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My C-PAP is coming! My C-PAP is coming!
I got a call this morning. When I told them I couldn't get out to their office in Foster City, they told me they will set up a home visit and to expect a call in a few days.
After getting only 3-4 hours sleep this morning - after being awake for two straight days - this is welcome news. I don't know if it will help me to stay asleep, or stop the heart-pounding I often wake up to, but I am hopeful. At least it is a first step. If C-PAP doesn't work, then there are a number of surgeries that I could have on my jaw, nose, and some of the soft tissue.
It has been a looong wait! I've had problems sleeping my whole life, have had 3-4 sleep studies, and finally the one I had last October that proved beyond a shadow of a doubt that I have obstructive sleep apnea severe enough to require treatment (and there have been several complications that have delayed my getting it). Two years ago, I had been turned down for a C-PAP because my sleep report was off by one digit to qualify for a C-PAP with my HMO. My new sleep doctor thought it was ridiculous that I was denied. All this time, I had no idea I was so close... my last sleep doctor, imo, sucked.
I got a call this morning. When I told them I couldn't get out to their office in Foster City, they told me they will set up a home visit and to expect a call in a few days.
After getting only 3-4 hours sleep this morning - after being awake for two straight days - this is welcome news. I don't know if it will help me to stay asleep, or stop the heart-pounding I often wake up to, but I am hopeful. At least it is a first step. If C-PAP doesn't work, then there are a number of surgeries that I could have on my jaw, nose, and some of the soft tissue.
It has been a looong wait! I've had problems sleeping my whole life, have had 3-4 sleep studies, and finally the one I had last October that proved beyond a shadow of a doubt that I have obstructive sleep apnea severe enough to require treatment (and there have been several complications that have delayed my getting it). Two years ago, I had been turned down for a C-PAP because my sleep report was off by one digit to qualify for a C-PAP with my HMO. My new sleep doctor thought it was ridiculous that I was denied. All this time, I had no idea I was so close... my last sleep doctor, imo, sucked.
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Re: Good news!
Fri, January 23, 2009 - 2:17 PMDean,
You'll be amazed at how much help your CPAP will give you and how much better you sleep and feel when you wake up! Keep us posted and if you have any questions, we're a "post" away!
Happy dreaming...
Leah
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Re: Good news!
Fri, January 23, 2009 - 4:00 PMThat is great news, Dean.
That whole business about being one point off for approval (perviously) sounds shady. I am so very glad you are going to be set up now. From my personal observations, everyone adapts differently to Cpap/BiPap therapy - some getting settled after just a few nights or others, like myself, taking a bit of time to get used to the whole getup. But, eventually everyone does figure out how to live with the therapy and it seems to help a lot for the vast majority of people. Whatever happens, you can always turn here for real life advice on compliance and to vent.
Also, once you get setup, I think most will agree the actual type of mask you end up using makes a big difference in comfort. So if you mask is not optimal for you, please feel free to ask around and get feedback. I have chnaged masks three times and each time it was better and better.
Best thing - you are getting your Cpap after weaving through HMOs. That is commendable on its own!
Awesome, Dean.
MC
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Re: Good news!
Fri, January 23, 2009 - 9:54 PMCongratz....Like MC said, each person adjusts differently, but I am sure you will find your heart palpitations and the constant waking up will quickly go away. But, you have to use it every night to get the best results. I have a friend who was recent diagnosed with OSA and like you just barely qualified, but his insurance company would not pay for any surgery options. Also, he hated wearing the mask on his face. It took a scare that landed him in the ER, but he was lucky that it was not serious. He now uses the mask every night.
I showed him my swift mask and it worked for him. So, you might want to ask if they could bring some different masks for you to look at to see what mask is right for you.
Good Luck and Good sleeping. -
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Re: Good news!
Fri, January 23, 2009 - 10:45 PMThanks, Lee. I think my doctor prescribed a specific mask. I vaguely remember her recommending a nasal-only mask, because it was the least uncomfortable.
I'm concerned about using a nasal-only mask, because a lot of my breathing difficulty is in my nose. And I tend to get stuffy during the night (I use an air filter in my bedroom, which helps somewhat). She told me that the air pumping through my nose would keep the passages open. So I decided I'd give it a try. But if they bring a variety for me to try, (and I'll ask when they call to make the appt.), all the better. Although I'm sure it's a lot like trying on shoes. They might feel comfortable in the store for five minutes, but when you wear them out on the street for regular use, they can be uncomfortable.
