Therapy timeline

[wireless]

Newbie question, I suppose.

After obtaining an xPAP for the first time, what should I typically expect? It seems to me that the docs would just want to see you every couple months, to make sure you are using it, and that you don't have questions. And then occasionally, the need for another overnight study. And getting a new mask or other suppy now and then. What else should be done generally?

I guess I am little worried and curious about if they are going to do anything much to assist me, besides just wanting me to wear it more / as much as I can. (I do need to learn more on my own and try to tweak my settings and stop leaks.)

[cflame1]

Some docs will see you again, some will put you on a call list, and some... will not do either. Really depends on your doc, and furthermore your DME (if you went with a Brick and Mortar one) how much support you'll get with live and in your face type people.

As for sleep studies... you might get one a year, you might not. That depends on your insurance and your doctor.

[gasp]

Do you have a data capable machine? Does it tell you your average hypopnea index number (AHI)? If so, then you know if your therapy is working.

I did not see or talk to the doctor that prescribed my machine and masks. I don't ever expect to. It would have been nice to have a knowledgeable expert help me through the beginning stages, but since that apparently doesn't exist (probably doesn't as well for most people), I found everything I needed for successful therapy mostly on this forum.

For myself, if my numbers which I know and understand stay in a good range (for me below 5 and preferable below 3), then I don't expect to have to see or talk to a doctor, or have another sleep study for many years. If I started feeling tired all the time again or if my numbers increased, and I could do nothing on my own, then I would ask for a doctor's help and a sleep study.

[Wulfman]

Do you have a data capable machine? Does it tell you your average hypopnea index number (AHI)? If so, then you know if your therapy is working.

I did not see or talk to the doctor that prescribed my machine and masks. I don't ever expect to. It would have been nice to have a knowledgeable expert help me through the beginning stages, but since that apparently doesn't exist (probably doesn't as well for most people), I found everything I needed for successful therapy mostly on this forum.

For myself, if my numbers which I know and understand stay in a good range (for me below 5 and preferable below 3), then I don't expect to have to see or talk to a doctor, or have another sleep study for many years. If I started feeling tired all the time again or if my numbers increased, and I could do nothing on my own, then I would ask for a doctor's help and a sleep study.

FYI. I started to wonder the same thing and then noticed this at the bottom of the post:

Started BiPAP therapy 7/17/08 -- ResMed VPAP Auto with H3i humidifier, Mirage Quattro Full Face mask, ResScan 3.5
On paper, my Dx is OSAS, but it's probably UARS. Reduced amount of REM. Titrated at very low I/E pressures.


It would appear that "wireless" has the appropriate tools to determine how the therapy is working.

Den

[gasp]

Do you have a data capable machine? Does it tell you your average hypopnea index number (AHI)? If so, then you know if your therapy is working.

I did not see or talk to the doctor that prescribed my machine and masks. I don't ever expect to. It would have been nice to have a knowledgeable expert help me through the beginning stages, but since that apparently doesn't exist (probably doesn't as well for most people), I found everything I needed for successful therapy mostly on this forum.

For myself, if my numbers which I know and understand stay in a good range (for me below 5 and preferable below 3), then I don't expect to have to see or talk to a doctor, or have another sleep study for many years. If I started feeling tired all the time again or if my numbers increased, and I could do nothing on my own, then I would ask for a doctor's help and a sleep study.

FYI. I started to wonder the same thing and then noticed this at the bottom of the post:

Started BiPAP therapy 7/17/08 -- ResMed VPAP Auto with H3i humidifier, Mirage Quattro Full Face mask, ResScan 3.5
On paper, my Dx is OSAS, but it's probably UARS. Reduced amount of REM. Titrated at very low I/E pressures.


It would appear that "wireless" has the appropriate tools to determine how the therapy is working.

Den

Ah, yes, I see. Thanks Den. If it were a snake it would've bit me : )))

[Guest]

After obtaining an xPAP for the first time, what should I typically expect? It seems to me that the docs would just want to see you every couple months, to make sure you are using it, and that you don't have questions.

Most don't care if you have any questions. I think it has more to do with how soon your insurance will pay for another visit.

I guess I am little worried and curious about if they are going to do anything much to assist me, besides just wanting me to wear it more / as much as I can. (I do need to learn more on my own and try to tweak my settings and stop leaks.)

Wake up girl....assist you? Only if you have a VERY GOOD DOC.

Remember these words - "If it is to be - It is up to me".
Get comfy, put on your reading glasses then,
Start at the Light Bulb "Our Wisdom"
or click here - our-collective-cpap-wisdom.php

Learn to search.

Good Luck