So much for doctors!

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Wed Apr 26, 2006 11:00 pm

......(the story continues).....In the last few days the sore on the back of my neck where the lower strap of my headgear sits has gotten much worse, so decided to mention it to the doc when I saw him........only 'he' turned out to be 'she' and a locum at that. So I told her about it .....she took a look, said'yes, you really ought to put something on that' (!!!!). Asked her 'what'. She said 'How about a little dab of vaseline so it doesn't stick' I replied that I really would like to get it healed up and avoid infection, seeing as how I'm a diabetic. She gave me a funny look and said that all she could suggest was stop using my cpap for a while! Told her straight out that it wasn't an option.........I mean........Really! Simple cure, eh? Just don't breathe for a few nights and everything will be fine.........But a really great pharmacist, one who all our community go to came to my rescue and recommended some stuff I could use until it gets healed. I know a lot of folks have DME problems......but doctors? And something so basic? I mean, I had hope that the medical profession, especially these bright, shiny, new docs would have something to offer besides inane remarks.

OK. I've had my tantrum.........now I can get back to being myself again......just HAD to get that off my chest.......

Gidgie · Post by **Gidgie** » Wed Apr 26, 2006 11:03 pm

The above was me, Gidgie.......goldurn computer gave me the boot again!

tooly125 · Post by **tooly125** » Thu Apr 27, 2006 6:33 pm

By process of elimination somebody has to have the worst doctor in the world.
sounds like you might be the lucky one

Ric · Post by **Ric** » Thu Apr 27, 2006 7:27 pm

Gidgie wrote:......(the story continues).....In the last few days the sore on the back of my neck where the lower strap of my headgear sits has gotten much worse...

Gidgie.... What mask are you using?...... I just had a random thought.... Don't know if Karen... (aka: Pad-a-cheeks).... does custom work? .... or if there was a real market for the back side of the straps.... not just the cheeks.... ok, there's my thought.... wouldn't hurt to ask... If you're lucky, you might catch her in the chat room... good luck !

Goofproof · Post by **Goofproof** » Thu Apr 27, 2006 7:40 pm

That seat belt cover fixed mine right up, now I need another for the other mask. I was worried about the woll but no problem.

Gidgie · Post by **Gidgie** » Thu Apr 27, 2006 8:37 pm

Hi, Ric! Glad you like my style.......imitation being the most sincere kind of flattery.......you see, my thoughts come along one at a time.....usually with a large gap in between.......(All said, of course, TIC!) But yes, Karen and I are discussing the problem via pm. BTW.....mask is F&P 431.

Have a good day and an even greater night! Gidgie

Ric · Post by **Ric** » Thu Apr 27, 2006 9:17 pm

Gidgie wrote:Hi, Ric! Glad you like my style.......

thanks for noticing ! I'm flattered .

I suppose I shoulda checked with Karen before volunteering her services.. but I glad to see you 2 are ahead of the game.... you will find she is very kind-hearted and ready to help....

one more thought.... have you considered owning several different TYPES of masks? with different straps? that way you could change it around.... give the sore spot a vacation.... (worst case, I suppose you could have sore spots EVERYWHERE..... but that's not where i was going with this )

rotsa ruck,

-ric

Gidgie · Post by **Gidgie** » Thu Apr 27, 2006 10:19 pm

Nice try, Ric (sigh), but I'm in love with my 431........Just can't live without it.......

brasshopper · Post by **brasshopper** » Fri Apr 28, 2006 1:10 am

Anonymous wrote:......(the story continues).....In the last few days the sore on the back of my neck where the lower strap of my headgear sits has gotten much worse, so decided to mention it to the doc when I saw him........only 'he' turned out to be 'she' and a locum at that. So I told her about it .....she took a look, said'yes, you really ought to put something on that' (!!!!).

Hmmm, bandaid? You can get neosporin or polysporin powder - if it is actually actively infected you might use ointment which will help stop it from sticking, but if it is healing, you might still want a topical antiseptic and the powder is just the thing in that case.

There are tons of good bandaids out there. The new ones from 3M stick too well. I have put them on my legs and forgotten to change them and had them do damage to my skin. So remember to change them.

But the progression of bandaid with neosporin or neosporin plus followed by neosporin powder has worked for me.

apneaicinisrael · Post by **apneaicinisrael** » Fri Apr 28, 2006 1:24 am

I agree that many if not most Family Practitioners / Internists don't know enough about OSA and CPAP. My own, whom I like as a person, tried to push me toward "surgery" (don't think she really knew what exactly she was recommending), "You don't want to sleep with that thing for the rest of your life" she said to me. Luckily I got on the computer and never looked back. In fact, I am on my 3rd month of CPAP and have not yet gone back to her to tell her about it. Wouldn't want to shock her - but maybe I could gently educate her. You know, it takes patience to raise a good doctor!!

Here's to knowledge and patience,
AII

NightHawkeye · Post by **NightHawkeye** » Fri Apr 28, 2006 4:59 am

apneaicinisrael wrote:You know, it takes patience to raise a good doctor!!

Which again raises the question of who should be paying whom . . ., hmmm Of course, I seem to get into trouble whenever I raise this little issue of money. Seems to be a sacrosanct area. As if rates charged by physicians were somehow set by deity.

Regards,
Bill

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Fri Apr 28, 2006 9:50 am

Brasshopper, thanks, but.......am allergic to nearly all antibiotics, and to adhesives as well......That great pharmacist I spoke of found a surgical dressing called 'mepore' that I could use, and an antibiotic cream ' metro...'(some-thing-or-other) that I'd had in the past and didn't bother me.I should have gone to him in the first place....

AII, you are absolutely right......she just didn't get it......got a real funny look and almost laughed when I told her I didn't sleep bare-faced any more, thank you! I'll be so glad when my REAL doctor gets back!

Nighthawkeye, yes, for taking up my valuable time (TIC) she should be paying ME!

Gidgie · Post by **Gidgie** » Fri Apr 28, 2006 9:54 am

That was me, of course....(sigh).....not logged in again!

ozij · Post by **ozij** » Fri Apr 28, 2006 10:14 am

got a real funny look and almost laughed when I told her I didn't sleep bare-faced any more, thank you!

LOL, Gidgie,. Poor poor doctor, she didn't dare laugh.... I love it, "not sleeping bare faced anymore". Has to be put on a T-shirt!

I hope you're healing quickly!
O,

krousseau · Post by **krousseau** » Fri Apr 28, 2006 1:12 pm

Sorry the MD was useless. Do you mind a couple questions you might have already given the answers to??

Is the sore from "rubbing" or pressure? Is it in the hairline?

The Pad-a-Cheek sleeves should help rubbing the most. If it's pressure it would help to spread out the pressure more than the sleeve alone - like a strip of foam inside the sleeve between the strap and your head.

Pressure-can you loosen the strap a bit?

If it is getting larger it might already be infected.

How long have you had this sore-it seems like a while. Insurance should pay for seeing a wound care specialist since you have diabetes. Some hospitals have them-also home health/visiting nurse agencies have them.

So much for doctors!

So much for doctors!

Re: So much for doctors!

Re: So much for doctors!