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Permalink Reply by sleepycarol on August 17, 2009 at 10:28am

Call around and see if any of the sleep clinics in your area will do one at a reduced cost (or even better free). I have heard of a few that have been able to get one done at a reasonable cost. You will need to explain your situation of why you can not afford a sleep study at this time.

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Permalink Reply by Brett Berry on August 17, 2009 at 2:24pm

At my center we work with patients on a case by case basis. We set up payment plans for some lower income individuals.More than likely, if a facility has the ability to do this it will be a free standing one not associated with a hospital. Your health should the main priority. Worry about the cost after. GERD is no joke. I have struggled with it for 15 years. If you wind up with an esophageal stricture and have a bite of that hamburger stuck in your throat, 5 mintues you will go straight to anyone to get relief (regardless of the cost.) Trust me, been there. Prilosec OTC works for me and its affordable. Taken it for 10 years. 20mg before supper will cover you through the night and next day. If you treat the apnea though, the GERD may go away. but if you dont treat either, you WILL have more problems as a result.

Once your studied, machines are out there for free. I have 3 right here in my office I keep for someone in need. Over the years i would guess ive given away 50 or so machines. Alot of DME's keep a few machines around for the same reason. If the last national compliance numbers i saw are correct, there should be a machine in your neighbor's closet not being used! Good Luck, Brett

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Permalink Reply by wayne fleming on August 17, 2009 at 3:14pm

Thanks for the advice Brett it is appreciated.


Brett Berry said:

At my center we work with patients on a case by case basis. We set up payment plans for some lower income individuals.More than likely, if a facility has the ability to do this it will be a free standing one not associated with a hospital. Your health should the main priority. Worry about the cost after. GERD is no joke. I have struggled with it for 15 years. If you wind up with an esophageal stricture and have a bite of that hamburger stuck in your throat, 5 mintues you will go straight to anyone to get relief (regardless of the cost.) Trust me, been there. Prilosec OTC works for me and its affordable. Taken it for 10 years. 20mg before supper will cover you through the night and next day. If you treat the apnea though, the GERD may go away. but if you dont treat either, you WILL have more problems as a result.

Once your studied, machines are out there for free. I have 3 right here in my office I keep for someone in need. Over the years i would guess ive given away 50 or so machines. Alot of DME's keep a few machines around for the same reason. If the last national compliance numbers i saw are correct, there should be a machine in your neighbor's closet not being used! Good Luck, Brett

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Permalink Reply by wayne fleming on August 17, 2009 at 3:17pm

thank you for the advice carol

sleepycarol said:

Call around and see if any of the sleep clinics in your area will do one at a reduced cost (or even better free). I have heard of a few that have been able to get one done at a reasonable cost. You will need to explain your situation of why you can not afford a sleep study at this time.

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Permalink Reply by Dave on August 17, 2009 at 7:06pm

Dr. Park has some interesting things to say about acid reflux. I believe the crux of Dr. Park's theory is that there is a vicious cycle of problems that occur related to sleep apnea and it can include acid reflux. I suspect that only by dealing with all of the problems simultaneously, will have a chance at breaking the cycle. Basically, you need to deal with your sleep apnea asap! Also follow other important things like try eating dinner earlier and avoid alcohol close to bedtime. My girlfriend and I gave up coffee! It all helps, but CPAP is critical for you.

http://doctorstevenpark.com/the-truth-about-acid-reflux-medications

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Permalink Reply by Lorraine on August 17, 2009 at 9:31pm

I have acid reflux also! I just cut back my dosage on the Omperazole from two to one capsule a day. Now I take 3 billion mgs of Acidophilus also to help my digestive tract. I should have that test to see if I really do have sleep apnea, I do have most of the symptoms.

Lorrainu

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Permalink Reply by wayne fleming on August 18, 2009 at 1:31am

thanks for your help dave


Dave said:

Dr. Park has some interesting things to say about acid reflux. I believe the crux of Dr. Park's theory is that there is a vicious cycle of problems that occur related to sleep apnea and it can include acid reflux. I suspect that only by dealing with all of the problems simultaneously, will have a chance at breaking the cycle. Basically, you need to deal with your sleep apnea asap! Also follow other important things like try eating dinner earlier and avoid alcohol close to bedtime. My girlfriend and I gave up coffee! It all helps, but CPAP is critical for you.

http://doctorstevenpark.com/the-truth-about-acid-reflux-medications

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Permalink Reply by wayne fleming on August 18, 2009 at 1:32am

thanks lorraine


Lorraine said:

I have acid reflux also! I just cut back my dosage on the Omperazole from two to one capsule a day. Now I take 3 billion mgs of Acidophilus also to help my digestive tract. I should have that test to see if I really do have sleep apnea, I do have most of the symptoms.

Lorrainu

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Permalink Reply by Brett Berry on September 3, 2009 at 12:51pm

I forgot to tell you. When you get your insurance back, go to a GI and get an EGD done. Severe reflux can cause a number of secondaryproblems. Barrett's esophagus being one. The risk of esophageal and throat cancer also go up considerably with Barrett's. I you have IBS then youll need a complete GI work up. Celiac disease can also be factor then. Probiotics can help sometimes. I use reliefmart.com to get them. They have the kind you can chew up. good luck

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