for graduate school. I've also lost 35-40 pounds. My ex, who was present before and after my weight loss, noted a huge improvement in my snoring. I recently started using my CPAP again, to start getting used to it. I know I need to find a new specialist to work with. Likely, undergo another titration study or two. Since I've started using it, I've been having some pretty ugly aerophagia, and it bloats my stomach so badly that the pain keeps me up. My question is, should I keep using the setup I have now, or should I wait until I see a sleep specialist, as my treatment is probably going to be different with my weight loss?

[Mr Concerned]

Discontinue treatment immeadately. That is a very bad side effect. I'm going to phone in a prescription for Propofol. What is your name and where is your nearest pharmacy?

[allterrainpaul]

I'm sorry, but I'm not sure I feel comfortable giving out that information to someone I don't know on the internet. Plus I looked up Propofol, and I'm not sure what use I'd have for it. Especially if you're telling me to stop using my CPAP. It's used for the "induction and maintenance of anesthetic," or as a sedative for patients on ventilators, apparently.

[49er]

I'm sorry, but I'm not sure I feel comfortable giving out that information to someone I don't know on the internet. Plus I looked up Propofol, and I'm not sure what use I'd have for it. Especially if you're telling me to stop using my CPAP. It's used for the "induction and maintenance of anesthetic," or as a sedative for patients on ventilators, apparently.

allterrainpaul,

Mr. Concerned is being a troll because he feels self help forums like this one are practicing medicine when they shouldn't be. Ignore him as he was being sarcastic.

49er

[allterrainpaul]

I'm sorry, but I'm not sure I feel comfortable giving out that information to someone I don't know on the internet. Plus I looked up Propofol, and I'm not sure what use I'd have for it. Especially if you're telling me to stop using my CPAP. It's used for the "induction and maintenance of anesthetic," or as a sedative for patients on ventilators, apparently.

allterrainpaul,

Mr. Concerned is being a troll because he feels self help forums like this one are practicing medicine when they shouldn't be. Ignore him as he was being sarcastic.

49er

That figures. I was wondering. I looked at his other activity on here, and it looks like he hasn't exactly been helpful. Do you possibly have an answer to my original question? Help would be much appreciated.

[49er]

So, I was diagnosed with sleep apnea when I was 10 or so.

When I was 21, I decided I wanted to start CPAP treatment, so I started seeing a sleep specialist. I did a couple of initial studies, was prescribed a P&K Icon with a Quattro FX full face mask. I'm not sure about my pressure setting, but I remember the number 15 coming up at the time. The doctor, once I had undergone those studies, became incredibly unhelpful. I became dissatisfied with the doctor to the extent that I stopped seeing her, and became so frustrated with her, I started to doubt my treatment, and stopped using my CPAP quite a while ago.

I now live in a different state. I moved from Utah to California for graduate school. I've also lost 35-40 pounds. My ex, who was present before and after my weight loss, noted a huge improvement in my snoring. I recently started using my CPAP again, to start getting used to it. I know I need to find a new specialist to work with. Likely, undergo another titration study or two. Since I've started using it, I've been having some pretty ugly aerophagia, and it bloats my stomach so badly that the pain keeps me up. My question is, should I keep using the setup I have now, or should I wait until I see a sleep specialist, as my treatment is probably going to be different with my weight loss?

allterrainpaul,

Since you are having some ugly aerophagia and your ex noted a huge improvement with your snoring, I would wait to see your sleep specialist. Congratulations on your weight loss by the way.

49er

PS - Sorry, I didn't answer your question initially by the way.

[allterrainpaul]

So, I was diagnosed with sleep apnea when I was 10 or so.

When I was 21, I decided I wanted to start CPAP treatment, so I started seeing a sleep specialist. I did a couple of initial studies, was prescribed a P&K Icon with a Quattro FX full face mask. I'm not sure about my pressure setting, but I remember the number 15 coming up at the time. The doctor, once I had undergone those studies, became incredibly unhelpful. I became dissatisfied with the doctor to the extent that I stopped seeing her, and became so frustrated with her, I started to doubt my treatment, and stopped using my CPAP quite a while ago.

