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SensibleIndigoCapybara9205

SensibleIndigoCapybara9205
Joined Nov 2017
SensibleIndigoCapybara9205
Joined Nov 2017

My first response to the title was a laughter. I would be happy if I felt my sleep care provider thought I was a team member instead of a water boy. My initial experience, which occurred over ten years ago, was like that. I had not considered that I might have OSA. My doctor was not associated with a clinic, and insurance was different back then. I was talking about tiredness; I thought it might be anemia. My doctor asked some questions, and suspected OSA. My test and diagnosis were done within the month. My doctor explained, answered questions, and even helped me feel better about wearing the equipment. I lost my insurance, my machine broke, and I stopped using CPAP for a few years. Upon getting insurance, I started going to a top-ten medical center that happened to be nearby. To get my treatment, I had to make an appointment with a new pcp (3 month wait), get a referral to the sleep specialist (6 month wait for appointment), then get a home sleep study. I am a full-time caregiver and could not leave my client overnight. Took me 2 years to get a test. During that time my specialist was abrupt and dismissive; he seemed to think that if I was not committed enough to get an overnight test he didn't want to be bothered with me. I had to interface between my insurer, who agreed to cover a home test, and my provider, PCP and specialist, who did not believe me or follow up. I have depression and an immune disorder, both of which are associated with sleep. My physicians helped me feel I was on the opposing team!