My husband has been worried about my sleep. I have had numerous episodes of disturbing sleep where…read moreit wakes me to catch a breath. I have had horrible choking nights awaking coughing or gagging. Awaking with nagging headaches.
Due to my career, I have always woken up at about 3 or 4 am, depending on my shift. So n bed my 9 sometimes 10pm with a quick nap during the daytime.
I received a referral from my PCP, which led me to the Virginia Neurology sleep specialist. My Dr. I was very informative and thorough. Enlightening me on the dangers of improper sleep and what it could cause.
I appreciated the call from the office to schedule my appointments; I honestly would have let it go until the next episode. My appt was made . I was asked for my information again, which was already on the referral. This annoyed me a bit since I have Tricare and carried an insurance verification card. I use this with all of my civilian Dr's. On my breast cancer journey, recovery takes you to many appts. I can only attribute this to their scheduling or methods of billing, which I assume is not an up-to-date system.
The office is conveniently located to work and home. I walked to my first appt during the day, taking time from work. True, the Chesapeake office is very much outdated and could use a complete renovation. They receptionists were friendly, greeting me upon arrival. I quickly realized this was also the lady who called me to make the appt. Once checked in, I had to apologize to her for questioning her asking for the above, which I'm still not really okay with.
Anywhoo, last night was my actual sleep study at their sleep lab. Hubby has had 2 in lab studies done and my BFF also. So I kind of know what to expect. Upon arrival at 8:30, I was greeted by a nice gentleman who led me and another patient up to their lab. It was super clean and well lit. The cool air was super delightful. I was allowed to bring my pillows and blankets. I showered just before leaving home and arrived in my most comfortable PJ'S! I was not allowed to nap during the day, so basically, after work, I ran to the mall, shopped a bit, came home, and made dinner, still just sitting to eat. I brushed my teeth, grabbed my stuff, and went to this location.
As I sat down on the bed, SLEEP rushed in. Next, a lady technician arrived.. I CANNOT TELL YOU HOW HAPPY I WAS TO SEE HER! TMI. But, after many surgeries and reconstruction, things are just a little different now. My plastic surgeon is an amazing and talented Dr, FACTS! Soooo my lady tech, I believe her name is Adrian. Please forgive me if I'm totally incorrect; I was really professional and knowledgeable about what she was about wiring me up for this to work. She kept her mask on the entire time. All those leads, she cleaned my skin and hair and pasted me so quickly and confidently. She explained each step as she worked, which calmed me down for a good rest and procedure. She checked on me after she checked the connections in their monitors' room. I was allowed to watch TV for a bit, then decided to turn it off to rest. I'm forgot to take a picture of the nice bedroom. Nerves got the best of me.
Most of the night, I tossed and turned, intimated by the leads. I did sleep but not a deep sleep. I walked out of this facility by 6am, ready for coffee.
All in all, this is a great place to start if you are having sleeping issues. My follow-up is in a few weeks.