A couple of newbie questions

[paulag1955]

My insurance is Kaiser Permanente. My doctor is employed by them.  

[SarcasticDave94]

IMO whatever your goal is should still be a reachable thing. Not trying to muddy the water or such, but take an assessment on the situation. Determine if you can reach the goals with what you are working with or not. If not, obviously, you will need to find out if anything can be changed, such as the doctor, etc. I myself was in a seemingly similar situation a year ago. I had the BiPAP and the Duck didn't want to admit I needed the ASV. I went to my PCP and requested a second opinion referral to another sleep facility to discuss my case. Meanwhile, I had to see the original sleep center on an urgent need basis, and that started my ASV path. And here I am with said device. And a nice new doc at the original facility because doc 1 retired.

[paulag1955]

I just don't know. I'm not sure my hypothyroidism is being well treated and I can't get the PCP to revisit that because my "numbers are in the reference range." Oh, Lord, how I hate those words. I have MANY more symptoms of hypothyroidism than sleep apnea. But in her opinion, this is the only avenue to pursue.

[mhehe]

Being a kaiser member I can understand how you feel. Your relationship with your PCP is the most important thing. Are you on Synthroid for your hypothyroid? I am sure they are monitoring your thyroid levels with regular blood work. Hang in there. Even if you are assigned an APAP machine if it can be shown that it is not treating you, the machine can be exchanged for another one that can be shown to be more effective. In my case, I swapped my biPAP Vaoto with an ASV.

[dguzzi]

Thank you to paulag1955, and everyone helping her. I suspect I'll have to go through the same thing. My sleep study is in a month from today.

Paulag did you ever find a way to help the hip pain fron sleeping on your side? I have that problem as well...

[paulag1955]

dguzzi, I think I've just gotten used to it. It's not bothering me anymore.

[paulag1955]

mhehe, yes, I'm on levothyroxine and my TSH falls in the normal range. If it were really that easy to treat hypothyroidism, life would be grand. And, unfortunately, I am coming to loathe my PCP. The other day we were communicating via email about another concern and she ended the conversation with, "You should see Dr. [X]." and blocked me from responding. I was not very happy to say the least.

[SarcasticDave94]

Unfortunate that your Duck is failing you. Hopefully you can replace this doc with one more competent. Best wishes on success.

[paulag1955]

Thanks, Dave!

[paulag1955]

This is my data from last night. Overall not horrendous, but certainly not good. And look at the second graphic for my last hour of "sleep." I mean...I thought I was asleep. What's up with that?