10:12 – I had a follow-up appointment yesterday to get more x-rays done. This lung congestion thing has been going on for about a month, and isn’t getting better. It’s also affected my vertigo. This morning, I almost fell on my face getting out of bed, even though I was using the four-footed cane. Barbara got out the folding walker for me.
I told Barbara I think I’m going to ask for a prescription for an oxygen concentrator. If the doctor won’t write it, I’ll buy one on eBay or something. My normal pulse oximeter reading is between 97 and 99. Yesterday afternoon when I did a random check, it was down to 92. I spent a minute or so huffing and puffing and then rechecked. It was back up to 99. This morning, after I staggered, it was down to 89. Again a minute of puffing got it back up to 97.
We’d both of us like this thing to be over.
All the best for a speedy resolution Bob. As the old saying goes, “What doesn’t kill you just pisses you off.”
I told Barbara I think I’m going to ask for a prescription for an oxygen concentrator.
You may want to also request a sleep test. They may prescribe you a CPAP machine with the oxygen being supplied through the CPAP hose. Supposed to be the easiest way to get oxygen in your sleep. Getting good sleep goes a long ways towards getting better. The sleep test would probably have to be done in another town as your town may not be big enough to have one. Tough sleeping in a strange bed, in a strange room, knowing you are being watched (afraid to fart or scratch), with about 30 wires hooked to your head, chest, leg and a strap around your chest.
Thanks, but I don’t have that problem.
As Ray suggested I agree with a sleep study. I do recommend going to a place that is doing a lot of sleep studies, several daily. To get a good test requires experienced techs and doctor.
I have used a CPAP machine for 20+ years and owe my life to it. When I had my initial sleep study my heart stopped 3 times, one time required a CPR restart.
For people who are claustrophobic there are what is called “nasal pillows” instead of a mask. I am not claustrophobic, but I get a better result with the nasal pillows and I get to keep my beard.
I swore I didn’t need a CPAP, but my doctor persisted. The sleep study showed that I spent 80% of my night below 85% blood oxygen. I wear the mask and use the machine religiously. Beard doesn’t seem to affect it much.
RBT, has the doctor suggested some respiratory therapy?
As as add on: Best wishes to OFD and RBT in getting well.
I don’t have that problem
I didn’t think I had a problem. Sleep study showed I stopped breathing several times during the night. Nothing as severe as DadCooks but given time it may have been. Oxygen levels dropped during the night that were low enough to cause concern.
I have been on CPAP for about 10 years now. I sleep much better and feel more rested in the morning.
The machine I have reduces pressure when you exhale and puts pressure back up when you inhale. It will also vary the pressure between a range that was originally set by the doctor. I subsequently changed the settings a couple of times to get more comfortable. The doctor did not like me doing that. I told the doctor it was my machine, my body, my sleep and I would adjust to what makes me feel better.
The only time I don’t use the machine is when I travel by plane. Carting that machine through TSA and having a clueless clown try to swab down the entire machine looking for explosive residue is annoying. From their handling of the machine to my demanding that the agent put on new gloves it was enough to make one cringe.
I use deionized distilled water which seems to work better than regular distilled. It is $0.10 more a gallon over distilled water. I go through about a gallon every 10 days in the humidifier. I keep the humidity and temperature setting on the maximum. I have a heated hose which I think has become standard over the last few years.
Anyway, get a sleep study even if you think you don’t have any issues. Such a study may reveal issues that may cause problems later on in life.
Breaking Cat News, “skipping turkey day !”
http://www.gocomics.com/breaking-cat-news/2017/11/02
I have noticed this.
All the best for a speedy resolution Bob. As the old saying goes, “What doesn’t kill you just pisses you off.”
Definitely yes and very true.
This getting older thing is not for the faint of heart.
“Prince William warns that there are too many people in the world”
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2017/11/02/prince-william-warns-many-people-world/
Sigh. You just cannot remove the crazy from the bloodline.
If they pass around a big jar of black beans and white beans, be careful !
Hat tip to:
http://drudgereport.com/
I have noticed this.
TNT already aired “Love, Actually” a few weeks ago, in the prime evening slot on a Saturday night, and the Home Depot in Georgetown had Christmas decor out the second week of October.
