CPAP machines

Well, sometimes a different company can make all the difference!  I had returned my CPAP machine to the Eugene Sleep Disorders Clinic -- largely because I was having trouble breathing out against the air pressure and also because I would end up spending an hour + waiting in the waiting room each time before I'd get to see the doctor! Actually, my first appointment there, I spent an hour in the waiting room, then an hour in the individual room waiting for the doctor. It just got worse from there.  The only good appointment I had was with the tech, who was great at setting up my machine.  So, I took the machine back When I went to see Dr. O'Rourke for my pre-ops, he said I needed to have the machine and be using it.  I was bummed, but doctor's orders are doctor's orders!  I called Eugene Sleep Disorders Clinic last week to get the machine back and had an appointment for today to get it back.  They called just before lunch to tell me they were NOT going to give me one because I had already returned one!! This was the decision of Mike, the manager.  ARGH!  Anyway, the tech sent my paperwork over to LinCare.  They sent someone over this afternoon TO MY HOUSE with a machine.  It has a Cflex in it, so I can adjust it to make it easier to breathe out!   So, now I'm set up, compliant with doctor's orders, and I think I may actually be able to use this one!! What started out as a very aggravating situation has been turned around and I'm so glad.  Now I can do what I'm supposed to be doing, and I may even like it!  

Linda,  I have used LinCare in Roseburg and been very pleased with them.  I got my original C-Pap machine before LinCare came to town.  I tried to get my new one from the same place as the original one, but they couldn't get their act together over 4 to 5 weeks ( I wanted the new one before WLS but didn't get it) so I went to Lincare a week after surgery and had insurance approval, machine and all in 2 days.  I will stick with them!   Actually I haven't used my machine for over a month now.  Snore some but do not stop breathing.  My husband complains some but I just tell him that it can't be any worse that he does---snoring but breathing!!  Julia

I was very impressed with them Julia.  I'm hoping I won't need the CPAP machine for too long.  Actually, I've been breathing and sleeping a lot better now that I've taken off only 25 pounds.  I imagine once I'm down another 25 or 30 I might not need it at all.  I know I still snore -- I've woken myself up a few times!  Linda

I have lost a total of 91 pounds so far and  I stopped using my CPAP machine after losing approximately 45 pounds.  I only used my machine for 5 months.  I figured since they were sooo expensive I would try to sell it.  Since I no longer used it.  But apparently you cant sell them on ebay?!  I hated that machine also, dont worry the more weight you lose the closer you will be to hiding that machine in a dark closet!  Take care, Carrie

Wow - that's weird that you can't sell them.  I suppose it would be hard to be sure the machine you got was completely sanitized, etc.  I think I might donate it to the local clinic for disadvantaged folks or something.  I'm fairly sure I won't need it after a couple of months. Linda

I took my C-PAP machine with me, or rather had my husband bring it after my surgery, they tried to get me to use one that they had there, and  it sounded like a sherman tank.  The day I was discharged, they sent someone from the respatory to then let me know that I no longer needed it after surgery.  It has been almost 10 months and I am down 254 lbs (98 since surgery) and the rest pre-op  since Feb 23, 2005. I feel fabulous, except for all the hanging skin. Peggy

Thanks Peggy - I'm not so sure that I even need the machine anymore.  I've lost 25 pounds pre-op ****ep going up and down a few pounds), but I feel so much better and have been sleeping better.  But, my surgeon wants me to use the machine, so I will do as I'm told.  No way, no how am I going to mess up my opportunity to have the surgery. Congratulations to you on the wonderful weight loss.  I sounds like you are doing great! Linda