In December of 2005, while I was still in the Navy, I had a sleep study done on me. It was the initial one where they send you home with the nose tube, finger clip, and chest box. After I slept with it for a night, I returned the equipment to the Navy respiratory clinic. I followed up with a few phone calls over the next few days and they told me that they had no access to the results. They told me they would send them to my primary care physician and he would call me if it showed any problems. About a week later, I called my physicians department and they told me to refrain from calling them for results. They said they would call if it showed any problems. Nobody called. No emails, no letters…nothing. A couple weeks after that, I went on terminal leave and never heard a word from them.

Two years later, 6 months ago, my wife was still telling me I was holding my breath in my sleep. I was always tired, failing school because I was taking naps instead of studying, etc. Life just sucked. So, I dug into my medical record and it showed nothing of the sleep study I had undergone. I contacted the respiratory clinic and asked if they still had the results. They did. So, I asked them to fax me the results…and they did. I found 70 something mixed apnea episodes and it concluded that I needed to undergo more testing because I was showing signs of minor sleep apnea with 90% oxygen saturation being my lowest point. So I contacted my local VA clinic and they told me it would have to be documented as being “service connected” before they could do anything. So I filed the papers and sent the results from that sleep study. Here, five months later, it looks like the VA is denying it. I just got off the phone with them and they told me the case is closed and they are mailing me a letter. What makes me think they are denying it is they have just approved 10% for a jaw problem. The difference is that they tell me the jaw problem is approved…and I will get a letter regarding the apnea.

The sleep apnea is a big deal to me. They knew about it and didn’t tell me. I’ve been on and off three different anti depressants, an ADHD drug, sleeping pills, two different blood pressure medications…all of this can be directly related to the apnea. All they had to do is tell someone I had apnea and I could have avoided the last two years of, excuse my language, hell. I’ve had to drop my classes and put school on hold until I get the apnea under control. To do that without messing up my student loans and grants, I have to provide proof of the sleep apnea to my school. I called the respiratory clinic to have them fax me another copy of the results and guess what…they destroyed it. Now I have to get the VA to mail me a copy of the only remaining proof of that test. The test was never entered into any system…just filed away and forgotten by the respiratory clinic.

What should I do? I can’t imagine the damage my high blood pressure has done to me, the depression has ruined everything…and I am furious that someone knew what the problem was, and failed to do their job and tell me about it.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: DeputyMoniker,

I was able to discern some of your LONG POST, and I am really sorry, but I wasn't able to connect enough of it to be able to offer a thought, opinion or advise.
Again, I'm sorry because I know you likely spent alot of time writing it, especially if you're like me for I have not mastered the key board YET !
A Veteran in Arms.
Freddy

When they fix the nanny, then try reposting it so we can help. Give them a day or two. I will post when it is fixed.

DEPUTYMONIKER

A Few days ago, you posted on this thread, and concurrent to your post, the website experienced some "issues" making your posted question difficult to read, I connected many dots, but choose to err on caution to insure a quality response to which you are entitled. So if you happen to wander through and notice this and are still seeking advise, thought, opinion or assistance, please by all means repost. Thanks.

ERES TU !!!
Freddy

This message has been edited. Last edited by: 15781731,

I corrected the post. Thanks, guys.

UPDATE: Sure enough...I just got a check in the mail for my 10% jaw problem. It's backpay and not nearly enough to cover the cost of sleep apnea treatment. Not that that is what the money is intended for...but my apnea has gotten worse over the years and if I don't get it taken care of...I don't know. I just want some treatment for it.

You don't need to go through all that crap of trying to get papers faxed from the VA to Service. Go to the VAMC, see your Primary Care Provider, if you don't have one, register at the VAMC and you'll be assigned one. If, on the other hand you feel that you do not have the time to wait for a PCP to be assigned, go to the ER and see a doctor there, have yourself admitted. While admitted, tell the medical staff that you suffer from severe headaches upon waking and you think its because you're holding your breath while sleeping and snore (as you were told by your wife) It will catch someone's attention and subsequently in a very short order the Pulmonary Clinic will become involved, and if the test they do, etc., show that you have sleep apnea, They will prescribe you one that you can pick up at the "Home Oxygen Clinic" and they have contracts with Medical Supplies Companies and they in turn will bring you a "Concentrator" O2 in tanks, service, and the masks you will get replacements for usually every 4 months, all other supplies you can get simply by asking.
Wishing you and yours the best and Godspeed.

Eres Tu !
Freddy
P/S If this falls short of what you still need, please contact me.

quote:

Originally posted by 15781731:
You don't need to go through all that crap of trying to get papers faxed from the VA to Service. Go to the VAMC, see your Primary Care Provider, if you don't have one, register at the VAMC and you'll be assigned one. If, on the other hand you feel that you do not have the time to wait for a PCP to be assigned, go to the ER and see a doctor there, have yourself admitted. While admitted, tell the medical staff that you suffer from severe headaches upon waking and you think its because you're holding your breath while sleeping and snore (as you were told by your wife) It will catch someone's attention and subsequently in a very short order the Pulmonary Clinic will become involved, and if the test they do, etc., show that you have sleep apnea, They will prescribe you one that you can pick up at the "Home Oxygen Clinic" and they have contracts with Medical Supplies Companies and they in turn will bring you a "Concentrator" O2 in tanks, service, and the masks you will get replacements for usually every 4 months, all other supplies you can get simply by asking.
Wishing you and yours the best and Godspeed.

