Thanks, man. Sometimes I think you're the only one who truly understands me around here.carbonman wrote:jnk wrote:Carbonman,
May I have permission to continue to use a paraphrase of your post in my signature for a while?:
"Get a copy of your sleep studies; get a copy of your Rx; get an APAP; get educated here; become your own best therapist."--carbonman, 6/09.
jeff
JNK, you sick, twisted, guitar play'n, paraphrase'n freak.....
I would be honored.
Best Doctor to Manage Sleep Apnea?
Re: Best Doctor to Manage Sleep Apnea?
Re: Best Doctor to Manage Sleep Apnea?
It's all good.jnk wrote:Thanks, man. Sometimes I think you're the only one who truly understands me around here.
Helping anyway I can.
"If your therapy is improving your health but you're not doing anything
to see or feel those changes, you'll never know what you're capable of."
I said that.
to see or feel those changes, you'll never know what you're capable of."
I said that.
Re: Best Doctor to Manage Sleep Apnea? - update
I ended up seeing the nurse practitioner on Tuesday. They want to increase the pressure on my CPAP from 12 to 14, and she gave me samples of Nuvigil. I checked and my insurance company, Aetna, doesn't cover Nuvigil or Provigil. I don't know if they will make an exception if the doctor pleads my case with them or not?
I took the first dose of Nuvigil yesterday, and I could tell a difference while I was work -- I wasn't dozing off at my desk.
The NP also is seeing if Aetna will cover a newer CPAP machine for me that has the capability to download data into a computer so she can see how I'm doing at home with the machine. She also said I needed to have a machine with a humidifier, so we'll see if Aetna will approve it -- I haven't had a new machine in 4 years, and I had a different employer and insurance company then.
Thank you all for the comments and suggestions; I really appreciate it.
Dana B.
I took the first dose of Nuvigil yesterday, and I could tell a difference while I was work -- I wasn't dozing off at my desk.
The NP also is seeing if Aetna will cover a newer CPAP machine for me that has the capability to download data into a computer so she can see how I'm doing at home with the machine. She also said I needed to have a machine with a humidifier, so we'll see if Aetna will approve it -- I haven't had a new machine in 4 years, and I had a different employer and insurance company then.
Thank you all for the comments and suggestions; I really appreciate it.
Dana B.
Dana B in Houston TX
Re: Best Doctor to Manage Sleep Apnea? - update
Dana,drb1999 wrote:........ They want to increase the pressure on my CPAP from 12 to 14, ........Dana B.
This is done by sleep professionals every day in this country. It is called "guessing". They have no clue of the details of your nightly therapy results. But they feel compelled to do something easy and they make a guess and change the pressure.
drb1999 wrote:........ The NP also is seeing if Aetna will cover a newer CPAP machine for me that has the capability to download data into a computer so she can see how I'm doing at home with the machine. She also said I needed to have a machine with a humidifier, ........Dana B.
Now here is your chance. Refuse to accept anything but a fully data-capable machine. You can then buy a card reader and software for your computer. Then you can see reports daily like this one that I stole from a member:
[/quote]With this tool, you can see what is wrong; make adjustments and see the effect of the adjustments; and eventually optimize your therapy.
No good to rely on the "guesses" of the sleep professionals. Do it right by doing it yourself.
Good luck,
Rooster
I have a vision that we will figure out an easy way to ensure that children develop wide, deep, healthy and attractive jaws and then obstructive sleep apnea becomes an obscure bit of history.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0ycw4uaX ... re=related
I have a vision that we will figure out an easy way to ensure that children develop wide, deep, healthy and attractive jaws and then obstructive sleep apnea becomes an obscure bit of history.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0ycw4uaX ... re=related
Re: Best Doctor to Manage Sleep Apnea?
drb1999 wrote:I was diagnosed with sleep apnea in 2000 and have used a CPAP since then.
Since using my CPAP, I have not had the experience of feeling a lot more alert during the day. Everyone told me I was going to feel a lot better, but the only thing I noticed is that I don't wake up during the night as much. The initial doctor who sent me for the sleep study was an ear, nose and throat doctor, and my pcp wrote prescriptions for me to get new masks, etc.
I have recently begun to feel much more tired during the day, so thought I'd go directly to a sleep specialist who is a neurologist. When I made the appointment they told me the doctor himself wasn't available, but another person who had a certification in sleep disorders and a Phd, I believe, could see me, so i said OK.
I spoke with him April 28th and he told me I needed a new sleep study done, since I hadn't had one in about 4 years, so I did that on May 15th. The doctor didn't have an available appointment until June 30th (to get the results), partly because I told them I wanted to see the actual doctor, because I didn't want to have to go back AGAIN if they decide I need some kind of medication, since the doctor would have to write a prescription.
I got a call from the doctor's office Friday stating that the doctor won't be able to see me after all, because he has to go out of town on business (unexpectedly), but that I could see the nurse practitioner or PA. I told them I wanted to see the doctor. Well, he doesn't have another available appointment until the end of July, and I need help NOW. I didn't think this whole thing was going to take over 3 months to figure out when I started it, not to mention a $40 copay for each visit, including the sleep study.
I'm trying to find another doctor who can help me, but I don't know if I should see an ear, nose and throat doctor who specializes in sleep apnea or a neurologist, or what?
Any suggestions, advice, comments would be very appreciated; I'm feeling very frustrated!
Dana B. in Houston, TX
If it were me, I'd see the NP. If the NP isn't available, I'd see the PA. Either of them can write prescriptions for you. It has also been my experience (33 years as an RN) that they are more likely to be willing to LISTEN to you and work WITH you than the doctor. You've already had the sleep study, so see the NP and get busy with treatment!