RX Adjusted finally.

Krelvin · Post by **Krelvin** » Wed Sep 27, 2006 1:49 pm

After talking with my Dr. and him sending me to a ENT for possible surgery options, I finally got that appointment.

Her first impression was that I was well prepared. I had all of my stuff with me, sleep study, an additional chart that I created for missing info in the chart in the sleep study etc...

My inital levels were set to IPAP 27 EPAP 20... this forced me into a very narrow number of Bipap machines...

I thought the levels were to high for a number of reasons. First, I had as good (actually better) O2 sat levels at other levels, they didn't test me very long in any of the ranges at the higher levels so there was not much data and I was flat on my back the entire time I was tested at Bi-Pap levels.

I for one don't sleep on my back since I can breath easier on my side and as a result the levels are lower.

The ETN agreed and wrote a new lower IPAP and EPAP that will get me into the rest of the machines.

I've now made a request to the DME to replace the current Used Old model Synchrony ST with a Respironics BiPap Auto.

So we shall see what happens next.

The Insurance Co provides 100% coverage and is still in the Rental phase prior to the actual purchase. It is obvious that the machine is doing me good and that I am using it daily with good success.

Oh.. and the sugery options... non-recommended at this time. The ETN said she didn't think any of them, including the ones that are more complicated would make enough of a difference to warrant them.

Krelvin · Post by **Krelvin** » Thu Oct 12, 2006 5:39 pm

I guess it didn't take too long. They finally called and said my new machine was here.

Tomorrow morning, I go in to trade my Used Synchrony ST in for a brand new BiPap Auto. It should have the integrated Humidifier as the ST had an external one.

Will see if it comes with the manuals though.

Next, I will be looking for the software and card reader so that I can "SEE" what is going on.

So far, I've had very good success with my machine and look forward to the new one.

BTW.. I checked my Insurance the other day and saw the claims they were putting in for the "Rental". $980 a month! however, the insurance company was only paying them $88 a month. Imagine if you had no insurance... I'm glad I have 100% coverage.

Nasty · Post by **Nasty** » Thu Oct 12, 2006 6:03 pm

Hello Krelvin,

KEEP ON KEEPIN ON!!!!!

Been on CPAP for ten years. Got my BIPAP Auto a couple of months ago.

Soon after I became accustomed to the bipap auto, my systolic blood pressure dropped from 154 to 124.

This forum is fantastic is you have questions with the new machine.

KEEP THE FAITH BROTHER!!!!!!

Regards from the

Nasty Grumpy Old Hosehead

_________________

CPAPopedia Keywords Contained In This Post (Click For Definition): bipap, CPAP, auto

curtcurt46 · Post by **curtcurt46** » Thu Oct 12, 2006 6:18 pm

Good luck on the new machine. I would tell them you expect to get both manuals (user and provider) that come with the machine. You and your insurance are paying the bill. You can always threaten to go to another DME provider.

Good luck, you will probably prevail.

Krelvin · Post by **Krelvin** » Thu Oct 12, 2006 9:02 pm

I was told originally that the only BiPap machine they would provide was a BiPap Plus. If anything else was needed, it had to be on the RX...

This was before my original RX was seen that indicated a high 27/20 which even the BiPap Plus couldn't do. So they started me out with a Used Synchrony ST which was a rental until the treatment could be confirmed.

Looking back at this today, I think I snookered them into giving me the BiPap Auto instead of a BiPap Plus inadvertently.

After I saw the ETN who reduced my pressures, she gave me the RX form (typical small Prescription form) that only had a note on it saying Lower Pressures to new values with them listed.

When I called Apria to tell them I had a new pressure setting, they said I needed to Fax a copy of it over to them.

I wanted to finalize this whole thing and so I wrote a simple letter stating that the new pressures were attached and that a new machine needed to be orders, a BiPap Auto, and that the transaction should be completed ending the rental period. I then attached the RX form to the front of the letter and faxed the now single document to them.

I think they thought the entire page was from the ETN.

I was prepared to get my Dr to write a new RX that listed the BiPap Auto, but when they called to confirm that they were going to order the machine, and they said they were ordering a BiPap Auto I was surprised. So I thought I'd wait and see what they got.

Today when the gal from Apria called, and I asked what machine it was that they were wanting me to pickup and she didn't know. She had to look it up. She then got back on the phone and said the RX said it had to be a BiPap Auto and that is what was being provided.

There has never been any RX that said anything other than a BiPap w/humidifier.

Snoredog · Post by **Snoredog** » Thu Oct 12, 2006 9:04 pm

27cm pressure?? Man, I think you hold the record for the highest pressure reported here.

too bad you didn't have your sleep study done at Stanford, they could have scoped your airway and told you exactly what was causing the obstruction or requiring that 27cm pressure to stent the airway. Most likely it was the tongue falling into the back of the throat, but it would be nice to know for sure.

Surgery most likely wouldn't completely eliminate your OSA but it might have lowered your pressure requirement making cpap much easier to tolerate. But if you have adjusted to that pressure and it is working for you then stick with it.

Krelvin · Post by **Krelvin** » Fri Oct 13, 2006 12:55 pm

GOT IT!

Brand new Respronics REMstar BiPap Auto w/Bi-Flex and the REMstar Heated Humidifier intergraded unit.

There was a brief time when the gal providing the machine, appeared to indicate that I would keep using the old humidifier instead of getting a new integrated one, but that was cleared up pretty quick by the supervisor.

Looking at the manual provided, there is no real discussion on setting levels (Epap/Ipap).

It only talks about FOSQ, Flex Setting, Rise Time, Ramp Start, Disconnect and LED Backlight.

Will play with it when I get home tonight to see how intuitive it is. The old unit, a Synchrony, was very easy to figure out.

I also don't see the smart card in with the documentation (the card holder is there) but it is quite possible that when they programmed the unit they put the card in the unit. I've not opened the unit up yet.

RX Adjusted finally.

RX Adjusted finally.

Make them give you the manuals.