Enrollment standard with Sleep Apnea

[bridges]

Well, I saw the specialist the other day. Will be getting tonsils out and both him and my family doctor would like to see me lose another 20-25 pounds. Once I get the surgery done, I'll get the apnea reevaluated. At most, could be another 6 months... grrrr. But I'm on the cancellation list, so it could happen sooner.  "Hurry up and wait" has become my mantra! Seriously! LOL

Progress!  Good.

The other day a friend (35-ish) relayed something their doctor had told them, about being significantly overweight:  "Even if you can't see consequences now, they're coming."  Bit of a knock between the eyes for me as well. 

Anyway, yes, the hurry up & wait... good training in itself.  Good luck with the wait list & weight loss.

 

[estoguy]

Another update, got my surgery booked... for next week! Originally it was supposed to be at the end of January, but a cancellation bumped me up.  Unfortunately, since its close to end of 2012, I was told my file was being closed for now and asked to refile my application next year.  Still with recovery and getting booked for another sleep study, I'm still looking at the start of the new year before the picture is clear for me. However, I will be waiting 2.5 months less.   Once I get my second diagnostic sleep study done, I'll let you all know what's what. Cross your fingers for me!

 

[estoguy]

Got lucky and had my tonsillectomy last week!  ;D My surgeon got a cancellation and they were able to fit me in! Breathing while sleeping seems to feel better already.  Still would like to lose another 20 pounds as well. After that, I want to look into having another sleep study.  I'm hoping this is all going to come together for me in the next few months!

 

[JamesKEDU]

Hey OP, I have just submitted my application through DEO plan. Problem is that I have been diagnosed with mild sleep apnea as well although my ENT did not deem using a cpap necessary. Was wondering what kind of sleep apnea you have and if they offered other positions to accommodate you?

 

[seawolf]

All applicants have to meet a common enrollment standard. That's what the OP didn't meet - they can't offer him other positions

 

[estoguy]

James... my understanding (and I could be wrong)  is that if you have diagnosed sleep apnea, you don't meet the medical standard. I have been using CPAP, but I don't think it makes a difference if you do or not.  Best to ask the medical people about it to be sure.

 

[estoguy]

Update time!

Had my sleep study last week! Got my test much earlier thanks to a cancellation. If what the nurse said in the morning was any indication, it went well, so I'm hoping the official results are favorable.  :nod: Looks like the tonsillectomy and weight loss were worth it. Will update when I have results.

Have already re-applied and am waiting for North Bay to process and send my stuff back down to the RC.

 

[estoguy]

More updates:

Had the sleep study - my apnea has significantly improved to mild and doesn't require treatment.  Compared to my original diagnosis, its miles improved.  The doctor basically said that improved physical condition will only help things further.  According to medical section they do look at things case by case, and since I have new information, hopefully this will be helpful and get me through medical. Cross your fingers for me on July 3!

Even if I still get flagged, I'm glad I've gone through all this, because at the end of the day, it has improved my quality of life tremendously.

 

[ballz]

Well done, estoguy, well done. What is your weight at now?

I sincerely hope you get the chance to serve, you have already shown more commitment / drive than many, and that's really all we can ask of potential members before they begin.

 

[estoguy]

I'm down about 25-30 from last year (245 lbs). Haven't checked recently.

And thanks for the encouragement!  Will certainly keep things updated!  Medical is on July 3.  :nod:

 

[estoguy]

Well, the effort hasn't paid off... yet.  Technically speaking, I still have "mild to moderate" sleep apnea, but despite a letter from my sleep study doctor stating: "given his improving status and lack of symptoms, we agreed to continue with lifestyle measures primarily and I am comfortable with Erik not using nasal CPAP at this time unless his clinical situation should change... his improving symptom status, objective status an lack of any complications make it reasonable to proceed with this modality at this time." (added the underlining)

Got the letter back from RMO saying that I'm still unfit.

At this point, I'm unsure what to do.  I'm considering the secondary review path, but don't know much about this.  Can anyone here offer any insight as to how I could proceed and what ducks I should have in a row before proceeding?

Also, if anyone, especially any medical folks have any more advice to give specifically to further improving this situation, I'm all ears.

Having come as far as I have, I'm not willing to give up yet until I reach a hard point where I can't do anymore.

Thanks in advance! 

