I was lucky. She was the first sleep doc I met there. I had an appt for "Intake", into the sleep program or something. Not much was done but to confirm I was me and had been dx'd, I guess, not sure.ameriken wrote:How did you go about getting that doctor?
I do remember she said I am a sleep doctor. To which I replied, That's what I want, will I see you everytime. She said she wasn't sure. They hadn't read my card which I hand delivered 2 weeks earlier so I was schedule for another appt.
Keep in mind at this point I had already fired Apria AND Gaylord and was a card carrying member of Cpaptalk (dotcom).
My next appt was with an intern who told me he couldn't help me cuz all he could do was "Intake", go figure. I immediately went to see the Patient Advocate, which is were I suggest you start way BEFORE your scheduled appt. I think I posted this before but I think there was a draft dodger trying to esplain how the VA works (in his mind).
The PA will be able to tell you who is who there. They do know the docs and I think they also have access to their bios.
In any case, see your PA to let them know your thoughts and ask for help and ideas. If they don't suggest it ask where the Pulmonary Clinic is so you can go by and put a face to the voices you hear on the phone and they can do the same. At my VA this is where the schedule the appts for the sleep docs.
fwiw - I think the doc you don't like was telling you the truth. The VA doesn't offer anything more than top shelf equipment, for the most part at most VA's. NO Support Groups for sure. Mine won't give any clues what kind of schedule for replacements or anything else. Tho I'd like to think IF one is having a problem or in need of a mask they would find a way to get you one. But once you have this figured out you become a "thorn in their side" because you expect - you expect them to do their job.
Don't expect and you won't be disappointed.
So while you may not like this doc he may turn out to be your fav once you've met the rest.
The 3rd doc I met there (this is weeks later to get my 1st card results left there many weeks earleir) had to go upstairs to find my Encore Report. She told me she was a "Sleep Expert" but refused to answer many of my questions saying they were too technical and none of my concern. She even asked me were I learned about sleep apnea and I don't think she was impressed when I said "the internet".
Then read to me from the sleep study (I handed her) from an outside lab. NO I was not impressed. She told me I have Severe Sleep Apnea, (I knew that) and continued to read aloud to me what I had read (and memorized) more than a year earlier. My AHI was 1.5 and she was happy. (see she wouldn't have to do anything) She told me to tighten up my straps to fix the obvious leaks I was having and apparently had NO Clue that leaks would impact my AHI.
I told her I still wasn't feeling that good and didn't think that Encore 1.8 was 100% accurate and thought I needed an OverNite O2 (ONO) to confirm my therapy was effective. She said IF Encore wasn't 100% she wouldn't be using it (as if it was up to her) and refuse to order the ONO.
Well to make a long story short I swore we would never be in the same room together again and we haven't. I am not sure why she is no longer there but I do hope she hasn't gone into private practice.
Did I mention to "Start with your PA". Stop to say Hi to your PA everytime you go to the VA
Good Luck
