Is my OSA/sleep apnea diagnosis a scam?

Sarah Kennedy · Post by **Sarah Kennedy** » Fri Jun 22, 2012 8:20 am

I suspect that you don't have sleep apnea ... good for you.

But until you do have sleep apnea and get successful treatment, you won't know if it is a scam or not.

I would not disclose my medical condition[s] on a web site and honestly, it's none of you or any else's business. I'm also not disclosing my profession or horoscope sign. These reactions are curious, to say the least.

lazer · Post by **lazer** » Fri Jun 22, 2012 8:24 am

Sarah Kennedy wrote:
DreamStalker wrote:
Sarah Kennedy wrote:...

I was trying to make a point that you suddenly have thousands of people with something that 15 years ago, no one was even discussing. Thank you.
Fifteen years ago there were no iPhones ... I guess they are a scam too.
What type of convaluted thinking is this? Comparing what the medical community is deeming a disease to cell phones? I guess the height of ridiculousness knows no bounds on this site.

Let me make an observation here. If I had been diagnosed with sleep apnea or a related sleep disorder, had been receiving treatment for it, and had improved greatly, and I read the original post that I posted here this morning . . . I would be thinking to myself, "Well, she isn't referring to me - I have this, take treatment, and it really helped. I'm confident in my diagnosis and treatment and have results to prove it."

INSTEAD, suddenly, like a cult of some type, people come out of the woodwork, sly, sarcastic remarks, unable to make a valid argument apparently. The fact is, outside of this type of web site for, a support group, there are THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE WHO ARE SERIOUSLY QUESTIONING THEIR DIAGNOSIS, THIS TREATMENT, AND OTHER THINGS RELATED TO THIS. But, apparently, this "following" of people cannot entertain that everyone is not as happy as they are with this diagnosis. If you are diagnosed, receiving treatment, and doing so much better, I guess I would question why these responses are like this. Obviously, my post hit a nerve.

Everyone is entitled to their own opinion but I'm mystified as to why you come on here so determined to discount and derail what many have proven a valid medical treatment for a known condition? Have you read through real people's testimonials on here and how Xpap has turned their lives around? Do you understand the data being posted regarding the ability of these machines to decrease and eliminate "lack of breathing"? Do you really think that not breathing for xx seconds/minutes every night is healthy?

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Fri Jun 22, 2012 8:29 am

First, this site was found by doing a google search of sleep apnea scams, which brought up the very first posting on this site, which I responded to with my opinion. I realize that if you have an opinion on here contrary to the following, then obviously you shouldn't give it. And you people call this "open-minded" and "fair".

Please don't insult my intelligence by claiming that "you weren't referring to me" - there hadn't been a post on here for MONTHS prior to me responding, so you most certainly were, no "reading into it" necessary. And it's obvious you people jump on differing opinions and ideas like flies on shit. Sad, really sad.

Again, I never said YOU didn't need treatment, in fact, quite the opposite. If you're happy, that's wonderful; there are thousands of others who are questioning this. I've tried to be tactful and bring out valid points, but it's obvious that the audience here is quite limited, and frankly, void of outside ideas.

Sarah Kennedy · Post by **Sarah Kennedy** » Fri Jun 22, 2012 8:46 am

Pugsy wrote:
Sarah Kennedy wrote:In my reply to you, I will be much kinder than you were to me
Actually my dear if you look at my post I made no mention of you whatsoever. I made very general comments that you took offense to. Lazy and stupid...we have some other people here that fill those shoes for any number of reasons.

This is directed to you though....and no, I sure as hell won't be kind. Why am I not surprised?

You come to a cpap forum where people who do believe that they have this problem (and who are you to tell them that they don't?) and revive a long dead thread telling us that we are all being hoodwinked. Did you really think that we would bow down and accept what you say as the gospel? Sorry, it doesn't work that way here.

