Scolded by doctor or DME for changing machine settings

Virtus Velox wrote:

Wulfman wrote:It isn't "THE CARD" that costs that much (they're only about $10 ea.)......it's the software and card reader you need to be able to download the data from the card and see the reports it generates. You can justify the purchase by the fact that you won't have to make more trips back to your doctor. You'll know how your progress is going.Den

Ah, so the card that is in the machine, I take that out and insert it into the 'reader'?
I actually enjoy the trips back to the RT and my physician...they are always so thrilled at the difference they see in me from 6 months ago
However, I think I'll take this board's advice and yours and announce my 'self regulating' decision. I sure hope they are in support of this. If their not, I'm going to find out why.
Does this $200 system explain what all the acronyms mean? Like the AHI, think that is it, readings I keep reading about? If it helps me make sense of all this, then I will sure make adjustments to my budget.
I just found a good job and will start this week. FYI, this would have been impossible as little as 6 months ago. I couldn't handle day to day events, let alone a job that expected results and clarity from me I count my blessings everyday since the one neurologist determined that my heart problems could be related to not enough oxygen when I sleep...heh, I thought he was sooo full of caca! Man is on my all time favorite people list now
Virt

The software shows the Apnea and Hypopnea events (AHI), snoring, leaks, etc. and gives details about them in its reports.
I should add......if you have known conditions (like the heart problems you mentioned), I would not advise cutting your doctors loose. You'd still need to have a relationship with them and these reports would show your progress with your therapy and I would THINK that they would be eager to see the reports. You could print them off and take them with you to your appointments. The lack of oxygen that sleep apnea causes has so many negative effects on the body......heart problems being only one of them.

Good luck with your new job.

EDIT: Go to this link and you'll see the various reports the Encore Viewer generates. They're actually the same as Encore Pro generates, it's just that it doesn't store them in an SQL database on your computer.

If you go to this link, you can click on the "Show next image" arrow and look through the screens.
https://www.cpap.com/viewImage.php?Bund ... Cover2.jpg

This one shows the nightly details of what happened during the night.
https://www.cpap.com/viewImage.php?Bund ... e_five.jpg


Den

Just another thought... It's good to have your card reader & software, but I can tell you from experience you won't have a good handle on it for a while. There is literature available to explain what things mean, and what's good or bad, but you will be dealing with multiple variables and it takes time to understand. The experts on this forum will help and you will begin to see cause and effect from others efforts. However, it isn't a good idea to jump in and fiddle with settings until that time.

Therefore, I suggest holding off on announcing to your DME or doc that you are "taking over" your settings until you are really ready. Preferably, be able to take in some printouts and tell them what you are thinking about changing and why. Then they will feel comfortable with the idea and probably be willing to partner with you on it. Conversely if they think you are being reckless they could be reactive.

OldLincoln wrote: Therefore, I suggest holding off on announcing to your DME or doc that you are "taking over" your settings until you are really ready. Preferably, be able to take in some printouts and tell them what you are thinking about changing and why. Then they will feel comfortable with the idea and probably be willing to partner with you on it. Conversely if they think you are being reckless they could be reactive.

Hmm. Good point. I have already started twiddling with the settings based on advise from the experts here. Perhaps I should just prepare to justify my changes. That in the long run may be easier to handle. Thanks.

jmaziarz wrote:I appreciate all of the responses to this question. I am not nervous at all now for the DME calling for my data card and the ensuing conversation. I may even be a little proactive and initiate the conversation so he knows too. Thanks everyone!

It is us that appreciate your bringing this subject up! Personally I've learned so much that I must thank you
Virt

Wulfman wrote:The software shows the Apnea and Hypopnea events (AHI), snoring, leaks, etc. and gives details about them in its reports.
I should add......if you have known conditions (like the heart problems you mentioned), I would not advise cutting your doctors loose. You'd still need to have a relationship with them and these reports would show your progress with your therapy and I would THINK that they would be eager to see the reports. You could print them off and take them with you to your appointments. The lack of oxygen that sleep apnea causes has so many negative effects on the body......heart problems being only one of them.Good luck with your new job. EDIT: Go to this link and you'll see the various reports the Encore Viewer generates. They're actually the same as Encore Pro generates, it's just that it doesn't store them in an SQL database on your computer.If you go to this link, you can click on the "Show next image" arrow and look through the screens.https://www.cpap.com/viewImage.php?Bund ... r2.jpgThis one shows the nightly details of what happened during the night.https://www.cpap.com/viewImage.php?Bund ... ive.jpgDen

No no Wulfman, not cutting my doctors loose! Aaaaiiiieeee! Good Lord no Just wanting to become more proactive with them. Right now I'm a 'toddler' in this area but this board has helped advance my learning curve from vertical to near understanding.
To your "many negative effects" comment...OMG ain't it the truth! I've also suffered for many years with S.A.D.S (Seasonal affective disorder syndrome)...ironic name for being sad during the winter huh! Now, I am not seeing/feeling any of the onset triggers of that. I really believe that it has to do with getting sweet sweet oxygen when I sleep now I'm sooo happy, I swear I'm almost giggly! Not bad for 61 yr old male huh?!
Heck I was reading about 'taping' yesterday. I first thought, "Oh now here is going to be a bunch of weird folks!" Well folks, I've joined that group whole heartedly! My first night was awesome! The better I feel the more willing I become...funny how that works huh Wulfman
As to the new job, I am truly ready to start anew. God has truly blessed me in so many ways, thank you and rested and all the wonderful people here, from the newbies like me to the veterans of this therapy, you are all appreciated.
Virt

Does this $200 system explain what all the acronyms mean? Like the AHI, think that is it, readings I keep reading about? If it helps me make sense of all this, then I will sure make adjustments to my budget.

The terms are explained next to the yellow bulb above the first message of the each screen.

You will also find many terms explained at this site: http://www.sandmansleep.com/resources/glossary.cfm

O.

ozij wrote:Does this $200 system explain what all the acronyms mean? Like the AHI, think that is it, readings I keep reading about? If it helps me make sense of all this, then I will sure make adjustments to my budget.The terms are explained next to the yellow bulb above the first message of the each screen.You will also find many terms explained at this site: http://www.sandmansleep.com/resources/glossary.cfm O.

Thank you, browsing it now. Really appreciate it.
Virt