08-24-2012, 09:01 PM
RE: Diagnosed - what now?
(08-14-2012, 10:50 AM)Route67 Wrote: Hi again all....
I was diagnosed in early july; after almost a year of severe nocturia and visits to 3 urologists, a nephrologist [kidney specialist] and a couple GP's, I finally nailed it when I visited a sleep clinic and did the overnight test and was told I have severe sleep apnea, with a number of 29.5. They loaned me a CPAP for a week but I never really got used to it.
Now back in the states {I live part-time in Mexico}, I need to get started again but would certainly like to skip the overnight sleep trial and move right on to the purchasing and getting-used-to-it phase. The machines and masks are much cheaper here, based on what I have seen on the Supplier list of this forum.
So...... can I just buy the machine {A Fisher-Paykel Icon w/ humidifier was the one they loaned me} and a mask and get started? Or do I *have* to visit a sleep clinic here in New Hampshire? My worry being that they would want to start from square one, sell me the device and masks, do an overnight trial, monitor my progress, etc....when I already have written proof [in English] from a trusted sleep clinic in Mexico City. I think I have read here that a "DME" has to set the machine properly and monitor me over time, and they would probably also like to get me to buy from them, no?
Bear in mind my insurance deductible is high, so anything I am spending will be out of pocket. I will also do a consultation with a local dentist who swears by the OAT device, but in all reality I am quite sure I need a CPAP machine and asap; I haven't felt good in months and months.
Thanks one and all!
Hey message me if you have any questions i am also in New Hampshire. =)