"please keep me updated about oximeters "
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Uninsured, can't afford study... need advice.
Hello. First of all, thanks to all of you. I've been reading this forum for a while now... and I appreciate everyone's contributions. Even when there's spirited debate... sometimes the best truths are to be found in balancing opposing opinions. Your experiences are all so valuable to those of us coming along behind you.
Secondly, I'm in the unfortunate group of people that has no medical insurance, and no ability to afford a sleep study.
Next up, I'm going to say "thanks but no thanks" to ANYONE who thinks I need to hear, yet again, that I should go get a sleep study, and that I should not be attempting this on my own. I already know that. That's smart advice. That I'm unable to take, presently. Wish I could.
I have been snoring for years, and more recently been told that I've stopped breathing frequently even during naps, by friends. I wake up frequently throughout the night... and I arise tired in the morning, all the time. Finally, a recent near-miss with an automobile accident, while my kids were with me in the back seat, has convinced me that even though I have no medical insurance, and can't afford a sleep study, I can no longer keep hoping "things will eventually get better... maybe I'll eventually be able to afford to do this the proper way." I have to begin treating my sleep apnea.
So I'll be the first to agree with you it should be done through medical professionals and proper studies. But for SOME of us out here, that's not an option at the moment. And for SOME of us out here... we simply can no longer wait and dream about eventually getting better.
It may be that once I begin treating myself and things improve... I'll have more energy for exercise, which will help me to lose weight. It may be that with increased focus throughout the day, I'll be more efficient and effective at work. And that may improve my income, and help me get insured again. Those would all be nice. And if any of that happens, I'll definitely get a sleep study, etc.
However, I'm not there yet. I managed to get some used equipment (CPAP & mask), and I want to start some personal sleep therapy. For safety reasons (yes, I've done the reading, I know the concerns of higher pressure etc), I want to do this in as reasonably conservative a way as possible.
So what titration levels would any of you recommend? And how should I best adjust through time? Should I have a friend watch me nap and take notes? Should I videotape myself at various settings?
Someone recommended I begin with a setting of 8; saying that it was low enough to be unlikely to be at all hurtful to me - though possibly too low to be of any help, depending on my needs.
What are your thoughts on the matter. Briefly, I'm asking you to put yourself in my unfortunate place, temporarily, and tell me what you think you would do... if you had to do something NOW.
- Caught between a rock & a hard place...
Secondly, I'm in the unfortunate group of people that has no medical insurance, and no ability to afford a sleep study.
Next up, I'm going to say "thanks but no thanks" to ANYONE who thinks I need to hear, yet again, that I should go get a sleep study, and that I should not be attempting this on my own. I already know that. That's smart advice. That I'm unable to take, presently. Wish I could.
I have been snoring for years, and more recently been told that I've stopped breathing frequently even during naps, by friends. I wake up frequently throughout the night... and I arise tired in the morning, all the time. Finally, a recent near-miss with an automobile accident, while my kids were with me in the back seat, has convinced me that even though I have no medical insurance, and can't afford a sleep study, I can no longer keep hoping "things will eventually get better... maybe I'll eventually be able to afford to do this the proper way." I have to begin treating my sleep apnea.
So I'll be the first to agree with you it should be done through medical professionals and proper studies. But for SOME of us out here, that's not an option at the moment. And for SOME of us out here... we simply can no longer wait and dream about eventually getting better.
It may be that once I begin treating myself and things improve... I'll have more energy for exercise, which will help me to lose weight. It may be that with increased focus throughout the day, I'll be more efficient and effective at work. And that may improve my income, and help me get insured again. Those would all be nice. And if any of that happens, I'll definitely get a sleep study, etc.
However, I'm not there yet. I managed to get some used equipment (CPAP & mask), and I want to start some personal sleep therapy. For safety reasons (yes, I've done the reading, I know the concerns of higher pressure etc), I want to do this in as reasonably conservative a way as possible.
So what titration levels would any of you recommend? And how should I best adjust through time? Should I have a friend watch me nap and take notes? Should I videotape myself at various settings?
Someone recommended I begin with a setting of 8; saying that it was low enough to be unlikely to be at all hurtful to me - though possibly too low to be of any help, depending on my needs.
What are your thoughts on the matter. Briefly, I'm asking you to put yourself in my unfortunate place, temporarily, and tell me what you think you would do... if you had to do something NOW.
- Caught between a rock & a hard place...
Views: 1144
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by RockRpsgt on
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I do understand his situation. Until my recent job change I was in the same boat. To be honest as a psg tech with 2 kids and a wife in school things are tough right now. Things are tough all over. I am just trying to get him some personal support. This is one of the reasons why I would support a tiered medicaid system.
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Permalink Reply by sleepycarol on
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I think our health care system needs a total overhaul, yet don't think the plan Obama has laid out is our solution. Health care cost need to be contained Insurance companies contract with the health care professionals for reduced rates, thus by inflating charges. Those inflated charges hurt those that need the discounts the most -- the uninsured and underinsured. Until the last couple of years we were fortunate and had our insurance paid through my husband's employer. Due to the economic times, he had to find other employment a couple of years ago. We are now on two seperate plans -- his work and my work. His is covered by his employer, mine pays a percentage with the employee covering the rest. The only trouble with my plan is that very, very few medical professionals == and at one point none were taking new patients, take the insurance I have that are within a reasonable driving distance. This leaves me between a rock and hard place as well. I either have to travel to get a doctor, etc. that takes the insurance or suck up the visits myself. I have chosen do the later since losing a day's work, plus gas, plus having an all day hassle of going where the doctors are.
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Rock,
You are one of the ones that truly care about people. Unfortunately, you are in the minority, at least from my experience. My son-in-law has called all the mental health care facilities located with 45 miles of our town and not one was willing to take on new patients with a sliding scale fee. He is bi-polar and his meds have stopped working. My doctor was gracious enough to see him, paying regular office visit price of $70.00. She was able to give him samples of one med that he did find helped, went to fill the scipt and found that the meds were approximately $200.00. He was unable to get it filled due to the cost. He is now back to square one. When he checked with my doctor she said he really needed to get into one of the mental health clinics as she didn't deal with enough patients with bi-polar to be of much help.
I think this is where our poster is coming from.
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Permalink Reply by Saz RPSGT on
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You also might want to try a Faith Based Hospital with a Sleep Center. I work for one of those organizations and we do quite a few things (free sleep studies included) for individuals in need.
You might want to contact one of these labs, ask to speak with the Clinical Coordinator, and explain your situation. I know that our lab is REQUIRED to do a certain number of free studies as a part of our mission statement and values...blah blah blah. :^)
The rest of the advice you've already received is solid. Keep us updated.
Jason
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I have never heard of this type of hospital. Our local hospital is supported with local tax dollars, yet their price is equivalent for other hospitals in this part of the country (such as Kansas City). Many people get angry when we are taxed to support the hospital, yet at times it is far cheaper to go to a bigger city for care.
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