Do WE have a disability?

[OwlCreekObserver]

I'd just like to add a few additional comments to this thread and then I'll leave it alone.

Over the years I've had quite a number of friends and relatives with genuine disabilities -- things that required some sort of public accommodation for them to lead something close to "normal" lives. Sometimes those accommodations were in the workplace and may have been something as simple as removing a curb between the parking lot and the workplace so that someone in a wheelchair could get to the door. Most of those folks don't seek out any special treatment and are genuinely grateful for the changes that are made for them.

However, some disabilities may restrict what jobs the individual can do. A person who is unable to walk can probably work for the telephone company but probably can't climb poles to do repairs. When accommodations can't be made for a particular job, then employers often move the employee to another job that they can handle.

Very few people have a problem with doing a little extra for those who genuinely need it. My only gripe with the ADA is that it, like most federal programs, has expanded far beyond what its well-intentioned architects envisioned. FDR's Social Security program was to provide a small supplemental pension to older folks. The last time I visited the local Social Security office, the place was absolutely packed, but my wife and I were the only 60-somethings there.

So getting back to Lloyd's original question that began this thread: Is sleep apnea a disability? His potential employer used this definition: "A disabled person is defined as someone who has a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities, has a record of such an impairment, or is regarded as have such an impairment."

It seems to me that it's ridiculous to consider someone who's being successfully treated for sleep apnea as handicapped. To do so, you would almost have to include in that category: those being treated for diabetes, those being treated for hypertension, those being treated for high cholesterol, those who wear corrective lenses, those who wear hearing aids, those who wear orthopedic shoes and virtually everyone else who has ever needed a little help to make it through the day (or the night).

Just my opinion, Lloyd, but I suggest that you just check the "no" box on your application and let it go at that.

OCO

[couchtator]

I am in the medical field and have been on cpap since 2000.After years of no improvement, i had the uppp and tonsillectomy in 2005. After 6 months and off the cpap , i was caught sleeping by my boss with a patient on my table. I was at my desk, opened the desk drawer to get out a form and fell to sleep with my hands still in the drawer and apparently could not be awakened when my boss called my name. Later that day, she called me in her office and told me what happened and i thought she was lying. The company took me out of work for 3 months until i got better. I also have narcolepsy and my meds were increased. I had a heck of a time getting my disability insurance to pay, but they finally did. I am back at work now but struggling again with boughts of sleepiness. I am on an autopap which i started yesterday to see if my pressure was too low. I stay so scared of being caught microsleeping and i too wonder if this is a disability. I know i am doing all i can medically and many days cannot function on my job. By the way, I did get retitrated back on the cpap after i fell to sleep on the job.

[Wulfman]

I am in the medical field and have been on cpap since 2000.After years of no improvement, i had the uppp and tonsillectomy in 2005. After 6 months and off the cpap , i was caught sleeping by my boss with a patient on my table. I was at my desk, opened the desk drawer to get out a form and fell to sleep with my hands still in the drawer and apparently could not be awakened when my boss called my name. Later that day, she called me in her office and told me what happened and i thought she was lying. The company took me out of work for 3 months until i got better. I also have narcolepsy and my meds were increased. I had a heck of a time getting my disability insurance to pay, but they finally did. I am back at work now but struggling again with boughts of sleepiness. I am on an autopap which i started yesterday to see if my pressure was too low. I stay so scared of being caught microsleeping and i too wonder if this is a disability. I know i am doing all i can medically and many days cannot function on my job. By the way, I did get retitrated back on the cpap after i fell to sleep on the job.

CT,

If you'd care to sign up as a member and list your equipment, pressures, etc., maybe some of the members could give you advice on improving your therapy. From the sounds of it, it doesn't sound all that "successful".

If you're using a nasal mask, chances are very good that you're leaking therapy air out of your mouth......which is VERY BAD.

Best wishes,

Den

[Goofproof]

We are Under Diagnosed.

Poorly Treated by the Medical Profession in General.

In De-Nile, dealing with seeing that our treatment works correctly.

Or We "Take responsibility for our own Treatment", and correct the Problems, and Do Well.


These aren't Disabilities, these are the things we are responsible for correcting as needed, as are most problems in life. Big Brother, can't send everyone a check everytime they come down with the sniffles or get a scratch. Only Kerry gets that kind of Deal. Jim

[rotoplooker]

Well here's my 25 pence worth..

Without treatment OSA is a serious 'impairment' that could lead to many serious problems!

The use of terms such as 'handicapped' (which has debatable politically incorrect connotations) and 'disabled' or 'disability' is rather harsh.

My therapy will never be perfect but it's a bit better, I'm still too close to non compliance with only a few hours a night but I'm busting my ass on the soccer pitch trying to lose a little weight too and I am sleeping better for it all. I feel impaired for sure - a tank is disabled when the tracks come off, I would say!

Roto

[Rabid1]

I don't feel "disabled", but I definitely feel impaired.

Can't wait for treatment to begin.

[JeffH]

As someone who has been dealing with this disease (dis-ease) for over 6 years, I may have a little more insight than the folks that are in their first months or year of dealing with this.

Loose your job, and therefore your insurance, and then need to get an increase in your pressure to keep the OSA away. What are you going to do? You can't afford a sleep study, much less a new machine.

With the newer machines, you are better able to keep track of things, but I used an old Sullivan for over 6 years and only realized I was having trouble when I was waking up one morning and felt myself have an apnea event. I realized then I was in trouble. What did I do? I asked an RT I knew if they would raise my pressure from 12 to 14. She agreed to if I promised to never tell anyone. I wouldn't reveal they're name for anything. They saved my ass. I didn't know how much pressure I needed to be raised by, just that was all the RT would do then.

I ended up with a new machine due to the kindness of others. I didn't pay for it. I've been using the same mask for over 6 years. Anyone else had to do that?

The fine line we walk to stay in compliance is much finer of a line than alot of you realize.

Just my humble opinion.

JeffH

[lvwildcat]

I agree that OSA is undiagnosed in majority of sufferers. I had a tiff with an MD at work when he made a comment-"sleep apnea-the diagnosis of the decade" He obviously doesn't gear up every night. I think that our condition is getting a lot of national attention these days. I think that Sarah White (Reggie's widow) started by getting the public's attention. Matt Lauer even donned a mask on the TODAY show when reporting on OSA. And our newest celebrity-good ole Rosie O'Donnell. Oprah is also working on a show discussing OSA.