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ZuniWolf wrote:Then I went back to the sleep center and got a tech there to read my card. However, all she got was compliance and mask leak data. She said their office software didn't read AHI reports, etc. She also said that if the card had not originally been programmed to do all the readouts that you couldn't get the additional data off it even if you had the proper software.

It's scary as to how stupid these people are.....

They just don't have a clue that it's in the options in the software on THEIR computer.

< smacks forehead >

Good luck,

Den

Also do a google on alpha wave intrusion or delta sleep or non restorative sleep disorders. Sleep studies monitor your brain waves. Sometimes the alpha wave continues too strongly after you fall asleep thus preventing the delta wave which enables stage 4 sleep. As a result you never get into stage 4 and are sleep deprived no matter how much you sleep. My apnea was being controlled with CPAP but I was totally exhausted, had brain fog and had memory problems. After my third study and a return trip to the sleep docs they finally looked at the recordings and noticed the problem. Am now on Xyrem and feel better than I have for years. Just a thought. Good luck.

Den,

I am finally informed! RAINSUX (Sam) and I hooked up in Albuquerque yesterday. He has the Encore Pro software and read my smart card with no problem. I got all sorts of reports! <g>

Other than looking like the CPAP keeps my snoring down, it doesn't seem to be doing me much good on a consistent basis. I just got home and will look over all the reports and analyze them.

Snoozeandlose,

Thanks for the lead on the brain waves. I wouldn't be surprised if that was the biggest underlying problem. 20 years ago when I was diagnosed with ideopathic hypersomnia ("we don't know why your sleep doesn't do any good") I didn't even snore, weighed 50 lbs less, and still had chronic exhaustion. Back then they put me on Dexedrine but I can't do that now with the heart arrythmias I have. Dang! It can keep me going on an almost human level, but I never did lose weight on it. <g>

I did look into Xyrem and saw that it was pretty serious stuff. I'm glad it works for you, though. I know what it's like to be chronically exhausted.

I'm trying 5-HTP for a while starting tonight. It's an OTC amino acid that is supposed to raise GABA/serontonin levels and help with sleep.

My new VA Dr did agree today to an adrenal and thyroid test. Problems with these can also affect sleep, especially low cortisol levels from the adrenals. Maybe the new blood tests will show something is up. My thyroid has always fallen into "normal low" range but I know that can be misleading. He also made sure I have another referral for a sleep consultation and study.

Sam,

THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU! It was grand to meet you and Carol!

I will post more as I learn more. Thank you everyone for your help!

Jayne