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Cpap and getting better sleep: What's your experience?
I was in the hospital for pneumonia and while I was getting a nebulizer treatment the therapist asked if I use a Cpap at home, at the time I didn't have one. Now mind you I was only sleeping for 2 hrs a night during my pneumonia bout (2 weeks) and the therapist asked if I were open to using a BPAP (what they call it in a hospital) it was a large machine and I said of course. Upon using it I still only slept for 2 hours but it was a very restful 2 hours of sleep and was welcomed. I told my Pulmonologist and got set up for a sleep study, and it is all history. I sleep more restful (have much less visits to the bathroom at night) and use it religiously. Medicare covered my testing and machine. After my test my doc told me I stopped breathing x amount of times a minute, and was restless (tossed and turned) an ungodly amount of time during my test. On the follow up test (with the Cpap) the number decreased significantly. My sister snores like a constant thunder storm and she went for a test and got her Cpap, and now she doesn't snore at all and tells me she sleeps much better.
There are two ways to use the machine, with a nostril mask (so to speak) and a full mask (you usually see on TV movies). The latter is what I use, I couldn't get use to the nostril application, and if you were to catch a cold, I don't know how well it would work, but I use the mask never the less. Hope this helps, and do read the instructions about your machine.
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To all who took the time to respond to my request for info re Mayo and Inspire: Thank you, BUT Mayo just told me that they have no available appointments for Medicare patients at this time (same as last year) so I'll probably be exiting this group. I will hopefully be able to get some help in El Paso TX from a Dr. Gonzalo Diaz. CIAOOO000ooo
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2 Reactions@gerryserafino, I hope you stay in touch and let us know what you find out if you get the new Inspire device.
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1 Reaction@gerryserafino
I never would have believed Mayo Clinic would treat patients in need so shoddily.
Jake
Unfortunately @jakedduck1 Mayo has a policy of cash only for Medicare patients. If you are a Minnesota resident, it is different.
@gerryserafino connect is for everyone, not just Mayo patients so you are welcome to come back here.
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3 ReactionsInformation regarding Mayo Clinic and Medicare
See Medicare and Medical Assistance (Medicaid) policies here on Mayo Clinic's website: https://www.mayoclinic.org/patient-visitor-guide/billing-insurance/insurance/accepted-insurance/medicare
Mayo Clinic accepts new Medicare patients. Mayo Clinic is one of the largest Medicare providers in the country. Unfortunately, Mayo Clinic can’t honor all requests they receive from Medicare patients who want to come to Mayo Clinic. Medicare patients are accepted in all practice areas where there is capacity (appointments available) to accommodate them and most importantly, as the medical needs of these patients require.
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3 Reactions@colleenyoung
I have a question regarding your Epilepsy Center. When I called re a child I was told the Epilepsy Center was for adults only. However I’ve read of at least 1 child being treated there, maybe since the child was having brain surgery the child is considered Neurosurgery dept patient. It is incomprehensible to me that your E Center wouldn’t accept children but the lady was insistent.
Thank you for any clarification you can provide.
Jake
Hi @jakedduck1, I'll provide only a brief reply here regarding pediatric epilepsy care at Mayo Clinic because I don't want to take this discussion away from its central topic of CPAP and Sleep.
One of the specialty groups on Mayo Clinic Children's Center is the Pediatric Epilepsy Clinic, which offers a full range of services to children with epilepsy, staffed by an integrated team of neurologists, neurosurgeons and mental health specialists. https://www.mayoclinic.org/departments-centers/childrens-center/overview/specialty-groups
Jake, if you'd like to ask further questions about epilepsy and care for a child, please send me a private message. Or we can talk about it in the Epilepsy group. There are several parents in the Epilepsy group whose children are cared for at Mayo Clinic: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/group/epilepsy-2bb359/
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4 ReactionsI find that policy very confusing. It used to be a clear-cut no Medicare accepted at Mayo in MN unless a resident of MN. Now there are so many exceptions listed I believe you need to be a lawyer to understand it.
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1 ReactionI have a question re the Inspire device. I know virtually nothing about it but understand the patient must meet certain criteria like body mass and weight etc. Anyone know what other criteria must be met and is it set in stone? I’m not sure my cousin would qualify since he’s mentally handicapped and may have difficulty explaining if the device is functioning ideally. Would there be away to be monitored in the hospital after implant? I heard it takes about a month to get used to, is that true? Any other information anyone may have about it I’d be very appreciative to hear from you.
Thanks much,
Jake