sleep test questions:101

Okay, I am very new to this so I appreciate any help offered. I was told by my pcp that I would be going to a neurologist because I was experiencing breathing problems while sleeping. So, they called and had an appointment set up for me, which isn't until April 20th. Now, I was told by the neurologists scheduling manager that I had to go through a consultation before the test. What happens during this meeting? I also have read through various posts that everyones first test is at home? How are you tested at home. I am just concerned because I live in Indianapolis, but I am at college right now in Evansville, so Iwant to make sure that when I drive 3 hours to one appointment, I am not just talking with the neurologists that day and get nothing else accomplished......I am so confused with this whole process.....can you all please HELP!!!!!

I never went to a neurologist. My PCP sent me to a sleep clinic and I stayed the night there and had my testing done. Good luck!

yeah, i am going to a clinic but am being seen by a nuerologist that specializes in sleep disorders. I was just wondering the whole process from A-Z....thanks for responding.

Well I do not know if everyone's testing is the same, but I can tell you what happened during mine. I had to be at the sleep clinic at 7pm. They had me answer some questions and watch a movie about sleep apnea. Then they hook you up to a million wires on your head, arms, legs, chest, and just about anywhere you can think of. They have a camera that was monitoring me all night and I had a little sensor thing under my nose (to check oxygen level?) I had to try to sleep in a strange bed with all of this stuff hooked up to me (yeah right!) Half way through the night the sleep tech came in and put the CPAP mask on me. They said that I had less apneas with the mask. They woke me up at 6am, unhooked me and sent me home. They called me a few weeks later with the results that I did have sleep apnea and that I needed to get put on the CPAP. Some people go into the sleep clinic and are monitored for a whole night and then have to come back for another whole night for the CPAP hook up. I am glad my PCP did a split night, b/c there was no way I would have gone back for a second night! Good luck on your testing and let me know if you have any more questions.

Yes!!! That was very helpful because I was not knowing what to expect. Now, they dont stick any needles in you or anything do they? And do they send you home with the mask that day or do they wait for your results?

They did stick me with needles. No I did not get my machine until after the results and my PCP wrote a script for it so that my insurance would pay for it.

Where were the needles stuck on you? I am so nervous about this test because I know that it will increase my chances of having the surgery but I am so nervous that I wont be able to sleep with all of the stuff that they post to me. Thanks for you response. I would appreciate any other sleep apnea stories that others want to tell......

LoL, sorry that was a typo, they did NOT use needles on me for the testing.

Thank GOD because I was getting nervous, thanks again!!!!