Doctor won't prescribe a Cpap yet

[willy851]

I am a 47 yr old male that was recently diagnosed with severe sleep apnea. I am 5'11" 180 lbs so my primary never thought about sleep apnea being the cause of my problems.
I am incredibly frustrated with the whole process. I have had two studies which both showed horrible results but the pulmonologists wants to do another study before he prescribes a machine. My fear, I will be dead before I ever get any help. I had my first test two months ago, I thought sleep apnea was dangerous. I am an electrician and operating on empty all the time. I can't think, remember or work at any level that deserves compensation. I get dizzy and fall over with no warning, this has been happening for two years. The doctor said that I have allergies and prescribed antibiotics, steroid spray and OTC decongestant. My next appointment isn't until January 6 for a study then wait two weeks to see doctor.
MY results were 120 episodes an hour and my oxygen levels went down to 75%. I know I didn't believe it either, both studies had similar results.
I have great insurance, but I don't trust any of my doctors. I am so worried about having a stroke or heart attack. I don't know how to speed this process up.

[cflame1]

as to the next study... ask to be put on the cancellation list.

as to the wait... ask to be put on O2 if they won't do a loaner machine.

[chunkyfrog]

120 events an hour and no machine?
Do you have any idea how much of that was obstructive apnea?
Were your events mostly central?
Cpap is effective primarily for obstructive apnea.
Your doc may need to understand what is causing your apnea in order to treat you.

[LSAT]

Does your doctor have a connection to the place that you have the sleep study? I don't know why you would need a third study within 2-3 months unless it means $$$ to the doctor.

[Lizistired]

You've had 2 sleep tests in 2 months, was the second a titration?
Have you contacted the sleep lab to get copies of the full reports and condensed graphs for both studies?

[willy851]

The doctor does have a connection to the sleep study, which is what worries me. They just see my insurance as a bank account. I told the doctor that I am currently running a job that requires me to drive a line truck towing telephone poles. He said well NJ has a law that makes you liable if you know you have a sleep problem.
That doesn't help me with my medical, financial or mental health. I can't just go on disability and wait for the doctor to help me.
The doctor said that all of my apnea were obstructive due to having a size 18 neck that's very short. You would never know that I used to run 5K in 25 minutes a decade ago.

[cflame1]

if you don't trust the doc... then try a different doc.

[RocketGirl]

Does your doctor have a connection to the place that you have the sleep study? I don't know why you would need a third study within 2-3 months unless it means $$$ to the doctor.

Even if the doc has a monetary connection to the sleep study place, that wouldn't matter unless your insurance authorized the third study. And for that, there would need to be a reason that the third study is medically necessary. If the doc hasn't told you what that reason is, you should ask him/her why you need it.

It might also be worth a call to your insurance company to make sure the third study is covered, since it seems that most people have one study to diagnose, and one study to titrate, and that's it. And I agree w/cflame1 - if you don't trust the doc, get another doc.

[Slinky]

Crikey!!! This so called sleep doctor sounds dangerous. He knows your work situation, you've discussed your symptoms and how you are feeling. He has the results from two sleep studies .... and he has taken no precautions to protect you, your job, those around you and on the same road or highway as you .... Ask your family doctor to script a 30 day trial of auto PAP titration. Explain the seriousness of your situation - job and safety and well as health risks.

In some states doctors are REQUIRED to report untreated sleep apnea patients to the state. Professional truck drivers are now being regulated and monitored for OSA and effective CPAP therapy and other "transport" occupations are being considered for regulation as well.

[DoriC]

Can you get your Primary Dr to work with you? I think if he gives you an RX for a machine and mask you can take it to any DME. Don't let them give you a machine with a Plus or Escape in the name. Where in NJ do you live? Wish you luck and keep us posted.

[jabman]

Maybe you could get a printed copy of your results and show them to your Primary Dr or another sleep doc and ask to have a script written for an xpap.

[ameriken]

I'd be letting everyone involved in my diagnosis and treatment know that I've spoken to my attorney and given him the names of all the doctors and all the reports, and he/she is following this closely and is authorized to respond immediately should something happen as a result of my sleep apnea.

I know that fear of not going to survive until the sleep study. I felt like that earlier this year as I waited months for the sleep study. It's a scary feeling going to bed thinking you might not wake up in the morning.

[BlackSpinner]

Go to the sleep lab and insist on a copy of your sleep study. They MUST give it to you, it is the law but they can charge you for it. Read the wiki here to understand the different kinds of sleep apnea and machines.
post the studies here too. Cpap.com has a page where they show how prescriptions should be filled out. Print it off and take it with you
Take the sleep study to your regular doctor and read it together. Have your doctor write the prescription. make sure it is a fully data capable machine.
Call your insurance and get a list of DME's (durable medical equipment providers) that are in network and go visit them to get quotes. Treat them like used car salesmen.

[BlackSpinner]

Go to the sleep lab and insist on a copy of your sleep study. They MUST give it to you, it is the law but they can charge you for it. Read the wiki here to understand the different kinds of sleep apnea and machines.
post the studies here too. Cpap.com has a page where they show how prescriptions should be filled out. Print it off and take it with you
Take the sleep study to your regular doctor and read it together. Have your doctor write the prescription. make sure it is a fully data capable machine.
Call your insurance and get a list of DME's (durable medical equipment providers) that are in network and go visit them to get quotes. Treat them like used car salesmen.

[Mary Z]

I would think they're having trouble diagnosing and titrating you. Perhaps on this third test they are going to try ASV or another mode besides CPAP. I know it gets old.