Anudda noob...

[ameriken]

Was gonna write a long post on how I got here, but I'll spare you all and I'll just keep this short and sweet. Let's just say I was told I have the 'whole shebang' of breathing problems OSA, CSA, and other SBD's. Doc thinks the centrals may be triggered by methadone, which I take for moderate to severe back pain from scoliosis, a curvature of the spine.

I started breathing about 2 weeks ago when I got my Respironics machine through the VA. Prior to that, I felt like I was on my way out, literally. It's taking me a while to bounce back though. My wife notices a big difference in my behavior, my color (she said I was very pale for a long time), and my attitude. I feel better, much better, but still tired, I am far from 'there'.

So here I am. It wasn't until after I got the machine that I decided to check out a few apnea forums. I guess I was really braindead before that and never thought to do the research. Anyhow, this seems to be the most active, the most complete, and the most helpful forum. I intend to contribute both as a member as well as financially to the forum.

I wish everyone the best and hope we can all learn something from each other.

[Mr Bill]

ameriken, welcome to the forums,
I see you are also from Colorado. I live on the west slope and although I am not a vet, we are supposed to have the best Vets hospital in the West. I see we have the same machine. I just started back on 19/11/2010. Feel free to ask questions or air a gripe and somebody will offer help or sympathy.

[proctor78]

Hey,
Great new's about starting treatment and welcome...

I too am from colorado

[newhosehead]

Welcome and I am glad you found this site!

[GumbyCT]

Welcome to the best forum on the internet. While the VA does provide some excellent equipment, you are on your own to learn what will work for you. But ALL that info and more is here. Learn to use the "Advanced Search" feature at the top of each forum page to find things to help you.

[Pugsy]

Welcome.

Do you have the software to monitor your therapy in detail? If not, do you want it? Is the machine showing in your profile for sure the machine you are using? If it is you will also need a special card reader.

[ameriken]

Thanks everyone.

Mr Bill...yes, we have the same machine, you replied to another thread of mine and I appreciate your help.

Pugsy...yes, that is the correct machine and I was just looking up the software on the web on Friday, I'd like to know what is going on with my therapy. I'm not sure which reader I need?

Thanks again...I'm glad to be here and I hope I can return some help and/or encouragement.

Ken

[Pugsy]

Pugsy...yes, that is the correct machine and I was just looking up the software on the web on Friday, I'd like to know what is going on with my therapy. I'm not sure which reader I need?

I figured it was probably correct machine but wanted to make sure before I told you about the card reader.
Mako DT3500 Infineer. Nothing else will work.
https://www.cpap.com/productpage/Respir ... r-USB.html

sometimes found cheaper on the web with some searching.

Send me PM if you want info on Encore Pro but there is no advantage over Viewer with your machine.
Viewer $99
Pro ..free but sometimes comes with free installation headaches.....

[GumbyCT]

Pugsy...yes, that is the correct machine and I was just looking up the software on the web on Friday, I'd like to know what is going on with my therapy. I'm not sure which reader I need?

Ken if you recently got this machine it's not likely the VA would supply an older machine. Write down all the words written on top of the machine then post them here.

[ameriken]

Write down all the words written on top of the machine then post them here.

BiPAP AutoSV Advanced.

My understanding is it was supposed to be something newer.

[ameriken]

Gumby, I've also got the packing slip from the VA.

It describes it as such:

Item #
1042906

Description
BiPAP Auto SV Advanced (Replaces #1038917)

[Pugsy]

https://www.cpap.com/productpage/respir ... avaps.html

This above is latest. It does not need the special card reader.

Disregarding names... look at your machine and this one above. Visually they are so different can't be confused no matter name.

It is possible that you were given the older model if it was sitting on shelf somewhere and they decided to unload it when these new models came out just recently.

[ameriken]

https://www.cpap.com/productpage/respir ... avaps.html

This above is latest. It does not need the special card reader.

Disregarding names... look at your machine and this one above. Visually they are so different can't be confused no matter name.

It is possible that you were given the older model if it was sitting on shelf somewhere and they decided to unload it when these new models came out just recently.

Pugsy...it's definitely NOT the one above.

[Pugsy]

Pugsy...it's definitely NOT the one above.

Well... then you have the older model likely with this smart card https://www.cpap.com/productpage/respir ... -card.html and will need the DT3500 and can use Encore Pro or Viewer. Those are your options.
Not bad options. The card reader is pricey and maybe minus a couple of items on reports that the new machines gather.
Otherwise excellent machine and nothing to be ashamed about. The latest model in this particular high end line was just made available within last couple of months or so.

[ameriken]

Pugsy...it's definitely NOT the one above.

Well... then you have the older model likely with this smart card https://www.cpap.com/productpage/respir ... -card.html and will need the DT3500 and can use Encore Pro or Viewer. Those are your options.
Not bad options. The card reader is pricey and maybe minus a couple of items on reports that the new machines gather.
Otherwise excellent machine and nothing to be ashamed about. The latest model in this particular high end line was just made available within last couple of months or so.

Thanks Pugsy, I thought I had the right one picked out.