Thanks for sharing your journey. I am just over a month into CPAP, and like you I'm about 30 years later than I should have been. My mental acuity improved almost immediately, and I sleep through the night now. I won't be surprised if there are more improvements to come. The pulmonologist I went to (the only one in my isolated town) is a toxic narcissist who demands that his patients do everything exactly as he says, without regard to patient input. I know how to advocate for myself, I used to be a nursing home surveyor. I went to this doctor, the sleep study showed 30 incidents per hour and I was on a Resmed 11 within a week. But the pressure was so low at first, that I was gulping air, and it built up so strongly that I took the mask off in my sleep. After watching one of Nick's videos I adjusted the pressures, then I called the technicians I leased the machine from. They were so afraid of the doctor being mad during my first review that their first words were, "You did what?!? You're never supposed to adjust the machine yourself!" I explained that I don't mind a doctor being angry with me, but I will educate myself and I will advocate for myself, and I will remain in communication with the people who are helping me, so we're on the same page. I figure wearing the mask through the night is more effective than finding it next to the bed in the morning, and if I need more pressure then I can get my body accustomed to it. She told me that I could use my PCP to replace the pulmonologist, and that gave me an idea. My PCP is at the VA clinic. I am now on another Resmed 11, the technician listened to me and gave me good feedback to consider, and I sleep with the mask on all night now. I'm due my first check in, in 2 weeks. I expect good things. I really appreciate your encouragement to seek out the doctor you know is right for you, and to recognize when a doctor has a bias that could harm you.
I have run two Pulmonary Rehab programs and a Lung Health Clinic for over nine years. Education is key. Most patients can understand even intricate details about their disorders and their treatments. It is appalling that healthcare facilities talk about not having enough time for patients. I ran my lung health clinic in an adult primary care practice that covered 9-12 rural counties in which there was no pulmonologist. We did simple testing, opened a sleep lab, and I spent most of my time giving unreimbursable education to patients, and our adult primary care general Internists supported those services because it was good for their patients. There is not reason that pulmonary specialists could not carve out a place for a CPAP coach in their practices. NO REASON!
I was diagnosed with Sleep Apnea about two years ago, None of doctors were helpful, all DME services were worse then used car sales men. I ended up buying my own equipment on my own. I Learned from channels like yours, and Uncle Nico. I have an Airsense 11, I know OSCAR, and I even learned to tear the machine down and replace blower motor. So sir I salute you. I hope feel better. 😀
Things are... rough. I've had an additional surgery since this video was recorded, I've been shipped off to an IBD specialist in a different city because no gastroenterologist in Montgomery can make since of my symptoms, and my trauma surgeon is supposed to call me today to schedule another procedure. I've tried my best to record a video a couple times, but I'm experiencing so much pain and discomfort that it's nearly impossible. Hopefully soon, though! This fistula is healing really well, and as soon as the seton comes out, I should be able to sit comfortably again. And the good (?) news is, it appears that every time my butt has tried to kill me (including this one) it's all been the same fistula. Which the previous surgeon should have caught. As soon as we get this one healed up, and as long as I stay on CPAP, the working hypothesis is, I won't have to go through this again.
Hi Dennis, I think many of us have had similar experiences with sleep doctors. Like you, I followed a similar path, changing sleep doctors until I found a very receptive doctor that I can discus any details of my CPAP therapy including those involving OSCAR. I am looking forward to the future content you mentioned, it sounds very interesting. I hope you feel better and recover quickly, take care.
Hey Dennis. I hope you (and your butt) feel better soon. You are definitely not your usual perky self. My best advice is to take it slow and get plenty of rest until you feel better. Thanks for the video about your different experiences with sleep doctors. My experience is similar; my doctor visits are spectacularly uninformative. Doc: "You use your CPAP every night! Good for you. See you in a year. Pay on the way out."
Hope you feel better. Any pain associated with the Butt causes the whole body to hurt from the brain to your toes! Much luck buddy and keep taking the pain meds don’t get behind, if you do then it takes longer to feel comfortable.
