Newbie Introduction

PamelaDV · Post by **PamelaDV** » Fri Apr 01, 2005 2:11 pm

Hello All. I just found this board today and I am thrilled to find such a wonderful resource.

I was just diagnosed with severe OSA about a week ago. My RDI on my sleep study was 69.5. WHEW! That's pretty high. My sats were dropping to 85%.

I had been putting off getting tested because I had other medical issues going on and can only deal with so much at one time. After my last surgery in December my ENT insisted that I be tested. I knew in my heart that the test was a formality. I haven't slept in the same room with my husband since my twin girls were born almost 3 years ago. My father also has sleep apnea and I knew what the signs were and the hereditary nature of the beast.

But now that I know it's a bit of a relief. I can start on the CPAP and start getting sleep - which I am in desperate need of. I am convinced that some of my health problems that have been sneaking up on me are directly or indirectly related to my sleep apnea. In the past I have had several surgeries that were needed for other medical issues, but that we hoped would help with my snoring and never did. I had my tonsils out (at almost 30 - I don't recommend that at all!) and my sinuses roto-rootered. If anything my snoring has just gotten worse.

Last night the Respiratory Therapist came to my house to hook me up with an Auto-PAP - a ResMed. He was very thorough and spent about 2 hours with me. I got a ResMed Mirage mask. Supposedly the plan is to have me on the Auto-PAP for 2 weeks when they will read the card inside to check my stats and determine a course of action from there. I am HOPING against Hope that they just let me keep the AutoPAP. Any suggestions on how I can convince the powers that be? I know I don't have much experience, but I really like this machine and dread having to change to a regular CPAP machine.

I had my first night on the machine last night and I thought it went quite well. I slept in the same position most of the night and only remember waking up once before my alarm went off. I slept on my back which I haven't done in years, and really enjoyed! I actually slept in bed with my husband! YEAH! Of course, that mask is so attractive, but he was thrilled that it wasn't loud and I didn't snore. The whole machine will take some getting used to for sure, but at this point I have resigned myself to having to live this way in order to improve my quality of life during the waking hours.

Anyway - just wanted to introduce myself.

Thomas · Post by **Thomas** » Fri Apr 01, 2005 2:26 pm

Welcome to the forum. I'm fairly new to the forum as well. There is definitely a lot to learn and much of that can be found here. Glad you joined and hope we can help. Fight for the auto if the insurance gives you grief. Pressure needs do change nightly as well as over the long term. I was titrated at 6 about 5 years ago and now have an auto that varies from around 10 to 12. Straight cpap just doesn't make sense.

Tom

Sleeping With The Enemy · Post by **Sleeping With The Enemy** » Fri Apr 01, 2005 4:03 pm

I was in the same situation. I had the auto for two weeks and they said my pressure would be 12. They sent me home with a Resmed S7 set at 12. I couldn't breath out against the pressure. I complained and they gave me a Respironics Remstar Pro w C-Flex and I kind of had trouble with that as well. Mainly, I knew from being a member here that I needed to have the Cadillac of CPAPs.

So I made an appointment with my MD, I told here I was not able to tolerate the straight CPAP even with the C-Flex and told her I specifically wanted the REMSTAR AUTO WITH C-FLEX. I told her that it was the most comfortable machine to use for this treatment. I had also checked with my insurance and they told me that they would let me have whatever my MD felt was medically necessary.

I told her it was medically necessary or I simply would not be able to comply with wearing it because I couldn't tolerate the constant pressure and I walked out of there with a script for what I wanted.

Persistence is the key. You are the patient and it is your life, your sleep and the machine you will be trying to sleep comfortably with.

Tell them that.... GOOD LUCK!!

murried2 · Post by **murried2** » Fri Apr 01, 2005 4:12 pm

First of all...WELCOME!

I hope you are successful in getting the apap. I did the same thing as Sleeping with the enemy...went to my dr and told him that I felt that the straight CPAP wasn't working for me, although I am 100% compliant.

I suggested an apap and asked for prescription for software and he agreed 100%. I agree that persistence is the key. You're the one that has to live with cpap for the rest of your life and you may as well get the best machine out there.

Keep us posted, Okay?

HappyHoser · Post by **HappyHoser** » Fri Apr 01, 2005 8:48 pm

Welcome to the forum! It sounds like you're off to a really good start with the machine. Be sure to keep us posted on your progress. If you search the forum you will find plenty of threads regarding the pros of the auto. Study up, ask any questions and print out the pertinent threads to discuss with your provider. the better informed you are when you discuss your therapy, the better liklihood to get the set up you feel you need. The folks at CPAP.com will help you if you direct any questions to them, they are excellent. Good luck!

Mask

Mask	Humidifier