Hello & A Few Questions

[ozij]

...And some congestion can be helped by nasal rinses -- you'll find a video showing how to do it on http://www.sinucleanse.com/why_video.htm - and lot's of info on this site if you search.

O.

[Wulfman]

I agree COMPLETELY with Snoredog (and others who have expressed similar sentiments here). Your econimic considerations not withstanding. DON'T MESS WITH YOUR LIFE. Period.

Chuck

WHAT??? Are you SERIOUS???
It's HIS life!!!

Den

[Snoredog]

So you secured a machine without a doctor, diagnosis, prescription, no PSG not even a professional evaluation? It also means you are using that machine illegally.

Come on Snoregog, we all know curling irons are more dangerous than xPAPs.

[GoofyUT]

Its HIS life and I AIN'T GONNA DO ANYTHING TO HELP HIM POTENTIALLY COMPROMISE OR END IT!!!

You know better than that, Den.

Do have a happy Thanksgiving.

Chuck

[lvwildcat]

WOW!! Tough audience! As an ICU RN I guess I have a comment on both sides. I get very annoyed when patients self-diagnose and self-medicate(and you graduated from which medical school?). But I commend Self-Directed on realizing there was something wrong and acting on it. I don't condone how he got to where he is but... at least he has gotten started. I have a feeling we may be seeing a lot more of these type patients in the near future as OSA becomes more and more prevalent and is getting a ton of national exposure.
Just my 2 cents for what it's worth

[Wulfman]

I agree that the "proper" method is to get a PSG.
However, we all know that Rested Gal did it on her own. NightHawkeye used a pulse oximeter test to prove it to his doctors.
And.....11 PSGs and only on the LAST one they finally figured it out?

I believe that if SelfDirected uses the software and he DOES have Centrals, they would show up as Non-Responsive events and/or longer periods in apnea.....which would be his clue to that variation.
The "garden variety" of Apneas are Obstructive.....Centrals are rare(er).
At least with his equipment, SelfDirected will be able to find out in pretty short order the extent of his apnea and whether his course of action will help.

To me, it's hypocritical to tweak one's own therapy (changing pressures) without consulting your doctor (which could be considered self diagnosis/treatment) and then criticize someone for taking the initiative for doing self diagnosis/treatment.

I stand by my previous remarks......IT IS HIS LIFE......and if he can improve it, more power to him.

Happy Thanksgiving.

Den

[GoofyUT]

We all know of RG's success. However, she is a sample of ONE. Hardly scientific validation.

Though our new friend has the potential of improving his life, failing to seek competent medical consultation and treatment allows the possibility either that a critical aspect of his medical condition remains undiagnosed and untreated, or that he adjusts his treatment in a fashion that proves to be harmful to him. The GREATEST shame would be if either of those things happened because of his detrimental reliance on the advice that we offer here.

I for one, won't take responsibility for that. I continue with my advice to seek competent medical consultation ON RECORD, and follow the advice and prescription given as a result of that consultation.

I also NEVER adjust my treatment without first consulting with my pulmonologist.

Chuck

[curtcurt46]

These are some very good and thought provoking comments. It's easy to see both sides.
I hope the gentleman asking for assistance has great success in what ever he decided to do.
This is certainly a must read for anyone thinking of treating himself without benefit of a sleep doctor's care.
I look forward to the many ideas and thoughts expressed as this string develops.

[Moogy]

If you monitor your therapy with the software, you should know if you are having any pressure-induced central apneas, so I wouldn't worry too much about that problem unless it shows up. Fortunately, most users have no adverse reactions to cpap therapy.

While suppliers must have a prescription to sell cpaps, I don't believe there are any laws that make it illegal to use the cpap without a prescription. It is like the less-toxic medications. A pharmacist must have a prescription to dispense allergy medications, but it is not illegal to possess such meds or to take them without a prescription. More dangerous drugs are illegal to possess.

