Sleep Study

[k9krap]

Minx, I considered splurging today, but my appetite has waned drastically since I stopped all the pain meds. So, I’m concentrating on getting fluids and a protein shake every day.

[minx]

Well, haven't heard from the doctor's office yet, but I did get a call from the durable medical equipment company - I missed the call, but when I called back the guy said that they needed to schedule an appointment to set up my CPAP - the person I need to talk to was on another call (it figures). Not a problem, say I. Where are you all located BTW. FAIR-FUCKING-FAX! And yes, you are required to come in to get the thing, because they have to fit the mask and show you how it all works. And, you've guessed it, they're not open on the weekend.

So I am looking at a minimum of 1/2 day off for this crap - grrrr!

For the record, I have great insurance (Federal BC/BS) and a job with a fairly flexible schedule, so I can take time off without having to have someone cover for me, or giving a month's notice.

I saw my PCP in the beginning of October of last year.
Earliest opening for the sleep specialist was Mid-December
Once I saw him, earliest opening for the sleep lab was Mid-February
Full sleep study was cancelled because my 'great' insurance wouldn't approve it, so I had to reschedule for a home study
Did the home study Mid_February
Saw the doctor for the results end of February, and was told to go back to the sleep lab for a CPAP titration study - first opening was Mid-April
Had that study done, and am now scheduled to see the doctor for results this Friday. It appears that I will need a CPAP, so I have to make yet another appointment for that.

So far a total of 7 months, and numerous visits. In addition, I will have to travel an hour north of my home to actually get fitted for the equipment itself.
I still don't have a complete dollar amount, because BC/BS hasn't processed the two sleep studies yet, and I will have to meet a deductible and copay on them.

Mind you, this is definitely NOT a life-threatening condition by any means, but I've been assured by soooo many people that if we (God Forbid) switched to any form of 'socialized' medicine than the government would be making the decisions, we'd be waiting months and months for simple procedures, and they wouldn't get approved. Just wondering how exactly my experience here is any different.


And FWIW, when my Psychiatrist moved to Georgia, she gave her patients 4 months notice so they could find a new provider and have enough time to actually get in to see that person before she left. I thought that was extremely professional, and quite wonderful, as I had to wait two months to get in with my new Psych. When you have a full diagnosis, and depend on taking medication to function, you shouldn't have a minimum of a two month wait to get into a new provider. But then again, Psychiatrists represent the smallest number of specialists in the US, and pediatric Psychiatrists are an even smaller percentage of those. So good luck fixing the "mental health" issues that all white mass shooters have.

[k9krap]

I am wearing an arm band that says “sleep apnea alert.lm. The nurse said I have 3 factors (or whatever they call it). So I probably have this to look forward to. The nurse anesthetist had to tell me to breathe a couple times and I have a nasal cannula. Ugh.

[minx]

Ugh indeed. One good thing is that the CPAP people are willing to come to your house. I figured that between all the dog hair, the mess, and the dog itself, that it would probably be easier to go to them.
The good news is that they just opened an office in F'burg. The bad news is that their first appointment isn't until the 15th. Oh well.

[Dave's Not Here Man]

Don't worry about it. MWH has masks that don't fit, CPAP machines that don't work, which is no biggy because the staff doesn't know how to operate them anyway, but you're already in the hospital, so you're fine.