I now live in a different state. I moved from Utah to California for graduate school. I've also lost 35-40 pounds. My ex, who was present before and after my weight loss, noted a huge improvement in my snoring. I recently started using my CPAP again, to start getting used to it. I know I need to find a new specialist to work with. Likely, undergo another titration study or two. Since I've started using it, I've been having some pretty ugly aerophagia, and it bloats my stomach so badly that the pain keeps me up. My question is, should I keep using the setup I have now, or should I wait until I see a sleep specialist, as my treatment is probably going to be different with my weight loss?

allterrainpaul,

Since you are having some ugly aerophagia and your ex noted a huge improvement with your snoring, I would wait to see your sleep specialist. Congratulations on your weight loss by the way.

49er

Thanks so much! Both for the advice and the congratulations. It's nice to know I can find a support system online like this. I honestly was feeling kind of stressed and alone with my CPAP treatment when I found this forum today.

[49er]

So, I was diagnosed with sleep apnea when I was 10 or so.

When I was 21, I decided I wanted to start CPAP treatment, so I started seeing a sleep specialist. I did a couple of initial studies, was prescribed a P&K Icon with a Quattro FX full face mask. I'm not sure about my pressure setting, but I remember the number 15 coming up at the time. The doctor, once I had undergone those studies, became incredibly unhelpful. I became dissatisfied with the doctor to the extent that I stopped seeing her, and became so frustrated with her, I started to doubt my treatment, and stopped using my CPAP quite a while ago.

I now live in a different state. I moved from Utah to California for graduate school. I've also lost 35-40 pounds. My ex, who was present before and after my weight loss, noted a huge improvement in my snoring. I recently started using my CPAP again, to start getting used to it. I know I need to find a new specialist to work with. Likely, undergo another titration study or two. Since I've started using it, I've been having some pretty ugly aerophagia, and it bloats my stomach so badly that the pain keeps me up. My question is, should I keep using the setup I have now, or should I wait until I see a sleep specialist, as my treatment is probably going to be different with my weight loss?

allterrainpaul,

Since you are having some ugly aerophagia and your ex noted a huge improvement with your snoring, I would wait to see your sleep specialist. Congratulations on your weight loss by the way.

49er

Thanks so much! Both for the advice and the congratulations. It's nice to know I can find a support system online like this. I honestly was feeling kind of stressed and alone with my CPAP treatment when I found this forum today.

You're very welcome although I am sure your stress wasn't helped when you saw that other response. All jokes aside, this is a great place.

49er

[Mr Concerned]

I'm sorry, but I'm not sure I feel comfortable giving out that information to someone I don't know on the internet. Plus I looked up Propofol, and I'm not sure what use I'd have for it. Especially if you're telling me to stop using my CPAP. It's used for the "induction and maintenance of anesthetic," or as a sedative for patients on ventilators, apparently.

It is what Michael Jackson died from. Propofol is Diprivan. Pharmacies do not carry it. Do yourself a favor- Stop seeking medical advice on the internet.

[Goofproof]

Discontinue treatment immeadately. That is a very bad side effect. I'm going to phone in a prescription for Propofol. What is your name and where is your nearest pharmacy?

Don't forget his SSN, credir card info, and mothers first name! Don't forget some Drs are Quacks! Jim

[allterrainpaul]

So, I was diagnosed with sleep apnea when I was 10 or so.

When I was 21, I decided I wanted to start CPAP treatment, so I started seeing a sleep specialist. I did a couple of initial studies, was prescribed a P&K Icon with a Quattro FX full face mask. I'm not sure about my pressure setting, but I remember the number 15 coming up at the time. The doctor, once I had undergone those studies, became incredibly unhelpful. I became dissatisfied with the doctor to the extent that I stopped seeing her, and became so frustrated with her, I started to doubt my treatment, and stopped using my CPAP quite a while ago.

