Just diagnosed with Sleep Apnea...

[martynhale]

I have been told by my local hospital (Kettering) that I'm suffering from sleep apnea and that I'm to be referred to Leicester to further treatment.

I understand that I will need a CPAP machine, but not sure if I will have to pay for it or will it be available on the NHS.

Any feedback would be welcome.

Martyn

[GrumpyBiker]

Welcome Martyn,
first off you will not have to pay for the machine.
Secondly, you are lucky to have been referred to Leicester - Leicester General Hospital is one of the best in the country for OSA patients.

In my case, after diagnosis I was sent to the sleep lab at LGH, which is downstairs behind maternity. Here I was fitted with a mask and given a Remstar Auto-m series APAP machine. As I need a full-face mask (mouth-breather) I was getting a dry and sore mouth, so after two-weeks I visited the drop-in clinic where they swapped it for one with a humidifier.

After a months use, I went back for the follow-up and as I had no problems and was 'compliant' was put on routine checks, so I expect my next appointment will be sometime in January or February.

You will need to inform the DVLA who will send you out a medical questionnaire. If you can honestly say you are compliant on treatment there will be no problems. Otherwise, you will have your license suspended until you are on-treatment and can have your case considered by the DVLA medical board, which can take some time.

Andy

[DAZZBOD]

I must agree, LGH is an excellent clinic. I have been under them for 3 years & have always been there to answer my questions & sort out my problems.

[martynhale]

Thanks Andy, that's very re-assuring. Have you found a real benefit since using the machine? Martyn

[Simes2112]

Welcome Martyn.

Looks like Andy's advice is most appropriate for you, given where you will be going for treatment.

I live in Nottingham and have had a similarly good experience with treatment as Andy has had. Regarding your question about real benefits - for me, YES.

The CPAP (or APAP) treatment takes a bit of getting used to - I was fortunate that I had a very good experience the very first night. I woke up feeling like a new man - it was literally that noticeable. Now, since then (3 months ago) it has been a bit up and down - mask fit issues etc. But I have persevered and I am really feeling the benefit. I used to "sleep" for about 10 hours a night and wake up feeling awful - headaches every day, tired at work, falling asleep at my desk and in meetings! Now I generally get good sleep for 6-7 hours a night and I am totally free of daytime sleepiness.

Good luck with it Martyn - you'll find these forums a valuable support and help as you progress.

Cheers,

Simon

[GrumpyBiker]

Martyn,
my life has been transformed for the better. I am no longer depressed, tired, or irritable. In August I built a new deck in the back-garden. A year ago that would have beyond thinking for me. My wife says she has got her husband back.

It can be problematical getting to grips with the therapy, but with perseverance (being bloody-minded helps) and determination most people do. When you have probalems, low-days or high-days, these forums are a great way yo get through and to help others to do likewise.

Andy

[martynhale]

Thanks to all

Hi all,

Until I learnt of my condition the future wasn't looking very positive. I was diagnosed with diabetes 18 months ago - I thought that was the 'smoking gun'; the reason why I was always exhausted and depressed. I'm now starting to think that there is a future. The thing that really alarms me is that I may have been suffering with this for over 10+ years without knowing.

It's not just been hard for me but my partner also. I think it's difficult for someone else to understand the difference between being a bit tired and being totally exhausted; some days the thought of putting one foot in front of the other seemed too much.

Thanks for the encouraging feedback and I'll keep you all posted as things unfold.

Regards,
Martyn