Sleep Apnea and DVLA - Hope2SleepGuide2024-03-28T19:26:47Zhttp://hope2sleepguide.co.uk/forum/topics/sleep-apnea-and-dvla?xg_source=activity&feed=yes&xn_auth=noHi George
The recovery for s…tag:hope2sleepguide.co.uk,2018-01-28:6381638:Comment:566702018-01-28T15:11:36.752ZKath Hopehttp://hope2sleepguide.co.uk/profile/KathHope
<p><br></br> Hi George</p>
<p>The recovery for septoplasty was about a week from the worst of it, but it was over a year before the end of my nose stopped feeling numb and the numbness in my front teeth for about 6 months. To be honest I'm not convinced the septoplasty did much, but I only had a slight deviated septum which ENT decided to fix seeing as they were doing my turbinates. It was the turbinates surgery that worked well for me, in helping me breathe better in the masks. I know it was…</p>
<p><br/> Hi George</p>
<p>The recovery for septoplasty was about a week from the worst of it, but it was over a year before the end of my nose stopped feeling numb and the numbness in my front teeth for about 6 months. To be honest I'm not convinced the septoplasty did much, but I only had a slight deviated septum which ENT decided to fix seeing as they were doing my turbinates. It was the turbinates surgery that worked well for me, in helping me breathe better in the masks. I know it was this because I initially had the turbinates done via laser which worked temporarily. Once it was proved it worked ENT went back for another go, but surgically this time.</p>
<p>The worst part of the surgery was removing the packing from my nose. It would be worth you asking if they can do it without packing, but my ENT wouldn't agree :( See Dr Park's post on this <a href="http://doctorstevenpark.com/septoplasty-without-packings-or-splints" target="_blank">http://doctorstevenpark.com/septoplasty-without-packings-or-splints</a></p>
<p>Also try to use your CPAP immediately after surgery, even if they tell you they're adminstering oxygen, because the oxygen alone won't keep your airways open. This was when I first got a <a href="http://www.hope2sleep.co.uk/fitlife-full-total-face-cpap-mask.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">FitLife Mask</a> so there was no contact with my nose after surgery.</p>
<p>Hope this helps.<br/> <cite>George said:</cite></p>
<blockquote cite="http://hope2sleepguide.co.uk/forum/topics/sleep-apnea-and-dvla?commentId=6381638%3AComment%3A56741&xg_source=activity#6381638Comment56741"><div><p><br/> Dear Kath,</p>
<p></p>
<p>Thanks. May I ask how long will it take to recover from Septoplasty surgery? </p>
<p></p>
<p>Cheers,</p>
<p>George<br/></p>
<blockquote cite="http://hope2sleepguide.co.uk/forum/topics/sleep-apnea-and-dvla?id=6381638%3ATopic%3A52790&page=2#6381638Comment56656"><div><div class="xg_user_generated"><blockquote cite="http://hope2sleepguide.co.uk/forum/topics/sleep-apnea-and-dvla?commentId=6381638%3AComment%3A56736&xg_source=activity#6381638Comment56633"></blockquote>
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</blockquote> Dear Kath,
Thanks. May I as…tag:hope2sleepguide.co.uk,2018-01-25:6381638:Comment:567412018-01-25T11:11:18.046ZGeorgehttp://hope2sleepguide.co.uk/profile/George
<p><br></br> Dear Kath,</p>
<p></p>
<p>Thanks. May I ask how long will it take to recover from Septoplasty surgery? </p>
<p></p>
<p>Cheers,</p>
<p>George<br></br> <cite>Kath Hope said:</cite></p>
<blockquote cite="http://hope2sleepguide.co.uk/forum/topics/sleep-apnea-and-dvla?id=6381638%3ATopic%3A52790&page=2#6381638Comment56656"><div><div class="xg_user_generated"><p>Great update George, even though I'm late to see it. I've had a drug-induced endoscopy....there's not many places who do that in…</p>
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<p><br/> Dear Kath,</p>
<p></p>
<p>Thanks. May I ask how long will it take to recover from Septoplasty surgery? </p>
<p></p>
<p>Cheers,</p>
<p>George<br/> <cite>Kath Hope said:</cite></p>
<blockquote cite="http://hope2sleepguide.co.uk/forum/topics/sleep-apnea-and-dvla?id=6381638%3ATopic%3A52790&page=2#6381638Comment56656"><div><div class="xg_user_generated"><p>Great update George, even though I'm late to see it. I've had a drug-induced endoscopy....there's not many places who do that in the UK. Mine was with Prof Bhik Kotecha in London. He confirmed things we suspected and could see why it's impossible to nasal breathe even if I wore a chin strap. I'm due back in March, but don't think I'll be going ahead with anymore surgery. I've already had septoplasty and turbinates reduction - both of which help me breathe better in the masks than I used to be able to. Good luck with yours.</p>
