As I mentioned in a previous post, I had my sleep study, during which I was put on a cpap an hour into the study at a pressure of 12. I'm going to the sleep specialist on Friday to go over my results and I guess discuss options - I plan on going the cpap route, not operations, etc.. Any suggestions on question or things I should definitely address with the doctor?
Thanks!
Anything specific I should ask the dr. on Friday?
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Re: Anything specific I should ask the dr. on Friday?
1) Ask for a copy of your full sleep study. If doc doesn't have it, go back to the lab and ask them for it. There is a lot of good information that meant more to me after reading more on this website. It is good to have for reference.
Also, I've had pretty good days, a few okay days, and a couple not so okay days since I've been on CPAP the past 6 weeks. I personally have found it helpful to go back and look at the original sleep study and remind myself how much better I'm doing and why I keep sticking a mask on each night. I've kept the mask on all night every night, so maybe that has helped me.
2) You may want to find out if you can "borrow" both a nasal mask and nasal pillows for a week when you get your equipment. They have ones you can try out that they sterilize, it is worth taking two types home for a practice run!
My DME said I could borrow both for a week. I didn't take them up on it, but I should have. I ended up going in after a few days to buy a different type of mask and the loan would have avoided that. The good news is most insurance will pay for a 2nd mask if the first one really doesn't work for you. Just call the insurance and tell them "I cannot breathe. Can I get a new mask?" My insurance said I absolutely could as my CPAP was considered a "medical necessity".
3) Try to get an automatic APAP machine. Tell the doctor you want to know that you'll have enough air if your events increase at night. Tell them you don't think you can sleep unless you know the machine can adjust to your needs. Try, try, try to get one of the machines that will give you data you can download of an SD card!
Two example machines you could mention to your doctor if he asks what kind of machine you mean would be:
Resmed S9 AutoSet
OR
PRS1 - Respironics PR System 1 REMstar Auto CPAP Machine with A-Flex (PRS1)
OR similar machine.
Good luck!
Also, I've had pretty good days, a few okay days, and a couple not so okay days since I've been on CPAP the past 6 weeks. I personally have found it helpful to go back and look at the original sleep study and remind myself how much better I'm doing and why I keep sticking a mask on each night. I've kept the mask on all night every night, so maybe that has helped me.
2) You may want to find out if you can "borrow" both a nasal mask and nasal pillows for a week when you get your equipment. They have ones you can try out that they sterilize, it is worth taking two types home for a practice run!
My DME said I could borrow both for a week. I didn't take them up on it, but I should have. I ended up going in after a few days to buy a different type of mask and the loan would have avoided that. The good news is most insurance will pay for a 2nd mask if the first one really doesn't work for you. Just call the insurance and tell them "I cannot breathe. Can I get a new mask?" My insurance said I absolutely could as my CPAP was considered a "medical necessity".
3) Try to get an automatic APAP machine. Tell the doctor you want to know that you'll have enough air if your events increase at night. Tell them you don't think you can sleep unless you know the machine can adjust to your needs. Try, try, try to get one of the machines that will give you data you can download of an SD card!
Two example machines you could mention to your doctor if he asks what kind of machine you mean would be:
Resmed S9 AutoSet
OR
PRS1 - Respironics PR System 1 REMstar Auto CPAP Machine with A-Flex (PRS1)
OR similar machine.
Good luck!
If you are struggling with congestion, it helped me to add Alkalol to my daily sinus rinse. This reduced my congestion and allows me to breathe freely with my CPAP mask. CPAPtalk post about Alkalol use here: viewtopic.php?p=665255#p665255
Re: Anything specific I should ask the dr. on Friday?
This is VERY helpful - thanks SO much!!!
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• Page 1 of 1