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+--- Thread: New Doctor - what data to provide? (/Thread-New-Doctor-what-data-to-provide)
RE: New Doctor - what data to provide? - Crimson Nape - 09-21-2017
Unless I missed it, knowing where you're located in the U.S. would be an advantage. Another member might be down the street and able to recommend someone.
RE: New Doctor - what data to provide? - Walla Walla - 09-21-2017
kiwii,
I think you should go in with an open mind when you meet this new Doctor. You don't know the people who posted or the whole story only their version.
Don't set yourself up for a self fulfilling Prophecy.
RE: New Doctor - what data to provide? - kiwii - 09-21-2017
(09-21-2017, 05:45 PM)Walla Walla Wrote: Don't set yourself up for a self fulfilling Prophecy.
Yeah. You're right. (sigh) I know that it is very possible/likely that I'm just trying to dodge and weave. I sure wish my therapist were still here (he moved to China). Who'd of guessed that xPAP could be triggering? Maybe I will ask about that in another thread.
Crimson Nape: Seattle. I'll adjust my profile. Thanks.
I have come across a nice sounding pulmonologist. What about someone that is not advertising themselves as a sleep doctor?
RE: New Doctor - what data to provide? - Gideon - 09-21-2017
I brought a laptop into 2 different Sleep Doctors. The first welcomed it, and was surprised to see the detailed charts I had, said no one had ever shown him such detailed. The agreement we had was if I was having any issues to contact him. Alas he retired. the second (10 years latter) said the therapy that I set is working, let me know if you change it. She was not too pleased. I said if I wasn't getting the results I should be getting I would ask for help. When I started seeing her My pressures were running high and out of control. I had VERY large leaks and didn't recognize it. I was in extreme pain multiple times a day, Low Vitamin D, and in a constant state of tiredness. My pain (knee) was up to a 9 (vision narrowing) and not a 10 (I didn't pass out), a lot of pressure at work.
Show a detailed segment (2 minutes) around a CA event, ask what do you think of this? Do the same for some of your complex apnea. Again for any other trouble areas. Show the basic Daily charts, Events, Flow Limit, Snores, Flow Rate, Leak Rate, AHI, Pressure. Remember that you want to treat this aggressively because I'm tired of feeling tired, mention that.
State your goals. One of mine was to get a BiPap/BiLevel because my pressure was running to 18-19 (auto machine) and was beginning to show signs (noise) of failure. I now have an AirCurve and an Rx of 21/25. She said we could tweak it down later if needed. (I did it before seeing her for a followup.)
RE: New Doctor - what data to provide? - Gideon - 09-21-2017
(09-21-2017, 05:55 PM)kiwii Wrote:(09-21-2017, 05:45 PM)Walla Walla Wrote: Don't set yourself up for a self fulfilling Prophecy.
Yeah. You're right. (sigh) I know that it is very possible/likely that I'm just trying to dodge and weave. I sure wish my therapist were still here (he moved to China). Who'd of guessed that xPAP could be triggering? Maybe I will ask about that in another thread.
Crimson Nape: Seattle. I'll adjust my profile. Thanks.
I have come across a nice sounding pulmonologist. What about someone that is not advertising themselves as a sleep doctor?
A neurologist based Sleep Dr would/could be good for Central and/or Complex Apnea.
RE: New Doctor - what data to provide? - kiwii - 09-21-2017
Thank you for the detailed list and advice, Fred. That's awesome.
RE: New Doctor - what data to provide? - Sleeprider - 09-21-2017
My solution to this is never to use a specialist, but to direct all everything through my primary care doctor. My physician originally responded to potential OSA by sending me to an ENT that found not anatomical problem to explain apnea, then scheduled a diagnostic sleep test that diagnosed very severe OSA. Since I did not tolerate the clinical environment well (didn't sleep well), I was prescribed auto CPAP and self-titration. I retained copies of my diagnostic study and prescription and have never had a subsequent sleep study. I have changed doctors several times, but informed them I wanted them to also manage my sleep apnea. They have annually reviewed my use, how I feel, and I print a summary report showing usage and AHI. That has been sufficient to update prescriptions for equipment.
If it ever became a hassle, I would just buy my own stuff. The fact I get 100% coverage is the only reason I currently stay "inside" the system. Find a doctor that listens and works with you. That should be a basic requirement for your primary doc. If you need a specialist, define what you need and don't let that scope of services increase without a good reason. Bring it back to the primary ASAP. If a doctor does not understand he is basically a contractor retained to solve a problem with you, then that might be the wrong guy. There is a place for the physician that takes control and is unrerceptive to your input, but sleep apnea is not where that attitude belongs. This is about treating obstructive and central events, and collaborating to find comfortable effective therapy. If you have made the effort to become informed and an active participant, the doctor should appreciate and use that asset, not suppress it. I have had physicians try to pull that crap, and I never saw them again, and let them know why I would not be returning. I really like my health team and we work together.
RE: New Doctor - what data to provide? - Gideon - 09-21-2017
Nicely stated SR
RE: New Doctor - what data to provide? - SarcasticDave94 - 09-21-2017
One possible way is as suggested, review online info. I would include the basic "machine data" as well, AKA what your xPap can show on it's screen. You and I know it's not as useful, but some docs and DME's can only handle, or only choose to accept, that basic info. That IS the case with my RT at the DME. She may have understanding of my Sleepyhead charts, but she only wants to talk machine data. Just saying. Of course, don't let talks sink to hammer talks...see below...
![[Image: mQrCvMEl.png?2]](https://i.imgur.com/mQrCvMEl.png?2)
And again as mentioned by Walla Walla, don't let one negative review be the basis for your decision. My latest visit was actually the best and most helpful chat I've had with my pulmonary doc. It's also my last one because he's retiring before my next visit. FWIW I don't think he's purposefully retiring before my next visit.
RE: New Doctor - what data to provide? - SarcasticDave94 - 09-21-2017
I also happen to agree with Sleeprider. Not attempting to be negative or any such similar shenanigans, that is what I'd call an ideal situation and if given opportunity, I'd have a primary care situation just like that. Unfortunate though not everyone has the ability to have that ideal situation. In my case, my insurance AND negative financial situation dictates for the time being. However when the finances change, my health handling has the ability to change to something much more like that ideal.
Dave B.