New to this

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Sat Oct 08, 2005 4:18 pm

Hello everyone, Was diagonsed with sleep apena yesterday. Will be scheduled to meet Pulinary Doctor next week?? Dont know what to expect, what to look forward to, not a clue. Im a 55 year old male, that is lost. Thank You. Peter

rock and roll · Post by **rock and roll** » Sat Oct 08, 2005 4:41 pm

Welcome to our forum and club. You are now a hosehead I would recommend spending a few hours going through the archives of this forum and you will learn a lot. It seems intimidating right now, but you will grow used to it. Eventually, it will become a hobby!

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Sat Oct 08, 2005 4:45 pm

Welcome Peter!!! You are no longer lost..you are found! This is the place to be if you have sleep apnea. Has anybody explained what Sleep apnea is?? Basically, you stop breathing (temporarily) while you're asleep. Your airway is being blocked...maybe because you're overweight and your neck presses your airway closed...or maybe your airway is narrow....whatever the reason, you need to get your airway open and keep it that way. That's where the CPAP machine comes in. It continuously blows airpressure into your nose and/or mouth to force your airway to remain open. Don't worry, it doesn't hurt...it just takes awhile to get used to wearing a mask at night. There is so much to learn about this and all you need is on this site. I hope somebody has explained to you why it is so important for you to treat your apnea. Apnea can lead to very serious health conditions like high blood pressure and heart disease. I personally didn't realize this when I was diagnosed. I was pretty sure I had sleep apnea for at least a year before I was willing to do anything about it. If I knew the risks I was taking, I never would have done that.
Here's what you need to do Peter. Read everything you can get your hands on. Start reading through the posts on this site...there's tons of info. here. You need to learn about the masks, the machines, the tubing, the humidifiers...all the hardware. Then you need to think about who you're going to purchase your equipment from. If you have decent insurance, you can purchase everything through a Durable Medical Equipment (DME) company. They will probably have you meet with an RT (Respiratory Therapist) to get you started with a mask and machine. Your Pulmonologist will read the results of your sleep study and then write a prescription for what he/she thinks you need. The RX should specify what type of machine, if you need a heated humidifier (this is an option you should ask for), whether you should have C-Flex (an option on some machines that help you exhale easier against the air pressure), what your "pressure setting" should be, whether you need the "ramp" feature...etc. This RX will get forwarded to your DME/RT and they will provide the equipment. I recommend you do as much research as possible so you can consider making requests for specific machines and options. If you don't have good insurance or don't want to go through your insurance company, you can consider purchasing the equipment yourself. IF YOU DON'T HAVE INSURANCE, DO NOT PURCHASE THE EQUIPMENT THROUGH A DME BECAUSE THEY WILL DEFINITELY OVERCHARGE YOU A LOT. You should consider purchasing things online...you can get everything you need from CPAP.com..they have the best prices and they're incredibly helpful.

Well, that should get you started. You have alot to learn. I feel that I should let you know that starting treatment can be difficult at first. I think most people find it difficult but that's OK! We will help you through everything. Just post any questions you have and somebody will help you. I guarantee it. This is the best forum out there and the people are incredible.

So welcome aboard and good luck!!!!

Amy

rock and roll · Post by **rock and roll** » Sat Oct 08, 2005 4:51 pm

Well said Amy!

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Sat Oct 08, 2005 4:52 pm

Hi Peter. Have you already had your overnight sleep study?

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Sat Oct 08, 2005 4:58 pm

rock and roll wrote:Well said Amy!

Thanks!!!! I'm always a little nervous about giving advice. I'm glad I didn't mess anything up....

Amy

Sleepless on LI · Post by **Sleepless on LI** » Sat Oct 08, 2005 6:02 pm

Amy,

Great reply. You have come so far from when you first got here. I don't think you left out a thing.

Peter,

As I said to you in PM, I would like to know how you were diagnosed and what steps you have already gone through so we know exactly where you are in the procedure.

Like Amy pointed out, you are found now that you discovered this site. Best place on earth for anything related to this condition for answers, encouragement and support. And there are a few members on this site (mikemoran, we won't name you individually) that you can actually rely on to keep your spirits up with some creative and hysterically funny posts. Just click on one of his topics if you need a laugh.

So welcome aboard and let us know what we can do to help. You have lots of great people to meet here so don't be a stranger. Best of luck.

PS: Glad you took my advice and posted a thread. You will get much more responses this way.

rock and roll · Post by **rock and roll** » Sat Oct 08, 2005 7:17 pm

Amy, I would have liked to have had your responce when I was diagnosed. I don't think it could have been improved on. Good job and don't be scared to give advise. You nailed it!