Need Help Reading SleepyHead Data

[perchancetodream7]

Hi again, I really need some help understanding some of the SleepyHead data posted below. My nightly AHI has been inconsistent, but lately it hovers around 5 or more. I'm awake so much of the night and have to keep stopping and starting the therapy.

The problem is that I need to know if it is >5 per hour to see if I qualify for ASV.

I am really feeling worse than usual lately and feel like time is not on my side. Although my sleep doc feels that the straight Cpap is working on my OSA, that is not my main problem. It is the arousals from the morphine. The centrals. Because she's never treated anyone like me, she only wants to address the apnea she understands.

Anyway, if the headaches and exhaustion aren't enough, I am also getting some chest discomfort during the day lately. I don't want to end up in the hospital because of one doctor's refusal to be wrong.

I am about to have an Auto Cpap delivered next week and I want to request the additional backup rate if I qualify. I don't want another machine delivered that is not going to help me.

Thanks for looking.
~Susan

[mike1953]

read
viewtopic/t88983/Pugsys-PointersSleepyH ... Hints.html

[perchancetodream7]

I have seen the link. Thanks. But if you read my post, Mike, I stated I'm not feeling well, so I am seeking a shortcut.

[cwillis]

http://www.apneaboard.com/forums/Thread ... Discussion

Something that has been helping me.

[kaiasgram]

Hi Susan -- I don't think a SleepyHead screenshot will help us predict whether -- or how -- you might qualify for ASV. What I took from Sludge's feedback is that right now the case for ASV is not strong based on your AHI alone, but your symptoms and difficulty with tolerance (arousals, etc.) may be the basis for trying a different machine. And to that end I still think consulting with the sleep doc that your pain doc recommended has the best chance of moving you closer to the right therapy for you. In fact, you said this about your sleep doc:

Because she's never treated anyone like me, she only wants to address the apnea she understands

If this is true (and I believe you that it is), then you really need a doc who does understand. I know you're concerned that starting with a new doc will set you back but if you feel you've stalled out with this doc I don't know what else there is to do but move on to a new doc.

And please don't ignore chest pain, get that checked out right away. Keep us posted.

[perchancetodream7]

cwillis,
Thanks. I appreciate your help. I added it to my favorites to review when I'm feeling better.

[avi123]

Susan, from the above SleepyHead graph I can tell two obvious facts, that you hardly sleep and that your problem is NOT CPAP machine or PAP treatment related. You, most likely, suffer from a medical condition to be diagnosed. I agree with the above poster's writing: "you really need a doc who does understand. I know you're concerned that starting with a new doc will set you back but if you feel you've stalled out with this doc I don't know what else there is to do but move on to a new doc. "