Unfortunately, managing your own cpap therapy is much safer than the therapy that many patients get. Many doctors and/or DMEs just pass out the equipment without adequate fitting or follow-up.

Just my opinion,

Moogy

[Goofproof]

Just put it on my GraveStone, "Here Lies Goofproof, He Blew Himself Up" Jim

[LDuyer]

Well, I just hope that folks who self-treat without a clinical diagnosis at least see a doctor.

Most of us do not develop only sleep apnea. We get hypertension, thyroid problems, GERD, and have extra complications with asthma, diabetes or other conditions which may or may not be related. I developed high blood pressure and a thyroid problem a year before being diagnosed for sleep apnea. Some of this has cleared up with cpap therapy, but not all of it. My point is, we can have other health issues that need immediate attention. Also, typical symptoms may not be sleep apnea, it could be other medical conditions, or both apnea and those conditions. And any condition involving breathing is serious stuff. Self-treating is one thing, but it is far better to at least be checked out for everything. Self-treatment is best when it is informed self-treatment.


Linda

[krousseau]

Maybe I have a thing about the word hobby and this is just a comment about semantics ......but RG didn't get where she is by taking this as a hobby....

Do you drive a car??? If you do I'd rather see you self treat with an "illegal" XPAP machine than fall asleep at the wheel and drive through a school yard.

Yes you can learn about this condition and how to treat it effectively. Discuss privacy issues with your doc-make sure when your doc knows about the SDB as it has other health implications--pay privately for SDB related visits so your insurance company never sees that diagnostic code and you don't have to engage in insurance fraud to get care for SDB.

Dinner and drinks does not have to be several alcoholic drinks. Read more about what constitutes alcohol abuse. Use your APAP consistently-don't give yourself reasons to avoid hooking up EVERY time you go to sleep.

[GoofyUT]

[quote="Moogy"]If you monitor your therapy with the software, you should know if you are having any pressure-induced central apneas, so I wouldn't worry too much about that problem unless it shows up. Fortunately, most users have no adverse reactions to cpap therapy.

While suppliers must have a prescription to sell cpaps, I don't believe there are any laws that make it illegal to use the cpap without a prescription. It is like the less-toxic medications. A pharmacist must have a prescription to dispense allergy medications, but it is not illegal to possess such meds or to take them without a prescription. More dangerous drugs are illegal to possess.

Unfortunately, managing your own cpap therapy is much safer than the therapy that many patients get. Many doctors and/or DMEs just pass out the equipment without adequate fitting or follow-up.

Just my opinion,

Moogy

[DreamStalker]

You are simply wrong. These devices are labelled UNDER US FEDERAL LAW "For use by or on the order of a physician." Get it?

Chuck

With all due respect Chuck ... Selfdirected did have an order by his physician golf buddy.

Yes I know, that his physician friend may not have provided him with his Rx according to the specs of the law ... but you have given much support to strangers without knowing whether or not they were treating their apnea under the guidelines of US federal law ... as has Snoredog and many other fine folks here on this forum.

Because some are unable to afford the traditional healthcare procedure(s) to help themselves, I do not think they should not be discriminated against. As others have repeatedly stated, that it is his life and he alone is responsible for his own health. In addition, most everyone has also encouraged him to get professional healthcare in any way that he can.

I am really confused at some of the posts arguing against self treatment when those same posters have no issues helping others who have not admitted to self treatment with or without access to a physician. Some of those same posters also encourage strangers NOT to listen to their healthcare professionals.

Oh well, I guess some are set on their perception of this issue?

- roberto

[GoofyUT]

I object to the manufacturers' patriarchical decision to bar users from accessing their data and settings. So, I have helped provide the keys to gain access to them. In the same way that I object to MacOS's closed architecture. But, I respect the fact that SDB is a SERIOUS medical condition and its diagnosis and its treatment ought to be confined to those who have demonstarted the competency to their state licensing boards to do do. Period.

Understand?

Chuck