My Doctor Visit - 1st in 3 years.

[Linda3032]

Just wanted to share with you my doctor visit today. My short history is that I bypassed DMEs, purchased my own equipment online, and submitted my bills to my insurance company. All that was 3 years ago after a sleep study and one doctor visit for my prescription. I bought a Remstar Auto (no cflex).

I've done great and have been compliant right off the bat. I monitored another forum at first, and had my Smart Card read by my internet DME. Everything looked great on the reports. In December I discovered this forum - to my happy surprise. Great people and lots of uncensored, informative posts. Thanks to all of you. December I purchased my card reader and the free software (while it lasted).

So, I took some of my reports into this new sleep doctor, and just about knocked him out of his chair. I got the same responses all of you are getting -- he has never had a patient so knowledgeable about sleep apnea. I knew a heck of a lot more about the machines, masks, reports than he did. But he admitted that he lets the DMEs handle all of that. He prescribes "pillows", but when I asked him which ones, he had no idea what the names were. ...

He even said that he was wasting my (not his) time and wrote me out a prescription for a new machine - which is my reason for seeing him. He also asked me if I would like to be a "consultant" and come in once a week to give a sleep apnea seminar to help his newer patients. !!!!!! I laughed and treated it as a joke but I'm not altogether certain he was kidding.

Anyway, it was lots of fun. Plus it never hurts one's ego to feel really smart every once in awhile ...

Thought you are would enjoy the office visit with me. Without this forum, none of us would be half this smart. We all can give ourselves a pat on the back.

Thanks again,
Linda

[capt]

Congratulations, and he probably was not kidding.

[NightHawkeye]

He also asked me if I would like to be a "consultant" and come in once a week to give a sleep apnea seminar to help his newer patients. !!!!!! I laughed and treated it as a joke but I'm not altogether certain he was kidding.

I'm with capt on this one, Linda. In fact, I'd be willing to bet that at least part of what he was really after is getting better educated on this himself. With the "seminar" he doesn't have to say it's for himself. Ya got a good doc, Linda, if he wants to learn, or maybe it's just that you're a good communicator.

Plus it never hurts one's ego to feel really smart every once in awhile Laughing ...

I've noticed you like giving advice here, Linda. You might enjoy giving a seminar. One thing's for sure, there would be no lack of materials for a number of seminars. As we've all found out, the general lack of education on the subject matter is appalling.

Without this forum, none of us would be half this smart.

Thank you Johnny Goodman! .

Regards,
Bill

[rested gal]

he has never had a patient so knowledgeable about sleep apnea. I knew a heck of a lot more about the machines, masks, reports than he did. But he admitted that he lets the DMEs handle all of that.

WTG, Linda.

It's sad, the number of people prescribed "cpap" who quietly take whatever the DME gives them, all the time assuming:

"This is the equipment the doctor ordered, so it must be what I'm supposed to have. The home health care people are professionals. They're giving me what the doctor wants me to use. The doctor studied my sleep reports and has prescribed exactly what I should use. The doctor knows best."

How many of them struggle at home with the mask the DME chose for them - a cheap one that bores a hole into the bridge of the nose and leaks like crazy? The machine the DME chose for them at a pressure they can't breathe out against?

So many will just quietly give up. Put the machine away and never say a word. After all, the doctor prescribed the treatment and told the DME what he wants the patient to have -- they think! If they just can't use it....well, too bad.

Most will never know about message boards. Most of them don't even use a computer. Or if they do, it's just for email.

Most of them will never hear about any support group meetings. Few and far between in most areas, anyway.

The doctors are too busy, as well as being uninterested in the nuts and bolts of the equipment, to get up to speed on what's comfortable and what isn't.

After all, the equipment is the DME's job. The buck stops there. In more ways than one.

[Wulfman]

Linda,

GRRRREAT!!!

And, dittos on everything everybody else had to say. It must be nice having a (sleep) doctor that realizes that he doesn't know it all and is open-minded about patient self-help.

Best wishes,

Den.

[idahogal]

I have not been here long but you have given me great advice which makes me have to think the Dr. was not kidding. I think this would be a great idea and I am sure you would shine in this opportunity. Keep us posted on your decision.

[Linda3032]

Well, it was a nice compliment, but ----- there are several reasons I wouldn't do it.

1. It's too far to drive (70 miles one way).
2. I'm retired, put my time in, and want to enjoy the rest of my life.
3. I love to travel and want to do that while I'm still healthy enough to do it.
4. Love to fish a couple of times a week. Caught a couple of nice 4 lb. bass last week when we went camping.

But all that being said, I do feel guilty at times because now I'm in a position where I could volunteer my time to help others:

1. In the local schools to help little children to read better.
2. Help the local Hispanic community learn to speak English.
3. Help at the local Senior Citizen Center, drive the elderly to the store or the doctor's office.

I live in such a poor rural area where it seems everyone needs help. Each year I tell myself to quit being selfish and step up to the plate, but I end up putting it off. I wish I was a more giving person.

What would you change about yourself?

[idahogal]

Linda, I can see your point. I would love to be in your shoes. Unfortuately I have to work but the good side of that is that I can work from home. I dont think you are selfish. I dont know how long you have been retired but things may change later and you may have more time. It sounds like it just does not work for you right now. I totally understand where you are coming from. Glad to hear your camping trip went so well. We just bought a new truck so we can tow our 5th wheel easier this year. I can forsee a great camping season here.

[Linda3032]

We will be up in your area this summer. My sister lives in Sandpoint. I'm originally from the Pacific NW - but love living in the south and visiting the north. ...

And Susan, yes, the Tiara will work with the Aura. You would put the Tiara on first, then the Aura. Or, you might reverse that and see if it helps stabilize the Aura, who knows.

[ozij]

That was one great doctor's visit! And you're putting time in helping people on this forum

O.

[idahogal]

Linda, I have family near Sandpoint. Coeur d' Alene (sp). I used to go to Sandpoint every year for to show my draft horses. I only have one mare left now. Trying to downsize. If you get a chance to come to Boise you have a place to park. Maybe we could meet sometime this summer. That would be great.

[roztom]

Linda:

Great visit and your counsel has been MOST appreciated by this Novice Hose-Head !!!

Best,

Tom