I now live in a different state. I moved from Utah to California for graduate school. I've also lost 35-40 pounds. My ex, who was present before and after my weight loss, noted a huge improvement in my snoring. I recently started using my CPAP again, to start getting used to it. I know I need to find a new specialist to work with. Likely, undergo another titration study or two. Since I've started using it, I've been having some pretty ugly aerophagia, and it bloats my stomach so badly that the pain keeps me up. My question is, should I keep using the setup I have now, or should I wait until I see a sleep specialist, as my treatment is probably going to be different with my weight loss?

allterrainpaul,

Since you are having some ugly aerophagia and your ex noted a huge improvement with your snoring, I would wait to see your sleep specialist. Congratulations on your weight loss by the way.

49er

Thanks so much! Both for the advice and the congratulations. It's nice to know I can find a support system online like this. I honestly was feeling kind of stressed and alone with my CPAP treatment when I found this forum today.

You're very welcome although I am sure your stress wasn't helped when you saw that other response. All jokes aside, this is a great place.

49er

Seems like it, other than certain unhelpful individuals. I'll be seeing a sleep specialist as soon as I can to revisit my treatment.

[kaiasgram]

Hi allterrainpaul. I'm not sure if software is readily available for your machine but someone will come along shortly who does know. My thought was that if you didn't want to go off the machine altogether while waiting to see your new doctor you could monitor your therapy to see if you can start slowly decreasing your pressure and checking to make sure that apneas are still being prevented. I'm sorry I'm not familiar enough with your machine to be more helpful about this. I don't think that SleepyHead (the software many of us use) works with your machine yet. So mostly I'm just saying welcome. This is a great forum (sorry you were greeted by Mr. Troll right off the bat). You will get a lot of help here so keep us posted.

If your current machine really is set at a pressure of 15, that's pretty high -- no wonder you've got bad aerophagia. Do you know how to access the clinical menu on your machine to see what the pressure currently is set at (might actually be a range of pressures since it's an auto cpap)?

[kteague]

Paul, ignore the poster with the burr under their saddle. They were not trying to be helpful. Not sure what their issue with your situation is, especially since you've been professionally diagnosed and prescribed treatment.

I'm not familiar with your machine but someone will come along who is. You have it listed as an auto so that gives you an advantage for home titrating. It can be set to run in a range of pressure, and by following the data, you can hone in on the most effective settings. Auto machines are designed for finding an effective pressure. It may be your weight loss will allow you to use a lower pressure and avoid the problem with air in the belly. Even if not, experimenting may reveal you to do better on your side than your back regarding events, and staying off your back might keep your machine at a lower pressure. It's too soon to know anything for sure, but you are in a good position to go forward successfully. You don't mention any issues with being able to see a doctor, so if you're more comfortable with that route, by all means do so. But barring problems, it may not be necessary to wait.

[Mr Concerned]

Paul, ignore the poster with the burr under their saddle. They were not trying to be helpful. Not sure what their issue with your situation is, especially since you've been professionally diagnosed and prescribed treatment.

Not sure who this poster is with a burr under their saddle. I'll assume she means me although I detest 1950s western slang. In one breath she is telling you to ignore me but listen to her. She uses the fact that you have already been diagnosed to propose that there is no issue with her lending medical advice which may apply to your situation. No issue with HER lending advice. Not me. But Paul... I am going to agree with her statement. You should ignore me. You should probably ignore all of us.

I'm not familiar with your machine but someone will come along who is. You have it listed as an auto so that gives you an advantage for home titrating. It can be set to run in a range of pressure, and by following the data, you can hone in on the most effective settings. Auto machines are designed for finding an effective pressure. It may be your weight loss will allow you to use a lower pressure and avoid the problem with air in the belly. Even if not, experimenting may reveal you to do better on your side than your back regarding events, and staying off your back might keep your machine at a lower pressure. It's too soon to know anything for sure, but you are in a good position to go forward successfully. You don't mention any issues with being able to see a doctor, so if you're more comfortable with that route, by all means do so. But barring problems, it may not be necessary to wait.

She recommends that you alter treatment. You may want to ask her if she is qualified to recommend that.

[mrsbongo1]

If you are in the Inland Empire, Loma Linda University in Redlands, CA has a really good sleep center. PM me if you want more info.
Kathy