Well, today is the day that I have my appointment with the pulmnologist to discuss the results of my sleep study. I must admit that I'm really scared. I still have very mixed feelings. I want to find treatment for my mild sleep apnea because I am tired and would like to have my energy back. I would like to wake up in the morning feeling refreshed instead of like sleeping for another 10 hours. Is this really possible, I wonder? But at the same time I'm scared that I won't be able to tolerate CPAP or won't see any results even if I can use it. I'm afraid that the doc will just dismiss me. I'm afraid that he'll just give me pills. I'm afraid that he'll give me a CPAP. I guess that it's a lose/lose situation. Most of all I'm really looking forward to getting this appointment over with. I will post the results of the appointment afterwards. Thanks for all the help that I've gotten here already. Hope that something can be done for me.
It's Finally Here
3 posts
• Page 1 of 1
Welcome Aboard !
Hey, Just RELAX.... Its not so bad... All you need to do is go t sleep with this mask every nite. No big deal compared to all the nasty conditions that you may develop if you don't use it. Thats all we really need to do. Sleep with our cpap . End of problems. You will sleep and awake rested , ready to take on the world. Use that new found energy to get some exercise and you'll feel even better !
To make tolerating cpap easier start with the best equipment. An Autotitrating cpap and a good mask.
Resmed Spirit cpap, GK 420E or Respironics auto with c-flex are great autotitrating units. If the Doc balks aabout the auto tell him that they can be operated in straight cpap mode if needed. Insist on an auto.
Masks are a very difficult decision because there are so many choices. Most are junk. Resmed Activa, Resmed Ultra Mirage are good nasal masks. The Swift , Breeze & Aura are good pillows interfaces. Everyone has their favorite.
If you are paying out of pocket buy online at cpap.com.
Beware of the EVIL DME . He will sell you the cheapest item at insane prices. He won't tell you that they all cost you the same if insurance is involved as there is only 1 billing code. Your costs may still be lower purchaseing online at cpap.com due to copays, line item pricing, and the way they do business.
IMHO
Cheers,
Chris
Hey, Just RELAX.... Its not so bad... All you need to do is go t sleep with this mask every nite. No big deal compared to all the nasty conditions that you may develop if you don't use it. Thats all we really need to do. Sleep with our cpap . End of problems. You will sleep and awake rested , ready to take on the world. Use that new found energy to get some exercise and you'll feel even better !
To make tolerating cpap easier start with the best equipment. An Autotitrating cpap and a good mask.
Resmed Spirit cpap, GK 420E or Respironics auto with c-flex are great autotitrating units. If the Doc balks aabout the auto tell him that they can be operated in straight cpap mode if needed. Insist on an auto.
Masks are a very difficult decision because there are so many choices. Most are junk. Resmed Activa, Resmed Ultra Mirage are good nasal masks. The Swift , Breeze & Aura are good pillows interfaces. Everyone has their favorite.
If you are paying out of pocket buy online at cpap.com.
Beware of the EVIL DME . He will sell you the cheapest item at insane prices. He won't tell you that they all cost you the same if insurance is involved as there is only 1 billing code. Your costs may still be lower purchaseing online at cpap.com due to copays, line item pricing, and the way they do business.
IMHO
Cheers,
Chris
-
DrainedDad
- Posts: 53
- Joined: Fri Jun 10, 2005 11:18 am
- Location: Caledonia, Mi
Prepare long-range, but take the process one step at a time!
HisServ,
Don't sweat this so much. You are beginning a journey, not an event. This will become a new way of life for you. You have started to do your homework and should know that this really is a manageable problem. Sure you have to get used to sleeping with a mask on your face and tethered by a hose to a machine. This can take little getting used to . But soon you will start to feel the results and wonder why you were so worried. You are more afraid about the unknown than the actual treatment. Slow down your worried mind and go through this one step at a time.
The doctor's appointment won't be so bad. Listen to what he says. Ask questions. If he prescribes cpap, no sweat. Make sure you have him write the prescription specifically for an auto, the REMstar auto with c-flex has a very good reputation. If he won't go for auto at least get him to include C-flex on the prescription. My DME wouldn't change my straight cpap to cpap with c-flex without a prescription.
