New to CPAP - Need Help!!!

[robshank]

So for the last few months...maybe even longer, I have noticed that I am getting more and more tired.

I am 37 years old, I have already had had a heart attack when I was 31 and I feel worse now, than I did 6 years ago. I feel like I am 80 for crying out loud.

Doctor did a pulse ox overnight and is already convinced that I have sleep apnea and my o2 levels are way way too low at night. He has ordered a split sleep study which I will got to next week. I've read that it means they will first confirm that I have sleep apnea and then hook me up to a CPAP to confirm the pressure levels needed.

Here is my problem.....This crap is scaring the hell out of me for quite a few reasons. I got a call from the doc's office that the doctor was considering putting me on o2 at night because the levels were so low. Then to make things even more nerve wrecking....I have no insurance. Contrary to popular belief, I wont have health insurance after Obama Care Kicks in either. I've gotten the sleep study paid for....but what about the machine? They are god awful expensive.....
What else am I not aware of yet that I need to know.
Please, anyone with info on what I am facing....please let me know.


Thank you!!!

[Lazer1234]

You have to look forward to a more energetic life, a longer life, a life without naps. That's what I got so far. Hopefully you will also get it.
My oxygen saturation went down to 80 before cpap, now holding it at around 95 and higher.
I also have had a heart attack, but now I sleep good at night and the heart feels very peaceful. You will love your cpap.

[Julie]

Not all machines are that expensive - especially if you buy from e.g. Cpap.com (lowest prices and best variety) because buying through local DMEs is likely higher... look closely at the machine I use (blue writing under my note) on Cpap.com - because even tho' it's marketed as a 'travel' machine, you get everything other more expensive machines have and it will last as long and be as reliable as the others. You CAN buy a module and software, etc. to go with it ($150-ish) but if you're satisfied to get results of your AHI, leak rate, pressures, etc. if not every last tech detail some others give, you can do it by taking a 9 # code off the screen in the a.m., entering it on Cpap.com's site in a special window and get the results that way (which I've done for 3+ yrs now).

[Janknitz]

If you need a machine, you can get one for a lot less than most DME's sell them for. There are online sources like our host, Secondwind.com, and even Craigslist. Watch this forum for people selling their used machines. Buyer beware--take all precautions if not buying from a reputable dealer.

Oxygen is another matter. You may be able to pick up an oxygen concentrator machine for a good price, but oxygen tanks are pricey.

Hopefully, a CPAP machine will solve your issues and you may not need supplemental oxygen once that's set up and working.

[herefishy]

My doctor put me on o2 to start with, but explained that it wasn't helping because the air just wasn't getting into my body like it should because of the apnea. Oxygen might be a little easier to manage, so do give it a try, but don't panic about the cpap, it's no big deal, either financially or emotionally.