<blockquote cite="http://hope2sleepguide.co.uk/forum/topics/sleep-apnea-and-dvla?commentId=6381638%3AComment%3A56736&xg_source=activity#6381638Comment56633"></blockquote>
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</blockquote> Hi,
I have recently started t…tag:hope2sleepguide.co.uk,2018-01-25:6381638:Comment:569422018-01-25T11:05:11.911ZJohn Wilkinsonhttp://hope2sleepguide.co.uk/profile/JohnWilkinson
<p>Hi,</p>
<p>I have recently started treatment for severe OSA and use a CPAP machine. After 3 weeks treatment my AHI went down from 42(severe) to 20 (moderate). I am due to visit my sleep clinic next week for my second review. Personally I feel to have 'hit a wall' after my early treatment made me feel so much better, maybe it was a 'honeymoon' effect because I was so pleased to being treated for a condition I had believed I had had for many years. I know from Kath and other really kind…</p>
<p>Hi,</p>
<p>I have recently started treatment for severe OSA and use a CPAP machine. After 3 weeks treatment my AHI went down from 42(severe) to 20 (moderate). I am due to visit my sleep clinic next week for my second review. Personally I feel to have 'hit a wall' after my early treatment made me feel so much better, maybe it was a 'honeymoon' effect because I was so pleased to being treated for a condition I had believed I had had for many years. I know from Kath and other really kind posters on here that it is going to be a long haul and not an overnight fix.</p>
<p> On the advice of my sleep clinic I submitted the S1 form to the DVLA and after they referred to my consultant I now have to submit my current licence and have it replaced with a medical review licence. I didn't stop driving as I never felt sleepy behind a steering wheel. If I ever felt tired I would stop and have a break. I drive 15k miles per year, including long drives in Spain and France in the Summer months.I asked my partner if she had ever notice me 'drifting off' when doing these long drives and she said 'no, never'. Before I became a teacher I was a sales rep and used to drive up to 36k per year. I can honestly say I have never felt likely to doze off when I am driving. My problem is when I get home sit down and relax. As soon as I turn off I am asleep.</p>
<p>Obviously I am going to refer this to my insurance company. Does anyone know if having a medical review licence will affect my premium or at worst ability to get insured? I was advised by my sleep clinic that it would be unlikely that I would lose my licence if I was having treatment for OSA.</p>
<p></p>
<p>John Wilkinson</p> Hi Chris,
I did inform DVLA a…tag:hope2sleepguide.co.uk,2018-01-24:6381638:Comment:567392018-01-24T11:47:25.749ZGeorgehttp://hope2sleepguide.co.uk/profile/George
<p>Hi Chris,</p>
<p>I did inform DVLA after my CPAP started by submitting the SL1 form downloaded from online. After a month's wait DVLA got back to me saying I am ok to drive. I also informed by insurance as well.</p>
<p>So It was not as scary as i thought..</p>
<p></p>
<p>Cheers,</p>
<p>George<br></br> <br></br> <cite>Chris Vesey said:…</cite></p>
<blockquote cite="http://hope2sleepguide.co.uk/forum/topics/sleep-apnea-and-dvla?id=6381638%3ATopic%3A52790&page=2#6381638Comment56736"></blockquote>
<p>Hi Chris,</p>
<p>I did inform DVLA after my CPAP started by submitting the SL1 form downloaded from online. After a month's wait DVLA got back to me saying I am ok to drive. I also informed by insurance as well.</p>
<p>So It was not as scary as i thought..</p>
<p></p>
<p>Cheers,</p>
<p>George<br/> <br/> <cite>Chris Vesey said:</cite></p>
<blockquote cite="http://hope2sleepguide.co.uk/forum/topics/sleep-apnea-and-dvla?id=6381638%3ATopic%3A52790&page=2#6381638Comment56736"><div><div class="xg_user_generated"><p>Hi,</p>
<p>The diagnosis from the consultant said score of 38.5, severe sleep apnea, must inform dvla. I phoned resmed who said now I was being treated I did not need to inform dvla? I next phoned the dvla for advice as i had already written for a form. A pleasant and knowledgable lady said I did need to inform the dvla who would contact the doctor. There is a time limit on returning the form and it would seem it is a legal requirement to tell them even if you are not driving. My insurance company want to know what the dvla says before commiting themselves. As people have said its a minefield of bad advice and misinformation depending on where you live, you can understand peoples reluctance to inform dvla but your insurance is invalid if you don't,</p>