Just because you believe it doesn't make it so. And for your information...my sister was tested and doesn't have sleep apnea so not "everyone" who gets tested comes out of it with the diagnosis. Taking you at your word, I stand corrected - we have one.

You don't have a dog in this fight so why did you even bother coming here? If you don't have any sleep disorders...great.
If you do and what to think it is all a scam...then I feel sorry for you and your family.

You might be happier finding a forum where people believe like you that all this is just a money making scam and that bash OSA all you want.

I don't need oxygen on a regular basis. I stopped breathing for up to a minute nearly 60 times an hour..it doesn't take a rocket scientist to know why my oxygen levels dropped or why I had killer headaches from the carbon dioxide. I have a full data machine that shows me if my therapy is ineffective and I have a pulse oximeter that records all night that sure does show low oxygen if I don't use my machine and shows normal levels when I do use the machine. WAY too much information.

I worked with doctors for over 30 years. I know full well the limitations of medicine. It isn't perfect but neither is life.
They don't make this stuff up for the fun of it and they don't make it up so that they can sell us stuff.
My doctor made nothing off the sale of equipment to me...he got his one and only fee from reading the sleep study. Absolutely not true - why do you think physician's waiting rooms are crowded with pharmaceutical reps?
He makes zero dollars more whether I got a sleep apnea diagnosis or not. I haven't seen him since the diagnosis. No need.
Doctors that treat Medicare patients aren't even allowed to have any interest in any business that might supply equipment...so they make no more money after the diagnosis.

Certain criteria is needed to meet the diagnosis just like with any other medical problem.Not questioning criteria; questioning diagnosis. It isn't fake and the facts don't lie.

So you don't believe it...well that is certainly within your right but to come here where we wouldn't be here if we didn't believe that we had it and tell us that it is all a scam and expect to be welcomed with open arms and not be seen as someone wishing to pick a fight that you don't really have any interest it....speaks of trollish behavior.

Maxie · Post by **Maxie** » Fri Jun 22, 2012 9:13 am

In my humble opinion this forum is for people who have OSA/sleep apnea and for someone to come in and say that it is a scam does raise a few hackles! (note the number of doggy avatars) I guess that my partner who woke me up because I wasn't breathing and/or gasping for breath was part of the scam? I can only honestly speak for myself but your post and revival of an old post has made me angry and I see absolutely no reason for you to come here and make the accusations that all of us have fallen for some scam. Are you saying that the positive changes I've seen in my own life since using CPAP are my imagination?

notyorz · Post by **notyorz** » Fri Jun 22, 2012 9:14 am

Sarah Kennedy wrote:...
What type of convaluted thinking is this? Comparing what the medical community is deeming a disease to cell phones?

I just wanted to point out, politely of course, that sleep disordered breathing issues (Sleep Apnea, OSA, CA, etc.) are classified as disorders, not diseases.

I *think* I understand what you're trying to say about people questioning their diagnosis of SA. Feel free to correct me. I'm thinking you're questioning the disorder determinations made for the mild category of SA. Yes? Maybe? Or am I off base?

Are your comments related to the general group of people whose diagnosis was "on the fence" of determination for SA, but their determination was swayed over the line to a positive diagnosis by a medical professional? But then you'd also have to question the medical professional's motives as to why the diagnosis was determined that way. Was it a case of erring on the side of caution to help the patient NOW in case their personal circumstances (weight, heart issues, could be any number of things really) would be a major contributing factor in making the disorder worse over time?

This is not a snarky question: Have you informed yourself about the certain criteria that has to be met for the diagnosis, though? It just doesn't seem to add up that a doctor would agree to make that diagnosis if the subject did not display the criteria needed. It is not something that can be faked.

I'm on the ranks of those who were diagnosed and there was no question that I was severe. I never had any doubts, before or after the study. The medical data from my sleep study showed beyond a shadow of a doubt and confirmed my fears that if I went on for much longer without a solution to my SA, I was well on my way to a heart attack in my sleep.

