(08-11-2016, 07:19 AM)roudabushmc Wrote: So I went out on my own and researched machines. It just so happens that my uncle had a brand new dreamstation auto bipap that he did not need (long story regarding a poorly planned move to a new state there). I asked him if I could try or have the machine since and he said of course. He has been a long time advocate for cpap.
One week ago I get a call that there has been a cancellation at the doctor and I can come in on the 3rd. I take them up on it, this is just an office visit to assess what to do next. I tell the dr why I went off before, that I think a bipap would better suited my needs and he essentially blows me off. Tells me he will submit to insurance for a home study and scurry out. I ask the receptionist how long until I should hear something and am told 3 weeks. Yesterday I get a call, no new sleep study (2 year old one is what we are working with) and the dr has taken the liberty of ordering me the same cpap machine at the same pressure from the DME across the hall. For rental, not for insurance to pay for outright.
This all seems wrong, I call back to speak with the dr but can only speak with his nurse. I explain my concerns that they are changing nothing from before, that I would like to try an auto bipap (that I cansupply) and she is flummoxed why I don't just want to rent the cpap from DME. Hang up with her with nothing resolved.
I have used the bipap two nights now, first night full auto full range. AHI 3.2, no snoring or complaints from my wife. Last night after looking at sleepy head and comparing to my old 5-15 rx I dial it in and have 1.2 AHI. Great sleep both nights.
So here I am, I am sleeping well and don't think I need the dr I have but he has already put my rx in. No call from DME yet and I asked them to cancelled everything. With a full time job and 2 year old I don't have time for unresponsive Dr's who don't listen. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Will get some logs up soon to get feedback but right now I just need to get through this Dr DME fiasco.
Thanks for your time
Matt
Getting back on topic here, as it seems Amazon put a fork in the road re the questions you asked.
1.
Buy-beg-steal the Dreamstaion off your Uncle, it is working for you and you are happy with it [ok, so I'm biased... I just bought one two days ago after trialing one for two months during my setup and compliance testing.. great machine]
2.
GET A NEW DOCTOR..
GET A NEW DOCTOR..
[it was worth repeating
]
...
Use the machine set on auto for a couple of weeks to see what your average max/min pressure numbers are, then you can work out what to set it for at fixed pressure.
That is basically what my specialist ordered be done for me, once he had the results from the auto setting he had the clinic set the machine to a fixed pressure... mainly because fixed pressure can give even better AHI numbers than auto from what I understand from him.
Though it sounds like your original 5-15 R/x is pretty much close to on the money.
But if you get a new doctor, plus already have the machine that can be set to auto for diagnosis purposes, between you and he things should be able to be worked out as to what fixed pressure settings suit you best.
I don't know how the system works for you over there, but here in Australia if we are not happy with our doctor or specialist we can just go and find another one until we get one we are happy with.
I'm new to all this CCRAP.... errr, I mean CPAP stuff myself, it is a steep learning curve.
I fully understand that you couldn't tolerate CPAP the first time around.
When I first started I was ready to give up after the first couple of weeks, it was a horrible period of even worse sleep than I'd had before using the CPAP.
The only reason I stuck with it is because my employer promised me I would be transferred back to my driving job if I got my commercial licence fully reinstated [medical based licence suspension following a work accident].
A week and a half ago I informed my employer that my specialist was prepared to sign me as medically fit to hold a commercial driver's licence, and that I would have my licence reinstated at the Court appeal scheduled for next week.
So a week ago, knowing they could put back on the monthly driver roster for September onward...... my employer sacked me, my manager is claiming 'restructure' so that I have no legal recourse against management or the Organisation I work for as a whole.
The real reason, I suspect, is that one particular manager doesn't like me as I've challenged her in the past to get better services for our aged clients, and also to fix issues that have put the drivers at risk.
She has now moved further up the management tree and is now 'in' with those who have the power to make big decisions.
There are many more knowledgeable people on this forum who will correct me on errors in my information or opinions.
Gather all the knowledge you can, and find a doctor who will work with you..
It is your health and your life at stake.
Good luck Matt.
Cheers,
Steve