Sleep Apnea Question
Topic 13631 | Page 2
"Even with some weight loss - if you fall under the guidelines that most companies use for OSA (BMI and/or neck greater than 17"), they are going to require another sleep study, and if found to still have OSA - a CPAP with monitoring for at least 30 days (most companies) or more."
That's the thing...I've lost so much weight that I don't think I fall under the guidelines. This time last year I weighed around 245 (I'm 5'5", btw). I also used to smoke and dip both. I am now down to 178 with a BMI of 29.6 according to the BMI calculator, and I've been working out at least 4 times a week, eating much healthier and I've cut out tobacco completely. I look completely different.
However, I do want to do the right thing. I'm going to talk to the VA and see what I can do. I'm hoping this won't delay me too much (and that I don't lose my house in the meantime), but I'm prepared for it.
Congrats. I'm the same height, and was 307 lbs at one point - literally dying on my feet.
Lost 130 lbs, came off all the meds, all my bloodwork straightened out.
While you may or may not still have OSA, a new test and diagnosis is likely going to be required. Considering you're still using a CPAP, you want to confirm you no longer need it.
I have a best friend, whose ignored OSA got so bad his heart was stopping. He's now the owner of a sparkly brandy new PACEMAKER.
Rick
BMI:
Body mass index (BMI)
BMI is a formula that uses weight and height to estimate body fat. For most people, BMI provides a reasonable estimate of body fat. The BMI's biggest weakness is that it doesn't consider individual factors such as bone or muscle mass. BMI may:
- Underestimate body fat for older adults or other people with low muscle mass
- Overestimate body fat for people who are very muscular and physically fit
It's quite common, especially for men, to fall into the "overweight" category if you happen to be stronger than average. If you're pretty strong but in good shape then pay no attention.
CPAP:
Constant Positive Airway Pressure
CPAP is a breathing assist device which is worn over the mouth or nose. It provides nighttime relief for individuals who suffer from Sleep Apnea.
HOS:
Hours Of Service
HOS refers to the logbook hours of service regulations.
This is something I can actually help with. So I have the same issue we all have. I was diagnosed with sleep apnea about 8 months ago. It was a bit of a struggle to get compliant but the doctor realize I was on the wrong machine. I am now fully compliant. As for the DOT physical they either want a printout of your machine's data OR a medical opinion letter from your doctor. I used a medical opinion letter and they asked no questions when I gave it to them. You do need to get checked yearly to make sure your therapy is still properly treating your sleep apnea.
DOT:
Department Of Transportation
A department of the federal executive branch responsible for the national highways and for railroad and airline safety. It also manages Amtrak, the national railroad system, and the Coast Guard.
State and Federal DOT Officers are responsible for commercial vehicle enforcement. "The truck police" you could call them.
Sleep Apnea:
A physical disorder in which you have pauses in your breathing, or take shallow breaths, during sleep. These pauses can last anywhere from a few seconds to a few minutes. Normal breathing will usually resume, sometimes with a loud choking sound or snort.
In obstructive sleep apnea, your airways become blocked or collapse during sleep, causing the pauses and shallow breathing.
It is a chronic condition that will require ongoing management. It affects about 18 million people in the U.S.
Thanks Michael C. I went to the VA today and they printed out the report from my old machine. They were pretty shocked at the machine I was using...Apparently it's a 2004 model. They gave me a brand new machine that can produce reports remotely and it's soooooo quiet! I felt like it was Christmas all over again.
Next, my DOT physical this weekend. Other than my apnea I should pass with no problems. Fingers crossed.
DOT:
Department Of Transportation
A department of the federal executive branch responsible for the national highways and for railroad and airline safety. It also manages Amtrak, the national railroad system, and the Coast Guard.
State and Federal DOT Officers are responsible for commercial vehicle enforcement. "The truck police" you could call them.
Thanks Michael C. I went to the VA today and they printed out the report from my old machine. They were pretty shocked at the machine I was using...Apparently it's a 2004 model. They gave me a brand new machine that can produce reports remotely and it's soooooo quiet! I felt like it was Christmas all over again.
Next, my DOT physical this weekend. Other than my apnea I should pass with no problems. Fingers crossed.
Glad i could help! What model did you get? I got the aircurve 10 vauto and I love it.
DOT:
Department Of Transportation
A department of the federal executive branch responsible for the national highways and for railroad and airline safety. It also manages Amtrak, the national railroad system, and the Coast Guard.
State and Federal DOT Officers are responsible for commercial vehicle enforcement. "The truck police" you could call them.
Glad i could help! What model did you get? I got the aircurve 10 vauto and I love it.
