Going to the Sleep Doc - Questions

ColoZZZ · Post by **ColoZZZ** » Sat Feb 17, 2007 9:13 am

Two and a half months into therapy and I still don't feel anything like I was expecting to. Usually its hard to get up in the mornings, I still feel wiped out.

I've had the M since early January and have been collecting data since then. Since I got my card reader in late Jan., my AHI numbers are pretty good with Avg. AHI <3 and Avg. AI <1, but I'm still not feeling the effects of getting good nights' sleep.

I'm using a Ultra Mirage FF mask and feel like I'm accustomed to it and I've got it adjusted so leaks aren't waking me up - leak data don't indicate any significant leaks, 0 large leaks so far.

I welcome any comments on what I should ask the doc. I plan to take in all detailed nightly plots from EP (about 3 weeks worth) that I've got, summary stats and graphs from EPA, and, of course, my overall compliance stats (100%).

Questions:

What other data should I take that I can get from EP or EPA?

What questions should I ask him?

What questions should I be prepared to answer?

Any other thoughts?

Thanks,

--Andy

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CPAPopedia Keywords Contained In This Post (Click For Definition): AHI

rested gal · Post by **rested gal** » Sat Feb 17, 2007 12:26 pm

Andy, perhaps your sleep doctor will be interested in your print-outs. But you might want to prepare yourself for hearing, "Hmmm..." followed by a riffling sound. And then seeing your papers set aside with hardly a glance.

I always chuckle when thinking about this account of a checkup visit:
viewtopic.php?t=3156&start=15 (on Page 2)

-SWS wrote:

"I always knew the "norm" within the RT/DME/professional circles regarding PAP data was very sad. My former doctor's staff looked at me as if I were carrying a plague-infested rat when I proudly brought my first AutoPAP data disk in for a routine check up. If that former doctor ever did take a look at my AutoPAP data, he sure never got back to me regarding my data or therapy."

Andy, call me cynical, but I wouldn't be surprised if what you hear during a very short expensive visit will be:

"Looks like you're using your machine...that's good."

"How've you been feeling?"

"Well, it takes time."

"Try to go to bed at the same time each night and get up at the same time in the morning."

"Get regular exercise and watch your diet."

"Try to lose some weight."

"I'll see you in six months." (or a year)

Optional: "I'm going to write a prescription for Provigil. Let's see if that helps you."

Hope I'm wrong, Andy. I sincerely hope your sleep doctor will take a lot of interest in such a compliant, pro-active patient. Good luck!

Rabid1 · Post by **Rabid1** » Sat Feb 17, 2007 12:32 pm

When I showed-up with my Encore print-outs my (former) RT said I was a doctor's and RT's "worst nightmare".

At this point, I really hope they are having nightmares about me. Me? I'm sleeping pretty good, thank you!!!!

Linda3032 · Post by **Linda3032** » Sat Feb 17, 2007 1:14 pm

Andy, unfortunately before I read RG's predictions, I was forming the same responses in my mind.

But, as usual, she said it all.

We can only hope that's not what you hear from him.

ColoZZZ · Post by **ColoZZZ** » Sat Feb 17, 2007 4:28 pm

Thanks for the responses. I'm not expecting a lot but just want to have the data there in case I'm able to get him to look at it and in case he knows what he's looking at if I do. I know I'm being optimistic and will be forceful in trying to get more than "you're in compliance, you should feel better" from this medical professional that's being paid for his expert consultation.

Anything others have to chime in?

Thanks,

--Andy

Linda3032 · Post by **Linda3032** » Sat Feb 17, 2007 4:39 pm

Andy, I would have expected you to start feeling better by this point in your therapy.

1. Have you tried the machine with and without Cflex?
2. Have you tried straight cpap vs apap?
3. Have you tried with and without humidifier?

It looks like "fine tuning" to me, and I really wouldn't expect your doctor to be able to help you with that.

But He might order other tests that don't involve sleep apnea. I would ask him about that.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Sun Feb 18, 2007 8:25 pm

Linda,
I see your settings on your apap is 7- 7.5.
How did you decide on this setting?
why do you not have a wider range?
did you evolve to this pressure after lots of tweaking or that way all along.

Just curious
My setings are 10-16 and I spent more than 50 pct at 10 and very rarely above 14. I have no problems, but wonder what would happen at 9-15 or lower.
tomjax

Linda3032 · Post by **Linda3032** » Sun Feb 18, 2007 11:27 pm

Tom, I've had the software for about a year. But three years ago I have my card read by an online DME. He sent me the entire Pro report and suggested I bump my auto up from 6/9 to 6/10. My 90% was 9.5

Over this past year, I've experience plugged/painful ears and swollen eyelids, so I bumped my pressure back down - slowly.

Yes, I have a few more apneas (average AHI of 2.5 to 3), but I feel alot better. So I no longer strive to make the Zero AHI Club, I just do what comes naturally.

I also don't use cflex, and haven't for almost a year now.

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CPAPopedia Keywords Contained In This Post (Click For Definition): cflex, DME, AHI, auto

Snoredog · Post by **Snoredog** » Mon Feb 19, 2007 1:43 am

Rested Gal wrote:"Looks like you're using your machine...that's good."

"How've you been feeling?"

"Well, it takes time."

"Try to go to bed at the same time each night and get up at the same time in the morning."

"Get regular exercise and watch your diet."

"Try to lose some weight."

"I'll see you in six months." (or a year)

Optional: "I'm going to write a prescription for Provigil. Let's see if that helps you."

LOL that was exactly what I was going to write, you saved me the trouble. I wouldn't give them any reports either, but I'd ask:

Q1: I'd say hey doc I'm using it every night and still feel lousy so what's up with that?

Q2: Hey doc, what kind of gas milage are you getting on that new SL550 roadster?