Just Diagnosed with Obstructive Sleep Apnoea (OSA)

[darthvader666uk]

Hi All,

Last Thursday, after 5 months of waiting for results, I was diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnoea. Im still waiting for the hospital appointment to go for further test etc. but finally I feel im finally getting somewhere. (NHS seems to be well slow to be fair).

However, the symptoms of Sleep Apnoea have been with me since of March 2006. Why has it taken so long? The doctors here suck!

I have had loads of tests from diabetes to allergies to scans etc. without luck and the doctors mis-diagnosing. However, there was an article in the news paper in January that my Girl Friend found about different types of snoring (as by this point my snoring had become unbearable) so I told the doctor i wanted the test. However, looking at the list of symptoms, I seem to have checked every box from deep snoring, choking alot in my sleep (with shuddering), sweating consistently, short memory loss and being very grumpy and angry. Also, i seem to be drifting asleep while driving the car but never could stay awake while being a passenger, reading books, watching tv and even work too (as im always on the computer).

I did find a temp solution to help me a little (until the results came back) by using a snore mate but that was very hit and miss and the gum shield kept falling out of my mouth.

Im glad in a way that the hospital has finally found what has been wrong with me for a few years but one thing they did mention is that I would have to let the DVLA know. This is worrying as I use my car every day and would be a comlete pain if I were to use public transport as it would add an extra 2 hours onto my journey in the morning and evenings.

I was wondering if anyone else has had experience with the DVLA and also and tips and pointers up until and after my next hospital appointment?

Thanks all for listening and Im hoping to get alot of use out of the forum

[Julie]

Hi - I take it the DVLA is the UK version of the drivers' licensing body we have over here that allows you to drive... We have lots of members from the UK and I dont' remember anyone saying apnea (we drop the 'o' here ) was a reason for anyone to lose their license there. I think you'll be ok, everything else being equal.

[BlackSpinner]

Im glad in a way that the hospital has finally found what has been wrong with me for a few years but one thing they did mention is that I would have to let the DVLA know. This is worrying as I use my car every day and would be a comlete pain if I were to use public transport as it would add an extra 2 hours onto my journey in the morning and evenings.

I was wondering if anyone else has had experience with the DVLA and also and tips and pointers up until and after my next hospital appointment?

In most places, like various provinces in Canada, once you can prove compliance with using the cpap machine, there is no problem. It is the same as all other health issues, your doctor signs a paper saying you are a good boy about taking your meds or using your machine.

[poppi2]

Darth,

Ha! You're really flirting with the devil, with that "666" in your screen name.

Earl

[Ronnyuk]

Hi Darthvader I am in the UK too and used the NHS <3 weeks ago>, I found it very easy to get mine sorted, I told my doctor I had sleep apnea, he booked me in to the sleep centre and I wore my oxometer for 2 nights and picked my A-cpap machine up after the 2 days

The DVLA should be informed once you have been diagnosed, the Consultant will tell you when you have been diagnosed and will also explain you need to inform the DVLA.

There is a form you fill out once you are on the cpap machine and as long as you use your machine for the 4 hours per night as recommended by the Sleep Centre you will not lose your license, anyhow one you use your machine you will no longer feel tired when driving

[darthvader666uk]

apologies for the late reply but thank you for your guidance too!

Yes, I have been talking to a few more people and basically what you guys have said: As long as I use the machine, the Doctors are happy and the DVLA would be fine with it too.

One member did suggest that "if" the doctors don't do anything while I am there, then hold out for a month after using the machine, then inform the DVLA and hopefully, because im being treated, it should be a quick matter to resolve.

However, on Friday I had my appointment to go use and pick up my machine on the 25th of September. Cant wait as I feel even more tired, withdrawn and just zero energy to do anything. My SnoreMate has helped me a bit but not a solution thats for sure!

To Julie, yep the DVLA here in the UK is the same as your drivers' licensing body and like the others suggested, they are are essentially the same. Earl, indeed, why not flirt with the devil while im always half alseep