How many self medicate....

Aussiegrouch · Post by **Aussiegrouch** » Sat Jul 21, 2007 3:49 pm

I do!

After my initial consultation with my provider, ResMed Australia, who set the pressures at 4.6 to 20, I have not been back since.

My pressures now are at 9.6 to 15 with an auto titration of about 12.

My apnea events for the past month are virtually zero and AHI below 2.0.

As ResMed machines rate HI more highly than most I think that will do me for the time being.

All I need to do now is to get my sleep hours up without using Ambien CR.

echo · Post by **echo** » Sat Jul 21, 2007 6:41 pm

Except for rested gal's experience of almost quitting, I think this thread begs the real question: Is compliance increased because people can "self medicate" (either because of the psychological benefit of having control over your own treatment, or because of better followup thru machine stats)? I think both. The compliance rates are so dismally low for xPAP, and in the end it's really all about communication, communication, communication, isn't it??

I love this forum!

socknitster · Post by **socknitster** » Sat Jul 21, 2007 6:59 pm

I do. My first 2+ weeks on bipap pressure 12/16 I couldn't comply more than 2 hours at a time even though I desperately wanted to. I had leaks, intense pain from aerophagia and ill-fitting masks and the pressure felt like a wind tunnel strapped to my face. It seemed like I was fighting more than sleeping.

Then my dme got me an auto because I asked for a machine with data (I thougth it was going to be a pro, not an auto). It didn't take me long to change the settings and I quickly settled on a tight range that suited my needs and I was all-night compliant within a few DAYS! My new range is 10-16 and I sleep like a log and only wake up when my 4 year old gets up with a bad dream or potty break or something. Now my pressure rarely goes above 13 or 14 and my stats are "enviable" according to other members. I know I did the right thing for ME. By the way, I feel GRRRRRRREAT!

Jen