We Should Not Wait For A Sleep Study

@neildc (17239)
Lapu-Lapu City, Philippines
July 15, 2010 7:24am CST
Our son Zayzay always have cough and colds, keep coming almost every month, just like today for almost 2 or 3 days now. We decided to see a pulmonologist so that even tuberculosis issue will be given an end to our worries. So we found one who seems to be the perfect medical practitioner for our child, after so many doctors who checked him. And we told her everything, his health history, from he was a baby who snores loudly, and so on. And so she is convinced it is Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) for all the symptoms of it are present with our child. But this, she said, still have to be referred to her most trusted Eye-Nose-Throat (ENT) doctor who will reconfirm the OSA. She said she worked with this ENT several times and had their last team-up with a patient whom they done an operation, removing the tonsils. She also added that sleep study is not necessary at this time or we are not supposed to wait for the study be done or something more serious might happen to the child. We should not wait for a sleep study, she said. By this time, it is not yet final that the operation will really be necessary, but the pulmo-pedia looked at it as very much necessary, although she said, the ENT doctor will have the final say about it. Let's see what will the ENT doctor will have to say once he see Zayzay. If he will find operation is unnecessary then it's good. But if not, we have to work more harder to raise the funds for the operation.
2 people like this
16 responses
@mentalward (14690)
• United States
15 Jul 10
Hi Neil. I'm so glad that you've finally found a doctor who cares more about Zayzay and less about the money! I used to have a doctor like that myself and I switched doctors right away. It should be a crime when doctor's care more about money than they do about their patients. I also know about how medical costs can drain you dry. I have quite a lot of issues myself and am on six medications daily. We have insurance but still have to pay a co-pay for each one which is about $200.00 a month, just to have the medications I need. Anyway, you know me. I'll do whatever I can to help. I am trying to get a few ideas of mine marketed and have been working on getting prototypes made so I can, hopefully, sell these things. If things go as smoothly as I'm hoping they will, you will have nothing to worry about. I just don't know how much time I'll need to get them marketed. By the way, didn't you say that hospital fees are taken care of where you live? Would that just be what the hospital charges or would that also cover the doctor's fee for surgery? You could also see if any local churches could help with the cost if surgery is scheduled for Zayzay. I have a feeling that surgery will be needed. I also feel that surgery will put an end to his suffering! I've been trying to find a CPAP machine around here that wouldn't cost too much but they're all pretty expensive. My husband got one but we have insurance that covered part of the cost. I believe he paid $400.00 for it while the insurance paid the rest. I'll keep looking, though!
@neildc (17239)
• Lapu-Lapu City, Philippines
15 Jul 10
hi marti. definitely, this is the best day so far for me and bebie. that our worries were actually ended, in terms of lungs and tuberculosis issues. allergies, the pulmo-pedia said could possibly be gone out if the tonsils will be removed. i really thought the previous doctor was a big help, considering she opted not to go with the sleep study, which is the main reason you shared your blessings to us. and the way she talked to us about not worrying about the operation expenses, because she really don't want it to be done to the young child. but like what i said in the past, how long the child will take those medicines? how long will we suffer and sacrifice other things, which are also important for the other members of the family? we had a very nice conversation with the doctor today. we are very open with each other unlike the previous one. i also asked her about the possible cost of the surgery, if ever. and frankly told her that we really don't have that certain amount of money and we, i personally will only have to look for it, how much will it cost my time, etc. she gave us an idea, because as i have said, she teamed-up with the ENT lately with operation with almost the same case of zayzay. she mentioned the amount and said it includes everything, the doctors' fees and the hospital bills, including the OR and the ICU. if ever it will be done to zayzay, she said that it will only take a week and he will be okay. i am curious about the machine, why are you still looking for another when your husband already have one?
@neildc (17239)
• Lapu-Lapu City, Philippines
16 Jul 10
oh, i see. that would be a great relief, i guess if he had it, if ever the operation is not necessary or not yet schedule. we are really blessed to have you and i thank God for this. it's already Friday here, nine in the morning. i have been absent for two days already since Wednesday to attend to Patrick (who had fever for three days, and he's absent from school the whole week, rashes came out on the 3rd day, could be some kind of a viral infection, the doctor said) and Zayzay (who continues to cough for 3 days). i thought i will also be absent today as Bebie also is not feeling well, but i already gave her medicine. tomorrow, we'll be going to meet with the ENT and will update you when i will be able to get online afterwards.
@mentalward (14690)
• United States
15 Jul 10
I read another discussion of yours about not being able to get a CPAP machine where you live and was hoping to find one I could afford to send you to see if that would help Zayzay. It helps my husband tremendously, when he uses it, of course. He often falls asleep without putting it on first and always ends up waking up because of the sleep apnea and I make him put it on because he wakes me up, too. I just wanted to see if it would help Zayzay. I've actually written to a few hospitals and medical supply companies to see if there was any way they could help me get a machine for little or no money to help Zayzay. I haven't heard anything back from anyone yet, though. The reason I didn't respond to that other discussion was because I didn't have time to do more than read it. I had to rush out the door so I didn't respond then and haven't had the time to get caught up on all the discussions I've missed.
