Not really sure????

I was wondering if I should find a sleep apnea center on my own or should I wait to be referred? I believe that I suffer with sleap apnea and would like to be 100%. so question is what should I do now. ince I generally sleep alone I wasnt even sure if I even went thru anything while sleeping until last month when I went to visit family and friends and was told that I snored alot and a few times was awoken because they thought I wasnt breathing. hum very baffaling to me si since then I have been reading this board but no one yet has said there was away to go about it without seeing the surgeon or doctor is that the only way? if so then I have my surgeon consult on the 26th so I will ask her then. if not then where do I start looking? is there a list of sleep apnea centers on OH? Any info would be appreciated Thanking you in advance Sophia

Hi Sophia, My husband was the one that brought it to my attention that I snore and stop breathing, so I immediately mentioned it to my PCP *****ferred me to an ear/nose/throat doctor. That doctor, after reviewing my history and speaking to me, recommended that I have the sleep study because I had all the symptoms of sleep apnea. He gave me the script and recommended 2 hospitals in my area that have sleep study centers. I called, told them I had the script for the study, and was given an appointment immediately. As it turns out, I have severe apnea. I stopped breathing over 300 times during the night. Needless to say, I've been on the CPAP since November. I do feel more rested now (and so does my husband!!) When I went for the pulmonary testing (PFT and AFG) for the impending WLS (waiting for insurance approval), everything was fine. Obviously, the CPAP is helping. My Pulmonary Function Test and my blood gases were fine. My surgeon said that within 6 months after the surgery, I should be off the CPAP. If you think you have sleep apnea, I would wait for your surgeon consult (since it's not far off). I'm sure they will tell you where you need to go. Best of luck, and keep us posted! Renee

Thank you Renee for responding. I am alittle worried about all of this, I dont sleep much either. but I can fall alspeep at the drop of a dime and I am so tired. I spend most night wide awoke and take cat naps all day long as well. I thought maybe my body time clock was off because of this but now I am thinking sleep apnea may have something to do with all of this. I will wait to see whats going on when I see the surgeon. I was also wondering about this machine everyone keeps talking about? How big is it? where do you put it? what exactly does it do? I see alot of people say its helpful in what way? Sorry to ask so many questions just curious to know exactly what it is all about. Thanks again for your help Sophia

Happy to help with answers to your questions. The CPAP machine is not big. I have it next to my bed. I also have a small humidifier that's attached. Once you've been fitted with and decide which mask you're comfortable with (I use one that covers my entire nose -- there are several kinds; some people now are using nasil pillows which just fit in the nostrils), you'll be set up with the machine. The head gear & mask (or whichever you choose to use) have tubes that hook into the machine. The machine continually blows air into your nose so that your airways are kept open and you don't stop breathing while you're sleeping. Before I used the CPAP, I never felt rested. When you stop breathing, your blood flow and oxygen aren't going to your brain as as they're supposed to. You're being deprived of oxygen and this also causes you to be tired. The CPAP keeps the air flow going and also because it's keeping your airways open, it prevents you from snoring. The doctor said once I lose some weight, it should stop the sleep apnea. It takes some getting used to but it's worth it. Renee

HEY SOPHIA I DO BELEIVE YOU DO NEED TO TALK THIS OVER WITH YOUR PCP THAT WAY HE CAN REFER YOU TO A SLEEP AP DOC,I BELIEVE THATS THE ONLY WAY YOU CAN GET A SLEEP STUDY,BY THIS BEING A SPECIALTY AREA IN MEDICINE ,THIS SHOULD BE NO PROB FOR YOUR PCP TO LET YOU DO THIS,KEEP ME INFORMED GOD BLESS EBONY

I have a PPO and can self prescribe. To make it better for Insurance, I saw my PCP first. He said I had all the symptoms and gave me a prescription(Script). He said I did not need to see another Dr (Pulmonary or an ear/nose/throat), but to just have the sleep study. So I have an Apt. It was a lot easier then I thought it would be. If you go to WebMD.com you can read more about Sleep Apnea and the CPAP. Liz