Yes i have a sleep clinic & pulmonary dr & mask tech -- it took time to find them & really like them.Glad you find a helpful & supportive dr to help you get the best cpap treatment you need.
So sorry to hear you've had a relapse. Hope you get to feeling better soon! I'm actually in Montgomery as well. Small world. You mind sharing the name of your new sleep doc? Congrats on getting things dialed in so quickly after you started CPAP. I started fall of 2019 and am still tinkering with it.
Dr. Stephen A. Ensminger! Beware, he's got some iffy reviews on Google, but I'm not sure why. My experience was wholly different from the reviewer who said he was condescending and sarcastic. Just the opposite, in fact! He tailored his language specifically to my level of understanding. My only complaint was that he was in a hurry. But that's understandable. He didn't rush me out of the office, but I could feel the clock ticking. If you want any help dialing in your therapy, lemme know! I can't drive at the moment (or sit, for that matter), but once this fistula heals and I'm back in action, I'd be happy to look over your OSCAR data and share what worked for me! If you're not comfortable with me coming over to your casa, maybe we could meet at Books-a-Million or something once I'm able to do so? You know my name. Look me up on Facebook and let's connect!
@@AdventureswithCPAP Thanks so much! As it happens, just this morning (after I commented), my wife has now gotten referred for a sleep study too. So, I'll mention Dr. Ensminger. Thanks too for your kind offer to help out.--I should have gotten farther into OSCAR and been more insistent about making changes rather than "waiting to see." :-) But I think we may be one a better track of trying and iterating. It would be good to connect at some point in the real world as well. All the best again with your recovery!
Just so you know, there's a Dr. Lisa Williams at the same clinic who is widely regarded as the best pulmonologist in town. I wish I could've gotten in to see her, but her wait list is astounding. Get on the list now and I think the earliest you'll be able to see her is April.
Hello, I live about 80 km from Nick. Found him by chance when I was seeking information about camping with a CPAP device. He has a terrific video on that topic. I reckon people of our age, I’m probably older than you, need to allow our bodies plenty of time for recovery. I had an internal operation during June and found it took far longer for my recovery than the surgeon suggested. There were complications which I won’t mention here. As part of my recovery, I wasn’t able to use my CPAP which I thought would be terrible but I still found I slept long hours. I did have the raw throat from snoring. When I was given the all clear to use the CPAP I was back having 0.1 events per hour on my Airsense 10 and Brevida nasal pillow.
Wait… why can’t you download OSCAR in Australia? It should work, as long as your machine is compatible! www.apneaboard.com/wiki/index.php/OSCAR_supported_machines
Hello Pina, I’m in Melbourne and have found the CPAP Victoria stores to be helpful with my therapy. I’ve not visited my specialist for two years. I can’t say he impressed me too much and then slugged me over $300 for his time.
I have yet to see an MD - just a nurse practitioner. I have learned WAY more from the CPAP forums and RUclipsrs, and it took me a full year to hit my stride. Over that course of time, I tried 4-5 masks, did some mouth taping, and regulated my own pressure, with the help of the Oscar data of course. I had to take ownership of my own journey because it became clear if I didn’t, nobody would. There seems to be a widespread problem with lack of educating patients, adjusting pressures, and tailoring the treatment to the individual patients. I also fired my local DME and switched to one online. Best of luck to you!
It’s funny: my appointment with the new pulmonologist was with the NP, but his wife went into labor unexpectedly yesterday so I had to see the MD. 😂 They actually asked me if that would be okay. I generally prefer NPs. My primary care physician is a CRNP, and she’s the best doctor I’ve ever had!
Thanks for sharing your journey. I'm having a hard time figuring out these sleep doctors, too.
Great advice. Thanks. I just got my Resmed 10 data to appear on OSCAR. Astonishing detail appears!
Thanks for sharing your journey. I am just over a month into CPAP, and like you I'm about 30 years later than I should have been. My mental acuity improved almost immediately, and I sleep through the night now. I won't be surprised if there are more improvements to come.
