AboutMichael Rush Expertise I can answer questions relating to the diagnosis and treatment of sleep apnea. With a focus on use of CPAP and BiPAP and their effects and benefits. I can help trouble shoot problems and make suggestions on how the make this a more pleasant experience.
Experience I have been in the respiratory field for 20 years with experience in the hospital, Sleep lab and home medical equipment industry. I also have been wearing a BiPAP mask myself for the past four years.Respiratory Care Pracitioner, Licensed Practical Nurse, Certified Pulmonary Function Technician
Polysomnography Technician
Expert: Michael Rush Date: 6/30/2008 Subject: OSA, CSA, or Psychosomatic?
Question I am 49 years of age, male, in the US Army, and was diagnosed with sleep apnea in Sept 08. The ENT input lists my apnea as "OSA" "with a strong central component"; however, 95% of my apneas are central with one hour having 92 CAs and my index was 67. I have had other neurological symptoms the last 3 years, but since my PCM and ARMedd command structure don't want me to be in an outpatient status in Neurology I am stonewalled and listed as suffering from somataform disorder. Every time that I went to a specialist in a field that made an effort something new was found, such as spinal stenosis in the C, T, L spine. How common do people with severe central apnea get diagnosed with somataform disorder, where the neurologcal symptoms are psychosomatic? Sometimes in the last 3 years it has been psychological torture just do 5 days work, little alone deployment of 24/7 (literally). The terrorists at Gitmo get better medical treatment. I was told last week by a civilian contractor physician to suck it up and drive on. GET REAL FOOL!
Dying for real medical advice
Answer Dear Martin,
First, Thank you for your service to our country. Second I'm sorry for the problems you are having, but I'm not strong in the neurological portion of sleep apnea. Please send your question to one of the other experts. I don't want to give you wrong advise. Sorry...Mike
