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I was schedule to have my sleep study done on May 2, but the sleep center called yesterday to say they had an opening, so I went. I had a sleep study done about 9 years ago, so I was somewhat familiar with how it's conducted.
Anyway, they were hoping to do a two-part test whereby I would use the cpap for the second half of the night, but unfortunately that didn't happen as the attendent said I didn't have enough episodes before 1 a.m.
Well, I have to say I was a little miffed, only because I don't have great insurance so I had to pay for the study myself ($652). And while I was sleep at 10:30 p.m. and drifting off, the attendent wasn't able to get me hooked up until 11. So after that was done and I got back into bed I wasn't really tired anymore.....so I read for a little while then shut off the light, but ended up lying there for what felt like an hour before I drifted off.
I also felt like I woke up about 4-5 times during the night and didn't really feel exhausted or tired either (whereas the night before at home I was enervated and snoring by 10:30).
But this morning the attendent did say I snored a lot and that I do have apena (which I knew). I just wish I would have had the opportunity to use the cpap.
I was also surprised that this attendent was really pusing the surgery. When I told her that I had a study done years back she asked if I had lost a lot of weight, which I hadn't (I'm 6'1" and ~173lbs and have been for a long time- but never overweight). She would say things like with the cpap that I would have to carry it around when I traveled and that I'll have to wear it for the rest of my life and i'm young and should consider the surgery.
But the surgery is why I never did anything the first time- I know it's a difficult surgery and any surgery with anesthesia can be risky.....
Anyway....the results will be sent to the doctor in about ten days, so we'll see what he says.
I guess I"m just a little disappointed that I didn't get use the cpap and a little afraid of the surgery option....
I'll post again after I get the doctor's report.......
Anyway, they were hoping to do a two-part test whereby I would use the cpap for the second half of the night, but unfortunately that didn't happen as the attendent said I didn't have enough episodes before 1 a.m.
Well, I have to say I was a little miffed, only because I don't have great insurance so I had to pay for the study myself ($652). And while I was sleep at 10:30 p.m. and drifting off, the attendent wasn't able to get me hooked up until 11. So after that was done and I got back into bed I wasn't really tired anymore.....so I read for a little while then shut off the light, but ended up lying there for what felt like an hour before I drifted off.
I also felt like I woke up about 4-5 times during the night and didn't really feel exhausted or tired either (whereas the night before at home I was enervated and snoring by 10:30).
But this morning the attendent did say I snored a lot and that I do have apena (which I knew). I just wish I would have had the opportunity to use the cpap.
I was also surprised that this attendent was really pusing the surgery. When I told her that I had a study done years back she asked if I had lost a lot of weight, which I hadn't (I'm 6'1" and ~173lbs and have been for a long time- but never overweight). She would say things like with the cpap that I would have to carry it around when I traveled and that I'll have to wear it for the rest of my life and i'm young and should consider the surgery.
But the surgery is why I never did anything the first time- I know it's a difficult surgery and any surgery with anesthesia can be risky.....
Anyway....the results will be sent to the doctor in about ten days, so we'll see what he says.
I guess I"m just a little disappointed that I didn't get use the cpap and a little afraid of the surgery option....
I'll post again after I get the doctor's report.......
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Miami
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Re: Sleep Study Last Night
Wed, April 4, 2007 - 10:59 AMHi Ron,
IMHO, please be wary of the surgery. Do a lot of research before you consider it. It has a low success rate AND for a significant number of people who have subjected themselves to it, their conditions worsened AND they ended up needing to use a CPAP anyway. Just use the CPAP and avoid the surgery! That's my opinion anyway.
Yes, CPAP is a fairly "permanent" treatment option. Yes, you have to take it with you when you travel. BIG DEAL! I go camping in a tent doing medieval re-enactment and I take my CPAP with me, complete with a battery back-up system to run it. One of the men in the group I camp with has a generator he lets me use to recharge my battery to run the CPAP. I take my CPAP with me when I travel by air. Yes, it will take a lot longer through security, but that's a small price to pay. A CPAP is a non-invasive treatment option. Surgery is, well, SURGERY!
Forgive me please for being so impertinent. I do tend to be rather "vocal" about things I'm passionate about. When it comes to medical intervention, I try to espouse the "less is best" theory. I start with the least invasive treatment option out there and hope for success, reverting to more invasive if necessary. I've had breast cancer. Surgery was the only option but I elected for a less radical surgery and for radiation treatment following. I've now been cancer-free for 9 years.
