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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by Lonely on April 21, 2006, at 18:47:58
Last night I was scheduled for a sleep study test at a sleep center. I walked out at 1:00 am because I couldn't sleep due to (a) physical reasons and (b) what I felt was a hassle from the staff. I read online once that another person felt so pushed to sleep that she ran out never to return. What is the deal with all this besides the fact that sleep study testing and pcap machines are a big money mill?
It was the only place I could go due to insurance. I had been told by a research doctor that I was not getting enough sleep and that sleep loss was making fibromyalgia worse. I actually requested the test based on that info although I do not snore, nor have sleep apnea, nor restless legs. I think my problems come from pain, respiratory problems, stress reaction, kitty meowing, dog barking, hubby snoring, phone ringing, lawmowers, etc.!!!
Several things bothored me - the room where I was wired up was basically open and there was a man in the room at the same time also being wired. Some of this is rather personal. There was only about a 2 foot wide and 4 foot tall partition between us - otherwise I could have touched him. I was also weighed right in front of another patient who was being wired - almost tripped over her. She glared. I was wearing pajamas and everyone else seemed to be sleeping in street clothes which left me feeling even more vulnerable. The tech didn't know what she was doing and had to repeatedly ask another tech. At one point in bed and awake I coughed so hard I almost threw up (a fairly chronic problem). They didn't have any ice. When I told them I do not snore or have apnea they ignored me and tried me on several different pcap masks. I felt like I was suffocating. That irritated my throat which triggered more coughing and gasping. Every few minutes they came in and asked if I could lay back and sleep and I emphatically said "no." (I was watching tv and reading a magazine) Actually, on several occasions I was getting relaxed until they came in to tell me to sleep. That completely killed the relaxation.
Finally, the head tech informed me that the insurance company would not pay unless I slept 6 hours. Has anyone else heard this? I tend to think it's hot air designed to control the patient. That was about the last straw for me. I was in pain, couldn't move enough to wear off anxiety, and finally began to feel agitated and slightly panicky. I told them I was leaving. They MADE me sign a statement saying I was doing it against doctor recommendation although I never laid eyes on a doctor. They tried to get me to come back another time to which I responded I never wanted to see the place again.
How often does this happen? Isn't there a better way of handling it?
On the other hand, to be fair, my hubby has had several sleep tests but he doesn't have the feeling of vulnerability. Also, the pcap really helped him as he has major snoring and apnea problems. Not so for me.
Thanks for letting me vent. I'd like to hear from others on their experiences.
Posted by MidnightBlue on April 21, 2006, at 23:52:26
In reply to Sleep Study Test - Furious - Privacy, Insensitive, posted by Lonely on April 21, 2006, at 18:47:58
Just a thought, but do you have GERD? Acid reflux can cause you to choke, cough, gag, when you lay down.
MB
Posted by Lonely on April 22, 2006, at 0:24:26
In reply to Re: Sleep Study Test - Furious - Privacy, Insensitive » Lonely, posted by MidnightBlue on April 21, 2006, at 23:52:26
Good point as that's a typical consideration. But, no, I don't have GERD. There's inflammation deep in the tissues of my throat and lungs - not visible to doctors who tell me I'm just fine. They wouldn't believe I had terrible sinus headaches until 2 catscans and 1 MRI showed it. I'm extremely allergic - IgE is something like 415 but allergy treatments have been ineffective. I've still got some residual chest congestion and and irritation from respiratory infection 2-1/2 weeks ago. Lukewarm water also irritates my throat and since the center did not have ice, the lukewarm water also made matters worse.
Thanks for responding.
> Just a thought, but do you have GERD? Acid reflux can cause you to choke, cough, gag, when you lay down.
>
> MB
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