I've had it! What kind of doctor should I go to.

vdol52 · Post by **vdol52** » Thu Mar 22, 2007 4:30 pm

I've had three sleep studies and was diagnosed with mild OSA. The last sleep study was about 8 years ago. I have good insurance and I can select the type of doctor I want to go to for a repeat sleep study. Should I go to a Neurologist, an Otolarngologist, or what. I've seen you guys use the term DME. What is a DME?

Victoria

DreamStalker · Post by **DreamStalker** » Thu Mar 22, 2007 4:35 pm

DME is the last one you want to go to ... literally and figuratively

DME stands for Durable Medical Equipment ... asl used to refer to some who sells such equiment (ie. CPAP and mask).

I'll let others suggest what type of doctor to look for. Good luck!

alpha1340 · Post by **alpha1340** » Thu Mar 22, 2007 4:37 pm

I have been seeing my neurologist for my sleep apnea because she specializes in seizure and sleep disorders. But that is just me. I had started seeing her when I started having seizures.

tomjax · Post by **tomjax** » Thu Mar 22, 2007 4:48 pm

If you have a DX of sleep apnea and are using an APAP,
just what is it you are trying to learn from another sleep study?

With an APAP, you are having a sleep study every night and there is no way for a lab to give a better pressure determination.

If you have other issues, then maybe you should see a doc in that specialty.

RichCMH · Post by **RichCMH** » Thu Mar 22, 2007 4:50 pm

these might help. My Dr is listed on absm.org

http://www.absm.org/about.htm
http://www.sleepcenters.org/
http://www.sleepfoundation.org/site/c.h ... elcome.htm

OR
ask one of your better trusted local hospitals.

Snoredog · Post by **Snoredog** » Thu Mar 22, 2007 4:50 pm

vdol52 wrote:I've had three sleep studies and was diagnosed with mild OSA. The last sleep study was about 8 years ago. I have good insurance and I can select the type of doctor I want to go to for a repeat sleep study. Should I go to a Neurologist, an Otolarngologist, or what. I've seen you guys use the term DME. What is a DME?

Victoria

I would go to http://www.absm.org and select a Diplomat from your state, scroll down and find one in your area that practices Pulmonology.

I don't put much faith in Neuro's and ENT's, the latter just wants to carve you up and the other thinks it is all in your head. Remove too much of your soft palate and Uvula and you will never be able to stop mouth breathing should you have to remain on cpap.

What sleep issues are you having?

vdol52 · Post by **vdol52** » Thu Mar 22, 2007 5:19 pm

I feel worse in the morning when I wake up then when I go to sleep.
Exercise helps but I go right to sleep as soon as I go to bed. I know that is a sign of sleep deprivation.
I have severe brain fog fatigue and muscle aches.

Victoria

hayeswildrick · Post by **hayeswildrick** » Thu Mar 22, 2007 6:19 pm

It seems that all of the sleep specialists in my area are pulmonologists. One route you might take is to call your local sleep center and ask them to refer you to a sleep specialist.

Jeff

snoozeandlose · Post by **snoozeandlose** » Thu Mar 22, 2007 10:01 pm

Have you done any research on delta sleep, or alpha wave intrusion? Basically your alpha brain wave diminishes which allows your delta brain wave to get you to stage 4 sleep--restorative sleep. Without stage 4 sleep you will be exhausted no matter how much sleep you get, have brain fog, memory problems and possible increased aches and pains. Without stage 4 sleep your body isn't getting the rest it needs to heal and restore itself, hence the aches and pains. When the alpha wave doesn't shut off after you fall asleep it prevents the delta wave from getting you into deep sleep. Studies have shown that many people with fibromyalgia frequently have alpha wave intrusion. Hence the pain symptoms.

I was just recently diagnosed with alpha wave intrusion which is also considered a non restorative sleep disorder. This is the third study I've had. I checked the report from the first one eight years ago and low and behold the alpha wave intrusion was noted on it, but never addressed. So even though your apnea may be well controlled your alpha waves may be overactive. I am being treated with a medication and am slowly feeling better mentally and physically. For a long time I thought the fatigue was due to depression or maybe chronic fatigue syndrome and brain fog due to ADD. I lost my last job due to memory problems and inability to mentally multi task. If I hadn't been persistent with the sleep docs I might still be struggling. Feel free to email me privately. Good luck.

lvwildcat · Post by **lvwildcat** » Fri Mar 23, 2007 2:12 am

My primary MD is a pulmonologist.He's awesome! But it was actually a neurologist who ordered my sleep study. But he is head of the Neuro/Stroke program at hospital and he works very closely with the sleep center.I got lucky.

meister · Post by **meister** » Fri Mar 23, 2007 7:30 am

Get a good work-up from a Cardiologist (many of whom are great with
sleep apnea) and also see a great Endocrinologist.

Julie · Post by **Julie** » Fri Mar 23, 2007 7:54 am

Just wondering if you've investigated the possibility that you're mouth breathing, losing lots of 'good' air, and might possibly need a different mask that would actually be therapeutic, like a Hybrid (or other) full face mask.

vdol52 · Post by **vdol52** » Fri Mar 23, 2007 8:44 am

Look like it will be a Pulmonoligist for me.
I just had a complete cardiology workup and endicronology workup and checked out fine.
I am very interested in the post about "Alpha Wave Intrusion"
since my brain waves were said to be extremely irratic on my last sleep study.
I will research it and post what I find in case there are others who are in compliance with CPAP but still not feeling well.
Thx Victoria

Snoredog · Post by **Snoredog** » Fri Mar 23, 2007 8:59 am

The last sleep study was about 8 years ago.

Your new doc will want a new PSG. A lot has changed in 8yrs, make sure you ask for a copy of that PSG. I'd be prepared for a split-night study. I think if I was going to have another PSG, before making that appointment with the lab I'd want to see what their report looks like. You have seen some posted here, some are comprehensive and very good, others are a joke. I would pass on the latter.

If you have a titration, also request a copy of the titration table which should be included in your report.

cletourn · Post by **cletourn** » Fri Mar 23, 2007 9:04 am

I have a pulmonologist that works in conjuction with my PCP. I have seen Dr's listed as being "sleep specialists".

I've had it! What kind of doctor should I go to.

I've had it! What kind of doctor should I go to.

study

Re: I've had it! What kind of doctor should I go to.

Waking up tired

Why go to just one?

Thanks guys and gals

Mask

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