<p>Good luck ☺</p>
<p>Chris<br/> <br/> <cite>George said:</cite></p>
<blockquote cite="http://hope2sleepguide.co.uk/forum/topics/sleep-apnea-and-dvla#6381638Comment52576"><div><div class="xg_user_generated"><p>Dear Sleep2snore and Kath,</p>
<p></p>
<p>Many Thanks for your reassurances and advise. I will wait for my appointments and treatment to inform DVLA after consulting with my consultant. I got acknowledgement of referral, informing me an appointment within 26 weeks! I am hoping to get an appointment to my CPAP very soon.</p>
<p>Thanks,</p>
<p>George</p>
<p></p>
<p> </p>
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</blockquote> Yes Chris, you did need to co…tag:hope2sleepguide.co.uk,2018-01-24:6381638:Comment:568302018-01-24T00:46:40.236ZKath Hopehttp://hope2sleepguide.co.uk/profile/KathHope
<p>Yes Chris, you did need to contact them. They recently updated their policy on this. With severe sleep apnoea you need reviewing every 3 years now, but it is clearer than it used to be. Problem is, not everyone is aware of the changes yet. Mild sleep apnoea doesn't need reporting if symptoms improve within 3 months. It won't be a problem getting approved though with you now being on treatment.</p>
<p><img alt="No automatic alt text available." class="spotlight" src="https://scontent-lht6-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/22519157_2064675396879589_4005402027535103451_n.png?oh=d6620900699d87b1a7b5467f45fb85e3&oe=5AF6BB13" style="width: 691px; height: 867px;"></img> <br></br> <br></br> <cite>Chris Vesey said:…</cite></p>
<p>Yes Chris, you did need to contact them. They recently updated their policy on this. With severe sleep apnoea you need reviewing every 3 years now, but it is clearer than it used to be. Problem is, not everyone is aware of the changes yet. Mild sleep apnoea doesn't need reporting if symptoms improve within 3 months. It won't be a problem getting approved though with you now being on treatment.</p>
<p><img class="spotlight" alt="No automatic alt text available." style="width: 691px; height: 867px;" src="https://scontent-lht6-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/22519157_2064675396879589_4005402027535103451_n.png?oh=d6620900699d87b1a7b5467f45fb85e3&oe=5AF6BB13"/><br/> <br/> <cite>Chris Vesey said:</cite></p>
<blockquote cite="http://hope2sleepguide.co.uk/forum/topics/sleep-apnea-and-dvla?commentId=6381638%3AComment%3A56736&xg_source=activity#6381638Comment56736"><div><p>Hi,</p>
<p>The diagnosis from the consultant said score of 38.5, severe sleep apnea, must inform dvla. I phoned resmed who said now I was being treated I did not need to inform dvla? I next phoned the dvla for advice as i had already written for a form. A pleasant and knowledgable lady said I did need to inform the dvla who would contact the doctor. There is a time limit on returning the form and it would seem it is a legal requirement to tell them even if you are not driving. My insurance company want to know what the dvla says before commiting themselves. As people have said its a minefield of bad advice and misinformation depending on where you live, you can understand peoples reluctance to inform dvla but your insurance is invalid if you don't,</p>
<p>Good luck ☺</p>
<p>Chris<br/> <br/> <cite>George said:</cite></p>
<blockquote cite="http://hope2sleepguide.co.uk/forum/topics/sleep-apnea-and-dvla#6381638Comment52576"><div><div class="xg_user_generated"><p>Dear Sleep2snore and Kath,</p>
<p></p>
<p>Many Thanks for your reassurances and advise. I will wait for my appointments and treatment to inform DVLA after consulting with my consultant. I got acknowledgement of referral, informing me an appointment within 26 weeks! I am hoping to get an appointment to my CPAP very soon.</p>
<p>Thanks,</p>
<p>George</p>
<p></p>
<p> </p>
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</blockquote> Great update George, even tho…tag:hope2sleepguide.co.uk,2018-01-24:6381638:Comment:566562018-01-24T00:33:12.436ZKath Hopehttp://hope2sleepguide.co.uk/profile/KathHope
