Question:
Follow Up question from yesterday regarding sleep apnea

Yesterday I asked a question regarding my concern that I might have sleep apnea. And I took everyone's suggestions to heart. I decided that I would call my insurance and see what I have to do to get a sleep study. After explaining what it was for, the lady told me that I needed to see a pulmonologist, and they decide if you need one or not. Well, I explained to her that I had seen 2 pulmonologists. And she said that they checked you over, if you needed a sleep study, they would've given you one. I suppose she's right. We discussed my snoring during my appointments...so obviously neither of them saw concern? What do you think of this situation?    — Michelle J. (posted on September 23, 2003)

September 23, 2003
Darling...if you are concerned, demand that your doctor do the test. Personally...my doctor said I "probably" didn't have sleep apnea...because I had no symptoms. But after demanding a test...I discovered I have moderate to severe sleep apnea. BETTER SAFE THAN SORRY. Be firm. Tell them that you have all these symptoms (even if you don't) and go get the test.
   — Renee B.

September 23, 2003
I suggest that you ask your PCP to recommend a sleep study. You probably do have sleep apnea to some extent just by being overweight. Your PCP is more apt to be more understanding since they know more about your entire medical history. Good Luck!
   — Lynda T.

September 23, 2003
Michelle, I agree with the poster below. I looked at your profile and with your BMI I would suggest getting tested, especially if you are having any symptoms at all including the snoring. Also, the pulmonologists that you saw would not necessarily send you for a sleep study. My friend, Ginger Brewster's pulmonologist did Not even mention getting a sleep study to her even though he diagnosed her with "probable sleep apnea". I suppose some pulmonologists and surgeons as well don't realize the danger of mixing undiagnosed and untreated sleep apnea with anesthesia and morphine.
   — Hackett

September 23, 2003
My PCP ordered the test. I just showed up. The pulmonologist reviewed the results.
   — M B.

September 23, 2003
Michelle-- I don't know about your area, but where I live, it is the neurologists who do the sleep studies.. .. They actually have a sleep study center, and the director is the neurologist. While any doctor, including a pulmonologist or a general practitioner, can order the study, it actually falls within the neurologist's specialty. I know it gets really complicated, but when he reads the study, a lot of what he looks at is brain wave activity and the different levels of sleep that you are in--- its not just a breathing problem. Although you may have seen pulmonologists that didn't see the need to order sleep studies done, you may want to get a consult from a neurologist--- just an idea!! I had them done and was diagnosed with severe sleep apnea... I'm feeling much better since I started receiving treatment. Sandy
   — sandy R.

September 23, 2003
Michelle, Your going to get as many opinions as there are posters. Here's the link to the facility I had my sleep test. While not in your locale, it does have many interesting articles and facts about sleep apenea. The link will take you to a page that has a questionaire. If two or more of the questions are true, they recommend seeing a physician. bob http://www.sleepohio.com/sleep_disorders.asp#sleeptest
   — rleffler

September 23, 2003
I'm the one with the UARS, my PCP ordered the sleep apnea study, no questions were asked tehn, check with your PCP..
   — pateblkbrn