Sleep Apnea Test Questions
Quote:
> At my cardioligist's suggestion I went for the sleep apnea test at a
> local hospital's sleep center, after complaining for a long time of
> extreme fatigue - I do not snore at all. Next thing I heard was a call
> from a clerk at the center to set up an appointment for a "titration"
> session. No word from any physician - not from the center, the
> cardiologist, or mr primary care doctor! Nobody ever looked in my nose
> or throat.
> I grumbled a lot, but went for the test. I slept not at all, I was
> sure. I signed a request for the reports, and did get the one from the
> titration. It recommended that I get a breathing device set at 8cm.
> The report said that they observed no REM, and I think that sorta
> verifies that I never did sleep much at all. Then I had a call from
> the vendor to set up delivery. Still no contact with any physician at
> all! I put off delivery until I keep my appointment next week with my
> primary care doc - I plan to ream him out, at least now I plan to.
> I'm beginning to feel like this is some kind of scam, or at least poor
> doctoring. Anyone have feedback for me?
Sounds pretty normal. Titration is where they see what level of pressure
is needed to keep your airway open at night; a respiratory therapist or
technician will explain how to use and maintain your CPAP when it
arrives. Your internist and cardiologist usually don't have much to do
with the treatment of sleep apnea, other than referring you for testing
if they suspect it, and telling you how extremely important it is to use
your CPAP every time you sleep. Untreated sleep apnea can lead to heart
attack and stroke, as well a permanent short term memory loss, high
{*filter*} pressure and other unpleasant things.
--
"Did Father shoot him? I will eat Grandfather for dinner."
- Helen Keller, on learning of the death of her grandfather
