Those of you who have followed the blog know that I’ve had a difficult relationship over the last few years with my sleep doctor. Part of the reason I think, is that I did so well at first. Over 5 years ago, almost 10 years now, he put me on a CPAP machine and I had instant results. However, the last couple of years have been difficult. Lately I just haven’t been getting enough sleep and I’m tired all the time.
I was really dreading this visit, since he has badgered me about gaining weight, told me I wasn’t compliant, etc. This visit was different and I attribute that to the compliance software on my new machine. It took hree visits in a row (over a 1 year period), for him to believe me since I switched to the Goodnight CPAP which he can download and get compliance data.
Today I went in, he downloaded the machine, saw that I was 100% compliant (yet again), and that I was getting 6 1/2 hours average on the machine (I’ve had a few very sleepless nights.) Make sure any CPAP machine you get these days DOES have the compliance monitoring feature. That means when you are sleeping well, it’s the doctor’s problem, NOT yours.
He’s now not treating me as a non-compliant patient. I think it also helped that after my sleepless night, I had a bit of a fever — I am not sure if this is a chicken and egg kind of thing, but I was stressed out over the visit, and probably a bit stressed about going back to school tomorrow (we are off on inclement weather days — I love it when we don’t actually use them for inclement weather).
Anyway, he wrote me a script for antibiotics, and gave me three doses so I could take my time about filling the scripts (though today was a good day for that). He also wrote scripts for a new humidifier, and a new mask. I switched DME’s, since I was having to pay full price on the other one. Their service was super, and were close to school, however, I am THRILLED with the new company.
They called me at almost 5:00, and wanted to meet with me tomorrow — and did have an appointment available at 4:30! That is the best any DME has ever been. I’ve worked with 4 now — Lincare and Apria were both horrible service. I usually had to go to them to get new equipment. I’ll post who they are when the whole thing is done, but the new company is definitely in network. I’ve never gotten a call back from the DME the same day I saw the doctor.
I’m going to get an Oximeter for the weekend, though I’m not sure I could even handle more pressure.
I brought home two Ambien too, though he doesn’t want me on sleep pills at all. I agree, they have never done that much for me.