The pulmonologist I went to (the only one in my isolated town) is a toxic narcissist who demands that his patients do everything exactly as he says, without regard to patient input. I know how to advocate for myself, I used to be a nursing home surveyor.
I went to this doctor, the sleep study showed 30 incidents per hour and I was on a Resmed 11 within a week. But the pressure was so low at first, that I was gulping air, and it built up so strongly that I took the mask off in my sleep.
After watching one of Nick's videos I adjusted the pressures, then I called the technicians I leased the machine from. They were so afraid of the doctor being mad during my first review that their first words were, "You did what?!? You're never supposed to adjust the machine yourself!" I explained that I don't mind a doctor being angry with me, but I will educate myself and I will advocate for myself, and I will remain in communication with the people who are helping me, so we're on the same page. I figure wearing the mask through the night is more effective than finding it next to the bed in the morning, and if I need more pressure then I can get my body accustomed to it.
She told me that I could use my PCP to replace the pulmonologist, and that gave me an idea. My PCP is at the VA clinic. I am now on another Resmed 11, the technician listened to me and gave me good feedback to consider, and I sleep with the mask on all night now.
I'm due my first check in, in 2 weeks. I expect good things.
I really appreciate your encouragement to seek out the doctor you know is right for you, and to recognize when a doctor has a bias that could harm you.
I have run two Pulmonary Rehab programs and a Lung Health Clinic for over nine years. Education is key. Most patients can understand even intricate details about their disorders and their treatments. It is appalling that healthcare facilities talk about not having enough time for patients. I ran my lung health clinic in an adult primary care practice that covered 9-12 rural counties in which there was no pulmonologist. We did simple testing, opened a sleep lab, and I spent most of my time giving unreimbursable education to patients, and our adult primary care general Internists supported those services because it was good for their patients. There is not reason that pulmonary specialists could not carve out a place for a CPAP coach in their practices. NO REASON!
I was diagnosed with Sleep Apnea about two years ago, None of doctors were helpful, all DME services were worse then used car sales men. I ended up buying my own equipment on my own. I Learned from channels like yours, and Uncle Nico. I have an Airsense 11, I know OSCAR, and I even learned to tear the machine down and replace blower motor. So sir I salute you. I hope feel better. 😀
Hey man is all well ? Haven’t seen a new video in some time
Things are... rough. I've had an additional surgery since this video was recorded, I've been shipped off to an IBD specialist in a different city because no gastroenterologist in Montgomery can make since of my symptoms, and my trauma surgeon is supposed to call me today to schedule another procedure. I've tried my best to record a video a couple times, but I'm experiencing so much pain and discomfort that it's nearly impossible.
Hopefully soon, though! This fistula is healing really well, and as soon as the seton comes out, I should be able to sit comfortably again. And the good (?) news is, it appears that every time my butt has tried to kill me (including this one) it's all been the same fistula. Which the previous surgeon should have caught. As soon as we get this one healed up, and as long as I stay on CPAP, the working hypothesis is, I won't have to go through this again.
Hi Dennis, I think many of us have had similar experiences with sleep doctors. Like you, I followed a similar path, changing sleep doctors until I found a very receptive doctor that I can discus any details of my CPAP therapy including those involving OSCAR. I am looking forward to the future content you mentioned, it sounds very interesting. I hope you feel better and recover quickly, take care.
Thanks, Dawg! ❤️
By the way, I think you're gonna dig the 24-volt video! I'm bringing in my friend and mentor Brent Butterworth to discuss.
Hey Dennis. I hope you (and your butt) feel better soon. You are definitely not your usual perky self. My best advice is to take it slow and get plenty of rest until you feel better. Thanks for the video about your different experiences with sleep doctors. My experience is similar; my doctor visits are spectacularly uninformative. Doc: "You use your CPAP every night! Good for you. See you in a year. Pay on the way out."
🤣 They make me pay on the way in!
Hope you feel better. Any pain associated with the Butt causes the whole body to hurt from the brain to your toes! Much luck buddy and keep taking the pain meds don’t get behind, if you do then it takes longer to feel comfortable.
