How long did you guys have to wear a cpap machine before pulmonologist cleared you?

[Gothikarose 2]

I spoke to the nurse yesterday and she said I was on track for a December surgery. But I am worried the pulmonologist and sleep test might delay me. I did an at home test, but it was inconclusive. Now I think I might have to do an in person study and I read that some docs require at least 30 days of using a cpap before clearance.

My insurance says it up to the doc to decide the amount of time. How long did you guy have to wear a cpap before clearance? Did your pulmo require you to wear one before clearance at all?

I dont want this to delay me, especially since I will lose insurance eligibility next spring.

[ChunkCat 686]

I don't know the answer to this since I've worn a c-pap for years, so all they needed were my downloads of info showing compliance. I think you should talk to your doctor about your concerns and your timeline restriction. You don't have to hide the fact you lose coverage in the spring. Tell them so they can accommodate you! They may be willing to waive a requirement or give you a shorter time. Good luck!

[Gothikarose 2]

1 minute ago, ChunkCat said:

I don't know the answer to this since I've worn a c-pap for years, so all they needed were my downloads of info showing compliance. I think you should talk to your doctor about your concerns and your timeline restriction. You don't have to hide the fact you lose coverage in the spring. Tell them so they can accommodate you! They may be willing to waive a requirement or give you a shorter time. Good luck!

Thanks a lot. I'm hoping they will be understanding because the thought of losing coverage and then having to start all over again with new insurance hurts me.

[ChunkCat 686]

I totally understand. Don't be afraid to be the squeaky wheel if you need to be! Once I finished my requirements I had to change the date of my surgery from mid December to ASAP and they were able to move it to Nov. 1st because I told them I needed to have another surgery before the end of the year (shoulder). I started my pre-op diet the next day. LOL A good practice will work with you to the best of their ability...

[Longview Lady 13]

I have a surgery date of 11/30/23 and just started wearing the C-PAP as of last week. It is NOT going well at all. I had a score of 4 out of 24 and not sure why they are making do this. I'm lucky to 2 to 4 hours with the thing. I don't like it but attempting every night as they have instructed. I'm hoping after the surgery and I lose some weight that it won't be needed anymore.

Just jump through their hoops and i'm sure your surgery will be on track. Gotta say, I have had to wait almost 1 1/2 yrs for this! Oh well, fingers crossed.

[Gothikarose 2]

7 hours ago, Longview Lady said:

I have a surgery date of 11/30/23 and just started wearing the C-PAP as of last week. It is NOT going well at all. I had a score of 4 out of 24 and not sure why they are making do this. I'm lucky to 2 to 4 hours with the thing. I don't like it but attempting every night as they have instructed. I'm hoping after the surgery and I lose some weight that it won't be needed anymore.

Just jump through their hoops and i'm sure your surgery will be on track. Gotta say, I have had to wait almost 1 1/2 yrs for this! Oh well, fingers crossed.

Did they give u a required number of days to wear it or did they just say to wear it everyday until the surgery date?

[Longview Lady 13]

I was told to start it asap and continue through the surgery. Dr. Balla said it had to do with better sleep which in tern means better oxygenated blood which helps the body and organs heal 'better'. Also same principle applies if you are smoking - he wants people to stop smoking before the surgery to have better oxygenated blood.

[Meisha 14]

On 10/27/2023 at 5:28 PM, ChunkCat said:

I totally understand. Don't be afraid to be the squeaky wheel if you need to be! Once I finished my requirements I had to change the date of my surgery from mid December to ASAP and they were able to move it to Nov. 1st because I told them I needed to have another surgery before the end of the year (shoulder). I started my pre-op diet the next day. LOL A good practice will work with you to the best of their ability...

I agree. Call them, call them, and call them again until you get what you need. They might roll their eyes at you, but you’ll be at ease knowing you’ve done everything you could to take care of YOU.

[Meisha 14]

I’m on here at an ungodly hour because my stupid mask kept leaking (gotta love waking up to farting noises and thinking there is a bug on your face).

I’m keeping a mental list of the things I’m looking forward to after surgery and right now the #1 thing is NOT NEEDING THE CPAP ANYMORE. I’ve been using this thing for 5 years and I’m so over it!!!

What are you looking forward to???