<p>Great update George, even though I'm late to see it. I've had a drug-induced endoscopy....there's not many places who do that in the UK. Mine was with Prof Bhik Kotecha in London. He confirmed things we suspected and could see why it's impossible to nasal breathe even if I wore a chin strap. I'm due back in March, but don't think I'll be going ahead with anymore surgery. I've already had septoplasty and turbinates reduction - both of which help me breathe better in the masks than I used…</p>
<p>Great update George, even though I'm late to see it. I've had a drug-induced endoscopy....there's not many places who do that in the UK. Mine was with Prof Bhik Kotecha in London. He confirmed things we suspected and could see why it's impossible to nasal breathe even if I wore a chin strap. I'm due back in March, but don't think I'll be going ahead with anymore surgery. I've already had septoplasty and turbinates reduction - both of which help me breathe better in the masks than I used to be able to. Good luck with yours.<br/> <br/> <cite>George said:</cite></p>
<blockquote cite="http://hope2sleepguide.co.uk/forum/topics/sleep-apnea-and-dvla?commentId=6381638%3AComment%3A56736&xg_source=activity#6381638Comment56633"><div><p>Hi all,</p>
<p>I thought to update you on my progress. I have been using CPAP for a while and it is going well. I had my second visit to sleep clinic and they said I am doing really well and adjusted my pressure to bring down the AHI below 5. I sent my SL1 form to DVLA and they informed me that they wrote to my consultant and waiting for an answer (My consultant said I am ok to drive).</p>
<p>Last week I also had an appointment with an ENT surgeon and he did an endoscopy to see any problems within and told me that my nose septum is partially blocking one nose and he like to do a drug induced sleep study. He said he will also do a surgery on the same day to correct my nose and take it from there after seeing the results of the study. He mentioned it will atleast increase the effectiveness of my CPAP therapy.</p>
<p>So I am hoping for the best.</p>
<p></p>
<p>Thanks and this forum is great with relevant information</p>
<p>George</p>
<p></p>
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</blockquote> Hi,
The diagnosis from the co…tag:hope2sleepguide.co.uk,2018-01-23:6381638:Comment:567362018-01-23T12:13:39.980ZChris Veseyhttp://hope2sleepguide.co.uk/profile/ChrisVesey
<p>Hi,</p>
<p>The diagnosis from the consultant said score of 38.5, severe sleep apnea, must inform dvla. I phoned resmed who said now I was being treated I did not need to inform dvla? I next phoned the dvla for advice as i had already written for a form. A pleasant and knowledgable lady said I did need to inform the dvla who would contact the doctor. There is a time limit on returning the form and it would seem it is a legal requirement to tell them even if you are not driving. My insurance…</p>
<p>Hi,</p>
<p>The diagnosis from the consultant said score of 38.5, severe sleep apnea, must inform dvla. I phoned resmed who said now I was being treated I did not need to inform dvla? I next phoned the dvla for advice as i had already written for a form. A pleasant and knowledgable lady said I did need to inform the dvla who would contact the doctor. There is a time limit on returning the form and it would seem it is a legal requirement to tell them even if you are not driving. My insurance company want to know what the dvla says before commiting themselves. As people have said its a minefield of bad advice and misinformation depending on where you live, you can understand peoples reluctance to inform dvla but your insurance is invalid if you don't,</p>
<p>Good luck ☺</p>
<p>Chris<br/> <br/> <cite>George said:</cite></p>
<blockquote cite="http://hope2sleepguide.co.uk/forum/topics/sleep-apnea-and-dvla#6381638Comment52576"><div><div class="xg_user_generated"><p>Dear Sleep2snore and Kath,</p>
<p></p>
<p>Many Thanks for your reassurances and advise. I will wait for my appointments and treatment to inform DVLA after consulting with my consultant. I got acknowledgement of referral, informing me an appointment within 26 weeks! I am hoping to get an appointment to my CPAP very soon.</p>
<p>Thanks,</p>
<p>George</p>
<p></p>
<p> </p>
</div>
</div>
</blockquote> Hi all,
I thought to update y…tag:hope2sleepguide.co.uk,2018-01-15:6381638:Comment:566332018-01-15T13:24:52.762ZGeorgehttp://hope2sleepguide.co.uk/profile/George
<p>Hi all,</p>