1 person likes this
@Hatley (163776)
• Garden Grove, California
16 Jul 10
hi neildc as an American I often think in terms of that we have here in the US but do you have some sort of health insurance that could help in paying for the operation if your son must have it. I will pray that you can somehow afford this but if there was any help in your county I would not hesitate to use it.Also have you any close relatives who might band together to help you pay for the operation? I wish I was wealthy as I would send you the money myself to help your little son.God Bless.
@Hatley (163776)
• Garden Grove, California
16 Jul 10
YOu are most welcome Neildc I justhope you will be able to get the funds together somehow. if prayers work I will join other mylotters in sending prayers that if your son needs the surgery the money will somehnow just pop right out into your hands. God Bless.
@neildc (17239)
• Lapu-Lapu City, Philippines
16 Jul 10
sure prayers help a lot Hatley. and it will be a great relief to us to know that you care, everyone cares for my son. sometimes, i am being emotional when i see you coming into my discussions. you, my dearest friends on this community makes me feel more secured everytime i post one and you comes in running to give your comments.
@neildc (17239)
• Lapu-Lapu City, Philippines
16 Jul 10
that would be a great help Hatley if you are. and thanks for having that thoughts. we actually have the national health insurance. but i don't think it will help that much in terms of the expenses. in the first place, if the surgery will take place, it will not be done in a government hospital. the cost of private hospitals and so as the professions who takes care of my son is much expensive. and even if the national health insurance will provide, only a little percentage of the total expenses. besides, you really need money as private hospitals ask for an initial deposit before a patient is accepted for confinement or surgery. we are not rich family. even if i have relatives, i don't think i can get so much help from them. they also have more problems of their own. but i will also try to approach each one of them when ever we are done with the ENT tomorrow, if we will be discussing about the possible operation. thanks for always being here for my and my son. thanks a lot Hatley.
1 person likes this
@Lakota12 (42600)
• United States
15 Jul 10
this a wait and see game it looks like. Sure hope the little feler dont have to have operation right now. and that somehing else can be done for him energies going out to you!
@Lakota12 (42600)
• United States
16 Jul 10
yup I know you do want that GL
@neildc (17239)
• Lapu-Lapu City, Philippines
16 Jul 10
i wish there is something else that can be done but as the pulmo-pedia have said, we don't want to take the risk of having the more serious complications but not given proper attention. sure we see the ENT tomorrow to check him and to finally get our worries away.
@ANTIQUELADY (36440)
• United States
15 Jul 10
I think getting those bad tonsils out will take care of alot of his problems. I hope it will be soon & behind him.
@neildc (17239)
• Lapu-Lapu City, Philippines
16 Jul 10
i really hope so too, Jo. it will finally be over once we see the ENT doctor tomorrow. i'll update everyone with the developments. thanks for always being here for me Jo.
1 person likes this
@ANTIQUELADY (36440)
• United States
16 Jul 10
gLAD TO DO IT. i APPRECIATE YOUR FRIENDSHIP. H ave a great weekend.
@celticeagle (168203)
• Boise, Idaho
17 Jul 10
I am glad to hear you found a good doctor. The specialist should be the best person to figure whether he needs surgery or not. I hope it all goes well for all of you. Please do keep us posted. Are there places in your community to help raise the funds? I'm sure this will not be a cheap operation.
@neildc (17239)
• Lapu-Lapu City, Philippines
17 Jul 10
it's not CA and i still don't know how i can get the funds. i just posted another discussion, please do check it. thanks for the support friend.
@rosegardens (3032)
• United States
15 Jul 10
Poor little Zayzay. I do hope he does not need the operation but if he does, may our merciful God plop the money you need into your lap. My heart and prayers are with you, and hoping for good news regarding little Zayzay.
@neildc (17239)
• Lapu-Lapu City, Philippines
15 Jul 10
thanks for all the prayers rose. i know God will not give us this trial if we cannot handle this. and i know there are people who are made to be the instruments of the Almighty to reach us. i really hope this will come to an end for zayzay.
• United States
16 Jul 10
@GardenGerty (160940)
• United States
15 Jul 10
I am glad you have found a doctor who is supportive and whom you can really trust. I wish you luck in obtaining the funds you need, because I feel like you probably will need the operation. The good thing is that ZayZay will be so much healthier afterwards.
@neildc (17239)
• Lapu-Lapu City, Philippines
15 Jul 10
what i can really say now is, we have found the doctor who never think about the money, whether we spend more or where we should get it, but thinks more of the circumstances of the problem. i can also say that she is more aware of the sleep apnea. the last doctor who looked at him for the last 7 months? hmmp, i think she is only after the money she can get from us. you see, after 6 months, almost nothing happened with our problem. she said, she hope and will only hope that the tonsils will shrink with the medicines she prescribed. and for more than 6 months, we spend a lot. and if we will count everything, it will sum up to the cost of the operation. if the next doctor will suggest operation, then we really have to look for the money. but that is the big question now, how or where can i get that big amount of money, when i am almost drowned.