Yes i have a sleep clinic & pulmonary dr & mask tech -- it took time to find them & really like them.Glad you find a helpful & supportive dr to help you get the best cpap treatment you need.
So sorry to hear you've had a relapse. Hope you get to feeling better soon! I'm actually in Montgomery as well. Small world. You mind sharing the name of your new sleep doc? Congrats on getting things dialed in so quickly after you started CPAP. I started fall of 2019 and am still tinkering with it.
Dr. Stephen A. Ensminger! Beware, he's got some iffy reviews on Google, but I'm not sure why. My experience was wholly different from the reviewer who said he was condescending and sarcastic. Just the opposite, in fact! He tailored his language specifically to my level of understanding. My only complaint was that he was in a hurry. But that's understandable. He didn't rush me out of the office, but I could feel the clock ticking.
If you want any help dialing in your therapy, lemme know! I can't drive at the moment (or sit, for that matter), but once this fistula heals and I'm back in action, I'd be happy to look over your OSCAR data and share what worked for me! If you're not comfortable with me coming over to your casa, maybe we could meet at Books-a-Million or something once I'm able to do so?
You know my name. Look me up on Facebook and let's connect!
@@AdventureswithCPAP Thanks so much! As it happens, just this morning (after I commented), my wife has now gotten referred for a sleep study too. So, I'll mention Dr. Ensminger. Thanks too for your kind offer to help out.--I should have gotten farther into OSCAR and been more insistent about making changes rather than "waiting to see." :-) But I think we may be one a better track of trying and iterating. It would be good to connect at some point in the real world as well. All the best again with your recovery!
Just so you know, there's a Dr. Lisa Williams at the same clinic who is widely regarded as the best pulmonologist in town. I wish I could've gotten in to see her, but her wait list is astounding. Get on the list now and I think the earliest you'll be able to see her is April.
@@AdventureswithCPAP Wow. That is a long wait! Thanks for the additional info!
Hello, I live about 80 km from Nick. Found him by chance when I was seeking information about camping with a CPAP device. He has a terrific video on that topic. I reckon people of our age, I’m probably older than you, need to allow our bodies plenty of time for recovery. I had an internal operation during June and found it took far longer for my recovery than the surgeon suggested. There were complications which I won’t mention here. As part of my recovery, I wasn’t able to use my CPAP which I thought would be terrible but I still found I slept long hours. I did have the raw throat from snoring. When I was given the all clear to use the CPAP I was back having 0.1 events per hour on my Airsense 10 and Brevida nasal pillow.
It really is sad how evil this country is. To the core everything is corrupt
Thanks appreciate your genuine honest reviews and advice…. Wish we could access Oscar in Australia.
Wait… why can’t you download OSCAR in Australia? It should work, as long as your machine is compatible!
www.apneaboard.com/wiki/index.php/OSCAR_supported_machines
Hello Pina, I’m in Melbourne and have found the CPAP Victoria stores to be helpful with my therapy. I’ve not visited my specialist for two years. I can’t say he impressed me too much and then slugged me over $300 for his time.
Pina, you can download OSCAR here in Australia. See link provided I reply above.
I have yet to see an MD - just a nurse practitioner. I have learned WAY more from the CPAP forums and RUclipsrs, and it took me a full year to hit my stride. Over that course of time, I tried 4-5 masks, did some mouth taping, and regulated my own pressure, with the help of the Oscar data of course. I had to take ownership of my own journey because it became clear if I didn’t, nobody would. There seems to be a widespread problem with lack of educating patients, adjusting pressures, and tailoring the treatment to the individual patients. I also fired my local DME and switched to one online. Best of luck to you!
It’s funny: my appointment with the new pulmonologist was with the NP, but his wife went into labor unexpectedly yesterday so I had to see the MD. 😂
They actually asked me if that would be okay. I generally prefer NPs. My primary care physician is a CRNP, and she’s the best doctor I’ve ever had!
What is OSCAR?
A program that allows you to monitor your own CPAP therapy.
Here's a link! www.sleepfiles.com/OSCAR/
Great videos thanks for sharing going to look into Oscar