CPAPtalk.com

However, some of the advice on here is contradictory, and causes confusion.

Yes that is because really good health depends on the person not on the problem. What works for you may not work on an other body because of previous issues, genetics and environment. Humidity is a really good example - some like me want it hot and wet while others need the opposite.

It becomes all about knowing yourself, your environment and being aware of your personal needs. This actually goes for your whole life - mind, body and spirit. Know who you are - you are a unique being, even if you are a twin, your life experience has made you unique.

Mammal wrote: Please note that I haven't taken offence at anybody's posts to this thread. I'm sure that some of the replies have been by more experienced people than me, and they were just trying to make their point, as briefly, and as emphatically as possible.

I like this statement A LOT.

I think you should rename your avatar to "Cutest Mammal"

Ed

I'd be thrilled to death with an AHI of 2.2, but that's me (after 18 days on bipap ASV it's 4.9, which is the lowest it's ever been). That being said, if I were in your position I'd still like to have an MD to check basis with every so often.

Hi, its time for a update.

Tuesday 23/11/10.

I met with my new sleep doctor today for the first time. The appointment was for 1 hour, and I found him to be very polite, patient, and at no stage did I feel pressurised for time by him. He spent quite a bit of time gathering information on my full medical history. Interesting things to come out of the discussion:

* His physical inspection, advised that my tongue is too large for my mouth, and that during sleep, it would interfere with my air passage. (Sleep Doctor 1
never mentioned this to me).
* With a long-term AHI of 2.2, (and feeling a big improvement in my health), that it wasn't worth "chasing the AHI", any lower, due to possible side-effects
such as swallowing too much air, increased leaks leading to more awakenings, etc.
* I asked whether further sleep studies were necessary. He said yes on the basis of:
- My complicated medical history,
- He was interested to see how I was transitioning b/w sleep stages,
- That its always good to have a follow up sleep study within 6 months of the original, to see how the therapy is going.

Much to my amazement, due to a cancellation, I was booked into hospital 2 days later.

Thursday 25/11/10

Sleep study No 2 was a much, much, better experience than sleep study no 1, because:

* I had a proper bed this time, and not just a hospital trolley,
* I knew the process, having already had one before, and was more relaxed this time,
* It was done with my CPAP machine on,
* It cost $27 out of pocket, compared to $500 out of pocket last time.

Friday 10/12/10

I got my results of sleep study No 2 today, and they were excellent, which is a great Xmas present!
The study confirmed that my pressure requirements are double when I sleep on my back, compared to my side.

Mammal, this is excellent news! You're therapy's going well, you've found a good doc to guide you if the road gets bumpy, and it all happened for an acceptable monetary cost! You win the trifecta!

I'm hoping for the same with my sleep doc; even though I suspect he is my old DME's lap dog, I will ask for a new general Cpap Rx to the new DME, and also to CPAP.com--depending on whether I need to get supplies in-or-out of network.
His answer will tell me whether he is a keeper.