There was a point made recently that Einsten existed on 4 hours of sleep. Cool! IF I wouldn't have been strangled every single time I slept for 4 hours straight, then there's no denying I could have been fine with it too. I just would not have been the genius he was, with or without the same time frame of sleep he had. There is a huge difference in someone without SA sleeping for 4 hours every night and functioning and an SA patient sleeping for 4 hours straight and not functioning...

xenablue · Post by **xenablue** » Fri Jun 22, 2012 9:25 am

To Ms. sara kennedy -

I personally know of 6 other people, not including myself who have had a sleep study - 3 of whom do not have OSA to any degree. I'm sure there are more, but I don't pry into my friends' business unless they offer information to me.

Do you honestly think that everyone who suffers from OSA enjoys strapping on a freakin' mask to their face every single night, which is then tethered to a machine via a plastic hose? I sure as hell don't like it one bit, but when a sleep study PROVES I stop breathing an average of 96-times per hour, then slapping on a mask reduces that to 3 or 4 times per hour (during the sleep study), that's all the proof I need that I NEED to live with this, or die without it.

Do you think we enjoy lugging our machines & equipment on every vacation, business trip or sleepover?

Do you think we spend our time and money trying to devise ways to make XPAP therapy work for us as individuals?

Gimme a break! It's a good thing I had a great night's sleep last night, otherwise I'd be a little upset with your troll-ish comments.

xenablue

BlackSpinner · Post by **BlackSpinner** » Fri Jun 22, 2012 9:26 am

Guest wrote:First, this site was found by doing a google search of sleep apnea scams, which brought up the very first posting on this site, which I responded to with my opinion. I realize that if you have an opinion on here contrary to the following, then obviously you shouldn't give it. And you people call this "open-minded" and "fair".

Please don't insult my intelligence by claiming that "you weren't referring to me" - there hadn't been a post on here for MONTHS prior to me responding, so you most certainly were, no "reading into it" necessary. And it's obvious you people jump on differing opinions and ideas like flies on shit. Sad, really sad.

Again, I never said YOU didn't need treatment, in fact, quite the opposite. If you're happy, that's wonderful; there are thousands of others who are questioning this. I've tried to be tactful and bring out valid points, but it's obvious that the audience here is quite limited, and frankly, void of outside ideas.

If you had bothered to read the thread - which you were obviously too stupid to do - you would realize that all the answers have already been posted - many times over.

a) there is plenty off valid statistical data to prove the everything to do with OSA - just do a search on the site to look for the links to real medical papers. Though I realize you are probably incapable of reading them.

b) Nobody gets a sleep test until they have passed certain criteria so most people TEST positive.

c) Do you really think insurance companies would waste money on unproven technology? Because the majority of people on this site have insurance coverage. And if you believe this I have a bridge in Brooklyn for sale cheap and some nice swamp land in Florida.

So basically stop blowing it out of your ass - your belief system is totally irrelevant when it comes to science and technology. The sun does not revolve around the earth no matter how much you believe it. And gravity always wins.

Becky at RemZzzs · Post by **Becky at RemZzzs** » Fri Jun 22, 2012 9:53 am

Hello, Adrian!

My name is Becky. I work for the company that manufactures RemZzzs CPAP Mask Liners. I read your entire post! :O)

I am wondering if a CPAP Mask Liner might be able to help you keep your mask on during the night. RemZzzs would help you to get a really good seal by absorbing moisture and facial oils. Because RemZzzs is made of cotton, it feels just like wearing a T shirt. Many RemZzzs users have said that they even forget that their mask is on because they only feel the T-shirt like material and the straps of the headgear. I'd really like to send you (and everyone else) a Complimentary 6 Day Sample. They are covered by Medicare and most private insurance companies. And https://www.cpap.com even carries them.

<-- Please see my contact info.
Looking forward to hearing from you and to helping you achieve a full night's sleep!

