New and Confused!

cat-a-tonic · Post by **cat-a-tonic** » Tue Aug 23, 2005 8:36 pm

Greetings to all the hoseheads and significant others! This is my second attempt at posting, so if it appears to duplicate a previous posting (which I have been unable to locate) please accept my apology!

I just received a call earlier today from the Sleep Lab where I had two seperate sleep studies conducted in this month. They advised I will be hearing from a Home Health Company (I believe you refer to them as DME here) within the next day or two. Since I have not met with the doctor yet (and apparently won't until after my 30 day trial period), I know very little about my test results. What I have been told is that I have sleep apnea, that the CPAP will be set on 9 cm, and that I had 82% with just the room air (I think this meant oxygen saturation from my first study, since I had a CPAP on the second). I know I am at the mercy of my insurance company, so I am hoping that I receive a good machine.

Should you have any comments or advice, I would be very appreciative! I have lurked around this forum for the last two weeks and am very impressed with your knowledge, compassion and wit! I look forward to being a part of such a great group!

dsm · Post by **dsm** » Tue Aug 23, 2005 8:45 pm

Carla, Welcome to this great place. The knowledge & support available here is something to marvel at - a bit of a rarity on the Internet.

I hope you are able to get all you need and want from posting here.

Cheers

DSM

Maskedmechanic · Post by **Maskedmechanic** » Tue Aug 23, 2005 8:56 pm

Hi Carla,

Relax, you are moving to the zone of sweet dreams and a more energetic life. You are going to get at least a decent machine of some sort. Get a heated humidifier if at all possible as they are a great comfort tool and often prevent sinus/dryness problems. Considering the 82% saturation, you are going to feel MUCH better!

If you have any problems, I suspect help is available here.

Maskedmechanic

ps. How did you find us?

cat-a-tonic · Post by **cat-a-tonic** » Tue Aug 23, 2005 9:40 pm

I did a computer search for CPAP and forum! Happy to find you! I look forward to soaking up a lot of your knowledge - I'll let you know what kind of machine I get! Take care, and I am off to bed for a unrestful sleep.

sleep less · Post by **sleep less** » Wed Aug 24, 2005 8:12 pm

ur home health care provider should explain what ever u may need. They are there just for that. Ask as many q as needed. There are others so if not happy with one shop around. u can get some names from here as well. Good CPAP trial

chrisp · Post by **chrisp** » Wed Aug 24, 2005 8:21 pm

Check out the pries at cpap.com . Now there is http://www.billmyinsurance.com

They will get you the best deal .

Ask your Doc for an Autotitratting unit such aas the GK 420E or Respironics auto . He will probably balk.

DME will probably try to sell you a straight cheapo cpap cause there is more money in it for him. Insurance payout is the same for both.

Most important thing to remember is :

BEWARE OF THE EVIL DME

yawn · Post by **yawn** » Wed Aug 24, 2005 8:31 pm

Hey Carla,
Welcome aboard. My cpap was originally set at 9 too (I changed it to 10 to see if it would make a difference). My oxygen level fell as low as 86% on my 1st study so it sounds like we have some similarities. You'll come to love this Board because of the knowledge that's available and because the members genuinely care about everybody. We're all here to help each other out.
I have a little advice...I suggest you carefully read your insurance booklet so you have a good understanding of what you are entitled to in regards to your OSA treatment. You might even call the insurance company and try to get an idea of what type of machine(s) you will be able to choose from. You also want to find out how many masks you're allowed and how often you can replace them. Don't rely on your DME to help you with this...they'll advise you to choose the items that they make the most money off of.
Keep us updated on your progress.
Amy

unclebob · Post by **unclebob** » Wed Aug 24, 2005 8:36 pm

Hi cat-a-tonic,

Are you from Canada?

The way you over apologized and don't have DME's. I just jumped to the conclusion.

So tell us, are you eh?

Bob F

cat-a-tonic · Post by **cat-a-tonic** » Wed Aug 24, 2005 9:05 pm

Thanks for the welcome and advice! I will see if I can get any information from my insurance company tomorrow, hopefully! I haven't heard from my DME yet. I like the idea of keeping track of my progress and treatment. I have driven my current doctor crazy with my internet research on my other ailments.

I have Fibromyalgia, Antiphospholipid Antibody Syndrome (Sticky Blood) - after multiple blood clots in my lungs two years ago, I am on Coumadin for life, High Blood Pressure, Hiatal Hernia, GERD, Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Anxiety/Depression, Meralgia Paresthesis in both legs and now Sleep Apnea! Whew!

And no, sorry - I'm not from Canada. I live in the USA - in West Virginia, actually!

chrisp · Post by **chrisp** » Wed Aug 24, 2005 9:16 pm

Good news............

CPAP will help many of your ailments

Check out billmyinsurance.com

Beware of the EVIL DME

:twis ted:

New and Confused!

New and Confused!

Welcome

Masked mechanic -

home healt care