Here we go again....

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Sun Sep 23, 2007 8:18 pm

I was reviewing my full sleep study report, and just read all of the "Tech notes." Although my doctor calls my sleep disorder “Obstructive Sleep Apnea” it is evident from my sleep study that I have mixed apnea (centrals and hypopneas). Since my first titration was considered “unsuccessful” a new sleep study was performed utilizing a BiPAP machine. The tech's notes were quite specific in stating the various levels tried and also “tech to try patient on S/T rate of 12”. I honestly didn’t realize I was placed on the BiPAP ST machine, until I read this report. Meanwhile, the doctor orders for me an Auto BiPAP M Series. (This is now my 3rd machine – started with CPAP with C-Flex, changed it to APAP with A-flex, and now the Auto BiPAP M Series…..all within a month.) Am I losing my mind, or has my sleep doctor ordered the wrong machine again? Shouldn’t I be on what I was titrated for ….. a BiPAP in S/T mode to help eliminate the centrals? Should I give this machine a chance to work better? (Last several days AHI was 7-12, and my very best day was 4.7 – but perhaps a bit lower when adjusted.)

I am growing a bit concerned that my insurance company will end up buying the wrong machine and then I’ll be stuck having to foot the bill for a totally different and much more expensive machine to treat my mixed apnea. Am I thinking correctly about this or am I just being difficult?

LB

Birdseed · Post by **Birdseed** » Mon Sep 24, 2007 3:18 am

Sorry, just noticed I wasn't signed in when I sent this out last night.

(Birdseed)
LB

msheda · Post by **msheda** » Mon Sep 24, 2007 5:26 am

I would say that it is definately worth a conversation with your doctor about it.

ANYTIME ANYONE has ANY QUESTION about their,
Diagnosis,
Treatment,
etc....

Talk to your doc about it. You can not over communicate to them. IF THEY HAVE A PROBLEM WITH ANSWERING YOUR QUESTIONS, GET A NEW DOCTOR!

As the patient, you have the right to ask.

Slinky · Post by **Slinky** » Mon Sep 24, 2007 5:52 am

RIGHT ON, MSheda! Too many times contacting the sleep doctor is the last person we think of to contact w/our CPAP problems or questions. Too many times we run into a sleep doctor who's lost all interest the minute we walk out w/our equipment order or it is FAXed to the local DME supplier. But we never know until we try. Thankfully, there appear to be more good sleep doctors out there than there are good local DME suppliers.

I've been blessed w/a GREAT sleep lab manager and a GREAT sleep pulmonologist. In fact, the ENTIRE staff at this sleep lab has been GREAT! I hope you are as fortunate.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Mon Sep 24, 2007 6:14 am

Thanks for your thoughtful responses, Msheda and Slinky. You're both absolutely and unequivocally right. It's totally up to me to keep asking the right questions and continue being persistent with these folks until I'm convinced my treatment is on track. Currently, I still believe it's not working to my FULL benefit. It has had some positive affect on my AHI (previously 38/hr.), but it's certainly not under the magic <5 AHI, for sure.

Lynda

Slinky · Post by **Slinky** » Mon Sep 24, 2007 6:24 am

Keep in mind that how rested you feel is the true proof of the pudding! If your AHI was .1 faithfully every night but you're still feeling like you've been shot at and missed and sh*t at and hit every morning there is STILL something going on that you need to push your doctors to follow up on. The numbers don't always tell it all. Good luck!!!

Mask

Additional Comments: Also have the RemStar BiPAP Pro2 with Humidifier and Encore Pro