I wish you all the best.
Leah
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Unsu...
Re: Sleep Study Last Night
Wed, April 4, 2007 - 11:03 AMWhat she said! My specialist said that surgery is, at best, a 50% success rate.
Also be wary of what any "expert" medical person tells you. I've had lab techs tell me the direct opposite of what the specialists tell me.
It's your bod and your life. Do what you think is right for you. -
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Re: Sleep Study Last Night
Wed, April 4, 2007 - 1:15 PMmy doc said the same thing..
she wasn't really recommending the surgery ..either!
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Unsu...
Re: Sleep Study Last Night
Fri, May 11, 2007 - 12:02 PMI agree with you. my dr. said an even lower sucess rate. So, yes, I travel with my CPAP machine and I let people that I am staying the night with, know that I have a machine and it sounds like Darth Vader breathing, but it is much quieter than my snoring.
Leah, is this Pennsic that you are talking about?
and 2nd question:
what machine & set up did you buy for traveling? my boyfriend wants to go camping on the beach soon. So, I need to look at CPAP traveling machines now.
Thanks!
Lei -
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Re: Sleep Study Last Night
Mon, May 14, 2007 - 1:07 PMWow, our names are so similar: Leia and Leah!
Pennsic is on the other side of the country from me as I live in Arizona and travelling that far would be a hardship. I used my "travelling system" for the first time at Southern Crusades in Winkleman Flats, AZ in November 2006 and then at Estrella War in Florence, AZ in February 2007. Both times it worked like a charm!
All CPAP machines are relatively portable and travel-friendly. What you need is a battery back-up system to be able to use it in conditions where you have no electrical power.
In order to get the right battery back-up system for your machine, make sure you check the requirements listed in your owner's manual. My CPAP machine is a ResMed Elite 7 with a humidifier. I was able to purchase a deep cycle battery, called Lifeline, similar to a marine battery. I also purchased a very good qualilty battery charger and an inverter/converter allowing me an electrical outlet I can attach to the battery thereby being able to plug in my CPAP. Under ideal conditions, this battery will allow for 2-3 night's usage without a recharge. However, extreme heat or cold will lessen that time. At Southern Crusades I had no problem with my battery back-up because I only needed it for 3 nights and weather conditions were mild and stable. However, at Estrella War, I knew I would be needing to recharge the battery. Very thankfully, one of the men in our camp brought a gasoline powered silent generator which he allowed me to use to recharge my battery. That way I didn't have to get one of our strong and brave men to cart that VERY heavy battery all the way to the Chrirugen's (sp?) station for recharging!
All things considered, I spent approximately $380 on my battery back-up system. I did buy a high-end charger and inverter/converter. The battery itself was the most expensive and durable one I could find, Lifeline. I didn't want to scimp on the quality of battery & equipment because I need my CPAP to survive.
Once you find the batteries and accessories you need for your machine, you'll find that you can safely use your CPAP wherever you may be!
Let me know how it works for you, OK?
Love,
Leah
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Re: Sleep Study Last Night
Wed, April 4, 2007 - 5:04 PMHey Ron...
I would concur with others on the stats regarding surgery - they sound similar to what I have heard/read.
If your doctor reccommends surgery, I would most definitely go for a second and possibly a third opinion.
In regards to your sleep study...From the perspective of the sleeper (me) it seemed like a failed test. I didn't think I got any sleep really. But according to the second phase of my study (with mask) they said I slept very well in contrast to the phase without my mask.
It seems they can get a lot out of just looking at one or two cycles. Its beyond me. Kudos on getting a study done.
MC
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Re: Sleep Study Last Night
Thu, April 5, 2007 - 9:02 AMThanks everyone- I do agree with Leigh (and the rest).
A friend in Boston had the surgery (and he's as thin as I am) and it didn't help.
I'd rather have a cpap and really have no qualms about wearing it.
I'm really not that cynical, but this sleep center is a business and they're business purpose is to make money, so who knows- maybe 90% of the people who have a study done are told they couldn't get enough data and need to return (and pay another chunk$$).
So we'll see what my dr. says. The sleep center did call yesterday as a follow up to see how things went and I told them that while the attendant was very nice and professional I feel that because of the delay in getting started that I was shortchanged.
Anyway, more to come I'm sure!
thanks again everyone- it's nice to know there are folks who understand :-)
Dreaming of dreaming,
Ron
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