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I had the chest discomfort and altered breathing during the day. I am at a pressure of 18 with a normal CPAP and think I am having good results - although the machine they gave me does not provide any informations. It has taken a few weeks though. I am back to the doc next week (two month)

GOod luck

JohnK -

I had this, too, when I began CPAP. It was very annoying.
Underbreathing. Not breathing. Shallow breathing.
Being very aware of my breathing.
Thank goodness it went away.

A co-worker said his doctor told him: 'That's what you did all night so that's what you do all day.'

It must be your body adjusting to CPAP?

Good luck***

-Bev

Update:

Called the doctor's office this morning and left a VM. Nurse called me back this afternoon, I started to explain the problems I have been having, she essentially cut me off before letting me finish and said she'd call me back after talking to the doctor. She called back and said the doctor was reducing my pressure and that they would send Apria the new prescription. I asked what the thought process behind this was and her response was that Dr. XXX is a specialist. I replied that I understood that and I'm sure he knows what he is doing, but if I am going to be hooked up to this machine for the rest of my life I think its a fair question. She responded again the Dr. XXX has been doing this for 34 years and knows this field.

So great, if he gives me a pressure of 12 maybe I'll be able to tolerate it. But how are we going to have any idea if the treatment is doing me any good?! (the machine I was given doesn't record any data) If I was titrated at 16 it seems there should be some kinda scientific approach to just bumping it down a few cm. I can't imagine anything more silly than going through the challenges of CPAP therapy with zero confidence its actually doing me any good.

JonhK, that really stinks. I'm a newbie, and I still feel like outraged at doctors like yours and mine. Hmmmm, what to do? You might want to consider listing your complaints in a letter, and sending it certified mail with a return receipt. Use words like "my right to discuss alternate treatment methods", and "right to understand methodology behind reducing the pressure from your titrated value", or stuff like that. Also, you could use the same letter to request your sleep study DATA (mention "data collected from all sensors used during sleep study") from Dr. XXX, using words like "legal right of access to medical records". I'm guessing that he'll figure out that a complaint with the medical board might be forthcoming if he brushes you off again. Good luck, I've got almost the same battle waging with my Dr. Quack.

Does anyone know any quality sleep doctors in the state of Virginia?

Before you go and burn bridges ... make a kind request for a copy of your sleep lab study report and an "original" copy of your prescription ... if they refuse, then demand it.

Good advice DreamStalker. I should have remembered that I did that before I sent my letter. Sorry, JohnK, I let my emotions get the better of me. Thanks for watching my back, DreamStalker!

Good call. I've been very polite so far. I already have an original Rx, and I asked for a copy of my sleep study, which the nurse said I should receive in a day or two. I also called back and left a message asking to speak directly to the doctor, and offering to schedule an appointment if that was easier for them.

JohnK wrote:Good call. I've been very polite so far. I already have an original Rx, and I asked for a copy of my sleep study, which the nurse said I should receive in a day or two. I also called back and left a message asking to speak directly to the doctor, and offering to schedule an appointment if that was easier for them.

Ok then ... light'er up!

Well just kidd'in ...sort'a.

Do try and communicate with your doc and if for what ever reason your doc does not have the time or will ... make it flame high and bright and remind them that they work for patients!