I'm just so tired (waiting for machine)

[Chikorita]

Does anyone have any tips on how to stop feeling so exhausted while I'm waiting for me machine. Will be not until after 16th some time. I suspect there's nothing to be done but thought is ask anyway just in case someone has an idea.

[zoocrewphoto]

Not much you can do, except wait.


I put this off for years, but after having one great night of sleep at the sleep study, I was more than ready for my machine. I actually dreamt the next night that the doctor refused to see me until November (my sleep study was mid April). I was never so excited to go to a doctor appointment. I was even more excited afterward. That was a week and a half after the sleep study, and on a Thursday. Friday morning, the DME called to let me know they were starting the insurance verification process. They called back 2 hours later to say it was complete and schedule an appointment (for Monday). I was thrilled and happy all weekend. Counting the days. And then I actually took a nap that day, just so that I could get started.

[archangle]

Sometimes you can get some relief sleeping on your side or stomach. Google the "Falcon" position. Sometimes sleeping in a recliner can help.

[Chikorita]

Thanks. Just checked that out. I already sleep like that which I guess is good but means that I'm already sleeping in the most effective position. Will do a good search of the forum and see what else I can learn about 'Falconry'.

[Slinky]

Yeah, I never had sleep problems until a whiplash in 1994. All my life until then I slept in the Falcon position. After the whiplash I couldn't due to my neck and shoulder muscles. To this day my neck prevents my sleeping in the Falcon position. *sigh*

[Sloop]

Does anyone have any tips on how to stop feeling so exhausted while I'm waiting for me machine. Will be not until after 16th some time. I suspect there's nothing to be done but thought is ask anyway just in case someone has an idea.

I don't understand the delay to you? Surely DMEs can get equipment into their facility faster than 12 days?

Have you picked out your mask yet? Is it in? Is there any way you can rent a machine until your machine comes in?

[tiredmama]

I had a similar delay. I was able to improve things somewhat my consciously not sleeping on my back, knowing that my apnea is far worse on my back. Otherwise, as exciting as it i to start treatment and hopefully feel better soon, you've been without a CPAP this long and another two weeks isn't that long in the grand scheme of things.

[sleepycarol]

When I had my titration study they asked me which DME I wanted to use. I told them I would use the one associated with the hospital. I had my titration and after a few days the doctor called and said she had my script and paperwork for me to pick up (this was my primary care physician as she ordered the sleep study). I picked it up and forgot that I had requested for the hospital DME to provide my equipment. I went and picked up equipment (a whole another story) and started that night.

A month later the hospital DME called and said my equipment had came in and was needing to set up an appointment to train me how to use it. I cancelled their order -- but geez a month later!!!!

[Suzjohnson]

I appreciate your frustration and am sorry you are having to wait so long. Sounds like you have sleeping positions under control so I won't add to that subject. It seems the docs are all hot to trot to do the money making procedures then have no qualms about leaving you hanging out to dry for a stupid amount of time before you can get your equipment. The best way to help the time pass is to read and study everything you can. It will help you immeasurably once you begin using the machine. I read posts here on the forum from current ones to back several years. By the time I got my machine, I was ready to change settings, knew how to adjust a mask and over-all felt like I was pretty well prepared for going through the adjustment phase of my new hobby. Knowledge is power and so is patience.

Suz

[TiredTooLong]

I just received my equipment yesterday. It was one full month from sleep study to getting the equipment. It took almost 3 weeks for the titration. And then the Dr. was gone so had to wait another week to get the prescription. Then had to pull the money together....but I have it now.

I was just as exhausted, not much to do except push your way through it. On my part I think it might have been psychological because now I knew how bad it was, so I gave in to feeling more exhausted when before not know I just pushed through.

[chunkyfrog]

Is it wrong to suspect it takes so long because they are hoping
you will be so desperate you'll take any old piece of junk they bring out?

[Sloop]

On my part I think it might have been psychological because now I knew how bad it was, so I gave in to feeling more exhausted when before not know I just pushed through.

I am sure that played the biggest role -- good observation

[Sloop]

Is it wrong to suspect it takes so long because they are hoping
you will be so desperate you'll take any old piece of junk they bring out?

I would have to say no way. But then again, I only have experience with my doc and my DME. I've had great success in getting my equipment within a day or two -- and not just any old piece of junk. A couple of years ago, when I picked up my latest machine, I was visiting with my main contact at the DME. We were sitting in his office going over my order (which included a new ACTIVA LT mask, and a Comfort Gel mask from Respironics) and I spotted this new fangled gel mask sitting up on his shelf. I asked him what it was, and he said it was from ResMed (Soft Gel) and switches out (using the same frame) with the ACTIVA. He then said --- "here, take it -- but just don't let the folks up front know that I gave it to you."

[s2b1ask1]

Ii found that reading all i could on this forum on topics of interest really helped to prepare me. It helped to deal with the frustration of waiting on Dr's apt and the insurance process.