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Machine: Lowenstein Luisa Mask Type: Full face mask Mask Make & Model: Resmed Quattro FX Humidifier: separate F&P humidifier CPAP Pressure: Epap 4-20 PS 4-20; "auto" rate CPAP Software: Not using software
Other Comments: Using 45 degree angle upper body wedge (36"x36") and 4.5"soft cervical collar; 500 assured tidal vol
Cmpman, I am sorry to hear about all of your struggles. I can kind of relate. Early on in my therapy I felt, "dazed and confused."
My advice would be to stick the #1 best solution that you have found so far (if/until you find a better solution). From reading your threads and posts, that seems to be getting dialed in here by Sleeprider + supplemental oxygen at night). A soft cervical collar might even help, too.
Also, I totally agree with Sleeprider again about V/Q mismatch. I am not a Dr., but this sounds like the most logical explanation of what is happening in your situation. When I was diagnosed with hypoventilation, I became a broken record to everyone who would listen (Dr.'s, etc.). "How are you going to try my hypoventilation." Etc.
Advisory Members serve as an "Advisory Committee" to help shape Apnea Board's rules & policies.
Membership in the Advisory Members group does not imply medical expertise or qualification for advising Sleep Apnea patients concerning their treatment.
06-01-2023, 10:54 PM (This post was last modified: 06-01-2023, 10:58 PM by cmpman1974.)
RE: IVAPS vs Vauto BPAP - Tidal Volume Question
(06-01-2023, 08:46 PM)Jay51 Wrote: Cmpman, I am sorry to hear about all of your struggles. I can kind of relate. Early on in my therapy I felt, "dazed and confused."
My advice would be to stick the #1 best solution that you have found so far (if/until you find a better solution). From reading your threads and posts, that seems to be getting dialed in here by Sleeprider + supplemental oxygen at night). A soft cervical collar might even help, too.
Also, I totally agree with Sleeprider again about V/Q mismatch. I am not a Dr., but this sounds like the most logical explanation of what is happening in your situation. When I was diagnosed with hypoventilation, I became a broken record to everyone who would listen (Dr.'s, etc.). "How are you going to try my hypoventilation." Etc.
Jay51, yeah I'm extremely frustrated. I just don't understand how you can walk into an appointment educated, prepared and holding an intelligent conversation and get no assistance whatsoever. All I can figure is an obese patient is looked at as a clown with no brains and that's an automatic response. Everything I asked was as reasonable as can be. If a patient walked into doc #1 and was told they had cancer and saw doc #2 who said they didn't....they'd demand opinion #3 for confirmatory reasons. How can ANY doctor say an 88% SPO2 level for hours at night (less at times) is not damaging? I am fully on board with night testing for O2 with a second device as I don't know if I 100% trust the CheckmeMax O2 watch findings all the time. That's all I ever asked. Seems like a no brainer given my issues and previous findings.
One's quality of life can be poor, unable to function to the degree needed to function, etc. That is just fine with a lot of physicians. No concern whatsoever because they continue to work and receive compensation for their services. I understand no one is a miracle worker and sometimes problems don't have solutions. I do feel learning history and spending time to listen should be a given in that career field. Our health care system is broken as can be.
(06-02-2023, 06:30 AM)colleenreyes Wrote: It's important to discuss your concerns and questions with your healthcare provider or sleep specialist. They can provide specific guidance and explanations regarding your treatment plan, including the decision to switch from VAuto BPAP to IVAPS and the adjustments in settings. Sharing your experiences and symptoms with them can help in finding the most effective solution for your condition.
I don't know if you were able to raise the V/Q mismatch during your appointment. It sounds like the doctors you have encountered have a lack of curiosity, problem solving skills, and are more content with seeing all sleep apnea patients as being the same. The problem may be worse with specialists than with the general or internal medicine doctors that tend to treat patients more holistically. Although you don't fully feel the benefits of effective therapy, you have found an effective positive air pressure solution with 3 L/min supplemental oxygen that results in good efficacy, at least based on the data.
INFORMATION ON APNEA BOARD FORUMS OR ON APNEABOARD.COM SHOULD NOT BE CONSIDERED AS MEDICAL ADVICE. ALWAYS SEEK THE ADVICE OF A PHYSICIAN BEFORE SEEKING TREATMENT FOR MEDICAL CONDITIONS, INCLUDING SLEEP APNEA. INFORMATION POSTED ON THE APNEA BOARD WEB SITE AND FORUMS ARE PERSONAL OPINION ONLY AND NOT NECESSARILY A STATEMENT OF FACT.
06-06-2023, 10:46 PM (This post was last modified: 06-06-2023, 10:51 PM by cmpman1974.)
RE: IVAPS vs Vauto BPAP - Tidal Volume Question
For some reason, all is out of control with leaks. I have no clue whatsoever what happened and no way to solve it. I've watched video and see nothing indicating why this is happening. All my efforts seem to be for nothing in fixing leaks. So sad. I truly don't know how this is even possible! I was doing great for a while and then in a week lost all the hard work/progress I made. Even the breathing patterns seem different. I hope I'm not seeing some CSR patterns. It seems like there are periods of shallow breathing for 5-10 min at a time.
06-09-2023, 10:15 AM (This post was last modified: 06-09-2023, 10:17 AM by cmpman1974.)
RE: IVAPS vs Vauto BPAP - Tidal Volume Question
More huge leaks - no reported apneas. CheckmeMax O2 wrist watch says only 8 1/2 min under 90% with NO supplemental O2. Nothing makes sense anymore with all this. I went from 1 hr 11 min under 90% two nights ago to 8.5 min last night. Still feel exhausted regardless. Therapy can't be effective with these gargantuan leak rates. No ideas anyone?
Machine: Lowenstein Luisa Mask Type: Full face mask Mask Make & Model: Resmed Quattro FX Humidifier: separate F&P humidifier CPAP Pressure: Epap 4-20 PS 4-20; "auto" rate CPAP Software: Not using software
Other Comments: Using 45 degree angle upper body wedge (36"x36") and 4.5"soft cervical collar; 500 assured tidal vol
Just one quick thought cmpman. I remember from your post when you were in the hospital I think you said you shaved and had better success. Is facial hair the culprit here again?
Advisory Members serve as an "Advisory Committee" to help shape Apnea Board's rules & policies.
Membership in the Advisory Members group does not imply medical expertise or qualification for advising Sleep Apnea patients concerning their treatment.
(06-09-2023, 10:42 AM)Jay51 Wrote: Just one quick thought cmpman. I remember from your post when you were in the hospital I think you said you shaved and had better success. Is facial hair the culprit here again?
Nope, I've been extremely aware of that and keep cleanly shaved now. It has made zero difference with this new huge increase in leaks. I'm seriously lost as to what happened and beyond irrirated.
