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+--- Thread: Otolaryngologist Appointment!!! (/Thread-Otolaryngologist-Appointment)
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Otolaryngologist Appointment!!! - Ugly - 12-19-2012
Finally I have my appointment with the doctor tomorrow.
I feared I would have to wait until way into the new year (if the earth is still here) before the appointment. He's been forwarded the trials and troubles of borrowing the S8 AutoSet and I'll get my chance to explain to him why I feel the sleep study was nothing but a failure. Hopefully he'll prescribe a machine superior to a "brick" - and it's less than 24 hours away.
RE: Otolaryngologist Appointment!!! - 2Tim215 - 12-19-2012
Be sure to let the Doctor know that many things can change over time, especially over five years which seems to be the norm for machine replacement. Let him know you want an Autoset so if any changes are necessary you will have the data to show it and a machine capable of meeting your needs in the future if things do change. Another good point is it seems like most Doctors don't realize the price difference between a brick and a data capable machine is less than 100.00 so its pretty foolish not to have a machine at that price difference that offers so much more which can help you and the Doctor monitor your progress! Ask him to look at Supplier #1 if he has any doubts and also he could see how much of a difference there is compared to an entry level machine. Hope it goes well for you!!!
RE: Otolaryngologist Appointment!!! - Ugly - 12-19-2012
(12-19-2012, 06:08 PM)2Tim215 Wrote: Be sure to let the Doctor know that many things can change over time, especially over five years which seems to be the norm for machine replacement.
I'm sure he knows. But does he know my circumstances? Probably not. I don't know if I can trade in my S9 Escape for an S9 AutoSet CS but I'll have things to discuss with him, particularly the last sleep study and why it failed me (no change in pressure, though I had trouble breathing, that never was mentioned, no acknowledgement of mixed apnea (although the same doctor told me right to my face 15 years ago), and they tried to (and so far succeeded in) stick me with the static pressure of 8.0 which I already had though the subsequent use of an AutoSet proved my needs are anything but consistent.
Quote: Let him know you want an Autoset so if any changes are necessary you will have the data to show it and a machine capable of meeting your needs in the future if things do change.
Particularly because I don't have regular follow-up for apnea.
As I said, I have my eye on the AutoSet CS already. Although I most likely do not have Cheyne-Stokes (CS) the information sheet from ResMed indicates it's useful for central, complex and mixed apnea. But I'll have to discuss with the doctor funding - my wife agreed that if the cost is over and above what the government will shell out, we'll pay the excess if we have to (there are policies of the Ontario Canada government and circumstances may vary in other places.)
Quote:Another good point is it seems like most Doctors don't realize the price difference between a brick and a data capable machine is less than 100.00 so its pretty foolish not to have a machine at that price difference that offers so much more which can help you and the Doctor monitor your progress!
Unless the doctor doesn't realize the benefits of full data.
The doctor doesn't monitor my progress, but if I have the ability, I sure will. I took detailed notes during the three weeks when I was using the S8 AutoSet II. Unfortunately when I had my sleep study a few months back I had no knowledge of modern machines. My old one was purely analog. Mechanical. No computer connection and probably few if any electronic parts. Pressure was changed using a simple screwdriver and required a manometer to identify the current pressure. I didn't have the means to do it.
During the time I used the S8, I didn't have a compatible data card so I couldn't run it through ResScan but I learned that with the wide fluctuation of results, a single arbitrary pressure just doesn't work for me anymore (if it ever did.)
Quote:Ask him to look at Supplier #1 if he has any doubts and also he could see how much of a difference there is compared to an entry level machine. Hope it goes well for you!!!
Thanks.
RE: Otolaryngologist Appointment!!! - Ugly - 12-20-2012
Oh yeah! I got my new prescription!
I argued it out with the doc about the struggles I've had, and the botch up with the sleep study.
I got a brand new prescription for an Auto CPAP 7-14 pressure range or static pressure of 11.
I talked to my VitalAire and they said funding has been completed for the heated tube as well.
They said to bring in my CPAP and they'll adjust the pressure. I'll have to let them know eventually -
it's already been done
I'll have to wait until Jan 3 to arrange for replacing this "brick" with an S9 AutoSet.It's exciting that it's finally happening and I may get a good night sleep.
They already know I use ResScan. It wasn't my usual RT who was in the office when I approached them with the prescription but I specified I don't want a Respironics model. She said I know more about it than she does. Probably sarcastic but the woman I talk to probably deals more with oxygen etc than sleep apnea. Meanwhile I set my current S9 Escape to the new prescribed level and took a nap for several hours. Boy was I tired I'm glad things are finally starting to roll into place
so thanks to all who have helped me gain insight and knowledge. I wouldn't have gotten this far otherwise. 
Oh. And gotta love these crazy smilies too
-Sean
RE: Otolaryngologist Appointment!!! - PaulaO2 - 12-20-2012
Glad it worked out for you.
RE: Otolaryngologist Appointment!!! - TheWerkz - 12-20-2012
(12-20-2012, 09:27 PM)Ugly Wrote: She said I know more about it than she does. Probably sarcastic but the woman I talk to probably deals more with oxygen etc than sleep apnea.
Sean,
Even if she was being sarcastic, it doesn't make it less true, you could actually know more than she does.
Now, try to get some sleep between now and the 3rd!
Ren
RE: Otolaryngologist Appointment!!! - 2Tim215 - 12-21-2012
Way to go Sean! 
This Board has given me so much information and support that it surely helped me get my new AutoSet!!! VERY HAPPY for you! By the way, did I say ? 
RE: Otolaryngologist Appointment!!! - dcgrafix - 12-21-2012
It completely boggles the mind when they make such a stink about trying to stick you with a brick most of us would gladly pay the extra 100.00 if we could as a last resort.
Glad you were able to get a machine you can now take charge of your own sleep & monitor with software to make changes.
RE: Otolaryngologist Appointment!!! - trish6hundred - 12-21-2012
Hi Ugly,
CONGRATULATIONS on your new S9AutoSet, WOO HOO!
RE: Otolaryngologist Appointment!!! - Ugly - 12-21-2012
(12-20-2012, 10:23 PM)TheWerkz Wrote:(12-20-2012, 09:27 PM)Ugly Wrote: She said I know more about it than she does. Probably sarcastic but the woman I talk to probably deals more with oxygen etc than sleep apnea.
Sean,
Even if she was being sarcastic, it doesn't make it less true, you could actually know more than she does.
Now, try to get some sleep between now and the 3rd!
Ren
I took special notice of the ResMed AutoSet CS but after further investigation it may not even be available in North America.