My Experience- sorry kinda long

[sixtygp]

Hello-

I occasionally read this forum. It was a big help when I was first diagnosed with OSA. I thought I would write this so that new people would know what I went through and help them. My medical provider Kaiser is great, really. When I did my sleep study and follow up the process was not as streamlined as it is now. My neighbor just went through the program and his experience was fantastic.

I was diagnosed in April of 2006. My doctor did not think I had OSA, but she was very cooperative to get he study done. She actually ‘fast tracked’ my study. She said I did not fit the ‘profile’ of a typical patient. The problem was that I could not get my blood pressure down, no matter what meds they gave me. I found an article on the net that described the link with blood pressure and apnea. I brought it in to show her. She was very interested.

Well, my AHI index came back as severe. Rated at 58. I stopped breathing 471 times during the study. Wowsers.

Since my type of insurance with Kaiser does not cover durable medical, I had to buy my own stuff. The clinic nurse said that was a good thing- and I really think it was. Because I read the forum here, I asked that they prescribe a cflex machine and one that had variable pressure so it wouldn’t blow at 18 all night- of course this was ultimately up to the sleep Dr. The nurse agreed, and was glad I brought it up.

I ordered a Respironics Remstar Auto machine and Comfort Gel mask. The nurse said I did not need a humidifier. It took a few weeks to really get used to the whole deal. I was amazed how crappy I slept. If you are new- the secret is to stick with it, patience is golden. Fortunately the mask I choose was comfy. I am glad I spent the bucks to get a good machine with features that made the therapy work. I have tried a nasal mask and it did not do it for me. The only drawback to all this is that the stuff can get pricey. Fortunately cpap.com has been real helpful and great to deal with.

Two weeks on the hose, my blood pressure dropped 15-20 points. You should of seen the Dr’s face. It is interesting now, when you go to a hospital, or see a new Dr, the first or second question is- “do you have apnea”?

After almost 2 and half years, I would wake up with a clogged nose and really dry- specially here in southern California. So I ordered the humidifier that I didn’t need. Boy what a difference. Again, I educated myself here on the forum about that. So, buy the humidifier, and if needed have them add it to the prescription. Best $150 I spent in a long time.

I am sure others can attest, but I cannot sleep without this darn machine. Others I have talked to say the same thing.

So, read up, ask questions, and don’t be afraid to challenge the Dr. (in a polite way). Don't skimp if you can afford it, and buy the humidifier. Your nose will love you for it.

Thanks for reading, Matt

[bdp522]

Welcome to the forum Matt! Great post! Don't worry about posts being too long, I for one am always looking for more info. It was wonderful to read your story and about your success with cpap! Why don't you fill in your profile? Go to user control panel and fill in what machine, mask, software, etc you have. It will keep you from answering those questions over and over again. It also helps us give you better info when/if you have a question.

Brenda

[kteague]

Thanks for sharing your cpap experience. I know when I was a struggling newbie I was hungry to read how others made their therapy work - it gave me hope for my own, and also helped me to have realistic expectations so as not to get discouraged during the ups and downs of working things out. Hey, I too was told with my first cpap I didn't need the humidifier since I did ok without it during the split nite titration (3+) hours. Wrong!

Stop back soon. The more the merrier.

Kathy

[rested gal]

Matt, that was a GREAT post. Do keep visiting the message board, and please do keep writing posts. You have no idea how many people you may have helped with your story and your encouragement to keep on trying to make it work for them, too.

[MichelleFL]

Excellent Matt! I for one have to take my health issues step by step and have had to fight the system every which way. Good for you to have gotten your doctor to see the need for this and I would of given anything to see the look on her face when your blood pressure dropped... Sorry about having to buy your own stuff but with something like this it's important to get what you want and not what they want. I am fighting this now with my insurance and DME and will see who the winner is... lol