TNT already aired “Love, Actually” a few weeks ago, in the prime evening slot on a Saturday night, and the Home Depot in Georgetown had Christmas decor out the second week of October.
The Hallmark channel started showing Christmas movies in September ? October ?
http://www.hallmarkchannel.com/
In fact, I am wondering if the Hallmark channel ever stops showing Christmas movies ?
I usually watch 3 or 10 of these per season. Yes, they are sappy, so what ? And you get to see older stars such as Henry Winkler.
Sigh. You just cannot remove the crazy from the bloodline.
Still, he is a step up from Charles.
I don’t think anyone in the UK wants Chuckles to sit on the throne … with the possible exception of the Prince of Wales himself.
Note the word “possible”.
“Paul Thurrott’s Short Takes: November 3”
https://www.petri.com/paul-thurrotts-short-takes-november-3
““How to speed up Windows 10”
Downgrade to Windows 7.”
Heh.
“Paul Thurrott’s Short Takes: November 3”
Julie-Larson Green has left the building
The females in the C suite at Microsoft led Ballmer around by the ring in his nose. That’s how Windows 8 happened IMHO.
The local Wal-Mart’s Garden Center was full of Xmas junk three weeks ago. I needed salt for the softener.
““How to speed up Windows 10”
Use your preferred non-Microsoft browser, and install Classic Shell.
A Crucial SSD with their Momentum Cache active also helps.
No words. This is on most news sites:
BREAKING: Judge rules that Bowe Bergdahl should serve no prison time for endangering comrades by walking off his Afghanistan post.
A dishonorable discharge and loss of benefits, plus $10k fine. No prison. Unbelievable. Because “Candidate” tRump said sumpin’.
A dishonorable discharge and loss of benefits, plus $10k fine. No prison. Unbelievable. Because “Candidate” tRump said sumpin’.
The military recruiters already aren’t allowed at our house to talk to our kids. It isn’t about honor or truly serving the country anymore IMHO.
Regarding the traitor Bergdahl, I can only hope that some Seal Team Veterans take care of him, and that poor excuse for a Military “Judge”.
It’s time to Make the Military Great Again – MMGA.
I read Bungdahl’s legal team filed for an appeal to his “harsh” sentence. Perhaps a new judge will imprison him for life. Thanks to Obutthole for liberalized the military.
I had a sleep study in 2003 (I was faling asleep at work), desaturations as low as 69%, I was beginning to wake up more than once a minute. The study drove me nuts, but glad I had it and got the machine. It’s very addictive.
Edit: I don’t use a humidifier, insulated or heated tube. I found them unneccessary. About a thimblefull of wotta would sometimes accumulate within my mask, but that hasn’t happened for years.
The study drove me nuts
My first study I was almost fully dressed as I did not know what to expect. Big mistake. Second time I had it done I asked if I could sleep like I do at home, bare (TMI, get that image out of your brain). Was told I at least needed underwear so that is all that I wore. In my opinion once you enter a hospital modesty should be completely off the table. I also brought my own pillow which made a difference.
The second study was done with the parameters from my machine. There was no interruptions in the night to install a mask halfway through like in the first study. A lot of wires stuck to your head, to your torso, on your leg, and on your hand. And the knowledge that you are being watched. Sleeping in a strange bed in a strange room. Not the best environment for sleeping. Ugh.
The second sleep study, about two years ago, showed that my numbers were good with the settings I had installed on my machine working OK. Medicare also has a requirement that you use an average of six hours per day over a time span that I did not ask about. If not, Medicare does not pay.
At 6:00AM, even if you are sound asleep, boom, they wake you up. Time enough for a quick shower and out the door by 6:30AM. You may have only slept two or three hours but that is apparently enough to get the information they need.
I was also astounded at the supply interval that Medicare covers. New mask every month? I used my last mask for over two years. New hoses, filters, water tanks, head gear, etc. at intervals that seem just a little too aggressive. Perhaps I am not just as hard on my equipment as others.
I did swap out the one piece water tank for a two piece water tank. You can separate the halves and wash the tank in a dishwasher. Rather than replace a tank every six months you just wash the two piece. But Medicare does not cover the two piece tank.