If you are going through a DME do your homework. Find out which participate with your insurance. Call them and ask about their care. If you feel like your are just another patient, call another. I am kind of the talk of my DME office because I went in prepared. That is ashame, everyone who has a medical problem should be interested enough to find a doctor, DME, or health care provider, that they are comfortable with. Your buying more than medical equipment, you are looking for someone to work with you and give you the service you need to improve your health. Take the time to do the homework, don't settle for just any DME. With a little work you can find a good one .
Things you may want to ask: Do they come to your home to fit you or do you need to go there? Will they let you try on different masks? If they come to you, do they bring different masks for you to try? If you go there, do they provide facilities for you to try the equipment hooked up laying down (Just like you are sleeping)? What is their exchange policy, can you exchange a mask that doesn't work for you (some will if you are within a certain time period.)?
Do your homework on equipment and go in prepared, take an active role in the selection of your equipment. Don't just settle for what they give you. Have a list of masks that have been recommended and ask to see them all. Check them for size and comfort. Narrow your selections down and then have them hook them up to the machine (the one that you will be taking home with you) and to the best you can simulate how you sleep (take your pillow with you, lay on the floor if you have to.) If the mask isn't comfortable or doesn't stay sealed, try another. For you to use the machine you have to be comfortable with it.
Sorry that I went on so long. These are just things that I wish someone would have told me when I started this process. You will get through this, just like the rest of us, one step at a time. You will struggle to get used to your equipment. You will be tempted to throw the thing out the window. But you will discover how to get "comfortable" with it all and will begin to feel better and more energetic. There are a lot of people on this site who will support you and encourage you. We have all been there.
Best to you. Relax and enjoy the journey!
Don't sweat this so much. You are beginning a journey, not an event. This will become a new way of life for you. You have started to do your homework and should know that this really is a manageable problem. Sure you have to get used to sleeping with a mask on your face and tethered by a hose to a machine. This can take little getting used to . But soon you will start to feel the results and wonder why you were so worried. You are more afraid about the unknown than the actual treatment. Slow down your worried mind and go through this one step at a time.
The doctor's appointment won't be so bad. Listen to what he says. Ask questions. If he prescribes cpap, no sweat. Make sure you have him write the prescription specifically for an auto, the REMstar auto with c-flex has a very good reputation. If he won't go for auto at least get him to include C-flex on the prescription. My DME wouldn't change my straight cpap to cpap with c-flex without a prescription.
If you are going through a DME do your homework. Find out which participate with your insurance. Call them and ask about their care. If you feel like your are just another patient, call another. I am kind of the talk of my DME office because I went in prepared. That is ashame, everyone who has a medical problem should be interested enough to find a doctor, DME, or health care provider, that they are comfortable with. Your buying more than medical equipment, you are looking for someone to work with you and give you the service you need to improve your health. Take the time to do the homework, don't settle for just any DME. With a little work you can find a good one .
Things you may want to ask: Do they come to your home to fit you or do you need to go there? Will they let you try on different masks? If they come to you, do they bring different masks for you to try? If you go there, do they provide facilities for you to try the equipment hooked up laying down (Just like you are sleeping)? What is their exchange policy, can you exchange a mask that doesn't work for you (some will if you are within a certain time period.)?
Do your homework on equipment and go in prepared, take an active role in the selection of your equipment. Don't just settle for what they give you. Have a list of masks that have been recommended and ask to see them all. Check them for size and comfort. Narrow your selections down and then have them hook them up to the machine (the one that you will be taking home with you) and to the best you can simulate how you sleep (take your pillow with you, lay on the floor if you have to.) If the mask isn't comfortable or doesn't stay sealed, try another. For you to use the machine you have to be comfortable with it.
Sorry that I went on so long. These are just things that I wish someone would have told me when I started this process. You will get through this, just like the rest of us, one step at a time. You will struggle to get used to your equipment. You will be tempted to throw the thing out the window. But you will discover how to get "comfortable" with it all and will begin to feel better and more energetic. There are a lot of people on this site who will support you and encourage you. We have all been there.
Best to you. Relax and enjoy the journey!
I will lie down and sleep in peace Ps 4:8
3 posts
• Page 1 of 1