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So after less then a week on my CPAP my PCM wants me off of it...
Hello...
So I picked up my machine last week. I haven't been feeling well the last couple of weeks but everyone here has been fighting off some kid of viral/bacterial infection so I just figured it would run its course. It was probably the worst timing ever to start my therapy. Turns out I have a major sinus infection with blockages in both ears. Within a day I had a sinus CT scan and it looked pretty bad. I also tested postive for mycoplasma infection. So my PCM has had me on two different steroids and Im now on my third different antibiotic. I told him that my CPAP felt like it was putting pressure on my ears and he said he wanted me off it until after Thanksgiving when I can see an ENT specialist. I asked him how all that was going to work with the insurance company and the time-frame I have for the equipment and he said that it would just have to be worked out. The CPAP is causing more problems right now and that I need time to get this infection cleared up. So I called the DME and the nurses response: "does your doctor want you to stop breathing at night and die...is that why he took you off the machine???" I was floored. I mean seriously...is that the response I should get? Then she proceeded to lecture me on what I had agreed to when I took the machine home. I tried explaining again to her that my PCM wants me to get over this infection before things get worse and she was still pretty rude. Said that I should be doing what THEIR doctor told me to do. Then I lost it. I informed her that I couldn't even get into see THEIR doctor until January because that was the only appt available. So she then told me that she would have to discuss this with the DME doctor and they would need proof of all the medications Im on for the sinus infection. I was in tears by the time all of it was done. My husband came unglued and said he was going to take everything back to the DME and tell them where to shove it.
So tonight I sleep without the machine. Im a little anxious about the whole "stopping breathing and dying thing" but my husband said Ill be ok for a few days. After all Ive gone 34 years without it.
Im just feeling so down right now. And I have so many other medical problems Im dealing with, this just feels like its pushing me over the edge.
Views: 272
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Mary Z on
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I would give a call to the insurance company and equipment provider about your siituation. Have your doc write a letter of explanation as to why you can't use the machine right now. The lady in the office was way off base. You will be fine off the machine while you get treated for your infection. Getting that cleared up is paramount. We don't usually recommend going off the machine, but that's usually for an uncomplicated cold or flu. When your PCM tells you to sttop using it while you are being treated you must have a serious infection going.
Hang in there, Nicole, I know this must be very upsetting and if you're dealing with other medical issues you don't need this aggravation.
Keep us posted. I wish you a speedy recovery.
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Nicole, how are you feeling? Have you felt up to dealing with the insurance provider about your machine? I sure hope you're starting to feel better now.
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Permalink Reply by Nicole on
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Hi Mary...and everyone
Im feeling a bit better. All the meds I'm on are taking sometime to adjust too. I will have to see a ID specialist along with an ENT but of course with the holidays it will take some doing to get an appt. As far as the DME goes they finally called back and said they would only consider me compliant as long as my PCM writes their doctor a letter documenting all visits I made for this issue, all the tests he ran, all of those results, and a plan detailing all further treatment along with all medications. Not sure if that's a bit overkill but they say that's what they want.
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Hi Nicole, Documentation and sharing info with all involved takes persistance and patience .
Make your self a log book of what doctor you saw and when and what they said. Ask for copies of all tests for your records.If you want a second oppinion you have all the info you need.Good Sleep,Chris
Nicole said:Hi Mary...and everyone
Im feeling a bit better. All the meds I'm on are taking sometime to adjust too. I will have to see a ID specialist along with an ENT but of course with the holidays it will take some doing to get an appt. As far as the DME goes they finally called back and said they would only consider me compliant as long as my PCM writes their doctor a letter documenting all visits I made for this issue, all the tests he ran, all of those results, and a plan detailing all further treatment along with all medications. Not sure if that's a bit overkill but they say that's what they want.
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Permalink Reply by Ginny Edmundson on
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Have you tried an oral appliance?
Mike C (at the Beach!) said:Yeah and sometimes you even go DEAF from ear infections....I just had an exam in the hospital and now had to order hearing aids. I am SO sorry I ever even tried CPAP not to mention all the money I lost on it. All the side effects it created that led me down the path to now being nearly deaf. WORST single decision of my life was trying this "treatment". I would rather reenlist in the USMC and go back to WAR.......
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