I was diagnosed with moderate obstructive sleep apnea 6 years ago, but I could not tolerate the cpap machine due to sinus infections and I am a mouth breather (also claustrophobic), Needless to say I am now pushing my dr. to try to get me a new sleep study. I am on medicare, and they required me to get a pulse oxygen test overnight at home (my doctor ordered a split study with and without oxygen. Now my doctor has me on oxygen!. Didn't even discuss this with me, didn't even set me up for a sleep study which I need in order to get a machine (I wanted to try the OPAP the oral device that goes through your mouth and forces air through that way, because I believe this would be an acceptable option for me, but I am afraid my dr. is dawdling. The oxygen treatment to my understanding is given to some patients with sleep apnea, and yes from
my observation my oxygen level did increase upon waking, but oxygen itself is not used to treat obstructive sleep apnea.  I am supposed to go back to my doctor this week. He keeps having me come back but he takes forever to do what he is supposed to do, and I really need to get this machine covered because in October I have to drop my medicare to help pay for my husband's work insurance and it will cost me alot more that way. So here I am now with an oxygen   I don't mind being on oxygen , but I really don't think this is going to cure my sleep apnea problem and now I am afraid that the doctor is not going to push for a sleep study. This is just the impression I have. Any advice?
Chelle

try phoning the sleep place where you were originally diagnosed and ask them for help

in general, sleep disorders staff arent there in the early morning, due to being there late the previous night re sleep studies

Chelle wrote:

I was diagnosed with moderate obstructive sleep apnea 6 years ago, but I could not tolerate the cpap machine due to sinus infections and I am a mouth breather (also claustrophobic), Needless to say I am now pushing my dr. to try to get me a new sleep study. I am on medicare, and they required me to get a pulse oxygen test overnight at home (my doctor ordered a split study with and without oxygen. Now my doctor has me on oxygen!. Didn't even discuss this with me, didn't even set me up for a sleep study which I need in order to get a machine (I wanted to try the OPAP the oral device that goes through your mouth and forces air through that way, because I believe this would be an acceptable option for me, but I am afraid my dr. is dawdling. The oxygen treatment to my understanding is given to some patients with sleep apnea, and yes from
my observation my oxygen level did increase upon waking, but oxygen itself is not used to treat obstructive sleep apnea.  I am supposed to go back to my doctor this week. He keeps having me come back but he takes forever to do what he is supposed to do, and I really need to get this machine covered because in October I have to drop my medicare to help pay for my husband's work insurance and it will cost me alot more that way. So here I am now with an oxygen  #-o I don't mind being on oxygen , but I really don't think this is going to cure my sleep apnea problem and now I am afraid that the doctor is not going to push for a sleep study. This is just the impression I have. Any advice?
Chelle

Obviously your doc was concerned about the drop in your blood oxygen saturation levels and prescribed pxygen to deal with a possible symptom of another disorder.

You need to push for a sleep test ASAP.

Daniel

Please, I'm only a patient and I can only tell you from my experience...my father is on medicare and he did get a sleep study...he was prescribed a machine and mask...the local DME(durable medical equipement) provider supplied him with the necessary hardware and is billing medicare monthly...I understand that medicare only rents these machines and that after three years, they are paid for...now this is just what the PT told my father and I can only tell you from my experience...if somehow you drop medicare will they still pay for the machine...if you are talking about medicaid, you should check and see if the same "rental type" billing is the same as medicare...personally, I think it is a rip-off, but nobody asked me...haha...push for your sleep study and ask your family physician to help advocate for you...keep pushing....

Best of luck...


_________________
Joe Camel

OSA Feb '04
S-7 EliteCPAP Feb '04
AutoSet Spirit July '04
VPAPIII August '05 (CHF & MCTD)
Heated Humification
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Hello Chelle!
I think it's the physician's reponsibility to explain everything to your satisfaction.  If you have a second issue that requires the use of nighttime oxygen, that has to explained to you.  But if the oxygen is being used to treat sleep apnea, that's probably inappropriate, oxygen often makes sleep apnea worse.  Also, sleep apnea can get worse simply as a function of age, so absolutely get another sleep study.  Do you have the original test results?
I think the Oracle oral interface is an excellent choice for people with sinus issues, I've seen a couple people have good success.
If you're having that much trouble with your physician, why not change, or perhaps see a sleep specialist, or at least a good ENT MD who is familiar with OSA and its trreatment?  He could also help with your sinus problems.  Good luck, write back.
sleepydave