Medicare used to also replace the machine every X-Number of years. Not anymore. Only if the machine is broken and cannot be repaired. If something is broken the machine is shipped by the DME to the manufacturer while the user is given a loaner. Medicare will cover the repair cost but limits the number of times over a given period. I don’t know when Medicare considers a machine worn out and not repairable. The machines are damn expensive.
Bought my CPAP in 2005. On my second mask, the rest is original.
I don’t use a humidifier, insulated or heated tube.
I could not even come close to using the machine without the humidifier. My nose and throat would get much too dry. Before I had the heated hose I would sometimes get water in the tube, enough so to block the tube. A frightening experience to find your air supply cut off.
With the heated tube I have never had water accumulation. Tube heats up when I first put on the mask to go to sleep. Once the water in the tank is up to temperature the tube no longer has to heat the air and thus begins to shut down.
I have to fill my tank every night as I use up almost the entire tank on many nights. When the tank runs out the smell through the hose is horrible. The machine does not detect an empty tank and will continue to heat the tank in a desperate attempt to add more humidity to the air.
I disagree. It is quite clear it was a mistake for us to “rescue” him from the Taliban. I say we give him back to the Taliban. And I don’t care how much the Taliban objects to the arrangement.
On my second mask, the rest is original.
I only changed masks because Medicare said I needed to use a new mask. Wish I had not for the first few nights as that old mask was comfortable, worn to my face. Took several days to get the new mask broken in so that it was comfortable and would seal properly.
I am on my second machine as my first machine was failing to record data. You have to have a machine to record data as insurance companies will not cover the machine and supplies unless you can show recorded usage.
I downloaded the software for my machine and occasionally look at the numbers. Allows me to have an intelligent and informed conversation with the sleep doctor. That surprises the doctor when I can provide her my numbers and print outs. Doctor was not happy that I had the software and could get the information from the machine. Guess she thought that was privileged information.
Good luck, Bob!
I’ve had sleep apnea for about 15 years. On my fourth machine (my health plan lets me replace it every couple years). Have used all sorts of masks over the years, the ‘nasal pillows’ are the best. Pressure thing set at 11, no humidifier or heated tubes. The machine reports back to the clinic so they keep track of my use (and the effectiveness). I can get new supplies once a quarter, no charge.
Sleep apnea is serious stuff. I was undiagnosed for a while, and it probably caused my atrial fibrillation (which I had before the sleep apnea was diagnosed). Sleep apnea causes big-time stress on the heart, and if untreated can result in death. Wearing the mask is a good alternative to that.
Regarding oxygen levels, my wife has pulmonary hypertension, diagnosed while living in Utah at 4000 feet elevation. (It’s a hard thing to diagnose.) She required oxygen 24/7 in Utah. Got one of those oxygen concentrators (big blue box), now have two. After ‘renting’ it for 2 years, you can get a new one, and the supplier lets you keep the old one.
The heart doc says any oxygen level under 89-90% is not good and will require supplemental oxygen. Anything above 90% is OK.
Heart doc in Utah said that staying in Utah, even on oxygen full time, would shorten her life. So we moved to the Olympic Peninsula, and are at 100ft elevation. Eliminated the need for full-time oxygen.
So, IMHO, not to worry about the 92%+ oxygen levels. You might have them test for blood CO2 levels, which can depress the oxygen.
But, I’d recommend the sleep study, with all of it’s minor irritations. Sleep apnea machines/masks are great stuff. I can’t sleep without them. Most people will see an immediate improvement.
I say we give him back to the Taliban
You think they will give us the 5 terrorists back ??
What if you don’t sleep six hours per day? I don’t think I’ve slept that much on average since I was about ten.
Plastics keep getting better. (Really, every American should thank a materials engineer every day for the unending, incremental improvements in our lives.) Maybe the replacement intervals were set up decades ago, when masks did last only a month, and the bureaucrats haven’t bothered to update the data sheets.
A soldier who was wounded searching for Bowe Bergdahl says the lack of prison time in his sentence is “unacceptable.”
Bergdahl may have avoided prison, but he’ll be spending the rest of his life watching his six–assuming, of course, that he doesn’t man up and do the honorable thing.
