CPAP and Central Refrigerated (specifically)

Ok, I will have to look into it. As it is right now it only has the plug for the wall. I'll have to look into whether it will run off of an inverter. I have not idea right now but imagine it will. Good info tho and thanks!

I definitely will check into that. Thanks!

Thanks for the info. I wasn't planning on intentionally hiding it but I'm pretty ignorant when it comes to these physicals. I've heard anything from if you are heavy they will require a sleep test to people just coasting through the DOT physical. I will definitely disclose that fact to them but I will try and get in touch with someone over there at the headquarters and see exactly what will be required of me. If I need to pay for a sleep test out of pocket I'm screwed. I work day labor right now and just barely make ends meet as it is.

I have the CPAP (Respironics REMaster) with the card in the side but the problem is the original CPAP I was prescribed about 3 or 4 years ago is long gone when my health insurance ended. At the time I only used it once because I was foolish and embarssed to hook it up in front of my new bride at the time. As time wore on and I began a healthier lifestyle I just went on Craigslist, found one for a reasonable price and bought it. That was probably about this past August. I have been using it religously ever since and I swear by it. Somehow the previous owners setting work fine for me as long as I "ramp" it up. I missed one night of it when I fell asleep without it and I tell ya it was the worse morning I ever had. That won't happen again. The machine was already used so it had hours on it. So, basically, I do not have any starting point to show my usage since I have no idea what the hours were at when I started using it and I don't have anything from a doctor verifying such. Regardless, I bought it for myself and use it every night. I did it for my health and not for compliance with anyone else and didn't really think about how it would play into the DOT physical. I just figured I would bring it with me as I would anywhere and it was a done deal.

I'm not sure what to do at this point, I'm pretty nervous that now I'm not going to be able to work for the company that is my first choice. I hope that there is some good news because I have been researching and planning on going with Central Refrig. for the past few months. I really don't want to settle for somewhere else unless I really have to.

I wonder if Central Ref. will be able to tell me exactly what is required by the DOT doctor? I'm trying to avoid missing something in the process and, as a result, being sent back home to correct something. Jeez, this sucks.

I appreciate the info. I want to be in compliance and do everything by the book so I guess I'll have to call and see where that leads me. I'll post up when I find out and pass along the info in case someone else has the same issue.

Thanks again! Everyone's input is greatly appreciated.

 

i will definitely let you know. Your screenname is too funny BTW. Anything I find out I'll post up here. I'm home sick today so I'm going to be researching this this afternoon.

Fantastic info. I hadn't thought of that. I may have to go through Schneider as well if Central required me to get another sleep test. As I said, I just can't afford it right now at all.

Are you happy with Schneider?

 

So I checked with Central regarding the sleep study and the CPAP. I"m still kind of confused but it sounds like you need a more recent sleep study done. Basically she said a doctor has to ultimately sign off on it saying that everything is ok. I haven't been to my primary care doctor in years and as I am uninsured I have no idea how this is going to work. This is frustrating to say the least.

I'll post up anything additional info. I may find out. Gonna call my old primary care physicians office and see where that leads me.

 

I hear ya. Insurance is just way to expensive especially if you are not employed and getting benefits. You are right I think regarding a Dr. currently treating you for it. I'm trying to check into Schneider right now but I don't have the funds up front to go to school.

 

I hear ya. Insurance is just way to expensive especially if you are not employed and getting benefits. You are right I think regarding a Dr. currently treating you for it. I'm trying to check into Schneider right now but I don't have the funds up front to go to school.

I just feel like I'm caught up in some kind of redtape. I called this local Respironics dealer that sells CPAP machines, service etc. I remember them from when I was originally insured and had the old CPAP. They said that if I come in and bring the little CPAP memory card it would show the history of my usage. So there it is; proof that I use the machine. Yet, I still need a doctor to look at me, asks me if I'm getting rest which I would undoubtedly reply a big honest "yes" and then he signs off on this? Am I missing something?

Sleep apnea is hereditary and not just weight related. So am I not better off taking the measures into my own hands, owning a CPAP (just like you Cowboy) and using it religiously, as the memory card would indicate over someone that has this condition and goes undiagnosed (appearing "normal" on the outside)? Does that make any sense to anyone?

I just don't have the money for a doctor at all right now. I'm in debt from the time I was unemployed and from my soon to be ex-wife opening and abusing accounts in my name. I live from day to day just trying to keep up with my rent and utilities, gas and food. This is seemingly impossible. Oh, unless I am already working a job that pays enough in which case maybe I would need to be applying anywhere to begin with.

What a frustrating day. Hopefully my old primary care physician has some good news for me. More info. to follow.