Ode To The Sleep Study

Well, I admit that I've had a rocky history with the whole sleep apnea issue. So I hope to put this thing to bed by getting an independent study Sunday night. My doctor practices at a nearby hospital with a sleep center. I found out that Medicare will pay for the sleep study and, if indicated, a CPAP machine. This is only if a physician orders/prescribes it. Being old has a few perks, but it takes many years to qualify.

If the study turns out negative, then great. If not I'll get the machine and get in compliance.

The sleep study is inpatient at the hospital overnight. Has anyone done this and what was your experience?

My sleep study was done at the Boise VA Hospital in their sleep clinic. I had completed the run and then stayed up for more than 24 hours so I could sleep with all those damn wires on. It took me a while to sleep, because they told me I was overtired, but did get six hours before they woke me up in the morning. The technician said I did have a number of apneas but that the doctor would have to talk to me after reading the report. My apneas had increased from 20 about 8 years ago to 30 and I got told that 20 was moderately bad (originally told 20 was mild) and 30 is severe.. So I had to go back to a group meeting and go to a class on how to run this new fancy-dancy machine.

I felt like I was drowning after a couple weeks with the water, so I run it dry and do better. However, even after 19 months, I still do not feel rested after sleeping with it on. Some days I even have to stop and take a nap...altho the technician said to me that many older people take naps more often. 😝

Good luck!

Laura

My last (third) sleep study I was given lorazepam and I felt more rested the next morning than I had in a long time. That was four years ago. I sleep pretty well with my CPAP most nights but if I wake up after 6 hours of sleep then it's hard to get back to sleep with it so I remove it and sleep on my side since I generally don't have issues then. A big part of my success is that I actively sought advice from many experienced users at the apneaboard forum. My doctor wanted to prescribe me a machine and mask and majority of folks suggested trying others. Most providers will let you return a mask if you're not happy with it until you get one you like. Don't settle for something you don't like. I also built a contraption so that my hose hangs from up above me because I move around a lot when sleeping and don't want the hose to be getting in my way. That might not be an issue for you. I like my equipment.

My older brother (69) was prescribed a CPAP two weeks ago but was told that there is a lengthy backlog. Part of this is because Respironics machines were found to have foam degrading in them and patients were getting that in their lungs so they are being exchanged. That makes me extra glad I went with a Resmed Airsense10 machine four years ago.

Good luck!

I've been on CPAP for 12 years, starting in my early 40s. It's literally been a lifesaver for me, and I wouldn't even dream of trying to sleep without it. The minor discomfort of the mask is nothing compared to getting good rest and not falling asleep behind the wheel.