Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by sleepycarol on June 3, 2009 at 11:34pm

Did you have a sleep study to determine you had sleep apnea?

You may try an AWAKE group or google AWAKE and see if they are able to help you. They have some paperwork you have to fill out and they have to determine need. I personally do not know much about the AWAKE groups but do know they have them in bigger towns.

Other options are asking if your local pcp will give you a script and using cpapauction.com to purchase an auto machine.

If you have additional health issues have your tried your state's Medicaid program to see if you qualify?

You might try thrift stores, garage sales, estate sales, auctions, craigslist, and local ads. You might even advertise needing a machine and reason why and you might be surprised what may come up.

Permalink Reply by GerryMooreRRTdotcom on June 4, 2009 at 12:56am

email me at gerry@gerrymoore.com I can ask you some questions, i have some used cpap that I can probably spare.

Permalink Reply by Mike on June 4, 2009 at 9:14am

what kind of brain trouble are you having?

Permalink Reply by Cynthia Licharowicz on June 4, 2009 at 3:53pm

they thought i was having TIA's due to lack of blodflow to the brain. i have thickening of the carotid artery but not enough to cause the spells i have been having for two years. they said that because i stop breathing so often due to Sleep Apnea I have brain damage. I have chest pains also. i was so sick late last year I was having chest pains, the spells where i would buckle at the knees and become confused, headaches etc. it was really bad. i was in a fog most of the time.

since i have been laid off, i sleep more, longer anyway. i dont have to get up at 5.30am to get ready for work, so i stay in bed as long as i need too. i am still not resting like i should and i woke this am feeling like a bus ran over me. it is getting harder and harder to function again.

I had a sleep study in February. I have a prescription. I just cant afford the machine, supplies or anything. we have to pay our mortgage first.

To answer sleepycarol, I have contacted Awake. NO RESPONSE at all. I filled out the paperwork. no answer.

Mike said:

what kind of brain trouble are you having?

Permalink Reply by Cynthia Licharowicz on June 4, 2009 at 3:55pm

A guy at church offered me his, we cant aford the mask, hoses, filters or calibration. we live on unemployment at this time. no extra money available. i am applying to medicaid. my daughter was turned down because we have too many assets, a house, two cars. tel me how people work their whole lives and not accumulate assets.

GerryMooreRRTdotcom said:

email me at gerry@gerrymoore.com I can ask you some questions, i have some used cpap that I can probably spare.

Permalink Reply by RockRpsgt on June 4, 2009 at 3:56pm

Are you not eligible for disability, medicare, or medicaid?

Permalink Reply by Cynthia Licharowicz on June 4, 2009 at 4:01pm

I cant aply for diability in the state of florida and be on unemployment at the same time. it is called double dipping. they told me to stop claiming UE if i applied. that UE check is all we have. once i find another job i can reapply and hope they see that i have to live while applying. the system is broken for people like us. you cant get the help you need without losing everything you have. unfortunately for me my husband cant make enough for us to live while i fight for diability.

We are drafters. there is ZERO work going on in town. we were both laid off in the last 6 months. he has returned to school to do cyber security so he can get a job. the state UE office is paying for his school (6 months long) and certifications. We are lucky to have that available.

Rock Hinkle said:

Are you not eligible for disability, medicare, or medicaid?

Permalink Reply by Dan Lyons on June 4, 2009 at 6:27pm

I am courious as to what you were prescribed (i.e. CPAP, APAP, and the pressure).

Have you checked Craigslist? Depending on the type of machine you require, you can find a machine there for pennies of the dollar. Alot of times, you can find a complete set-up, including the mask.

Permalink Reply by sleepycarol on June 4, 2009 at 8:54pm

I know in Missouri you have to be out of work for so long before you become eligible for disability and can not be collecting any type of money for work -- unemployment or wages. It is a shame that people that have legitimate claims can not get the help they need.

Contact Gerry and see what he has to offer. Also, advertise locally you need supplies. When I first started I put an ad on a local business that allows you to post items and wanted to buy. I picked up several mask that way. I have already given them out to others so no longer have them.

Permalink Reply by Cynthia Licharowicz on June 4, 2009 at 11:45pm

I was ordered a cpap, i dont remember the number. i have a script but i dont think it says.

Like I said before I have access to a machine. it needs to be calibrated and i dont have hoses or masks. i dont think i want used for those, it is too gross to contemplate. i get sick easy. my doctor ordered it with moisture, humidity?? i cant remember the term he used. i have severely dry nasal passages. i am also claustrophobic so the mask is hard for me, although he said i did well during the part of the test where you wear the mask.

i think this is the most i have talked about this all.

Dan Lyons said:

I am courious as to what you were prescribed (i.e. CPAP, APAP, and the pressure).

Have you checked Craigslist? Depending on the type of machine you require, you can find a machine there for pennies of the dollar. Alot of times, you can find a complete set-up, including the mask.

Permalink Reply by sleepycarol on June 5, 2009 at 10:47am

Well it would appear to me that since you are unwilling to use supplies (ie a mask) that has been gently used before -- bite the bullet and purchase a new mask, filters, and hose from on on-line supplier. The can be picked up fairly reasonable. In other words, you are going to have to help yourself and not expect others to do it for you.

I know this may seem a bit harsh, but my favorite mask is one that was that was used prior to me getting it. I washed it thoroughly and have it used it regularly for over a year now. If you are in need there is no reason, good gently used supplies won't work. That is just my opinion. Some here on the forum has tried to offer suggestions to get you a set up for a mere fraction of the cost, which in my opinion are reasonable suggestions.

This forum was NOT established to provide supplies, equipment, medical advice, monetary help, etc. It WAS established as means to connect with those interested in the sharing of ideas, suggestions, answering questions, and support for those suffering from sleep apnea.

There have been some instances where forum members have helped each other out with equipment, supplies, but we do NOT have the financial means to provide new supplies and equipment to members.

Again, check with the AWAKE group. Keep checking in with them. I do know they have a selection process and potential recepients must provide documentation of certain information prior to being selected for help. You may want to check with your local welfare agencies as well. Sometimes the Red Cross, Salvation Army, and other charitable organizations will help with medical needs.

Permalink Reply by jack mari on June 5, 2009 at 1:54pm

hi there sorry for delema,maybe i can help you, i have a brand new system with three different masks they didnt work for me i used the a total of 6 times there new and very clean i paid good money for them and the remstar system with smart card technoligy, research for yourself as to the cost and make me an offer,if its reasonabley fair i will sell the whole package, if not well good luck to you in the best possible manner. if anyone else is in need of a system please feel free to contact me, i posted 4 pictures also. thanks jack mari

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