future hoser checking in

danBfree · Post by **danBfree** » Sun Feb 11, 2007 9:50 pm

Hi - figured I'd introduce myself. I was diagnosed with OSA last week and am going in for a CPAP test on Tuesday night. I'm both relieved and surprised to have gotten this diagnosis - my most pronounced symptom is memory slips and some odd cognitive problems, and quite frankly, I was terrified I had early-onset Alzheimer's or something like that. (I'm 32, so the odds of that are extremely low ... but still.) I sort of ruled out sleep apnea mostly because I had a friend in graduate school who was diagnosed with OSA and he was essentially a walking zombie, was exhausted all the time, etc., which is a presentation that I'm completely lacking.

I actually got a full neuropsychological workup, which resulted in the finding that I had some memory suppression, and the Doctor said that OSA was a possible cause, and when I mentioned that to my wife, she said that I had been breathing oddly at night, which spurred me to have my general MD send me for the initial sleep study ... as far as my "scores" I had (still have, I guess) an o2 level that bottomed out at 86%, about 40 interruptions/hr when sleeping on my back and around 20 when on my side. (My apologies if I'm getting acronyms and/or jargon wrong ... I am a newbie, after all.)

I've had Type 1 Diabetes since I was 15 and have been wearing an insulin pump for the last four years; I think this might help me a little bit in terms of psychological comfort and being able to get used to CPAP, and the idea of having to use this machine "forever". I'm also fairly overweight and I guess the good news is that this has really spurred me to make some diet changes and get myself to the gym; hopefully I will keep it up.

Anyway, as much as I'm hoping to be a brilliant CPAP success story, my guess is that I'll be around here fairly regularly as I try and figure out what it is that I'm doing, and how I can fix it ...

-dan

bdp522 · Post by **bdp522** » Sun Feb 11, 2007 10:27 pm

Welcome! If you haven't already, click on the yellow light bulb at the top of the page. Lots of great info there that you will need. You will find that everyone here is very helpful. We are all trying to be successful with our treatment, and will always speak up with ideas and suggestions.

Brenda

pedroski · Post by **pedroski** » Sun Feb 11, 2007 10:38 pm

Gidday Dan,

Good for you with the gym and hunkering down here in the forum, like Brenda said, you'll get plenty of help. It's great you found this resource so early in the piece. Welcome.

Peter

DannyB · Post by **DannyB** » Sun Feb 11, 2007 10:39 pm

I agree....just found this place and I've been lurking around a bit. Glad to be here!

Linda3032 · Post by **Linda3032** » Sun Feb 11, 2007 11:40 pm

Dan

Well, it certainly sounds like you are entering into therapy with a proper attitude. That will go a long way towards achieving success.

Please continue to look around the forum - especially regarding equipment. Unfortunately, many DME (durable medical equipment) suppliers give their customers entry level equipment. But the insurance company pays them the same amount of money as the good stuff (I may be exaggerating a little bit, but not much).

So start your journey with good equipment. If you are doubtful, find out what he wants to give you, and check with us before you sign any paperwork. But it's better to have a good knowledge before you see the DME.

Good Luck, and welcome again.

blarg · Post by **blarg** » Mon Feb 12, 2007 2:08 am

Welcome!

It'll be very interesting to follow your progress. I didn't think I was at walking zombie stage at all until I got on the hose. Now I look back at it and notice quite a difference. I'm 23 by the way.

snoregirl · Post by **snoregirl** » Mon Feb 12, 2007 5:32 am

I have to second the comment on getting informed and watching what equipment you are offered.

Many new pappers don't know that they don't necessarily HAVE to go to the DME where the doc sends their paperwork.

Get your prescription from the doc (after making sure the doc writes what YOU want) and a copy of your sleep studies.

You may be perfectly happy (equipment and cost) with the DME your doc recomments, but if not you have the stuff then that you need to make your own choice.

Get at minimum a machine that records USEFUL data, not just compliance, in case you want to use software now or at a later time.

danBfree · Post by **danBfree** » Mon Feb 12, 2007 9:04 am

Thanks for the advice - regarding equipment, I've got one question. The sleep center where I did my first study, and where the doctor I've been seeing works, distributes CPAP equipment. (They're in a hospital - I think I read somewhere that this gives them the ability to sell?)

At any rate, I will still do all of my due diligence, read up on here, etc. but I was wondering if anybody has experience dealing with this kind of a situation vs. the normal doctor / DME setup?

Linda3032 · Post by **Linda3032** » Mon Feb 12, 2007 10:51 pm

Dan, I have a lousy memory, but I do remember one nurse who was in that situation. She worked, had her sleep study, saw her doctor, got equipment all at the same hospital. To make it even worse, her insurance company was through the same hospital.

She wasn't given much choice in what equipment she had to take -- and was unhappy.

In your case Dan, I would recommend a Respironics machine (only because Resmed's software has to be obtained from Australia - if I've been reading the posts correctly).

So a Remstar M series Auto or Pro (they both have cflex), or a Remstar (original/classic/tank) Auto with cflex, or if your pressure is really high,
a Bi-Pap.

If you get one of those machines, then you can purchase software and card reader and be able to monitor your progress.

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