I see the sleep doc tomorrow. I wish I had thought to ask this earlier. Duh.

At any rate, I had 2 sleep studies done 4 yrs ago. One to diagnose, the other to determine treatment. My pressure was set at 8 then increased to 10 a month later. I've since then been blissfully ignorant of my condition and thought wearing the mask was all there was to it.

Then in mid Feb. I had some heart scares and other things pop up. Other tests narrowed down what it wasn't and it all points to my SA not being treated adequately. Hence the sleep doc appt tomorrow.

Since it has been 4 yrs, I wondering if I should ask/insist on another sleep test or for a data capable machine and see what it says? I may ask for both since I know it could be a while before the sleep test.

The data capable machines can tell a lot but can't tell about leg twitches, right? But it can determine between a central vs obstructive apnea? I'm thinking I'd like to get the Resmed S8 Auto or V.

At any rate, I see him in the morning. Same doc I saw 4 yrs ago, actually.

I don't think the machines can distinguish between central and obstructive apneas. As far as I know, breathing effort needs to be monitored (the straps around the chest and abdomen). Breathing effort is present during obstructive apneas, but not central apneas. CPAP machines can only monitor airflow.

If it may be a while before you can get in for a sleep study, ask about using an APAP in the meantime.


_________________
Respironics Auto M Series, Pressure: 12 cm
Fisher & Paykel Opus 360 Nasal Pillows
My Sleep Blog

My visit to the sleep doc yesterday was very very very frustrating.

I was given a script for an oxymeter to wear for one night, although one wasn't available until today so I get it for 3 nights.

He didn't seem concerned about the heart stuff, although he did listen to my chest. He didn't seem to be in a hurry to figure out what is going on.

He doesn't believe the newer machines (anything other than basic CPAP and some BiPaps) do any good and refused to let me change machines. He feels that the "constant changing of the pressure does not allow for proper sleep" or something like that.

Basically, I'm not sure what is going on. I take the oxymeter back Monday and they get the data and send it to the doc. Then, based on what it does, I guess the pressure is changed or not. I have been in a health game since mid Feb. and I'm tired of it. I guess I want something done now, not more hurry up and waits.

Just curious as to the outcome of this.  Any update?

Finally got the results from the oximeter nights.

Although I used it for 3 nights, the tech on the phone only mentions one night. During that night, my O2 went below 90% for a total of only 4 minutes, three of which it was 87% or lower. Somehow they know that I am not getting enough REM sleep and that the low O2 readings are during the few times I do get REM sleep. I asked about the other two nights and she didn't know there were others. It could be the DME only sent over one night's worth of data, although they said they'd send all 3.

At any rate, for now the pressure will be raised from 10 to 12. The doc had no other written instructions other than the "see me in 12 mos" one, not even to use the oximeter again to see if the pressure was enough. I asked how would I know if the pressure was working and she said I'd get less tired during the day. I said I wasn't comfortable with that being the only way to see if I was being adequately treated.

I asked "Will the snoring stop if the pressure is right?"
"You shouldn't be snoring at all with the CPAP."
"I've never stopped snoring during my 4 yrs of treatment."
"Oh." pause "Tell you what, if, after a week, you are still snoring, call the office and let us know."

So, I am still frustrated but will call the DME tomorrow and schedule a time to take the machine over to get the pressure changed.

Meanwhile, my BP has started spiking again and I'd bet dollars to donuts my ocular pressure has gone up again as well.