Scary how little info we're given with these machines!(RANT)

[Tatooed Lady]

In the past 2 days, I talked to 2 drivers who have been diagnosed with OSA and are REQUIRED by the company to have xPAP machines. Neither has A FRIGGING CLUE about improving their own therapy, and BOTH have said that they are NOT HAPPY. One said he has noticed a few improvements (small things), and he has a FFM. I asked if he got the memo about not cranking it down til his face hurts. NOPE.
The other is an older gent, who I recall from my own sleep study. He got his machine a week after the study, so about a month before I got mine. He is MISERABLE.

Really...I'm not that smart about these things, I'm NOT an MD, DME, EIEIO....but I am SO tempted to tell them to give me a cubicle with a computer one day per week where drivers diagnosed with OSA and required to use the frigging equipment can at least get SOME support! I'm sure there is training for dopes like me to at least provide some remedial help to get these people pointed in the right direction. Or ANY direction.

[poppi2]

Good thoughts! You could be providing job-saving help.

When you started this journey, 2 months ago, did you think you would become knowledgable enough to give advice so soon? I tip my hat to you. Keep us posted. Good luck. Earl

btw, after you retire from big rigs, .... maybe a DME job?

[BlackSpinner]

In the past 2 days, I talked to 2 drivers who have been diagnosed with OSA and are REQUIRED by the company to have xPAP machines. Neither has A FRIGGING CLUE about improving their own therapy, and BOTH have said that they are NOT HAPPY. One said he has noticed a few improvements (small things), and he has a FFM. I asked if he got the memo about not cranking it down til his face hurts. NOPE.
The other is an older gent, who I recall from my own sleep study. He got his machine a week after the study, so about a month before I got mine. He is MISERABLE.

Really...I'm not that smart about these things, I'm NOT an MD, DME, EIEIO....but I am SO tempted to tell them to give me a cubicle with a computer one day per week where drivers diagnosed with OSA and required to use the frigging equipment can at least get SOME support! I'm sure there is training for dopes like me to at least provide some remedial help to get these people pointed in the right direction. Or ANY direction.

Do you belong to a union? Can you start a support group "It doesn't have to be this hard"?

[Tatooed Lady]

No...I never thought I would be the INFORMED one and everyone I talk to a bunch of undirected schlubs. That in itself is scary. Me thinking I know enough to show anyone ANYTHING is even more outrageous!! My dad suggested I write a book on road stories. Stuff that drivers see every day, but is still jaw dropping stupid.

No union...but if I raise a big stink, I'm afraid they'll say "fine. You just volunteered to lead the new OSA department."

[palerider]

In the past 2 days, I talked to 2 drivers who have been diagnosed with OSA and are REQUIRED by the company to have xPAP machines. Neither has A FRIGGING CLUE about improving their own therapy, and BOTH have said that they are NOT HAPPY. One said he has noticed a few improvements (small things), and he has a FFM. I asked if he got the memo about not cranking it down til his face hurts. NOPE.
The other is an older gent, who I recall from my own sleep study. He got his machine a week after the study, so about a month before I got mine. He is MISERABLE.

Really...I'm not that smart about these things, I'm NOT an MD, DME, EIEIO....but I am SO tempted to tell them to give me a cubicle with a computer one day per week where drivers diagnosed with OSA and required to use the frigging equipment can at least get SOME support! I'm sure there is training for dopes like me to at least provide some remedial help to get these people pointed in the right direction. Or ANY direction.

that sounds like an *EXCELLENT* idea.

support groups are great.

[squid13]

I'm afraid they'll say "fine. You just volunteered to lead the new OSA department."

I'd say fine as long as I make more than I make now with a nice raise on top of that.

[evanb]

Really...I'm not that smart about these things, I'm NOT an MD, DME, EIEIO....but I am SO tempted to tell them to give me a cubicle with a computer one day per week where drivers diagnosed with OSA and required to use the frigging equipment can at least get SOME support! I'm sure there is training for dopes like me to at least provide some remedial help to get these people pointed in the right direction. Or ANY direction.

Suggest they come here.