~Becky at RemZzzs

Sarah Kennedy · Post by **Sarah Kennedy** » Fri Jun 22, 2012 10:18 am

notyorz wrote:
Sarah Kennedy wrote:...
What type of convaluted thinking is this? Comparing what the medical community is deeming a disease to cell phones?
I just wanted to point out, politely of course, that sleep disordered breathing issues (Sleep Apnea, OSA, CA, etc.) are classified as disorders, not diseases.

I *think* I understand what you're trying to say about people questioning their diagnosis of SA. Feel free to correct me. I'm thinking you're questioning the disorder determinations made for the mild category of SA. Yes? Maybe? Or am I off base?

First, thank you for what may be the first correspondence I've received that isn't accusatory or name-calling. There is NO WAY I meant my original post to mean that people who are waking up, gasping for air, or those who actually stop breathing should not seek immediate medical attention for what is an obvious problem.

What I was referring to was physicians who suggest that people who simply snore should have a sleep study [who are not gasping for air or who quit breathing]. There are physicians encouraging people to have sleep studies that are overweight [only - no other symptoms]. Some are saying that if you only sleep "x" amount of hours a night [again, not gasping for air, just not 7 hours of "recommended" sleep], they probably have sleep apnea. Honestly, it really begins to look like a scam when many people you know have had sleep studies and nearly all [although with the ones I know, it's ALL of them] have sleep apnea.

I truly wish you the best of luck in dealing with your problems. It sounds as though you have them under control with good medical care. I do appreciate you not referring to me as "stupid, lazy, dumb, uninformed, etc." like several of the other posts. Please note, I am not going in to my personal problems because I wish it were as simple as having sleep apnea.

Elle · Post by **Elle** » Fri Jun 22, 2012 10:21 am

I sleep so much better since I was scammed into getting cpap. Some scams are so worth being duped.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Fri Jun 22, 2012 10:24 am

If you had bothered to read the thread - which you were obviously too stupid to do - you would realize that all the answers have already been posted - many times over.

a) there is plenty off valid statistical data to prove the everything to do with OSA - just do a search on the site to look for the links to real medical papers. Though I realize you are probably incapable of reading them.

b) Nobody gets a sleep test until they have passed certain criteria so most people TEST positive.

c) Do you really think insurance companies would waste money on unproven technology? Because the majority of people on this site have insurance coverage. And if you believe this I have a bridge in Brooklyn for sale cheap and some nice swamp land in Florida.

So basically stop blowing it out of your ass - your belief system is totally irrelevant when it comes to science and technology. The sun does not revolve around the earth no matter how much you believe it. And gravity always wins.[/quote]
I wanted to thank you for calling me "incapable of reading" and just "too stupid". The morale of the story here is you may find a doctor to treat that sleep apnea, but your demeanor and attitude, unfortunately, cannot be cured by any doctor. Have a nice day in the land of socialized medicine.

Elle · Post by **Elle** » Fri Jun 22, 2012 10:31 am

It's "moral" not morale genius

robysue · Post by **robysue** » Fri Jun 22, 2012 10:32 am

Don't feed the troll, people. Don't feed the troll.

MaxDarkside · Post by **MaxDarkside** » Fri Jun 22, 2012 10:39 am

Elle wrote:I sleep so much better since I was scammed into getting cpap. Some scams are so worth being duped.

LOL ! Hahaha... Me too !

Sarah... it's a disorder. A lot of people have it. I didn't know until my wife pointed out some of the symptoms. I didn't get a sleep study until I died and thank God spontaneously recovered in a parking lot. Since people meet certain criteria in order to get a sleep study, yes most come out diagnosed with the disorder. It's not a scam. It's a treatment for a life threatening disorder.

One reason you get blow-back here is because adapting to the treatment is difficult for many. Anyone who suggests that it's a scam is enabling some people having a hard time adapting to doubt their treatment and stop trying, which could result in fatalities. Yes, you can sit back in your chair and wonder if you just killed a few people. Nice job.

Is my OSA/sleep apnea diagnosis a scam?

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