No, you don’t want Boless to do that. His new best buds tend to take a lot of people with them when they kill themselves.
Taking others, especially innocent bystanders, along with you most definitely does not constitute doing the honorable thing.
I just saw a new term, gender-fluid person. Evidently, it is a male or female who just identifies as human. This is getting crazier by the moment.
It’s the ones that don’t identify as human that worry me.
(and California has made ‘non-binary’ the third gender)
Posted by one of my neighbors on our local http://www.nextdoor.com . I am fairly sure that his mom is visiting from another country.
“Halloween mishap
To those fancy Halloween costumed kids who came to our door last night… my visiting Mom was totally unaware of the customary “Trick or Treat”. We had a baby this weekend and she thought our neighbor’s kids brought candy to congratulate. She was confused and actually picked out candy from your bowl!!! We laughed all night when she told us!!!
So sorry she tricked you last night!!!
I got some treat for you if you return tonight.”
There have been 34 responses so far. All of them are ROTFLMAO.
Son#1* first came to the US when he was eight, a month or so before Halloween. He’d picked up enough English for simple conversations (the kid is really bright) and was delighted to be informed about the benefits of the holiday. I took him house to house for hours and he scored close to ten pounds of candy (thoughtfully carried for him by his mother’s fiance).
Then we got back home. I’d bought IIRC eight pounds of candy to be given out. Except that my fiancee had to go to work for some crisis, so she left her non-English-speaking parents in the house with no real explanation of what to do. Apparently they kept opening the front door to see little kids shouting something unintelligible, then stood and waved until the kids gave up and walked away. I’m just glad my house didn’t get egged or anything. Anyway, we got home carrying ten pounds of candy (strictly speaking, I was carrying not only all the candy but the worn-out kid as well) and found the additional pile. He was really really happy with all this wealth. We took a couple pictures of him in his costume, buried in candy.
* I call him Son#1 because he’s the elder, even though Son#2 has been my son his whole life. Also to reassure the kid that I considered him a part of the family.
Filling in today for our temporarily-sidelined resident Clinton-conspiracy theorist OFD is the Diplomad 2.0:
Clintons, Again
The money ‘graph:
I will write more about this later, but for now let’s just note that perhaps the greatest feature of the long history of Clinton corruption is how open it is; unlike what one would think a crook would do, secrecy is not at the core of their operations. The Clintons involve dozens, perhaps hundreds of people in their corrupt schemes, and make those schemes so massive and so wide-spread that it is hard to understand, analyze, and bring down. We are left like a blind man trying to describe a sunset. Whitewater. Travelgate. Clinton Global Initiative. Clinton Foundation. Lavishly reimbursed speaking tours. Uranium One. Buying a political party. It is really is rather breathtaking. Al Capone could learn a lot from the Clintons.
http://www.thediplomad.com/2017/11/clintons-again.html
I like one of the comments for the above. “We are all Monica now.”.
This is amazing:
https://www.facebook.com/gifclub1/videos/1675725879112917/
good gnu, what a bunch of nancy boys in the comments.
Sometimes you break shit just ‘cuz you can, and film it ‘cuz it’s cool…..
n
I just saw a new term, gender-fluid person. Evidently, it is a male or female who just identifies as human. This is getting crazier by the moment.
Try the local anime conference sometime. By the end of the day, you’ll understand the term.
Well Mr.RBT & Mrs.BFT are in my thoughts and hopefully you can get on top of this quickly.
Also Mr.OFD , I hope you are progressing well..
Try the local anime conference sometime. By the end of the day, you’ll understand the term.
No thanks. I’m not even interested in Comic-con.
Gender-fluid, non-binary, etc.: The thing that bothers me about all this is really very basic: I don’t care. Their sexual preferences and identity are of zero interest to anyone but themselves and their immediate social circle.
Airing their private issues in public just turns it into a competition: “Who can be the biggest and most special snowflake?”
What Brad said, but wider-ranging. You say you’re non-cis-het-gender-fixed? Don’t care. You say that what I said offended you? Don’t care. You say I’m a racist? Don’t care. You say I’m a nazi? Don’t care. You say you deserve special privileges? Nope.
Special topic: You say you can punch me because I’m a nazi? Ka-blam! You guessed wrong.