I have until Oct 5 to see my ENT and get my sleep test results.  Since my sleep test I have gone rapidly down hill and am barely functioning I am so exhausted.  I know in perusing this forum that a site was given to see if your doctor was one in standing with an accredited association for sleep doctors.  I can't seem to locate that message.  Could someone repeat it please.  I have an HMO and I had to see my GP who had to refer me to an ENT who in turn recommended the sleep study.  The GP was reluctant to refer as he didn't think I had sleep apnea and wanted me to try more pillls!  I did end up having to take Ambien in order for the study to be done.  My symptons have been present to some degree at least since the early 80's.  My ENT gave me a brochure which explained obstructive sleep apnea and noted that surgery helped less than 40% of the people.   Since I have an HMO how do I get them to assign me to an accredited sleep doctor provinging one is in the area?   Also has anybody out there used a mask successfully who has a deviated septum?  They asked me at the end of the first study if I noticed any differrence but I had to say I didn't because I was still under the effects of Ambien.  Averyone keeps asking if I get sleepy...but to me that  conotates a relaxed feeling of dozing off...my answer is NO.  I just feel so exhausted all the time that if I try to much physically I have to go lay down because I feel ill.   As the years have gone by, my weight has increased until I am really heavy but no matter what I eat, I don't feel as if my body is getting any energy from eating.   Right now I am just worried that these feeelings and sensations will never go away!  2nd study is to help doctor establish what pressure is best for me.
      Your comments please!
       Diane Perkins,  southern NV resident.

Hi Diane,

You can find my post in the middle of the page of the "Interesting Links" section, but here it is again:

The organization which certifies sleep labs:
http://www.aasmnet.org/

American Board of Sleep Medicine
http://www.absm.org/

Tell them you are not sleepy, you are exhausted!!  It is very, very common to eat either consciously or subconsciously in futile attempts to crank up our metabolism.  As you noted, it doesn't help.  I am very impressed that your ENT actually told you the low failure rate of surgery and didn't try to cut you up.  Give that doc a gold star and lots of referrals!!

If your deviated septum really is an issue (you can't breath at all through your nose), then there are full face masks you can use.  You might be able to use one of the nasal interfaces just fine.  Only your nose knows   .

You will feel better after you are treated.  Keep us posted!!

Vicki

Vicki,
  Thank you for your words of encouragement!  I also have airborne allergies affecting my nose.
I either have thick mucous and post nasal drip or the inside of the nose itsellf will swell shut on one side or the other, particularly when I lay down.  I am catching myself making short gasps during the daytime more often but I don't feel as if I have fallen asleep when I do so.   Any idea of what is happening at that time?   I have probably another month before I can actually begin treatment when you consider that I can't see the Dr. until 10-5 and than I have to allow time to get another study done and get a mast etc.  By the way what are the sleep pillows that I see mentioned in some of the posts?
   Diane

Hi Diane,

I'm also in the waiting game for CPAP.  I had my 2nd study done a month ago and I also have problems with thick mucous and post nasal drip.  I find it most bothersome when I lay down to go to sleep.  I worried that would be a problem with the CPAP but during the study I found that the CPAP kept the airway open enough to allow it to drain.  I've taken it upon myself to get allergy testing (tomorrow) to see if there is a culprit for the mucous.  And hopefully soon I"ll be on CPAP!  Keep up the faith and patience.  It'll all come together :)

Linda (roseinpa57)