Re: questions for the group - Hi and welcome

[Guest guest]

Well they put all these wires on your head, eyes, chest, legs, nose and other

places for guys. They monitor eye blinking to determine REM sleep, breathing,

leg movement, EEG activity, heart rhythm and probably other things I can't

remember. There were 30 or so wires hooked up. At my center, there was a

camera in a bubble in the sky that monitors & records from the waist up. All

the machines are in another room where the technician watches all the squiggles

you make. They typically don't come in unless some wire comes off. There was a

speaker in the room where he could talk to me. They are used to body noises so

you don't have to feel uncomfortable about that, or being there in night

clothes, or having to get up for the restroom. There was a television and I

took my portable CD player.

The first test I slept 35 minutes during the night. It was supposed to be half

natural sleep and half CPAP sleep because they already knew I was a lung patient

and almost positive there was apnea.

With 35 minutes, who can tell anything? They didn't even try the CPAP.

Thus we had the second night about a month later. Same wires, equipment, etc,

but all night with CPAP. It was the best sleep I've had in a long time. It

took so long between studies because the pulmodude that reads the studies took a

vacation.

If you are insured and your insurance is willing to cover, sweet. If you are

not insured or on Medicare, you might expect $6000 to $7000 for the study. And

worth every nickel if you are having apnic episodes.

If you are prescribed a CPAP, hold out for one that is quiet and also

humidified. The respiratory therapist at your home health can add a small tube

insert for oxygen tubing if you need it.

This is probably more information than you wanted but we aim for accurate

experience. My 2 studies were this summer so it is pretty fresh for me.

BTW, welcome. So sorry you needed to look for us but glad you found us.

S, Lubbock, TX

NSIP w/PF 12/2006 et al

> >

> > Hi all,

> > My wife has noticed since I went on oxygen at night that I have

> several episodes where I have rapid breathing - actual panting. She

> thought maybe it was the result of perhaps my breathing through my mouth

> and therefore am not getting enough oxygen. But when she checks I am

> actually breathing through my nose. Have any of you experienced this?

> She said there are also times I sleep on my back and when doing so

> breath through my mouth - somewhat defeating the attempt to keep my

> oxygen levels where they belong. I have spoken to a therapist at Apria

> and she says I could use a facemask but it would require using twice the

> dosage of oxygen due to the CO2 buildup in the mask. I guess I could use

> the same tape I use to keep my canolla in my nose to keep my mouth shut.

> Any suggestions?

> >

> > Mike

> >

>