Newbie who is meeting with sleep doctor Tuesday

[muirwoodsue]

What a relief to know that I have sleep apnea. I literally thought I was in a deep depression because I kept sleeping all the time. When I went to have my physical, my doctor suggested that I might have sleep apnea and had me get a sleep study. I did the sleep study and found out that they wanted me to come back for the titration thing. I was a bit surprised, because my intern had not contacted me yet with the results. So, I did the titration study basically the next day, without actually speaking to the doctor. I was so anxious to get started and just feel better. When I went in for the titration study, I asked the guy who was doing the test to give me some information. I had no idea what he was talking about but I do know it was obstructive apnea. Of course, this is now 10:30pm at night and I was exhausted. He put the the one that goes in your nose holes and is like underneath. It was so easy to breath in,but the breathing out was a bit scary. I watched TV and tried to not think about it and hopefully fall asleep. Oh and he tells me not to open my mouth when I am sleeping. Right! Of course, I was talking in my sleep and it kept coming open. Then I got a nice big chin strap. By this time I'm looking so good! I didn't sleep well all night, I really wanted to sleep on my side, but was afraid it was going to come off. The next morning I filled out a bunch of forms and they asked if I wanted to meet with the sleep physician. I said YES! I didn't want to go any further without talking with a doctor. I am now meeting him on Tuesday. Of course I will ask for a copy of both tests, but are there any specific questions I should ask? I am not thrilled to have sleep apnea, but at least I know I'm not going crazy! I will check out the newbie section as suggested. I know that I must be an informed patient and be an advocate for myself. Thanks! Sue

[Wulfman]

Welcome to the forum.

Be sure to go up to the lightbulb icon and read "Our Wisdom". (if you haven't already)

Don't let them just hand you whatever THEY feel like pushing on you. Do lots of reading about the machine capabilities and masks. The mask selection is very individualistic. With the circumstances you described, maybe a full face mask would be something you should consider. Even if you DO open your mouth with a full face mask, you won't be losing your therapy air.

Good luck.

Den

[builta]

Hi,

Make sure that you click on the "Light Bulb" above and review information on the different types of PAP units and what they are for. That way you can discuss or at least understand the type of treatment that the doctor will be prescribing for you. Best advise is to read everything that you can in the "Our Wisdom." It really helped me. Only wish that I had found this Forum before my sleep study and everything.

Also review the information, again click on the "Light Bulb" above, so you can have some clue as to what should be written, by the doctor, for the different treatment prescriptions. Get a copy of that prescription too. You'll need it to order a machine or you can use it to verify that the Durable Medical Equipment (DME) provides you with the right insurance paid device.

Make sure that the DME explains and shows you the pressure settings and compare them to the prescription. My DME set my unit up incorrectly and lets just say it wasn't pleasant.

Good luck and hang in there--the benefits are really worth it.

[Slinky]

I would ask the doctor to please go thru the full data summary printout w/me and explain some of it to me or if he had someone on staff who could do so as you have a need to know and understand your health problems and therapy. If you get an "you wouldn't understand" bite your tongue, take a deep breath and inform the doctor that you are reasonably intelligent and are not one to make an uninformed decision when it comes to your health care. Let him know in a diplomatic way just how insulting such a comment is. It is THE DOCTOR'S JOB to help you understand so you CAN make an INFORMED decision. YOU are the one who endures the benefits OR CONSEQUENCES of your health care decisions, not the doctor. YOU are the one who will be living w/this equipment for the next 5 years AND the rest of your life. Not him.

[Georgio]

Don't let them give you a bottom of the line cpap machine. You want one that at least is "fully data capable" and an "exhalation relief" feature is desirable for comfort.

Good luck and you will be feeling better.

Georgio

[Gerald]

Sue......

Expanding on what Georgio says......You need to have a clear definition of the words "fully data capable" so that you and your doctor are on the same page.

"Fully Data Capable" doesn't refer to just a "record of compliance". It means that your machine will store data on a "smart card" that can be read with your own software by means of a card reader that attaches to your computer by USB port.

Your machine must generate data on mask leaks, snores, hypopneas, apneas, and flow limitations....so that you can print out a full report that shows in graphical format what went on while you were asleep. In effect, what you want is a machine that will allow you to perform a "home style" sleep test every night if you want to do so.

Don't let them blow you off......by telling you that you don't need this. Without it, your probability of successful treatment will go way, way down. Good software with a good machine makes all the difference. If you get stuck with a "cheap-ass" machine, they get the money....and you get the shaft.

Quickly do your homework....and be informed before you go to that doctor meeting.

You can do it!

Gerald

[Slinky]

Doggone it! QUICK someone find the URL for RestedGal's recent list of fully data capable xPAPs and post it here for Sue!!!

[Wulfman]

Doggone it! QUICK someone find the URL for RestedGal's recent list of fully data capable xPAPs and post it here for Sue!!!

Geeze.....you get another year older and bossier......
Wassamatter......did you lose an hour of sleep last night?

You mean THIS ONE?

viewtopic.php?p=307168#p307168

Love ya, Slinky. < smack >

Den

[Slinky]

Yer fergiven this time, ole Wulfman, but .... watch yer step!!! I'll be shovin' ya inta some fresh buffalo chips ya keep it up.