They gave me the ResMed AirSense 10. So far I'm loving it.
So, another roadblock today. I went in for my DOT physical. I did tell them about my sleep apnea but they weren't concerned about it since I already had my CPAP. However it seems I have high blood pressure. It was reading at 176. What gets me is I don't smoke or drink, I eat well and I lift 4 or 5 times a week. I lost over 60 pounds in the past year and I'm in the best shape of my life (or at least I thought). So now I guess I have to go back to the VA and see what can be done.
I am glad this was brought to my attention, but it just seems like one thing after another. Frustrating.
DOT:
Department Of Transportation
A department of the federal executive branch responsible for the national highways and for railroad and airline safety. It also manages Amtrak, the national railroad system, and the Coast Guard.
State and Federal DOT Officers are responsible for commercial vehicle enforcement. "The truck police" you could call them.
Sleep Apnea:
A physical disorder in which you have pauses in your breathing, or take shallow breaths, during sleep. These pauses can last anywhere from a few seconds to a few minutes. Normal breathing will usually resume, sometimes with a loud choking sound or snort.
In obstructive sleep apnea, your airways become blocked or collapse during sleep, causing the pauses and shallow breathing.
It is a chronic condition that will require ongoing management. It affects about 18 million people in the U.S.
CPAP:
Constant Positive Airway Pressure
CPAP is a breathing assist device which is worn over the mouth or nose. It provides nighttime relief for individuals who suffer from Sleep Apnea.
It could just be "White Coat Syndrome" or to much coffee to drink during breakfast before your test.
Check out our wiki on Hypertension (High Blood Pressure) Guidelines & Advice that explains ways that truck drivers can lower their blood pressure before their DOT Physicals.
DOT:
Department Of Transportation
A department of the federal executive branch responsible for the national highways and for railroad and airline safety. It also manages Amtrak, the national railroad system, and the Coast Guard.
State and Federal DOT Officers are responsible for commercial vehicle enforcement. "The truck police" you could call them.
Hypertension:
Abnormally high blood pressure.
It could just be "White Coat Syndrome" or to much coffee to drink during breakfast before your test.
Check out our wiki on Hypertension (High Blood Pressure) Guidelines & Advice that explains ways that truck drivers can lower their blood pressure before their DOT Physicals.
White Coat Syndrome is definitely a possibility. I didn't have anything this morning other than water before my physical. I was pretty nervous because of the apnea issue though. They were kind enough to refund my money and told me they would just void the results so I could come back once I got it under control. They did offer to give me a 3 month card, but I didn't think companies would accept that.
DOT:
Department Of Transportation
A department of the federal executive branch responsible for the national highways and for railroad and airline safety. It also manages Amtrak, the national railroad system, and the Coast Guard.
State and Federal DOT Officers are responsible for commercial vehicle enforcement. "The truck police" you could call them.
Hypertension:
Abnormally high blood pressure.
172 is pretty high. I don't think White Coat Syndrome can make your blood pressure spike that much. Try going by Walgreen or Walmart and check it on their machines. you can buy a digital blood pressure thing at Walmart for $30 to monitor it. The good news is that it is a easy fix. I take lisinopril for High Blood Pressure and the pills are cheap even without insurance.
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Blood Pressure DOT Physical Health Concerns Hypertension Medical Certification Sleep Apnea
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"Even with some weight loss - if you fall under the guidelines that most companies use for OSA (BMI and/or neck greater than 17"), they are going to require another sleep study, and if found to still have OSA - a CPAP with monitoring for at least 30 days (most companies) or more."
That's the thing...I've lost so much weight that I don't think I fall under the guidelines. This time last year I weighed around 245 (I'm 5'5", btw). I also used to smoke and dip both. I am now down to 178 with a BMI of 29.6 according to the BMI calculator, and I've been working out at least 4 times a week, eating much healthier and I've cut out tobacco completely. I look completely different.
However, I do want to do the right thing. I'm going to talk to the VA and see what I can do. I'm hoping this won't delay me too much (and that I don't lose my house in the meantime), but I'm prepared for it.
BMI:
Body mass index (BMI)
BMI is a formula that uses weight and height to estimate body fat. For most people, BMI provides a reasonable estimate of body fat. The BMI's biggest weakness is that it doesn't consider individual factors such as bone or muscle mass. BMI may:
It's quite common, especially for men, to fall into the "overweight" category if you happen to be stronger than average. If you're pretty strong but in good shape then pay no attention.
CPAP:
Constant Positive Airway Pressure
CPAP is a breathing assist device which is worn over the mouth or nose. It provides nighttime relief for individuals who suffer from Sleep Apnea.