what to expect

Merryj · Post by **Merryj** » Thu Jun 23, 2011 3:44 pm

Hi,

Have a consult with a sleep doc in mid-July. What sort of information should I be prepared with when I go? After I meet with him I assume I will be set up for a sleep study - can you tell me what to expect during that? Thanks all!

Lizistired · Post by **Lizistired** » Thu Jun 23, 2011 4:02 pm

Google the Epworth Sleepiness scale & sleep log. They will probably mail them to you to complete. Mine didn't, so my first appointment was a waste of my time. Of course, he got paid.
At the second appt, BTW, they have you fill out the Epworth questions every time you walk in their office, he looked at the Epworth, my sleep log, looked up my nose, listened to my lungs, ordered a sleep stuy.

Merryj · Post by **Merryj** » Thu Jun 23, 2011 5:04 pm

Thanks - off to see about the sleep log

TalonNYC · Post by **TalonNYC** » Thu Jun 23, 2011 5:27 pm

I didn't have the first visit experience (where there was the sleep scale and nothing else) but my first visit to the sleep doc was very much like the second. I went in, he asked about 2 dozen questions revolving around my sleep habits, insomnia, medications, etc. Then he did a physical exam of my throat, nose, etc. Afterwards he explained how the sleep study works, asked if I had preferences for dental devices vs. CPAP and sent me to the receptionist to set up my sleep study appointment.

All in all, about 25 minutes of actual doctor time, about 45 minutes of total office time.

After that, I showed up for the sleep study in about a week, spend one night in the sleep center all wired up. Indeed, I've had to fill out that sleep scale thing every single visit =) They also had me fill out a more detailed questionnaire about general medical history and sleep habits (revolving around the questions the doctor asked, just now in written form).

Two days later, one of the other docs in the practice called to tell me that yes, I did indeed have moderate to severe apnea, and I needed to have a second study with the CPAP device (which was my preference over the dental device) for titration. That happened about 5 days later.

Once again with the sleep scale =) Then back into the wire harness, and now with a CPAP system on my face. The next day was a bit more paperwork (about how awake I was now) and then back home.

Two weeks later, I had an appointment to pick up my CPAP machine and have a quick briefing on how it worked.

While cumbersome and annoying at times, the whole process was painless (physically and mentally) and pretty simple from my end. Paperwork, sleeping and waiting =)

jimnsc · Post by **jimnsc** » Thu Jun 23, 2011 5:58 pm

My first appointment with the sleep doc came 'after' the sleep study and the titration sleep. I would encourage you to act determined to comply if you are placed on cpap. I found that eliminated any tension there might have been had I acted dis-interested. I was immediately placed in the proactive category as far as he was concerned and he shared that fact with his nurse in my presence. In summary, the better relationship you build with him/her early on the more pleasant future encounters will be.

DennisG · Post by **DennisG** » Thu Jun 23, 2011 6:17 pm

Mike did a good job of summarizing the process.

My first sleep study was five years ago and I was totally unprepared. Medical situations stress me out in general. With all of the wires and straps and tubes hooked up and the unfamilar noises, etc, I was only able to get a couple of hours of sleep. For my second study, 5 months ago, I asked my sleep doctor for a sleeping pill and it was a tremendous help resulting in a full night of sleep for the study. I got one more pill for the night of the titration as well.

If you have a choice of places to have your sleep study done, I would check them out before deciding. The place where my first study was done was not very comfortable, basically a doctors office with a bed in it. The second study was done at a place that had set up the room to feel like a bedroom with a TV, dresser, curtains, nightstands, etc. and each room had its own thermostat. Much more comfortable and quiet.

Good luck,
Dennis

Merryj · Post by **Merryj** » Thu Jun 23, 2011 6:21 pm

I really don't have sleepiness issues during the day - I went to the doctor for my thyroid check and told her i was tired all the time - a bone tired but not sleepy tired. She suggested that I have the pulse oximeter over night and the results of that are what prompted her to suggest a sleep study...

Bons · Post by **Bons** » Thu Jun 23, 2011 6:54 pm

Sleep studies are good excuses to buy new jammies.... and of course you'll need a second set for the titration

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