@dawnald (85146)
• Shingle Springs, California
15 Jul 10
I'm glad you're making progress. I hope you figure it all out soon, and hope it's not too hurtful saving for the surgery...
@neildc (17239)
• Lapu-Lapu City, Philippines
16 Jul 10
it will really be hurtful looking for the funds, but i know the Almighty will lead us there. i still believe angels do not sleep and there are just sitting in front of the computers right now, following this thread.
@savypat (20216)
• United States
15 Jul 10
It use to be in this country every child had their tonsils out, but now they know that these are part of the body's imune system and try not to remove them if there is another way to eliminate the problem.
@neildc (17239)
• Lapu-Lapu City, Philippines
16 Jul 10
our son is really so young to undergo an operation but i have trust with the doctors. if i am only to decide i really don't want his tonsils out. do you have any idea what are those other ways to eliminate the problem?
@ifa225 (14460)
• Indonesia
16 Jul 10
or maybe while wait u can search a second opinion, i hope your son is good enough so he don't have to face the operation.
@neildc (17239)
• Lapu-Lapu City, Philippines
16 Jul 10
i really wish operation will not be the last solution to the problem of my son. but we had been to a couple of doctors with different specializations. come tomorrow, we will be meeting with another doctor and hopefully, he will put an end to our son's suffering.
@doryvien (2284)
• United States
16 Jul 10
Hi Neil, My younger son snores loudly too, and I suspect that he is suffering from sleep apnea. I haven't consulted a doctor about this yet coz he seldom gets colds or cough or other diseases, and except for the loud snoring, I never worried about anything when it comes to his health. Maybe I should look into this.
@tomitomi (5429)
• Singapore
17 Jul 10
Zayzay is blessed to have been born into a caring family of yours neil. Just wanna wish you guys lots of good luck and lots more blessings. Take care!
@neildc (17239)
• Lapu-Lapu City, Philippines
17 Jul 10
thank you so much tomi. i am glad i found mylot where i found lots of helping and caring friends like you.
• United States
16 Jul 10
Ya we should not study till late nite because its not gud for health it gives u dark circules under your eyes that part i dont like this thing happned to me when i was in ssc exam i was like hav to study the whole book and i was not noying any thing from that marathi book so i was like i would fail in tom paper....and best of luck for your son..
@neildc (17239)
• Lapu-Lapu City, Philippines
16 Jul 10
you may have misunderstood this topic or you have just didn't bother to read? or you may have no idea what is the Sleep Study we are talking about here? you see, my son is having a problem in his sleeps. he snores loudly and without miss, meaning, he snores everytime he sleeps. he is uncomfortable everytime he sleeps because his tonsils are big, larger than it should be for his age. he always have this choking moments and gasps for air. he even lost his breathing once, when he was even younger, when he was a year old. this is sleep apnea. and the sleep study we are talking about here is necessary to know how he is while asleep, what causes his apnea, etc. but anyway, thanks for sharing. i hope that the next time you give your responses and comments, you will follow what the guidelines have stated, to read all the responses, the entire discussion before giving out your own response.
• United States
16 Jul 10
i think you should take the child to anther doctor because kind of sleep study that is i was wondering if you know about the hearbs that they have out there on the market i thin you should try to give the child more furits and organe juice because it seems that the child is not getting enough fliuds in the body you know it will also make him more heath them some of the other fruits just try and take care of that child
@neildc (17239)
• Lapu-Lapu City, Philippines
16 Jul 10
i hope it helps but the problem happens not only yesterday. the child is suffering from apnea for over two years now. the medicines he took for over six months should have helped shrink the tonsils a bit, but never gave a lot of improvements to his sleeping comfort.
15 Jul 10
Hi Neil, I hope he will get his op soon and lets hope that they can stop his suffering, it has gone on too long, poor baby, I pray that he will be ok. Hugs. Tamara
@neildc (17239)
• Lapu-Lapu City, Philippines
15 Jul 10
hi tamara. it's really been to long that he is suffering with the problem. if is is a simple snoring, who would be worried? but it's not. and this doctor is very much convinced that this is obstructive sleep apnea. when she saw the kissing tonsils, she got worried instantly. she even never saw the video of how our son is sleeping. but she is really really convinced that they should be removed. she just wants us to see the ENT doctor to get the re-confirmation or re-affirmation? if he can be treated with another procedure or he will really undergo operation. well, that is the biggest we have to solve later, the cost of the operation will be too heavy for us.
@syankee525 (6261)
• United States
15 Jul 10
best of luck to your son and the family.
@neildc (17239)
• Lapu-Lapu City, Philippines
15 Jul 10
thanks my friend. and i hope that when see this ENT doctor, it will put an end to all our worries with our son.