Sleep Study Results

[pacmanx1]

I am not sure where to post this because I have not filed a claim. I recently requested a sleep study from mental health and they sent me one. I used the machine for three nights and sent it back to be reviewed. I had to go to VA today and I asked was it completed and I was told that it was so I got a copy. It states "Finding are consistent with mild, non-positional obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) Mild, non-positional, symptomatic OSA with comorbidities. Treatment of choice in this case is CPAP" Now I have to find out how and where do I go to get a CPAP machine.

Edited August 28, 2009 by pacmanx1 (see edit history)

[Bonzai]

If this was Memphis, I would say that you need to get a referral from your PCP to see the Sleep Doctor in the Sleep Clinic to get a CPAP issued and fitted. Your VAMC may do it differently.

Hope this helps,

Louis

[broncovet]

In Dayton, I got my CPAP by prescription order from the sleep doc, who sent me to respiratory therapy, at the hospital where I got my CPAP. I have been using it for over a year, and almost never go without it. If I do sleep without it, I pay the price. If you need a CPAP, tho they are a pain to get used to, they are definately worth the trouble.

[Teac]

I have a CPAP machine used in for one week could not get used to the mask.,.. that was six months ago will never use it again..

[Pete53]

If you were in Dallas you would have to get it from the sleep clinic where they will explain how to use it and give you some of the little sponges and filters you will need. They usually check how you are doing once a year.

If they are giving you a CPAP it is not mild.

Good Luck

My experience is that it is hard to get used to it but once you do you will not be able to get along without it. Say good bye to dry mouth and allergies. Ask for one that you put distilled water in and have moist air.

[pacmanx1]

OK thanks Pete I will try to get one. Thanks for the comments, I think I will try to call the sleep lab tonight and Monday morning

[Notorious Kelly]

Teac,

There are different types of masks and your CPAP may need a different setting for each mask.

I strongly urge you to go back in for a different mask and whatever other assistance you might need.

I got my first CPAP in 1998 and they're a big improvement for your life and health.

[Papa]

Teac, I could not agree with NK more. You are really gambling with your life. There are many different mask, and other equipment.

Papa

[out_here04]

i got my first cpap machine after referral from a military hospital, as a retiree, i was getting primary care for, pre-va. they sent me to an off-base hospital and i had an overnight sleep study which confirmed i had obstructive sleep apnea.

fast forward, a couple of years and i'm service connected for sleep apnea through va and the vamc sends me to the VERY SAME civilian hospital for another sleep study (same room even) and this time i didn't have to copay for the machine. i think once you pay a certain amount, if you don't get it from va, it's yours to keep.

i was going to teal teac the same thing. my wife is going for a sleep study, too, at my insistence. she is very quiet and then will SNORT! awake, hey, her heart is STOPPING probably about 30 times an hour!!!! it's brief but can do damage.

the main acronym words for cpap is something like continuous pressure airway p(?).. it's kind of neat how it fills your lungs up and is sensitive to your breathing, according to your personal setting, mine is 12. i think it goes up to 20.

doctors will tell you to lose the weight, and that is the best choice for possibly getting off a cpap, but for cryin out loud, if you need one, GET ONE!!!

[out_here04]

oh, and the big thing about cpap is if you are "waking up" so many times an hour, they measure that, then you never enter REM (rapid eye movement) sleep. when you wake up in the morning you are tired as hell and probably nod off at the tv or reading, that's all part of the screening questioning, too.

with cpap, you wake up at least with as good a night's sleep as possibe to deal with whatever life throws your way.

i had a buddy who was getting out of the military and doing his va claims and he said he had been rated 50 percent for sleep apnea. i forgot about it but a few years later, when here at hadit, i remembered that and copied accounts in my service medical records of whenever i complained of "lethargy, snoring at night, etc". my claims seem to merge over each other (anxiety/depression/ptsd/sleep apnea/possible mild tbi) but at least i can do something about one of them on a nightly basis.

[out_here04]

also, my earlier comment about wife's heart "stopping" 30 times an hour, thinking about it i don't think that's an accurate assessment. i think the sleep test will find, if you have sleep apnea you WAKE UP about 30 times an hour or something like that. just trying to clarify, maybe someone else remembers the details.

[magician2000]

I have a CPAP machine used in for one week could not get used to the mask.,.. that was six months ago will never use it again..

I have to agree with the others... There is a full face and a nasal mask... I currently use the nasal mask and find it works well for me... But it is worth it...

As to those on CPAP... How often do you get replacement masks... I find I need a new mask about every six month... Although the last one needed an early replacement thats to my new puppy chewing the gel pad that goes to my forehead...