is it normal to not see a sleep specialist? Also newbie.

[lifeisbetterwithcats]

I don't see a place for introductions. Been lurking this week and thought I'd say hi. I'm 42. Recently diagnosed with severe OSA. Have snored since I was a baby and even when I was thin so it's possible I've had OSA for a long, long time. Interesting path to my diagnosis. I have horrible headaches every day and clench my teeth in my sleep. The headaches is what got me in for my sleep study.

The sleep center that I go to has no sleep MD on staff. They have a family doctor and a cardiologist who both work part time. The cardiologist just started and I was his second patient. He tried to persuade me to see him in his real office for weight loss surgery. I'm filing a complaint but wondering if this is normal for sleep clinics. I am concerned because at my first appointment he dismissed my headaches and teeth clenching and said I need to decrease my stress. Sigh. If only it were that easy.

During my sleep study I only had stage 1 and 2 sleep. Never entered 3 or REM.

I'm on my fourth night of CPAP treatment and feel worse than before. Keeping my mouth shut is making me clench more so the headaches are horrible and the mask has to be so tight to not leak that I have bruises on my face. I tried my husband's full face masks but they leak - probably too big. I was told by the DME person to go with a nose mask as it had less chance of leaking. Also I'm a side sleeper.

I've downloaded the software and checked the reports. My pressure is set at 13. Not sure what reports would be helpful.
I'm At 100% compliance so far 8-10 hours/night.

AHI 2.49
Average leak rate 6-34.8 1st night, 9.6-75.6 last night 28.8 for 95%
I don't really understand the leak rate measures.

I'm open to any ideas or info. Should I switch to a place that has a sleep doctor? Who do I see for the night teeth clenching? My dentist was no help. I wear acrylic bite guards and break them. I need a mask that doesn't leak on a small face preferably over mouth and nose.

Thanks!

Lori

[Bill44133]

My sleep Doctor is a neurologist. I think any type of doctor would do. Do they have a doctor reading the results of your
sleep study?

Sounds like you need to find a DME who will take the time to fit you with a good full face mask.

[tyroneshoes2]

I recommend Zocdoc, free on the internet.

It is great for searching for a doctor in your area. Just select "sleep medicine specialist" and then you can link to info about the Dr.

For instance, I end up with listings for ENTs, neurologists, and possibly some that are sleep specs without being either. I found a neurologist that seems to have more sleep med background than the rest, so I am seeing him Monday for a second opinion (originally diagnosed by my ENT who initiated a home sleep study).

Zocdoc is also good for looking at when you can book an appointment.

The main idea of Zocdoc is booking appointments, but I will not use it for that, because both my dentist office and ENT office hate it, so I book direct with them after looking at what is open in Zocdoc. Also, Zocdoc once neglected to book with the ENT office once, so I arrived and while I had email confirmations from Zocdoc, the office had no appointment booked.

BUt it is a tool good for all the rest.

[lifeisbetterwithcats]

Thanks. A Neurologist would be ideal because I also have a neuromuscular disease and need someone to help with that. I tend to stick with my GP because she is awesome - spends an hour with me at each visit. I've had bad luck with specialists.

The cardiologist I saw gave off the creepy vibe. Pushing business cards for his primary practice. Not listening. All red flags. He never even went over my sleep study results. I had to ask the DME tech for them and he was actually awesome. I just need to go back in and get fitted again. But long term I need someone who can help with the OSA and headaches and teeth clenching.