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DaveWxm

Hi Guys,

I have recently been diagnosed with OSA (Obstructive Sleep Apnea) from what I am told it is quite a severe case (60 Apneas an hour) I'm using a CPAP machine and am noticing a difference due to this. As well as OSA I Have an Under-Active Thyroid, currently on 150MG expecting to be increased to 200 on next GP visit.

On 4th May I had to close my business down as I was unfit to continue with it, Income is none existant, waiting on DWP to make a decision on ESA, been refused DLA (was expected). I am struggling to find a way of dealing with my finances as at present I am unfit to work, suffering with regular daytime sleepiness, do not dare use public transport as any longer than 10/15 mins in a car/bus and I am asleep, so commuting to job is a problem. If I am not 100% active, or am doing something that interests me, more than likely I will be asleep.

Is there anyone with these same problems? If so, what did you do? Or is there anyone who can provide some advice please?

Many Thanks
Dave

marie-20

I can't help or advise unfortunately but my hubby is disabled and finds a site called daily strength useful & they have different forums for different condititons (and there is a lot! and everyone shares their experiences - both good & bad) so they may be able to help you and point you towards some kind of 'management'.

Good luck! x

stentipede

Appeal against the DLA decision!!! If you fall asleep dropping off in unlikely situations it sounds like you may have a need for constant supervsion to ensure your safety. You don't actually have to have that supervision, only the need for it to keep you safe. Leaving a cooker on while you drop off is an obvious way of ending up with trouble. Try and get further info for your DLA appeal so a decision can be reversed keeping "face".
IS there an organisation for your condition like Mind for mental disabilities or the Blind Association? If so, then they will have pleenty of specialist advice.

MrsManda

What were the reasons for the refusal?

Have you been having the symptoms for more than three months and are you expected to continue having the symptoms for at least a further 6 months?
- if not you don't meet the basic criteria for DLA but I'd apply again after you've had the symptoms for 3 months proviing your doctor agrees you're likely to have the symptoms for a further 6 months.

If this is not the reason for refusal I would definitely appeal. Did the DWP contact your doctors? Do you know what they said?

From a coping/recovery point of view it may be worth reading the information on NHS Choices and following some of the links.
http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Sleep-apnoea/Pages/Introduction.aspx

DaveWxm

Thanks for the reply and advice, I didn't really consider the fact that I needed a carer, as I don't need help getting up, washing and getting dressed etc. But I didn't think about needing supervision for dropping off into sleep.

DaveWxm

Hi Mrs Manda,

They refused me on the grounds that they don't believe I need a carer for personal care, and for the description of personal care they gave, ie, getting up in the morning, washing, getting dressed etc I agreed. But as sentipede pointed out, if I fall asleep whie the cooker is on (which I have done before) then it may be that I need supervision.

MrsManda

DaveWxm wrote: »

Hi Mrs Manda,
They refused me on the grounds that they don't believe I need a carer for personal care, and for the description of personal care they gave, ie, getting up in the morning, washing, getting dressed etc I agreed. But as sentipede pointed out, if I fall asleep whie the cooker is on (which I have done before) then it may be that I need supervision.

I would definitely appeal as I'm surprised that they didn't award you LRC/LRM as a minimum. I get LRC/LRM because I have memory blackouts and these have meant that I have left the hob on and wandered off forgetting I was cooking (I was very glad of the fire alarm) and I also can get disorientated outside (TBH I get confused inside my own house occassionally).

You have a month from receiving the decision to tell the DWP you want to appeal. Have you asked for the evidence they used to make the decision? Did you keep a copy of your application form? Sometimes the problem with applying for DLA and ESA is that your doctors write something different on the form they fill out for the DWP to what you expected them to write.

anguk

My husband has OSA and uses a CPAP machine, if you're still falling asleep during the day you need to get back in touch with the sleep clinic to have your machine recalibrated. When my husband got his cpap it made a dramatic difference overnight and we were told if he starts snoring or dropping off during the day again we have to get him retested so the machine can be adjusted.