CEO’s Medical Odyssey

Becoming a medical journeyman, in search of an accurate diagnosis and effective treatment for sleep apnea, was never something I aspired to do.  However, in order to guarantee myself (and my wife!) a good night’s sleep, I had to.

Fatigue was my constant companion.  I used to chalk it up to insomnia and aging.  Naps were something I craved and took whenever I could; however, a nap was nothing but a short-term remedy.  Excessive sleepiness resumed and in time led to seclusion along with depression, irritability and frustration.  Anti-depressants were prescribed, and although the fatigue seemed to be less bothersome, it did not entirely disappear.

Over the past eight years, I endured additional sleep apnea interventions some of which included: sleep lab studies, appointments with various specialty physicians, multiple CPAP machines/masks, oral appliances, oxygen, and nasal surgery.  Yet, after all this and only a few periods of improvement, some form of severe sleep apnea still plagued me.

I was left frustrated and disappointed with the medical system – the sleep studies, the doctors and especially the insurance companies who determined my treatment by deciding what they would or would not cover.  My threshold of tolerance exceeded when other options, such as home testing, were not offered.  Even with my history of not sleeping well in sleep labs, I was told insurance would not pay for anything other than what they considered to be the ‘Gold Standard’ (a full Polysomnography).  I desperately needed an alternative and when answers were not forthcoming, I felt abandoned.  What’s a man to do in order to get a good night’s sleep?

I am pleased to state that things are beginning to change for the better, largely due to companies like Sleep Apnea Solutions, Inc.  There is more hope today for people like us suffering from sleep apnea than ever before.  Advancement in research and medical technology is providing new, patient-friendly solutions that are simple, accurate and affordable.  Take a look at these new options, especially home testing.  It worked for me!

I commend you for your interest in sleep apnea and wish you the best of luck on your journey to a good night’s sleep.

Stephen R. Gragg
Semi-Retired CEO
12/2/07