Since our last post on this seemingly endless confrontation with the “experts” guiding us through this maze of misinformation and downright inaccurate advice, I have decided to update my experiences on the subject of Sleep Apnea …… again.
My Bipap machine stopped working several months ago and the warrantee had run out. I would have to wait two more months before my Dr. could give me a prescription for a new machine. So, I waited. My concentration and energy level dropped substantially during this time to the point that I felt unsure of my diving skills in heavy Dallas, Texas traffic and asked our sons to chauffeur us during those two months. I share this in order to document the advantages of regular use of the machine.
Eventually my original lung Dr. prescribed the issuance of my new Bipap machine and the day that it arrived, I changed to another Dr. for my Sleep Apnea concerns.
My first exam with my new lung Dr. required an examination to establish the settings for my new machine. That did not go well for when asked to “breathe normally”, my numbers did not coincide with what they had expected. Due to the fact that I have been practicing many aspects of Yoga for decades, I have trained myself to lower my respiratory rate substantially. In so doing, I have developed a very shallow and slow respiratory rate, far below the standard rate, actually below their numbering scale. After several attempts to get the numbers they expected, the Dr. finally gave up without even considering my breathing style. Eventually the physician prescribed a new machine, and I was able to restart my routine at home.
All went well for several weeks but the use of the machine became unpleasant and upon my next visit to my new Dr., I explained my discomfort. He gave no suggestions as to how I could solve this problem, so I decided to solve it myself.
Wearing the mask every night was the problem, so I decided to wear it every other night. “Problem solved”.
All went well until my next appointment with the new Dr. I explained how I had used the machine every other night and that my scores were constantly improving. That was not what he wanted to hear and for the next ten minutes, I was told in no uncertain terms that “your scores might be acceptable on the days you use your machine but could be dangerously high on the days you don’t use the machine”. I knew that this was not possible for several times I was told that eventually the patient’s involuntary actions of sleep apnea could be relearned to breathe normally. The possibility of any substantial change in sleep habits was impossible from night to night. So much for the new Dr’s. credibility. Then I was told that if I used the machine every other night, I would not be in compliance with the insurance company’s policy which pays for the machine. I was also told that you have to use the machine every night for at least four hours to comply with the rules. My response was not appreciated by the good Dr. as I pointed out that I was in compliance with eight hours use every other night. At that point the examination and my appointment seemed to be over for I received no response as the Dr. left the room.
Once returning home, I decided not to buck the system and do as the Dr. suggested. For one month, I dutifully adhered to the prescribed routine of every night getting four hours spent with the mask attached to my face and every morning I checked by scores. The following month I regularly slept attached to my mask for eight hours “every other” night. My scores were the same. The only difference was that I looked forward to the night off and accepted the mask wearing nights more easily. One night away from the mask was and is the solution for me.
I am not a Dr., and my readers should take that into consideration when reading this blog. Until I am instructed by the insurance companies to stop my “on and off” practice for my sleep apnea, I will continue to enjoy the use of my machine and know that I am controlling my condition.
Send your reply if you have any questions regarding this post.
BC
