Sleep apnea .....

[Monty]

Here is a strange .....

My brother, who used to drive for Crete, was diagnoised with sleep apena, and had to use a CPAP machine.

He left Crete last December, thinking he would not care to drive anymore. (He's 61).

Recently he feels the tug of the road and the diesel fuel is getting thin in his blood.

He petitions Crete, who now wants him to do a physical ability test, such as "waddling" 53' carrying 75 pound weight and then place it on a shelf over his head.

He refused, knowing his knees, (like mine), would not do that.

Schneider told him they required the same ability test.

Swift said he was hireable just as he was, but they need something stating his sleep apnea was under control. He attempted to get that from Crete's Dr, who said he could not, since it had been more than a year since they had visited. (Understandable)

So, he had a new sleep study done, at Columbus Sleep Consultant, Columbus Ohio, the result was that he still has a minor sleep apnea issue and should continue the use of the CPAP. But they will not sign that test result UNTIL he also has a narcolepsy test done also. He has no issue with that issue.

Swift does not want it performed, and has stated to my brother they have the required information. But the sleep lab will not sign it. Swift has seen the unsigned results of the test and are completly satisfied with the results.

The following is third party information, as my brother related it to me.

The junior technician that performed the test stated, "I have to do this, according to DOT regulations". My brother told him he did not believe there were and regulations concerning testing, or the requirement to have a sleep apnea test performed at all, it was a company option, should they feel it was needed.

As he spoke to the manager of the facilty, she also stated it was regulations. My brother stated the same to her, "I'm not going to call you a liar, but show me the regulations". And of all things, her response was. ... you ready for this .... "We know it is a regulation, the drivers that come here tell us."

The brother laughed at her. As I would have.

To satisfy my own curoisity, I searched the Internet for the answer.

There are zero regulations concerning sleep apnea. There are indeed guidelines if such a test is performed, (and it does not include narcolepsy).

Me thinks one should avoid Columbus Sleep Consultants should you ever need the test, seems they get their information from the CB radio, the back row and truck drivers who may believe the Federal Marshal's actully shut down weight stations.

 

[greg334]

I know where you (and your brother) are coming from. I fight this every year and every year because I hear something different by the different clinic people every year.

This time around my new doctor was clear on what has to be done - finally.

I would get the exact regulations and guidelines right from the FMCSA and go back to those who are playing games to see what they think about them.

 

[pearlpro]

Ive recently had a physical and was warned about the Physical ability test and was prepared, instead I got the cheapest piece of crap physical from a clinic Ive ever had, No real exam, Squat once, checked my BP, then he says open your mouth and looks into my throat and says OH MY I CANT SEE THE BACK OF YOUR THROAT...The Doctor was a 5' tall fella, I was sitting up on the table he couldnt have seen the back of my toungue, Then he says I need to measure your neck, Now Im a big shoulder large man, my neck has been 19" or over since I was in High School, he says due to my neck size I need to have a sleep study, I say Ive got no issue with sleep, never have, he says its the new regulations that I fit into, so several telephone calls later they want 900 dollars for a "consultation" 250 dollars for tests, Blah blah blah....I say I do not have Health Insurance, Ive never heard from them again.....some racket that these crappy clinics have gotten themselves, sleep studys for 1200 bucks.....Ive been a healthy guy my whole life, ya Ive got a few pounds on me but im 54 and Im feeling the years, But some Doctor can tell you suddenly that you MUST take these tests and MUST pay for this and that.....until they hear have no insurance.....RACKET !!!!! I went to a second Doctor who Ive known for years who is the most honest Doctor and he says I see no issues, and gave me a better physical then the CHAIN clinic ever could have. Over the years Ive had numerous DOT Physicals and the CHAINS are nothing more then MONEY MILLS, they dont give a hoot about your health, just generating money, so choose your doctor wisely and stay out of the MONEY MILLS...

 

[purgoose10]

I know it's with holding information but why would you tell them??

 

[Monty]

If that info was not declared, and found out later, then it is reason for dismissal.

He went for the narcolepsy test yesterday. nothing to report there. He was awake the entire time .... now ... they want a 2 weeks, or so, of CPAP data.

He hasn't been using it since he's been off the road .....