<p>I thought to update you on my progress. I have been using CPAP for a while and it is going well. I had my second visit to sleep clinic and they said I am doing really well and adjusted my pressure to bring down the AHI below 5. I sent my SL1 form to DVLA and they informed me that they wrote to my consultant and waiting for an answer (My consultant said I am ok to drive).</p>
<p>Last week I also had an appointment with an ENT surgeon and he did an endoscopy to see any problems…</p>
<p>Hi all,</p>
<p>I thought to update you on my progress. I have been using CPAP for a while and it is going well. I had my second visit to sleep clinic and they said I am doing really well and adjusted my pressure to bring down the AHI below 5. I sent my SL1 form to DVLA and they informed me that they wrote to my consultant and waiting for an answer (My consultant said I am ok to drive).</p>
<p>Last week I also had an appointment with an ENT surgeon and he did an endoscopy to see any problems within and told me that my nose septum is partially blocking one nose and he like to do a drug induced sleep study. He said he will also do a surgery on the same day to correct my nose and take it from there after seeing the results of the study. He mentioned it will atleast increase the effectiveness of my CPAP therapy.</p>
<p>So I am hoping for the best.</p>
<p></p>
<p>Thanks and this forum is great with relevant information</p>
<p>George</p>
<p></p> I George. I can only tell yo…tag:hope2sleepguide.co.uk,2017-10-07:6381638:Comment:547552017-10-07T00:01:10.522ZKath Hopehttp://hope2sleepguide.co.uk/profile/KathHope
<p>I George. I can only tell you what I did....I immediately stopped driving (on advice of the sleep clinic and because I'd never have lived with myself if I'd caused an accident - my own Grandma was killed by a driver that shouldn't have been on the road, so I never take chances). When I was on good CPAP therapy, I filled in the SL1 form to tell the DVLA I was diagnosed and treated with sleep apnoea. They then contacted the sleep clinic who confirmed my therapy was good, and DVLA contacted…</p>
<p>I George. I can only tell you what I did....I immediately stopped driving (on advice of the sleep clinic and because I'd never have lived with myself if I'd caused an accident - my own Grandma was killed by a driver that shouldn't have been on the road, so I never take chances). When I was on good CPAP therapy, I filled in the SL1 form to tell the DVLA I was diagnosed and treated with sleep apnoea. They then contacted the sleep clinic who confirmed my therapy was good, and DVLA contacted me to say I had been approved to drive, subject to good therapy. If I ever have an occasional bad night I do not take the car out. The highway code itself states that nobody should drive when feeling tired. Your clinic sound like they are helping you the best they can. Things have changed since I was diagnosed and we hear good and bad stories regarding the DVLA (depends on who people speak to when ringing). I wouldn't ring, I would download the Sl1 form <a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/sl1-confidential-medical-information" target="_blank">https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/sl1-confidential-medical-information</a> and fill it in with the help of your sleep clinic so there are no mistakes.</p> Dear Kath (or anyone),
Do you…tag:hope2sleepguide.co.uk,2017-10-04:6381638:Comment:544282017-10-04T15:20:25.383ZGeorgehttp://hope2sleepguide.co.uk/profile/George
<p>Dear Kath (or anyone),</p>
<p>Do you have any comment or recommendation about how to inform DVLA? As I mentioned in the previous message, <span>In many online pages, I was warned not to email or phone or fill in online form but post a letter. Any advices on this? Should I just inform in a letter or fill in SL1 form with the help of my CPAP clinic (I may take it with me for my next appointment)?</span></p>
<p><span>Thanks,</span></p>
<p><span>George</span></p>
<p>Dear Kath (or anyone),</p>
<p>Do you have any comment or recommendation about how to inform DVLA? As I mentioned in the previous message, <span>In many online pages, I was warned not to email or phone or fill in online form but post a letter. Any advices on this? Should I just inform in a letter or fill in SL1 form with the help of my CPAP clinic (I may take it with me for my next appointment)?</span></p>
<p><span>Thanks,</span></p>
<p><span>George</span></p>