Pissed off

[wondering1 103]

So I went for my last pulmonology appointment today to get my clearance for surgery. All of the sudden I have "sleep apnea". I'm so pissed off. I actually wonder if sleep Apnea is overdiagnised. I feel like WLS surgery is big business and all of these specialists just want their cut of the money. I don't know any other people who had to have 4 pulmonary and 4 cardiology appointments. And no, all these appointments are not required by my insurance. And my surgeon only requires the clearances. I feel like all these so called specialists just want to bill my insurance repeatedly. So now I have to have another sleep study tomorrow night wearing a mask. I'm really kinda pissed. Thanks for listening.

[KellyL 173]

Omg that really sucks and you're probably right about them just wanting to bill your insurance. I'd ask them why so many appts to figure something out, that's ridiculous!!!

Good luck!!

[Heather~ Sweetdreams 10]

I agree, you may just need to put your foot down. I have sleep apnea, and my surgeon didn't order any tests for me on it. The only cardiology test I had to have was one stress echo, and that is only because I was a smoker for so many years. I hope that they back off, it isn't like this whole thing is cheap, AND to have to constantly add to that surgery bill with all these appt's elsewhere can't be easy on your wallet! Hope things get a little easier!

[Khy 16]

LOL I wish someone would order a sleep apnea sleep study on me... It might get aetna to approve me. I asked my PCP but she told me she knows I don't have it even though I snore... but she was against me having WLS anyway.

Khy

[myrori 55]

So I went for my last pulmonology appointment today to get my clearance for surgery. All of the sudden I have "sleep apnea". I'm so pissed off. I actually wonder if sleep Apnea is overdiagnised. I feel like WLS surgery is big business and all of these specialists just want their cut of the money. I don't know any other people who had to have 4 pulmonary and 4 cardiology appointments. And no, all these appointments are not required by my insurance. And my surgeon only requires the clearances. I feel like all these so called specialists just want to bill my insurance repeatedly. So now I have to have another sleep study tomorrow night wearing a mask. I'm really kinda pissed. Thanks for listening.

I have to agree that I felt it was big business too! HOWEVER if we really want this surgery,, JUMP through the hoops! With that said, talk to the doc, they cant fake your results. Maybe you are borderline enough to wait and see as you progress with WLS?? Otherwise,,, get the CPAP,, play the game and get your surgery!

[wondering1 103]

Thanks everyone. I needed to calm down. And you guys are right, there's a better chance of me getting approved if I do have it. So I'll JUMP.

[Texasmom65 23]

Ask for a copy of your sleep study. Not the technical part, but the dictated report from the doctor. It will help explain it more. I work for pulmonary docs and a couple of them do sleep studies also. It is a big business, but I know from just us, we don't order them unless the doc is pretty sure you have it. And since they are wanting you to have the Cpap test there must be something wrong. But so many people have it and don't know, even skinny people. But once you have the surgery and lose the weight you probably won't have it any longer. That is the good news.

Sorry your surgeon is making you go to so many appts. Not saying it isn't part of the "plan", but hopefully he is doing it for your safety. Like PP said, just jump through the hoops to get it all over with.

[Maddie 9]

I wasn't diagnosed with sleep apnea until going through the testing process. My surgeon required me to bring my cpap to the hospital, as the anesthesiologist didn't want to put me under without it. Of course, the sleep apnea went away after surgery.

[SleeveGirl-TX 183]

Go do it. I balked about it too. But I never knew how bad my sleep was until I had good sleep. It's annoying, it's a hassle, but man... I wake up feeling good!

[twoboysandagirl 109]

I remember how frustrated I was jumping through the hoops but I am so glad I jumped...I would do it again in a heart beat.

Good luck to you!

[Escape_Pod 358]

I felt exactly the same way - I didn't feel like I had any symptoms of sleep apnea, nor did my husband, and he has severe apnea! It all seemed like an absurd waste of my time and money. But after a week on a CPAP, I have to admit I waken in the morning more ready to get out of bed (and not just because I want the #$^#$(&$ thing off my face - lol!). My surgery's tomorrow, and I'm getting very nervous, but the EXTREMELY thorough testing is comforting at this point - I know my surgeon did everything conceivable to make sure I come through this safely. Hopefully in a few months I'll be able to stop using the CPAP!

... of course, that doesn't mean you don't get to gripe about it a bit!

[wondering1 103]

Thanks for the great replies. I have my second study tonight and I'm supposed to sleep with the mask on all night. Not to mention the billions of other wires that keep you tethered to the bed. I'm still pretty pissed off about having to do this again. I hate spending the night away from my family. I know I'll get over it though. And if I get better sleep I GUESS I'll be alright:). Hope I'm not too bitchy tonight. Does anyone know how much these CPAP machines cost? I may have to pay 20% of it.

Escape Pod - sending prayers your way for tomorrow! I know you'll do great!

[Escape Pod 7]

I just had surgery Wednesday, and it turned out the cpap machine was an unexpected blessing! Immediately following surgery until the following morning I could only have ice chips. My mouth was so dry, I felt like I was constantly having my husband spoon in another one. I was dreading the long night ahead a bit, when suddenly I realized, hey - the cpap has a humidifier!!! I still wanted a few ice chips overnight, but the humidifier helped tremendously. I would never have guessed I would be so grateful for it.

[Sammi25 18]

my sleep machine is on a "rent to own" monthly payment ($25.00) and i can return it after surgery if i find that i no longer need it. i had to have 2 sleep studies as well thru aetna insurance but my surgeon required it for the surgery as well.

[wondering1 103]

Escape Pod-so otherwise how did it go and how are you doing? Samantha-thanks for sharing your experiences