Sleep Clinic

M0nica

Good efficient systems and ways of doing things are what managers are there to do and do not cost money, they save it.

People constantly making excuses why things are not done properly cost us money.

Your last sentence, I couldn’t agree more.
This attitude that the majority of the population has hasn’t helped the abysmal ( sometimes dangerous) treatment that we have come to accept.

Franbern, I've just this week received my machine and here in Kent it was quite efficient.

I was referred to cardiology a year ago as I had high blood pressure but low heart rate warnings popping up on my watch. various tests and 6 months later, I attended an appointment for the results (I reckoned if it was an issue I'd have been called sooner!) and as an aside at the end of the appointment I was asked if I snored.... I was referred to the sleep clinic and was given a monitor to wear overnight at home.

I was then given a telephone appointment mid November to discuss the results and was told I had severe sleep apnea and would benefit from a CPAP machine.

I was then given 3 appointments for the Respiratory department ~ one to be issued with the machine, one for a follow up phone appointment to see how I'm doing, and then the third to return with the equipment, but not sure why other than to assess it?

I've used it for the past week, but no great changes as I was never falling asleep in the daytime.... unless I lay down! I guess I feel a bit brighter, so that's good!

For me, from the question being asked to getting the machine, it's been 6 months total. So not as bad as it might have been.

I'd happily join you in a CPAP Support Group!

grannyneedsanap Do hope your journey with a cpap machine is successful.
Mine has been, although I still dislike the idea of using it every night - I have moved forward for the early weeks when I did use it, but hated it. Even had to cover it over during the daytime, so I would not see it whenever I went into my bedroom.
The therapy is working for me. I have gained so many hours in each day - I had been down to something like 5 or 6 functioning hours in each 24. Had given up some of my groups, etc.etc. I would fall asleep even sitting at a committee meeting!
would not say I actually 'love' that machine yet, but no longer hate it. We are on good terms now......and I usually get a good nights sleep using it. I have purchased covers for the hose and for the straps on my head, cpap cleaners for the mask and brushes for when I wash the two hoses.

In a few weeks time, I am going away for three nights (being taken to London to visit some of my friends there), staying at Premier Inn. Be the first time I have needed to take this machine anywhere to use other than home.

When I did see the Consultant for my review after usage for 7 weeks, he told me (looking at them on his computer), my results were very good, and he would not need to see me again for three years (which I thought, given my current age, was a little optimistic). Can email the sleep clinic if I have any specific queries.

I (rather foolishly) joined facebook cpap users groups. As with any other similar groups I have looked into, people who use these tend to be those who have problems with this therapy, which does give a very distorted view of it. I think most people put onto CPAP machines by NHS find them annoying but very successful for their wellbeing. They do not write on those fb sites.

Did make me have a deep appreciation of our NHS (even in its very cut down form these days), when I read from CPAP users in the USA, how much they have to pay for their machines, and each and any replacement parts for them. Can't pay - then no machine, and untreated sleep apnoea can cause heart attacks, strokes and death.