Mentors

You could say that cpap talk is a place of mentoring for use pappers. Well, what about someone local to help people out, would this be something feasable?
You sign up to be in the mentoring program and when someone is looking for someone from their area, they sign up for their area or you are listed for them to send a private message to.

What's everyones thoughts on this and do you think it would be feasable?

Gerry

A local mentoring program would be a good idea ... with one really strong caveat. A doctor would need to sign off on the idea that the patient could be mentored. There are some people with serious health issues (heart patients, neuromusclar issues, etc), who should only be closely monitored by a trained medical team. But for the average garden variety OSA, with adequate training, then mentoring makes a lot of sense.

Well, I probably skewed your poll. Yes, I could have used a mentor early on, and yes, I do mentor (of sorts) those in my sphere of influence. However, I see inherent dangers in one-on-one mentoring in matters like this. The "advice" one might receive would be relative to the mentor's personal knowledge, experiences and opinions - and their recognition and adherence to boundaries. That's scary. The safety in a forum such as this is the countering viewpoints and the correction of misinformation. I think support groups such as A.W.A.K.E. could fill the same needs if they aren't reduced to sales shows.

kteague wrote:Well, I probably skewed your poll. Yes, I could have used a mentor early on, and yes, I do mentor (of sorts) those in my sphere of influence. However, I see inherent dangers in one-on-one mentoring in matters like this. The "advice" one might receive would be relative to the mentor's personal knowledge, experiences and opinions - and their recognition and adherence to boundaries. That's scary. The safety in a forum such as this is the countering viewpoints and the correction of misinformation. I think support groups such as A.W.A.K.E. could fill the same needs if they aren't reduced to sales shows.

I agree with you Katie.
I have a friend that had weight loss surgery and she says it would have been a lot easier for her if she would have had a mentor to talk to. I also have another friend that says he would not have made it with out a mentor.

I don't think you "skewed" anything! Of those who have posted (not just voted) you are in the majority opinion (unanimous).

I think some mentoring is valuable. I also think there are dangers. I see nothing wrong with offering advice to a "newbie". However, if you legitimize your position by "signing up" or advertising your willingness, you assume liability for your opinions, right or wrong. You also risk crossing the line to practicing medicine without a license.

None of us (that I know of) are doctors. We shouldn't "play one on TV".

I think that although I would be willing to be a mentor, I would want something in writing, stating that I am not a medical professional and that my advice should not be construed to take the place of an individual's physician or health care practitioner.

I've done on-line advice for diet for UC, Crohn's, and IBS for around eight years now. I repeatedly have to remind enthusiastic new people that what is recommended on the board is individual opinions, based on experience, but that it is NOT medical advice.

I think a forum like this is better than an individual mentor. We get to learn from many different people with different experiences and ideas and suggestions. We can choose what works for us in our individual situations.

On the other hand, a friend who is on OSA to talk to just for encouragement would be nice.

While I think the idea has merit, I agree with the concern about legal problems potentially. What we all can do, and I'm sure a lot of us are already doing is to reach out to family and friends we know and try to engage and assist them when needed.

My sleep lab knows I am an able and willing guinea pig when they wish to try out a new mask or machine.

I had similar concerns but I am not talking about medical advise. I am talking about helping people who aren't getting the help they should from their DME because the DME is just out to make money.

For example they have moisture in their mask or rain out. You can explain that.
If they are having problems with their mask. You help them adjust their mask or talk them through it. Explain that over tightening will cause more problems.
Basically answer things like we answer here. Many people would be more inclined to ask questions of one person and not just put it out there for everyone to see. Many people are afraid that others will think they are asking a STUPID question as many have stated when asking.

Gerry

kteague wrote:Well, I probably skewed your poll. Yes, I could have used a mentor early on, and yes, I do mentor (of sorts) those in my sphere of influence. However, I see inherent dangers in one-on-one mentoring in matters like this. The "advice" one might receive would be relative to the mentor's personal knowledge, experiences and opinions - and their recognition and adherence to boundaries. That's scary. The safety in a forum such as this is the countering viewpoints and the correction of misinformation. I think support groups such as A.W.A.K.E. could fill the same needs if they aren't reduced to sales shows.

Ditto.

I feel free to spout my "brand" of therapy here because of, as Kathy says, "the countering viewpoints and the correction of misinformation" by other members. That is the power of the forum.

A one-on-one mentor severely restricts the knowledge and experience the patient will be exposed to. I would not trust any one person to guide a new patient. It takes a village. (Gad! Did I actually say that? )

I do some mentoring of patients locally but it is severely restricted:

1. Educate them about a data-capable machine, software and its high value.
2. Give them a list of basic questions about the results of their PSG that they should know the answers to.
3. Refer them to cpaptalk.com.
4. Make sure they understand success requires a DIY/take control approach and commitment.
5. Then I get out of their way.

I do anwer followup questions but quite often I tell them to post the questions here.

I can't see where it would be different from breast feeding help.

It would have been really nice to have had someone with me when I went for that initial visit to the DME. And when I got home and had to assemble the pieces.

Most people need someone to do the "rah rah try again" to help deal with the mask leaks, the problem sleeping, sleep hygiene, the mindset.

It would have been a big help for me if I had someone help me set the machine up once I got home. When I got my first machine about 5 years ago the woman who showed me how to set it up showed me wrong and water went from the humidifier chamber into the machine and ruined it. Then proceded to rip on me about it until another employee pulled me out and shut the door on her.

Gerry