CPAP nightmare

Hi, Everyone.
I guess I need to vent, and I don't do that often. I feel this is the safest place for me to do it. I don't know if any of you will have any advice, even, but here goes...
I had a sleep study, which showed "moderate to severe sleep apnea." I was GIVEN a gently-used Respironics CPAP machine, from a family in our church.
My husband took it to the local medical supply place, and he was supposed to clean it and check it out. He had it for 2 weeks. I finally called, and he had been on vacation, so it would be 2 more weeks.
I called back, even though I can never reach him on the first try, and he said, "Sorry, I've decided to send it in to Respironics, to be checked out, because we want to make sure it will work for you. He said the company would charge about $200, probably, and to check back in 2 weeks.
At the end of 2 weeks, I called again. It took several days to actually get him on the phone, and he said, "Sorry, I sat on it for a few days, so check back in a week."
A week later, I called back, and he said, "I haven't heard anything. Another company bought out Respironics, so that may explain the delay. Check back in a week."
I've had this machine in this guy's "care" for nearly 2 months. I don't know what to do. I feel like he's yanking my chain. I cannot have surgery until I've been on a CPAP machine for 2 weeks, and because of my past, it will take me some time just to be able to put a mask on my face (shiver). The stress of all this is getting to me. I've been finding that I either cannot eat or I'm not making the best food choices, and the scale is moving VERY slowly. I still have 16 lbs. to lose, too. It was 14, but I've gained 2 lbs.!
I just feel a bit helpless. It's like I've taken in my car to be fixed, and I'm at the mercy of the mechanic, who sees me as a clueless woman, which I am, in the case of this CPAP machine business.
Clueless in KS,
Mary

I thkn you need to talk to his boss and if he is the one that runs the location he is at then you need to get ahold of a district manager. that is totally unacceptable!!!!  He is putting your health at risk and doesnt care!!!! 

Thank you. I do think I need to be more assertive, in this case. I'm a bit intimidated by men, but, as you all say so well, I need to pull up my big-girl panties. ;)
While I was trying to go to sleep just now, the Lord and I had a good conversation about all of this. I have a phone call to make on Monday, which is doing my part, and the Lord's going to do His part--whatever that will turn out to be, I don't know quite yet. I know He's in control, though.
Thanks for your support. I appreciate it so much.
Blessings,
Mary

You should know a few things Mary.... first and foremost....  i've owned 12 different businesses that could NOT have functioned without really terrific and organized women.

You see, I have a few flaws... yes, yes...amazing...I know..but alas it's true...  and well let's just put it this way....  if I buy something, I save the reciept and put it in my pocket, then once a month, i take them out of my wallet and put it into a box for my assistant, who is a woman, to organize.

So some men may think you're clueless, but I don't.  Women are amazing.  They're insightful and tough.  Most of the women I know are very assertive and are anything but clueless.... and let's face it...  when I came to rely on people during my surgery, it was women... they were reliable, friendly, caring, and showed compassion to someone they barely knew....  now just think about those words....  those aren't the words of most men, but I know that the women that have helped me through tough situations in my life were truly needed by me.... yep...little ole' clueless me....

I'm not the smartest guy around, but I've been around the block to know most women just need love, affection, and respect to bring out the best in them.  I love women for a number of reasons, but being clueless will never be one of them...

You're a wonderful woman that gives true inspiration to some of us who aren't as holy as you...  I have deep respect for you and your hopes and your amazing power to inspire people...

Clueless is something you're not...

T.

Thank you, T.
It is not often that I am reaffirmed by a man. I am inspired and encouraged by you.
I have "feet of clay," just like you and everyone else, though. I don't consider myself as holy. I'm no Mother Theresa. I wish I were. I'm just a simple woman who knows Jesus and tries to live a life that pleases Him.
Thanks, again, for your kind words.
Blessings,
Mary

T. that was so sweet! 
Mary,  I agree with T!
I didn't learn how to be assertive until I became a single mom of 9 and 11 year old daughters.  I wish I had learned assertiveness a LONG time ago.  Baby steps is what I recommend!!  With every occassion I showed assertiveness, I celebrated my bravery and stretching out of my comfort zone.  I am ten times the woman I was 6 1/2 years ago when I stood up for myself and my girls and started a new life. 

Hi, Diana.
Thank you for your story of how a new life began for you and your children, when you learned to stand up for yourself. It's very inspiring. I will try to follow your example. Pray for me, as I make that call Monday morning.
Blessings,
Mary

Mary I am so sorry.  I know how helpless you feel. My sister is in a similar situation with the Dr. that did her psych eval (not Dr. Keller).  She has done everything and is simply waiting for the piece of paper he promised her WEEKS ago that clears her for surgery.  She calls every day and asks and gets lame excuses. The last excuse was the lady would be on vacation for another week and oh by the way something happened to the dictation and the Dr. needs to dictate the information again.

These road blocks are so frusterating.  Just keep calling and keep explaining how everything is hinging upon getting this CPAP.  Sometimes the squeaky wheel gets greased and you might not be squeaking loud enough.  Also you might consider getting a regular appt with a CPAP place to buy a new one just in case this whole thing falls through you would have a back up plan.  You can cancel the appt if your used one gets fixed and finds its way back to you.

As soon as you feel you are back in control and your surgery will happen...trust me you will be very diligent about the weight loss and it will come off.  During the two weeks you are wearing your CPAP you can do an aggressive diet and a bunch will fall off then.

Thanks for your words of encouragement, Amy. I know it will all work out. So much has so far. I just need to keep remembering that. Like most people, I want the surgery yesterday! I plan on calling this man every day. I'm also going to get the name and phone number of the manager/owner, etc., and I'm going to call my primary care doctor who highly recommended this guy. So...I'm preparing to squeak loudly and often. I'd really like to avoid buying a new CPAP machine, but they seem to be quite expensive, and I have no insurance.
Blessings,
Mary