 

[SquidMeister]

So I did my medical and interview back in late August, then got some forms from the RMO in Ottawa earlier this month for further clarification due to some headaches and a previous car accident, got those filled out and they were back in Ottawa the day after I mailed them.  Now I am hoping to hear back from someone in short order, but my question is, what is the process past this?

Bit of a background, I applied in Edmonton as reserve for Recce crewman in the SALH back in May/June.  Assuming there's nothing more of concern on my medical portion, how will the recruiting office contact me?  Phone? Email? Mail, etc.  Would I be offered a position right away or would I be put on some list awaiting an opening?

This hasn't been the two ish~ months they told me it would take when I first applied, so I am kinda chomping at the bit to get started as it were.  ;D

Any info in regards to possible future developments is greatly appreciated.

 

[mariomike]

my question is, what is the process past this?

Information about the process here,

Expedited Reserve Enrollment (ERE) process [Merged]
https://army.ca/forums/threads/124056.0
3 pages.

As always, your unit Recruiter is your most trusted source of information.

"Unofficial site, not associated with DND or the Canadian Armed Forces."

 

[WannaServe123]

1) sorry if I did not post this in correct thread-I searched and most recent apnea post was some time ago.  I was diagnosed some time ago with sleep apnea.  I used a CPAP machine.  I have had my tonsils out and a sleep study said mild apnea.  Now I have lost 25 pounds and I do not use a CPAP machine.

Is apnea an automatic bar?  I am applying for a job that need a Geographical Factor: 3 and Occupational Factor: 3.

Any feedback would be helpful and appreciated.

WannaServe

 

[mariomike]

I was diagnosed some time ago with sleep apnea.  I used a CPAP machine.  I have had my tonsils out and a sleep study said mild apnea.  Now I have lost 25 pounds and I do not use a CPAP machine.

Is apnea an automatic bar? 

Sleep Apnea - letter from RMO 
https://army.ca/forums/threads/106690.0
3 pages

Prior diagnosis of sleep apnea 
https://army.ca/forums/threads/93201.0

The Sleep Superthread- Apnea/ Disorders/ etc.
https://army.ca/forums/threads/82.50
5 pages.

etc...

As always, the Recruiting Medical Officer ( RMO ) makes the medical decisions.

"Unofficial site, not associated with DND or the Canadian Armed Forces."

 

[sarahsmom]

Is apnea an automatic bar?  I am applying for a job that need a Geographical Factor: 3 and Occupational Factor: 3.
Any feedback would be helpful and appreciated.
WannaServe

Regardless of what the specfic occupational medical category is, you first need to meet to Common Enrolment Standard which is V4 CV3 H2 G2 O2 A5. If you cannot be classed as G2 O2 you will likely NOT be accepted.

 

[WannaServe123]

Paleo,

thanks for the quick reply.  I appreciate all of the time you all put into this site.

I will keep going with weight loss and physio for snoring, and see about a further sleep study if the answer is no for now.

Sincerely,

WannaServe.

 

[WannaServe123]

UPDATE:

new sleep study found no sleep apnea-tested normal.  Still not using CPAP.  Weight loss, tonsilectomy and specialized physio did the trick.
Submitted results from sleep specialist confirming same, blood work all good, and was declared medically fit by  the RMO.

Just got THE call with an offer.  Thrilled, and now working even harder at gym and diet to get ready for BMOQ this summer.

YAHOO!!! Very proud and very psyched to have been selected. 

Thanks to Mariomike and Paleo and all the Army.ca contributors who give their time.

Thanks all.  Sincerely,

WannaServe

 

[PPCLI Guy]

UPDATE:

new sleep study found no sleep apnea-tested normal.  Still not using CPAP.  Weight loss, tonsilectomy and specialized physio did the trick.
Submitted results from sleep specialist confirming same, blood work all good, and was declared medically fit by  the RMO.

Just got THE call with an offer.  Thrilled, and now working even harder at gym and diet to get ready for BMOQ this summer.

YAHOO!!! Very proud and very psyched to have been selected. 

Thanks to Mariomike and Paleo and all the Army.ca contributors who give their time.

Thanks all.  Sincerely,

WannaServe

Sincere congrats

 

[mariomike]

Thanks to Mariomike and Paleo and all the Army.ca contributors who give their time.

Sincere congratulations.