Help, how to self diagnose?

If no one else has suggested it there is an inexpensive self test available. Here is the link on Amazon, but I have seen it cheaper.
http://www.amazon.com/Sleep-Strip-Apnea ... 301&sr=8-5
It is called the "Sleep Strip - Sleep Apnea Syndrome (SAS) At Home Screen Test Kit" You can google it and probably find it for about 60$. Perhaps if this test was positive, your NP would consider writing you a prescription for CPAP.

The nurse practionor I see is at the health dept. They go on a sliding scale fee based on your income, that's as "free clinic" they have here. I'm going to call Monday and see what they say and if they know about a place they could refer me to. It costs $54 to see her, so I hate to go if she can't/won't do anything.
Still not sure if I want/need a script... It would make it easier to buy supplies. But I'd be buying used either way, definitely can't afford new. I also saw a post talking about if might be a good idea to keep it out of my medical records.....someday I might be able to have insurance. ykwim I'm not sure what would be best..

I have posted on my personal Facebook and two local swap/sale pages. Haven't had any luck yet.

I'm glad I found this forum. Everyone has been awesome.
Silly as it sounds it is a relief to hear something is medically wrong and I'm really not just grouchy and lazy. lol

Bluemoonjo wrote: Silly as it sounds it is a relief to hear something is medically wrong and I'm really not just grouchy and lazy. lol

Silly or not, I felt exactly the same. I know some people are bummed out to hear they have sleep apnea. I was extremely relieved knowing that it was a treatable condition and as bad as I felt, I was looking forward to putting on the mask.

Mary Z wrote:If no one else has suggested it there is an inexpensive self test available. Here is the link on Amazon, but I have seen it cheaper.
http://www.amazon.com/Sleep-Strip-Apnea ... 301&sr=8-5
It is called the "Sleep Strip - Sleep Apnea Syndrome (SAS) At Home Screen Test Kit" You can google it and probably find it for about 60$. Perhaps if this test was positive, your NP would consider writing you a prescription for CPAP.

That device may be of some use, but it's a far, far cry from having a real in-lab sleep test with EEG, EKG, pulse oximeter, chest belt, etc. Also a far cry from having an in home sleep test with pulse oximeter, chest belt, etc.

Don't expect any doctor to put any faith in results from that device.

I've been told about cpapauction, craigslist, and secondwind. Are there any forums where people sell their used equipment? Is $300 going to be as cheap as I would be able to find for a machine like I need? (auto and full data)

Money is tight. I do understand. I tend to even then suggest the top of the line (like APAP because the cost isn't that much more).
I think the PR S1 machines along with the S9 offer more complete data. We aren't likely to find a steal of a deal on a ResMed S9. They can't be sold on the cpapauction. I did see a M series APAP with CFlex at the auction for $100 but then we need the card reader.

I can help with getting you a used Swift FX mask and I will give you brand new pillows. I have several stockpiled.

Give me a couple of days to see if I can maybe come up with a loaner just to test you on. You don't live that far from me. We can work something else. I have my back up M Series APAP but my card reader is out on loan at the moment. It just doesn't score centrals but it does all the other important stuff. Information on screen sucks so I need the card reader.

It is late. Let me put my thinking cap on later today and see what I can come up with. I hate for you to spend the money you don't have in case you don't have sleep apnea but then again if someone tells you that they have seen you stop breathing... that pretty well says you do.

You were right suggesting the one you sent the link for. It is a fairly good deal. There were some that were cheaper but they didn't have auto, data that shows everything, and humidifier with water chamber. From what I've read I'll need/want all of it.

I'm about 4 1/2 hours from you... lived down that way for a bit and drove between to visit family. It's a really long trip to make both ways in a day. My SIL lives in Joplin, but with the kids in school now she probably won't be in anytime soon.

I'm glad to see you are getting help and good advice from board members. If I were you, I would not wait in buying a cheap recording oximeter on Ebay, Craigslist or Amazon (make sure it records data and comes with software and cable for downloading and displaying date on your computer). Whether or not you have sleep apnea, it will confirm that something goes wrong while you are sleeping. You can print out the chart and show it to a doctor. And, even if you are treated successfully with CPAP, it is useful to have the oximeter to use occasionally, to compare its graphs with those of the CPAP software, to make sure everything is working for you.

I have a EMS60D (around $100), about the size of a large pack of cigarettes, that came with adult finger probe, cable for connecting to USB port on computer, and software for downloading data. It works fine, but there may be better options available today. I notice that the all-in-one finger probe devices have become quite popular. I don't know if it's the price, or if they really are easier to use. (I think I would prefer my larger, hand-held unit, if only because the larger readout and controls make navigating menus easier for me.) If you do a keyword search on this site, you'll find out what people are using. And, I'm sure there are also people here who can advise you on any prospective purchase.

Bluemoonjo wrote:I've been told about cpapauction, craigslist, and secondwind. Are there any forums where people sell their used equipment? Is $300 going to be as cheap as I would be able to find for a machine like I need? (auto and full data)

I've bought two good, lightly used, top of the line PRS1 Auto machines for $225 and $200 respectively on Craigslist. I've seen a lot listed for higher prices, often more than cpap.com sells them for.

I did have to watch the listings for months, email quite a few people to clarify what machine they have. "REMstar cpap" doesn't tell you much. I made a lower offer for one machine that was "$300 OBO" and got it. I had to drive 50+ miles for one of them. I'm in a fairly large city, so YMMV on finding them listed.

I bought a brand new REMstar M series Auto for $300 earlier when I was in a hurry and didn't know to get the PRS1 instead.

I've checked craigslist and nothing good yet. There are a few cheap ones in the state but gas costs would ruin the deal. And I'm probably going to need to save a bit, unless a totally awesome deal comes along.

As a side note, I think I'm sleeping worse wondering if I'm breathing right while I sleep. lol

I'm trying to talk my mom into getting a sleep study done. She has the same symptoms as I do. I guess that's why I thought my sleeping habits where normal. She also has high blood pressure, takes anxiety? meds and is always "sick" it seems like. She has insurance, but I'm not sure how much it would cover...I'm trying to get her to call and see. But right now she's being difficult. lol

Nothing on craigslist south of me either that is even remotely close enough.

I have a possible temporary solution. Please check your private message.

BTW regarding overnight recording oximeters. They are nice tool to have but not a critical expense at the moment.
Not everyone will have significant drops in oxygen with their sleep apnea events. So a normal overnight report does not mean no sleep apnea. Just means no significant drops in oxygen. When money is tight I would not want to spend it on an oximeter. I would put it towards a machine. Now later..if you have the extra money and are curious and you wish to try one..different story. They are around $100.

Yes when I saw the cost of the oximeter, I decided it wouldnt be worth the cost and that it would just take away what I'd have for a machine.
Off to message you back... Been trying to call places, but no luck. The local sleep center at the hospital said I could call billing and they might let me make payments, but that it was a few thousand dollars for a study and I'd still have the machine and supplies cost extra.