Thanks for the information about the cause, sunny. I suspect then it might be degenerative due to my age, and my weight .

I agree about the referral thing. Meaningless hopps to jump through. I think the process is meant to be discouraging... and it is! It saves the insurance company money if I decide not to pursue seeing a specialist and it is awfully nearsighted for the insurance companies to think that the administrative costs incurred by the physicians aren't ultimately passed on to the patient/insurer. Insurance is just a crazy mess.

I also need a new CPAP, but can't do that without a new sleep study since my original study was over 10 years ago (and my CPAP is that old also). And in 2013 is the year I need my next colonoscopy. I just don't know where they think the average person can come up with $2,000 (deductible) + $8,000 (20% after deductible) for these things each year. okay, end of my own rant. lol