We'll see! I'll keep you posted. I appreciate all of your advice and sharing of your experiences. -
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Re: Good news!
Sun, January 25, 2009 - 1:42 PMI use a nasal-only mask and I was worried about getting horribly stuffy at night too. My doctor prescribed a humidifier unit with my CPAP so I don't get dry or stuffy at all. You might ask your doctor about that. I live in the desert so my doctor automatically ordered a humidifier for my CPAP since we have such low humidity to begin with. He said he never orders a CPAP without one.
My nasal mask is an Ultra Mirage II and I find it very comfortable. I'm one of the more unusual individuals who used their CPAP for a full 9 hours from the very first night and has used it non-stop ever since without any "adjustment" period. From what I've learned on this particular tribe, my experience is rather unique. It seems most people need some time to adjust. I just seemed to jump in and swim just fine!
I'm very happy for you. Please let us know how your experience is and the people on this tribe are some of the best I've ever met. If you need any advice at all, they are stellar!!
Love,
Leah -
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Re: Good news!
Sun, January 25, 2009 - 2:52 PMDean,
I can only echo what has already been said, but will add another congrats.
It only occurred to me now (duh!) that I should recommend my sleep doctor by name because she is AWESOME. Her name is Angela Anagnos and she has an office in Fremont and one in Menlo Park (or somewhere on the Peninsula). This, of course, is only helpful if you are in the SF Bay Area. Her Fremont phone number is (510) 742-5432. She's young, very personable and knows her stuff. I can't recommend her highly enough.
Darla
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Re: Good news!
Mon, January 26, 2009 - 6:53 AMDean...Great!
for me it took..quite a while to be able to keep the darn thing on ..all night
my doc recommends ..at least 4 hours..
so if in the beginning you can use that as a goal...that is a good starting point..
now I am an addict...
i sleep so much deeper and fuller..
I have fibro myalgia.. and I would wake all night long..with body pain..never able to get comfortable..
now between the cpap and the Lyrica...I am doing much better
GOOD LUCK..
keep us up on your progress..!!! -
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Re: Good news!
Mon, January 26, 2009 - 11:38 PMThanks, all of you!
Heroness, I'm so glad to hear that you are doing better.
This is what I was prescribed (I finally got the authorization letter from my insurance company - I still don't have an appt. with the supplier yet)
Continuous Airway Pressure Device
Humdifir Heat Used w/Pos Arway Prss
Nasl Interfce POS arway Prss Devc
Cushn Nasal mask intf repl only ea
chinstrap
headgear
fltr dispbl
tubing
fltr non dispbl
So I have the nasal interface with heated humidifier, I guess.
I'm worried because I have more than one issue with my nasal passages
1. they are narrow
2. I have a slightly deviated septum
3. I am almost constantly "stuffy"
Right before bed I use a saline spray, blow my nose a lot, and use Flonase. I wake up (after 3 hours sleep; sometimes 4) all stuffy. Since the company is so far away (for a person w/o a car), I wish they could leave me with 2 masks, so if one doesn't work, I don't have to wait weeks to get another one. I've already waited months since my last sleep study, and years since I've had sleep disturbances due to breathing difficulty. It would suck if I had to change masks, and had to go back to my doc for a new prescription each time, and wait weeks each time for the HMO approval and the appt. with the medical appliance co.
Sheez, I hate our medical system.
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Re: Good news!
Wed, January 28, 2009 - 3:55 PMyep..WE NEED A HEALTHCARE SYSTEM!
Dean..I have been very stuffy..
never had sinus problems ..tillNOW ..and I think its the CPAP that dried out my nasal passages..
you should talk to your doc..before you get your mask..and try to find out the one that is right for you..
I love the air pillows..because they are the least facial restrictive.. but they are tough on my nose
you have to get the opinion from the others ..on how the face masks work for them
they are all basically the same..BLOWING AIR UP YOUR NOSE..to close your soft palate.. at least that is my idea of how it works!
but if you can get it sorted out.. really makes me sleep very deep!
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