Waiting time to be assessed
Posted , 5 users are following.
I have been waiting 3 months for my appointment to be tested for sleep apnoea and my appointment was to be next week but I've just had a letter to say it has been cancelled until further notice. I know it's not the hospital's fault as they are struggling to cope with the flu epidemic. I have very severe symptoms and have already had to have 3 months off work.
My doctor can offer no other relief for my symptoms and I am beginning to think the medical profession do not realise how serious and debilitating this condition is.
I am having difficulty coping and I don't know what to do next. I am considering going to see a sleep specialist privately (if I can afford it ) but I don't know where to start. I am getting increasingly depressed and my anti depressants are not helping any more.
Please, can anyone suggest anything?
0 likes, 9 replies
kim27383 jean56437
Posted
jean56437 kim27383
Posted
I've just been looking on the internet but no luck. Thanks for the idea though.
mrsmop jean56437
Posted
Have you tried asking your GP about seeing someone privately? He would know the rough cost & also be able to suggest who to see.
rey87890 jean56437
Posted
jean56437 rey87890
Posted
I seem to have most of the symptoms for sleep apnoea according to the internet. The worst symptoms are extreme tiredness all the time, even after waking, having to sleep at about 18 hours a day, no energy, difficulty concentrating, weight gain (although I'm trying to diet ) irritability and severe mood swings, not wanting to do anything or go anywhere. I have no interest in any of my hobbies or socialising with others.
To make matters worse I have become extremely depressed and my doctor says that I am already on the maximum dose of my antidepressants and changing them will take a long time. He said there is nothing else I can do except wait until the hospital can give me another appointment which may take another 3 months. I just want to get back to being myself again and have some quality of life.
rey87890 jean56437
Posted
I'm sorry to hear that. I have most of what you are describing too. I came to conclusion I'm not getting enough deep sleep. Problem is I don't know why.
alanatcroydon jean56437
Posted
I did consult privately a sleep specialist. An initial consultation (upto an hour I recall) cost about £300. He thought my problem was sleep apnoea. He wanted to do further (expensive) tests to see whether, during the night, I did briefly stop breathing. I did a test run but it was clumsy to manage so, upon learning that SA is difficult to treat, I decided to do no more and just to put up with it. Sorry, that is little comfort to you. Maybe you will have better luck in finding a different expert.
jean56437 alanatcroydon
Posted
Thank you for your reply. I have looked into seeing a private consultant but I am unable to find any within travelling distance. I also looked online to see about hiring a sleeping assessment kit which you can do for about £200 for 2 nights. However, someone said that the NHS consultants do not always accept private tests and so I don't want pay for it and then it is not accepted. Still waiting for a new appointment for the sleep clinic but when I enquired they said it was due to the nurse (there's only 1?) is on sick leave until at least the end of Feb. My GP can offer no alternative but to suffer and wait until I get a new appointment. I am now going into my 5th month off work. My symptoms are getting worse and I cannot function on a daily basis. I'm becoming thoroughly depressed.
alanatcroydon jean56437
Posted