all new to me

[50decibels]

i was diagnosed about 2 weeks ago as being a moderate sleep apnea patient..... now all the stuff starts that I have to I am unsure about..... it has taken 1 year to get from my initial GP visit, and I now await a March appointment for a trial machine for one week................

I'm not sure what to expect and the reading of posts gives me insights but raises many questions... I guess that come March I will better prepared to ask questions, because at this moment I am so unsure of the road ahead...........let's see how it progresses and I will update this post.....

[chelseauk]

Welcome to the forum !

The road to feeling better starts for you. Hold on in there - March isn't far away !


One thing you do need to be aware of (you should have been told this already - so it shouldn't be to bad) - and it's not really good news..

SA is notifiable to the DVLA - there's a big fine (potentially) but it could mean loss of licence for a while.

Sorry to bring that up - but at this stage - ie told but not treated - if you drove and had an accident - well you'd be in all sort of trouble !

I first told the DVLA back in October - and i've just got my letter - that says because i'm under treatment - no problems.

[Andysee]

Welcome 50 decibels I'm a newbie as well. You will get some great advice from the members here. I found out more than from my Doctor consultant and sleep clinic. I think people tend to freeze when surrounded by all the professionals and you always think of what you should have asked when you get home. If thats the case these guys can help.
Following on from what Chelseauk has said, I have informed the DVLA and as of yet heard nothing back however, I also informed my car insurance company who have responded by saying they have no problem and do not want to screw a larger premium out of me.
Please be careful driving as in the months before I went to the Doctor I nearly dropped of twice while driving. A nudge from my wife saved the day.
Look forward to hering about your progress.

Best regards
Andy

[puffin]

Welcome mate, March is not that far away, but is will seem like forever. First of all, I would read everything you can on the subject, particularly off the forum and Joes blogs, take a look at some kit, watch the first video here http://videos.cpap.co.uk/ this will give you the basic idea of the kit used. The biggest problem will be fitted the mask and finding the right mask, this can take awhile, don't be afraid to play with the straps.

Good luck and let us know how you get on.

[ChrisP]

Just wanted to add my welcome to.
I too am very new to the forum.
I know how nervous you must feel about the DVLA as I too went through the same thing.
The good news is that if your consultant confirms that the treatment (ie the CPAP machine) is working then the DVLA will leave you alone and life can continue as normal. At least that is how it happened for me.
I hope this is some help.
Chris P

[50decibels]

One thing I am very unsure of and what to expect....For many years I have been a mouth breather when asleep, my ability to nose breath has always been restrictive and I am considering buying a SinuCleanse to help with the stuffy nose and associated problems, has anyone tried this ? and is it any good for the purpose?

The other issue that concerns me is when I visit the sleep clinic to pick up a machine, will I be expected to use a nasal mask and see how I get on or will I be given a full face mask? or both to try? any advice on how the system works? thanks everyone.... My area is Middlesex if that makes a difference..

[puffin]

Hi 50decibels,
I don't know what the Middlesex is like, but as you have said you know that you are a mouth breather, just tell them. They should have a number of mask options available for you to try. Expect to visit the hospital at least a number of times, as they will want to measure how you are coping with CPAP and mask fit.

As they say, "just lie back and think of England!" as you sleep well for the first time in years.

[Michael OConnell]

Surprised you have to wait til March

I pressed my doctor arrange a sleep study early this Jan, by Jan 21st I was diagnosed, I needed to arrange for my PCT to fund it but I am going for my CPAP on Monday, The whole thing has only took 1 month from sleep study to getting the Machine. Well done Cheshire...

[SteveP]

Excellent!!!

What were you given? machine? mask?

How are you getting on with CPAP?

SteveP

[Michael OConnell]

All New

Don't know yet, I will post it on Tuesdays along with how I got on, on my first night.

[Liz hutton]

Liz hutton

Hi everyone, I am a new member.
Had my cpap for just over a week. Finding it quite difficult to get used to. I was told it could take several weeks. I hope so. As I am struggling a bit.
To 50 decibells, I think you'll find you will be given a full face mask. As like you, I am a mouth breather, have been since I was a child. Even when awake, cannot breath through my nose. I was fitted with mine, at the Royal Brompton(London) and the consultant there, assured me, that now, I am on cpap, there will be no problems with DVLA. I too have informed them, some weeks ago, and now awaiting a decision.

[sleepster]

Me new too!

I'm new (3 weeks) to CPAP also..It sure has it's ups and downs..I've found mine in the bed with me. It had slipped off my head..I always thought I was a mouth breather but the nasal pillows are working out good so far..Mentally-I am still dealing with the fact I will wear this forever and that thinking really makes me sad but regardless..I do feel better than I have in YEARS!!Much more awake and alert..Not napping during the day or falling asleep at work but I am embarrassed by it..I will turn off the lights and slip it on so my boyfriend doesn't see me putting it on..He does tell me it's the best thing I've ever done.Good luck to you and keep trying out all you need to get it right for you!!These good people are here for anything you need.Just ask..