[BlackSpinner]

No...I never thought I would be the INFORMED one and everyone I talk to a bunch of undirected schlubs. That in itself is scary. Me thinking I know enough to show anyone ANYTHING is even more outrageous!! My dad suggested I write a book on road stories. Stuff that drivers see every day, but is still jaw dropping stupid.

No union...but if I raise a big stink, I'm afraid they'll say "fine. You just volunteered to lead the new OSA department."

You say "fine. How much extra in pay/ time off?" LOL

What you are talking about is called "Peer counselling" It comes with a disclaimer of "not medical advice" It is people helping people over coffee kind of thing "this works for me, you might want to try it" and it allows people to rant about how they feel "I hear you saying you are upset about....." makes them feel good about being understood.

You might want to write for what ever news letter there is - a "Life under the mask" article.

[archangle]

Unfortunately, "patients helping patients" is one of the things that really ticks the medical mafia off and they may send the legal leg breakers after you.

Not to say don't do it, but be careful. And don't be surprised if the company or organization management gets paranoid about it.

[Tatooed Lady]

archangel, fine, then THEY need to fill the role with a professional.

I guess the biggest gripe I have about this particular "system" is that I HAVE made suggestions/recommendations, based on the lack of give a damn I've seen from the DME, and lack of contact with the quack writing the prescriptions. I've sent memos to all the computer totin' employees that are in the loop regarding the lack of OSA related driver support, and all I got back was an automated "atta girl/boy" message. Well, except I got a HUGE thumbs up from my handler at work. He's giving a fist pump every time I don't swear while on a call with him, though, so I'm not sure he's the best one to get me anywhere with this situation.
It just floors me that a multi-billion dollar company can demand compliance, but not offer even the most basic support to keep employees compliant and healthy enough to continue safely with the company.

Hmm...yes, yes...a cubicle with a "Tatooed Lady, OSA Speshulist, enter at your own risk!" sign would be a lovely sight. I will skip official titles...just give me official pay and official time off. And maybe a company picnic in my honor for saving the lives of millions of innocent bystanders and stuff. Yep. No statue necessary, though. I'm modest.

[palerider]

It just floors me that a multi-billion dollar company can demand compliance, but not offer even the most basic support to keep employees compliant and healthy enough to continue safely with the company.
I'm modest.

you modest damsel

as to the multizillion$ company, I think there's probably several things... many big companies don't care about the workers, not in this day and age, you're *expendable!*.

second, if you make the leap and decide they do care, then those what make decisions are probably ignorant of the shoddy state of affairs of the sleep industry, and think that their employees are being taken fine care of.

[archangle]

archangel, fine, then THEY need to fill the role with a professional.

Or they can just continue to play the game they're playing, and use apnea as a way to get rid of the older, unhealthier, drivers without being accused of discrimination. It might not be true, but that's probably the way the corporate bean counters see it.

How's the job market for truck drivers these days? Are the companies having a hard time finding drivers?

[uncommon]

"You could be providing job-saving help. "

Poppi,

Er, I think that could be designated life saving help.

My 25 years in the Wicked Police included 4 as a motorcycle traffic cop--complete with full Nazi boots:) I was so miserably effective at catching speeding DUI's that the local rag referred to me as, "The Black Death."

During those four years, I dealt with SO many road crashes caused by drivers falling asleep on the job. Although Big Rigs, (called Lorries in UK,) did feature, they weren't anywhere near as bad as business types in ordinary saloon cars, too tired, thinking coffee was going to get the job done.

Those four years removed every shred of recklessness my spirit held. I was so sick of turning up to broken bodies in twisted metal caused by stupidity and a heavy right boot.

Not getting enough good quality sleep is a major problem in modern life, and on the roads it is a deadly curse.




brendan (escaped to Atlanta, GA)

[Tatooed Lady]

How's the job market for truck drivers these days? Are the companies having a hard time finding drivers?

My mom emailed me a couple weeks back with the stats of 30,000 drivers SHORT of the current demand...so the industry tries to fill seats with just about anyone with a CDL (unfortunately)...and see if they last.

"Let's throw the problem at a wall, see what sticks."