How long do I have to wait?

[Kipper]

I have been diagnosed with OSA, and saw the specialist on 3 October 07, when he said I would benefit from a CPAP machine.
How long is the usual waiting period before the machine is supplied (UK NHS)?

regards

Kipper

Don't mind me, I'm just going to have a kip in the corner.

[Joe McManus]

Hi kipper and welcome to the forums!

According to fairly recent statistics, you could be between two months and two years away from your machine:

http://blog.cpap.co.uk/2007/09/uk-worst-access-to-diagnosis-and-treatment-of-patients-with-suspected-sleep-apnea

But it's hard to say because it really depends on the amount of funding your local NHS/PCT has allocated to sleep apnoea treatment. This varies a lot so it's hard to tell. Those figures aren't published either so all you can do to find out is chase them for an ETA. At the very least they should be able to tell your place in the queue.

I've heard people writing their MP which actually got things moving for them. Making some noise (ringing the hospital pretending you're dying) might help (though it may push others down the queue).

[Kipper]

Thanks Joe. I am being Mr Difficult to myself, as the hospital I went to is some way from where I live, but the specialist has transferred me to the local hospital (which I can see from my house). I think, by requesting this, I have put myself at the back of the queue anyway.
My main problem is that DVLA have taken my driving licence away, and I have to drive for work. Employer happy to accomodate me for the time being (working locally and on foot) but that cannot continue indefinately.

[Joe McManus]

If you are desperate for one, you can try and do what Stuart did, described in this thread: http://forums.cpap.co.uk/showthread.php?t=88 or visit our prize sponsor: http://www.cpap-europe.com and buy outright privately.

I'd ask about your queue position first though. It may turn out to be favourable, who knows.

[JackTheSnorer]

Where are you based, Kipper?

[MoutheBreather]

Welcome, Kipper!

I have been diagnosed with OSA, and saw the specialist on 3 October 07, when he said I would benefit from a CPAP machine.

He said you would, but did he actually arrange for you to have one? With them being so busy, I'd triple check that first! It wouldn't be the first time where a patient was 'forgotten' and was left waiting forever.

Fingers crossed you get it soon so you can join the club officially

[Kipper]

Thanks folks.

I first went to the QMC at Nottingham, but they have transfered me to Kings Mill at Mansfield. I know the letter was sent, as I have checked with QMC. Main problem seems to be getting through to the right people when phoning, my pay as you go gets a hammering when waiting in a queue!
May be worth going private, to speed it up, but will need some plastic healthier than me.

[Kipper]

I heard from the hospital today.
I am on the waiting list.
There are six people in front of me.
My appointment should be about the third week of December.

Well, at least I am on the right path, so here's hoping for a good Christmas.

[Joe McManus]

Two months, that's not too bad at all. Just hope it is how they say it is and that you'll cope alright in the meanwhile.

Getting some good sleep after a heavy Christmas meal must be an appealing thought!

[katiemcewan]

Great news! That's not too bad indeed.

Next time you speak to them, perhaps you can find out what sort of equipment they have lined up for you. That way you can find out all about it in advance.

Do you remember your Apnea Index from the diagnosis?

[Kipper]

Yippee-ish

I have got a date of Nov 30th, to collect a machine for a week's trial. This will be a CPAP with patient analyser incorporated in it. After a weeks use, I have to take it back and the data captured will be used to calibrate MY machine.
Hopefully this will do the trick.

[Joe McManus]

Good to hear some progress. It'll be worth the wait!

[Joe McManus]

Hey Kipper, did you get your machine last week?

[Kipper]

Hi Folks,

First the good news - I picked up the CPAP machine on Friday 30/11.

The bad news - I developed a cold the next day!

The best news - even though I was unable to use the machine everyday of the week's trial, with bulk supplies of Vick rub and nasal spray, I did enough to show that it worked. The graphs were a joy to behold!

I now have my own NHS machine - a DeVillbiss with ResMed nose mask - set to 10 (PSI?).

Now to get my driving licence back????

[puffin]

Hi Nuneatonman37 welcome to the forum.