Eres Tu !
Freddy
P/S If this falls short of what you still need, please contact me.

The reason why I said to get yourself admitted, for whatever you think it will take for them to admit you is SIMPLE. Sleep Apnea is a dangerous condition and can cause death. No doctor in his right mind would scoot you away and subsequently subject the VAMC for liability.
Again...my best

Eres Tu !
Freddy

quote:

Originally posted by 15781731:

quote:

Originally posted by 15781731:
You don't need to go through all that crap of trying to get papers faxed from the VA to Service. Go to the VAMC, see your Primary Care Provider, if you don't have one, register at the VAMC and you'll be assigned one. If, on the other hand you feel that you do not have the time to wait for a PCP to be assigned, go to the ER and see a doctor there, have yourself admitted. While admitted, tell the medical staff that you suffer from severe headaches upon waking and you think its because you're holding your breath while sleeping and snore (as you were told by your wife) It will catch someone's attention and subsequently in a very short order the Pulmonary Clinic will become involved, and if the test they do, etc., show that you have sleep apnea, They will prescribe you one that you can pick up at the "Home Oxygen Clinic" and they have contracts with Medical Supplies Companies and they in turn will bring you a "Concentrator" O2 in tanks, service, and the masks you will get replacements for usually every 4 months, all other supplies you can get simply by asking.
Wishing you and yours the best and Godspeed.

Eres Tu !
Freddy
P/S If this falls short of what you still need, please contact me.

The reason why I said to get yourself admitted, for whatever you think it will take for them to admit you is SIMPLE. Sleep Apnea is a dangerous condition and can cause death. No doctor in his right mind would scoot you away and subsequently subject the VAMC for liability.
Again...my best

Eres Tu !
Freddy

Back before I filed the claim, I scheduled an appointment for the apnea at the VA. When i saw my doctor, he told me they couldn't do ANYTHING until it was documented as being service connected. I filed the claim later that day.

See another Doctor.

A doctor is a doctor and has the authority to perform any test(within the scope of medical standards) has the authority to refer you to any specialty clinic, and in fact has a duty to refer you to a specialty clinic if the medical issue is out of the PCP ability to address it.
You should have been referred to Pulmonary a long time ago and they would then have Rx'd you the Cpap.

Eres Tu !
Freddy
This is based on the assumption that you qualify for medical treatment at a VAMC

I agree with all the above posts and you should get it taken care of before it completely destroys your life. I have sleep apnea also and didn't find out about it until after I retired. I now sleep better and enjoy life alot more. My Bi-Pap machine and supplies are all covered under TriCare and so I don't pay anything for them. Who knows, I may have suffered with it in the military but now it is taken care of and under control. Good Luck

quote:

Originally posted by Jer_Pil:
I agree with all the above posts and you should get it taken care of before it completely destroys your life. I have sleep apnea also and didn't find out about it until after I retired. I now sleep better and enjoy life alot more. My Bi-Pap machine and supplies are all covered under TriCare and so I don't pay anything for them. Who knows, I may have suffered with it in the military but now it is taken care of and under control. Good Luck

Jees...I love that "In God we Trust. All others we monitor" Had to laugh...MANY THANKS !!
Now, question: I have apnea as well, AO caused. Anyway..I do use a CPAP as well as O2 at 3 ltrs from a concentrator. Your'e right of course, I sleep like a Baby, but...you mentioned a Bi-Pap?
what exactly is that and how does it work, and might it be more comfortable than that monstrous thing I wear? Thank you my Friend, and thanks for the laugh, always welcomed here.
Eres Tu!
Freddy

It is a similar device to a CPAP but delivers the O2 at 2 different pressures.

BiPAP stands for Bi-level Positive Airway Pressure. It is a breathing apparatus that helps people get more air into their lungs. It was developed in the 1990s as a development from the C-PAP, which stands for Continuous Positive Airway Pressure. In the 1980s, people used a C-PAP in their homes to help combat breathing difficulties such as sleep apnea.

http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-bipap.htm

Yup, what Dave said. Mine uses distilled water, I just pour that into the resevoir and attach my mask and turn it on. It also has a heat buuton that I can turn on so the air is heated when it goes into my nostrils. My machine though is kind of outdated so I may get a new one at the five year mark. I've only had mine for aboutr three years. I had problems driving to work and staying awake before I ahd the sleep study done, which was covered by TRICARE and my insurance at work. The type of mask I use is a OPTI-Life mask that has nose pillows and is tubular and attaches to my air tubing. I don't like the full face mask because it feels like I am being smothered. My equipment is through a Home Medical Office nearby where I live. Yeah I like the moniker under my avitar, I have a patch that says the same thing, that is where I got the idea from. So take care Freddy and hope you can get this taken care of.

quote:

Originally posted by Dave_M:
It is a similar device to a CPAP but delivers the O2 at 2 different pressures.

BiPAP stands for Bi-level Positive Airway Pressure. It is a breathing apparatus that helps people get more air into their lungs. It was developed in the 1990s as a development from the C-PAP, which stands for Continuous Positive Airway Pressure. In the 1980s, people used a C-PAP in their homes to help combat breathing difficulties such as sleep apnea.

http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-bipap.htm

THANK YOU DAVE!!

For your answer and that link, which by the way was an eye opener, had no idea so much has changed tech wise. Now I have to check to see if my Cpap is an antique, since I have never had it serviced. You're a good man my Friend, thanks.
Eres Tu!
Freddy