Hello. Had my first sleep study about three weeks ago and my ENT told me I had less then 10 episodes while sleeping on my side, but I consistently had 75 or so per hour while on my back. I have no idea how long I slept or any other test results. However they did not try the CPAP on me that night so the ENT ordered another sleep test, which I did a couple of nights ago. I used the Mirage Swift Nasal Pillows which seemed comfortable enough at the beginning but got annoying later in the night, I think the tech was bumping up the pressure.

The lack of sleep has been getting worse over the last few months. Yesterday it was all I could do to stay awake at work and today I called in sick as I feel even worse, a walking zombie. I called the sleep center this morning to see if the results had been forwarded to the ENT yet and they said no, it may be a few days. I don't know what to do, I can't concentrate, can't work or anything else, can't sleep.

How long after a doctor gets the results do you have to wait for the "home healthcare professional" to come to the house and get the CPAP setup? I am getting desperate for some relief. Yesterday I bought new pillows for the bed hoping that would help, it did not. This morning I found this site and I see that the PAPillow is what I should get. I'm also thinking of something to keep myself from rolling onto my back at night.

I know my main problem is my weight, I'm about 80 lbs overweight. I'm working on losing it but it seems sleep apnea makes it very difficult to lose weight. What a catch-22 situation.

Why do I have to sit here in despair and wait for these friggin doctors to do something. It takes 3 weeks to get an appointment with my ENT. Another 2-3 weeks for a sleep study, then make another appoinment with the ENT. Sit around and wait for the results. The sleep center said it was something about having to get the results transcribed. Good grief. I don't know if I can go back to work again until I get some rest. My head is pounding and my ears are ringing.

If I haven't already asked enough questions... how many days does one usually use a CPAP before getting a truly restfull sleep?

Welcome Sleepyhead!!

You are in empathetic company!!

To speed things up with your ENT, first, get on their cancellation list.  Second, tell them you are unable to work and need a letter stating such ASAP.  Third, since you have been diagnosed, if you are comfortable with this, you can say that they are withholding treatment and mention in passing that they would be liable if anything bad happened (what comes to mind are things like, you get sicker, lose your job, have a car accident, etc.).  It really gets their attention and results!  Finally, find a doctor who has a specialty in sleep medicine.  They are usually better at turnaround (one week after your study) and are better educated about sleep disorders.  Find a certified sleep doc., and see if your ENT is certified, at:

Sleep lab and Doctor Certifications

You might start feeling better after the first night, it is very individual, but the headache should be gone.  It is caused by hypoxia and/or increased CO2.  You are in a great sleep debt and it takes a toll on your body, so it also takes awhile to catch up and your body to heal.  Once you are treated, you will probably notice you're dreaming a lot, that is just your body catching up on REM sleep.

Until you get treated, try to sleep on your side as much as possible using pillows, etc. to prop yourself up.

Keep us posted!!  You might consider joining this forum, it is free and you get extra perks!

Vicki


_________________
That which does not kill you makes you stronger-Friedrich Nietzsche
Friedrich must of had apnea.

I remember the frustration of knowing help was available, but having to wait in misery!! It is a part of the system that needs serious attention!!
 If the lab tech was correct that you had 10 (side) vs 75(back) episodes, then your apnea is very positional. (I suspect this also reflects different stages of sleep)
WHILE YOU ARE WAITING ON A PRESCRIPTION  
 Prevent back sleeping however you can, tennis balls in a sock sewn to the back of your shirt.
 Fill a school type backpack with something uncomfortable to roll onto
 Sleep on a narrow couch facing the back of the couch, if you roll, you will be off in the floor.
 
 Many also find some relief by elevation of the upper body, as on a wedge or in a recliner.  Many of us fall asleep sitting up in a chair, because that is the position our body has the least airway collapse in.

Avoid any type of sedative or muscle relaxant medication and alcohol while untreated, as they worsen apnea.

Sorry for your long miserable wait....hope you get your equipment and feel better soon.



Last edited by Okie on Tue Oct 25, 2005 4:31 pm; edited 1 time in total

Sleepyhead,  
  
Your circumstance seems perfect to consider and auto-adjusting cpap. This is a machine that will automatically adjust the pressure based on your requirements. While you sleep on your side it will only raise the pressure as needed to treat the less frequent apneas... but it will also be able to make the adjustment required for when you are sleeping on your back. There is no need to do antiquated things like sew tennis balls in your PJs. These measures where fine when there were no better alternatives... but with todays technologies those measures are relegated to the collection of relic treatments of yore.

Hi Sleepyhead,

Yes it's frustrating, but you're getting close now to getting relief.
Just be sure your doctor knows how serious things are, that you're taking off of work because of how you feel, etc.
I don't know how your insurance works, there are differences among insurance providers. Mine had to be entirely arranged through my doctor's office, so the more pressure I put on the doctor's office, the quicker things got done.

Okie's suggestions might be great temporary measures, and might also help when you do get your cpap.  (don't know your usual sleep position).  I say whatever works, try it and do it.  Be sure to pester the pants off of your doctor to get this going.  As to the type of machine, just be sure to ask lots of questions, the more you know the better, and it helps to see just how much the doctors know.   I know you're exhausted, but muster whatever energy you have to get this resolved.  If it means contacting your insurance provider, try that too.  Remember the squeaky wheel.  I used to poo-poo the squeaky wheel thing until I saw my father in action.  He would annoy people so much that they would do anything to get rid of him.  Hahaha!

Good luck, and keep us posted as to how things go.


Linda

Thank you for the welcome and the kind and informative replies. The sleep lab is on the AASM list. My ENT is not on the ABSM list but he is a highly regarded ENT here in the Phoenix area. I've been told by several people that he is one of the best.

I called the ENT and spoke with the practitioner nurse and she will give my employer a note allowing me some time off work until I can get the CPAP unit and hopefully start feeling better. She said she would work with the company that provides the CPAP unit to try and get one to me asap. At least I feel this is moving forward now. I'll keep you informed. I'll try some things tonight to keep me off my back.