Finally sorted

[Jan1ce]

Today I had my analysis on my titration sleep study and was really pleased. I don't have the data from him but he told me that my non-REM sleep result was 0.4 AHI and my REM was 0. Or maybe the other way around. I did not snore and I did not wake after I eventually got to sleep. And this was with a *lower* pressure than my trial one. I am now set to a level of 5 and finally have my own machine, which is a ResMed Elite II. Health insurance here pays for $740 of it and I had to pay $360 out of my own pocket since I have no private insurance to pick it up. Still, that's not half bad. Now I will be leaving for the UK on Monday pretty much sorted. Will be seeing if I can get a cord with UK plug instead of just using my N.American one with an adaptor. Any ideas?

I also have to hook up with a local sleep clinic so I can go for follow up and if I have any problems. A little hard figuring out where that is, despite some exploration and even calling the local PCT. Anyone know? It's Hackney. Phew.

[Tigers Fan]

Hi

Hi Jan1ce

Erm ..... are you sure you have OSA? AHI 0.4 at 5 cm? Do you notice a difference in the quality of sleep when wearing or not wearing your mask?

Anyway - power cord: £5-ish from electrical retailers such as Maplin (who sell on line).

Sleep Clinic in UK: I think you'll have to register with a GP and get her to refer you.

Tigers Fan

[James @ Intus]

Some people have technically mild OSA with severe impact on their lives so these people too would benefit greatly from even a small reduction, in absolute figures, in AHI.

Try and get print-outs of the reports if you can, always interesting to reference.

If you struggle with follow ups, we have just launched a dedicated sleep study site where you can order an in-home test and get prompt, fully documented results sent home. Great for follow-ups, or if you are trying out a new setting/setup as well as for those who suspect to be suffering from OSA. You can send all of those types of people there if they can't get it done on the NHS easily.

[Jan1ce]

Well, the second set of numbers were with the CPAP. The ones without it (first study) showed very high end of mild (14.4) for non-REM, and moderate (21.1) during REM. I was also getting very little to no stage 3 and 4 sleep. The fact that I had such a low set of numbers wearing the CPAP really encouraged me. As for symptoms....James is right. I snored, choked, got sleep paralysis, woke startled and adrenalin rushing, I went to the toilet two or three times a night, woke very early and often and I was super sleepy all day long, often falling asleep in the evening on the couch without warning. So although I am not perfect yet and hope to improve, I definitely am not doing anything like this any more. I am sleeping to a decent hour, waking once or twice briefly and once to go to the toilet, no snoring, choking or startling and I can stay up past midnight if I want to. I still do get a bit tired during the day but I am hoping this will get better with time.

[Jan1ce]

If you struggle with follow ups, we have just launched a dedicated sleep study site where you can order an in-home test and get prompt, fully documented results sent home. Great for follow-ups, or if you are trying out a new setting/setup as well as for those who suspect to be suffering from OSA. You can send all of those types of people there if they can't get it done on the NHS easily.

Fantastic news, James! Thanks for this.

[James @ Intus]

Your numbers sound great and the fact you can function normally in the day is even better. Role model for other CPAP users!