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Subject: I'm getting help for my Sleep Apnea
Time: 7:43:00 PM EST
Author: fisherkristina
Today I had an appointment with a new doctor. He's called a pulmonologist and helps me with my sleep apnea. I fired my last sleep apnea doctor, Dr. Cox, a couple days ago. Literally.
It's because Dr. Cox was bullying me. He wouldn't even help me find a new face mask for my CPAP machine. My old one hasn't been working for me. I can't breathe with it on. Dr. Cox doesn't want me to have a sleep apnea machine. He wants me to get gastric bypass surgery or stomach stapling. Or perhaps any kind of weight loss surgery.
Dr. Cox told me that I was too overweight, and that if I didn't lose drastic amounts of weight quickly, that I was going to have to have the surgery. That I didn't really have a choice. He said "It's not natural to have a bunch of air blowing up your nose." He was referring to the CPAP machine that you use when you have sleep apnea.
John said to me later, "It's not natural to have your stomach stapled, either." John is right. I don't want to eat a tablespoon of food a meal, and have my metabolism wrecked. Nor do I want to die on the table during surgery.
It would be different if I couldn't lose weight naturally. I have lost 35 lbs in the last few months. Some time I will explain how, but this entry is getting long!
So I just wanted to say that I fired Dr. Cox and went to Dr. Van Kirk today. And I love Dr. Van Kirk! He explained so much to me about sleep apnea.
Dr. Van Kirk is going to work with me on making the CPAP machine work. I haven't been able to use my CPAP for a few weeks. It's because I can't breathe properly through the mask. It's a half mask, and when my nose is plugged I can't breathe at all, so I rip the mask off during the night.
So I called my home health company, actually in tears, a few weeks ago, explaining my situation. I thought the insurance company would take the CPAP machine away from me, because I couldn't use it consistently. Insurances companies often do that if you are not using your CPAP machine consistently. But I was treated very kindly. The home health company called my insurance company, and got approval for me for a full face mask. I go in on Saturday to try it out, and hopefully take it home.
The reason I am getting a full face mask is so that when my nose gets plugged (which it often is, because of sinus problems), I will be able to breathe out of my mouth.
To be honest with you, I am almost scared to death, LOL. Yes, I am scared. I tried this full face mask on once before in their office, and had a panic attack, LOL.
But I am not willing to die, so I am going to try it again. My dad has had congestive heart failure because of sleep apnea, and has to use oxygen at night along with a sleep apnea machine. I'm not willing to die yet, as I believe I am meant to still be here for a purpose.
You know, I'm also scared because I saw a documentary. In this documentary a woman said she was going to choke to death because the electricity went off and she had no way to breathe. Her dog chewed air holes through the hose and she lived. Now I don't have a doggie, LOL. I have no idea if this is a nutty documentary or what. I do know that there are exhalation holes in the top of the CPAP mask so I don't think you can die. The home health care people won't give me a straight answer because they don't want to be held liable if anything happens, they tell me.
Does anybody know if I need to get myself a doggie?
Love you all, Krissy :)
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I think the full face mask would freak me out too! Have a good weekend! Hugs,TerryAnn
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Krissy,
John is a very wise man! It's so much better not to resort to drastic--and unnatural--measures whenever you have a choice. Congrats on losing 35 pounds! That's a very promising indicator that you can lose even more--on your own! Hope all goes well for you with the new mask--and the new doctor!
Blessings,
Jeanne -
Don't have a clue about this stuff Krissy. But I will say a prayer for you! - Barbara
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I always wanted to get help for this too. My heart jumps in my sleep and it scares me. I'm sure I just stop breathing. I sleep so deep too. Hugs,
Lisa
1/27/08 11:00 AM