Got Bad News Today

[schauba]

I am currently 60% and work for the city where I live. My job title is driver, so I make a living driving commercial vehicle's for the city. Went to the Va today and here is what he wrote. Mr. so and so is followed in sleep medicine for obstructive sleep apnea with residual daytime sleepiness. Because this condition is characterized by daytime sleepiness, this puts Mr. so and so at considerable risk driving motorized vehicles. We recommend that he refrain from driving any motorized vehicles or operating dangerous equipment indefinitely. We are diligently working with Mr. so and so to treat this disorder and once we see improvement, he may be released to drive again. Please accommodate him in our request. Signed by RN,ACNP-BC(Nurse Practitioner)

I have forwarded this letter to my DAV REP any suggestions on what I should do? Thanks.

Edited September 14, 2012 by schauba

[schauba]

Well due to the fact that I exited the military in 2004 most of my army buddies are not in this area (fort hood area) others I am not aware of their locations. As far as how long I have been 60% percent I would say about 4 years. Currently receive 10%elbow 10%knee 20% back 10% allergies 30% asthma. As far as my army background I served in Somalia Hati and Iraq.

[tanker2]

this is not bad news....your Rn is on her job and cares about you and the others you may effect. caution cha and best luck.

[schauba]

Just got a call from the VA(primary care doc) in reference to the sleep apnea....I asked her if she read the letter, she said that the sleep specialists would be the ones to contact with further questions or options in regards to being able to drive work etc...As far as the bad news yes the va is doing there job. Been working all my life so them telling me that I can't drive feels like bad news.

[Notorious Kelly]

Before CPAP I was almost falling asleep in traffic; not so since.

Are you finding yourself sleepy driving? If not, then document it and fight it.

p.s. You're not valuable because of your work; you're valuable cuz you're Schauba.

Good luck!

[carlie]

You need a medical opinion fully supported with rationale

as to the cause of your OSA, it maybe something as likely as not

connected to active duty or secondary to an already SC'd condition

etc...

JMHO

[john999]

I thought you had the cpap and were still falling asleep. Get the cpap or bpap before you quit your job or go through all that stuff.