Question on sleep apnea test

I went to the pulmonologist yesterday, and based on the information I gave him, he's sending me for a sleep apnea test. He told me that he was faxing the script to the sleep center, and they in return, would call me up to set up an appointment for the test. I know some of you guys have had this test done. How is it like? What should I expect? I'm almost done with all the tests. Tomorrow I go to the nutritionist. Nerieda

Hi Nerieda, 

I had one done a few years ago, it's not too bad. They will attach sticky sensors to your chest and hook you up to a monitor. They give you a sleeping pill such as Ambien, and then jus****ch you sleep all night. Wear comfortable pajamas, and you'll be fine. I have to go for a second one, I am scheduled in 2 weeks. I have to be there at 8pm and they will wake me up around 5am. I've heard some sleep centers are like nice hotel rooms, but the one at St Peter's is standard hospital room, lol. Good luck to ya, Eileen

Eileen, the one I'm going to is like a hotel room. It's supposed to be comfy and all. The pulmonologist told me that as soon as the test is scheduled to call his office and let him know so he can schedule my next appointment to see him. It takes around 2 weeks after the test is done for him to see me again, and send the results to my surgeon.  I'm trying to get all of this done before school starts because I'm a teacher. I'm aiming to get a date for next month. Let's see what happens. Nereida

Hi Nerieda,  I went for on in Dec. 06.  It is like a hotel room but I advise you to be busy all day and go tired.  It make is easier to sleep.  I think the hardest part was sleeping with all those things hooked up to you and I had to stay sleep on my back. Melissa

Melissa, what time did the technician wake you up, and do you remember how long it took for the results to be sent over to your surgeon?

Nereida

Hi Nerieda, I had one done a couple years ago, I have sleep apnea.  I've had a few actually.   They ask you to be there at a decent time but it takes you about an hour or so for the paperwork and then they hook wires all over your body and head too I think. Hook you to a machine, and you lay on your back.  I, too, advise you to go tired, it might be hard to sleep.  They never gave me a sleeping aid, even tho I take them regularly. It was hard to fall asleep, and by 4am they woke me up to go home.  I didn't like that much, but  they only keep you for as much as they need you there for, at least that was what it was like at Hackettstown Regional Medical Center.  I was also allowed to use my CPAP machine so that  was good.  It's not bad tho, just getting ready for bed is a bit much, but they do wake you fairly early. Good luck! Tannie