British Snoring & Sleep Apnoea Association

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

Hi darth,
Just recently been diagnosed with OSA, and started my treatment with CPAP. so just picked up on your post.
Yes you do have to let the DVLA know(hefty fine if you don't) as its a notifiable condition. On the good side, I contacted the DVLA who gave me permission to drive subject to their investigation, ie contacting your GP/consultant/hospital, so make sure you use your CPAP as they can tell they have a counter on them re time used. From what I gather as long as you use your CPAP daily they seem happy to let you drive. Sorry if you know all this , but just thought it may help?
Regards
Tony.

It's a couple of years now since I was diagnosed with (severe) OSA and as required, I immediately notified the DVLA and my insurance company. As I recall, the DVLA were very speedy in responding with the OK to me retaining my licence as I had stated that I was being treated for this condition and using my CPAP machine. My insurance company were also very accomodating and immediately accepted this as a condition of me driving.

You have no choice but to let the DVLA know, however if you were to get an appointment fast (a cancelation) and made the CPAP work for you, i.e. used it every night for as long as you can (over five hours with few apnoeas) you should get the OK to drive. Saying that, it does not look as if they are quick in your area.
If you drive your car insurance may well not cover you and that is another offence.
Chase your Doctor up and see if he can push it a little if you need your licence and once you hear from the clinic keep phoning them to see if there is a cancelation (every day if need be) and be prepared to drop everything and go.
Don't take the risk driving, your insurance may not cover you and the other party will take you to court for a lot of money.
Once you are one treatment and get the ok to drive, let your insurance company know. It should not affect your premium that much if at all.
Drive and have an accident now knowing you have Sleep Apnoea and you may find it difficult to get cover.