The medical system as a whole relative to apnea

[fastwingguy]

I wish I could honestly say that I picked my current sleep doc and DME because of my fine-tuned analytical research, but actually it was a random choice based on which doc could see me soonest when the recommended doc scheduled an appointment a month away. Even after a skeptical approach ( I read lots of horror stories here first ) I can say I'm delighted with both my doctors competence and integrity. I've taken to the therapy like a duck to water and with minor problems, its gotten better every day. Just lucky, I guess.

[SleepingUgly]

Wow, -SWS, you started this thread in 2005? You're a real old timer!

[billbolton]

I voted "Good".... but I'm not in the US

Cheers,

Bill

[-SWS]

Wow, -SWS, you started this thread in 2005? You're a real old timer!

I prefer the phrase "long timer".

[-SWS]

I voted "Good".... but I'm not in the US

Cheers,

Bill

One undeniable fact about posts on this message board, Bill: faaaaar fewer Australians complain about their health care than Americans. Thanks for your input.

[jnk]

. . . faaaaar fewer . . .

Nice point, loooooooooooooong timer.

[Big S]

This almost brings tears to my eyes when I think about it. I've gotten next to no useful information from the apnea medical community and was declared a success. If it weren't for google, youtube and this site, I would either be dead or not on cpap.

[JohnBFisher]

The medical system as a whole is pretty good. For example, if you go to an internist and/or general practioner, they can handle most of the garden variety conditions: high blood pressure, diabetes, and yes, even sleep apnea. The situation is MUCH better than 20 years ago, when I started. Most don't panic when you explain that you use xPAP therapy. In fact, my internist recently admitted I knew more than she about this, since I have had to live with it for such a long time. BUT she had been exposed to it and had helped a patient during her internship with a BiPAP device.

So, it's not all that bad.

What I think makes more of a difference is what we - as patients - put into the game. Do you want to understand (in general) what your problem is and how to manage it? Do you want to work toward a good night sleep? IF you start with an educated patient, the end result is almost always going to be a better outcome.

But then this is true of managing high blood pressure, or diabetes, or ...

Knowledge really is power. If you have the knowledge and desire to manage your situation, you are much more likely to have a better outcome.

Just my 2 pence worth!

[chunkyfrog]

I tend to believe that I have a minor genetic flaw; but most of the system here is very, very sick.
I have changed DME's and seen my sleep doctor--hoping to get some decent help from them when I need it.
I am my own best patient and my own best provider. I have to be.
You folks here are why I am enjoying better heath now than what I ever expected a year ago.
Thank you.
Edit, 1/6/2014: It appears I actually did end a thread.
edit, 9.8/2014: Kiss of death, frog style--is anyone turning green yet?