sleep apnea

[MikeShee]

I am a newer driver who was diagnosed with sleep apnea 3 weeks ago. I have been on a CPAP machine for 2 weeks. went to get my medical renewed today and doc said I need 3 months on the machine before I can get my medical card renewed. Are there waivers for this or am I screwed? I live in Illinois?

 

[Tazz]

Never heard of needing three months treatment. So long as your under treatment you should be good so far as I know.

I would get a second opinion.

 

[Tazz]

Hey @MikeShee my apologies for the misinformation. This got by me last time I looked over the guidelines.

http://nrcme.fmcsa.dot.gov/mehandbook/respiratory4_dis_secondary_sleep_ep.aspx


Waiting period

Minimum — 1 month after starting CPAP

Minimum — 3 months symptom free after surgical treatment

NOTE: If more than one waiting period applies (because of multiple conditions or other comorbid diseases), examine the driver for certification after the completion of the longest waiting period.


Looks like a minimum 1 month after you start CPAP. How long have you been on it?

I also moved your post into our health section in case there are others in a similar situation.

 

[Blood]

Call these guys.
http://fmcsasleepstudy.com/

 

[Duck]

Looks like a minimum 1 month after you start CPAP. How long have you been on it?

He said 2 weeks. So I guess another 2 weeks vacation & he'll be back on the road.

 

[MikeShee]

So my CDL license isn't affected if I can't get the medical card for a couple more weeks? I've been driving with the machine for the past week, but my current card expires in 12 days. I'm ok with taking a couple weeks vacation, just can't jeopardize my CDL.

 

[Duck]

Unless you live in Oklahoma your CDL oughta be fine.

It's invalid at the moment. And by invalid I mean you can drive a car but not a big-truck.

Just to be sure, you can call the DMV and ask them. But if they ask you for your name before answering your question, just hang up.

 

[texan168]

you will get a three month card. After the 3 months when it's due you go in with your print out proving you have used your cpap for 70 percent of the time and you get a med card for a year. and then get the benefit of doing it again next year.