Sleep Apnea

[I_WANNA_BE_ATP]

I have sleep apnea responding well to CPAP therapy. What info/records do I need to take to my local AME to send off to OKC for the review. I've searched AOPA and another website with mixed results. I would like to go into the exam with all the neccessary.

Thanks

[My Flight Surgeon]

This is what you need for your AME. The initial medical certificate after the diagnosis requires a Special Issuance by the FAA. Subsequent certificates still require the following documentation but the AME can issue the certificate if they are comfortable with the information submitted. You need to submit all pertinent medical information (copies of ALL medical records pertaining to the sleep apnea) and current status report from your treating physician. Include a sleep study with a polysomnogram, a list of any medications used and "titration" study results from the sleep specialist.

If all of the information is ready to go and submitted by the AME to the FAA, it will usually take 4-6 to get a ruling from the FAA.

[Kristie]

How do you know when you have sleep apnea? is it that you notice it all the time or once in a while? when should the decision be made to get the test taken and can it really affect your future in aviation? Can it be fixed just by making sure your sinus's are clear at night and/or using one of those breathing strips?

[My Flight Surgeon]

Because some of the symptoms of sleep apnea occur while you're sleeping, the person you sleep with may notice it first. You, or that person, may notice heavy snoring or long pauses in your breathing during sleep. Even if you don't remember waking up during the night, you may notice daytime sleepiness (such as falling asleep at work, while driving or when talking), irritability or fatigue. You may also experience morning headaches, forgetfulness, mood changes and a decreased interest in sex.
Your doctor can diagnose sleep apnea. He or she may ask you if you feel tired or sleepy during the day. Your doctor may also want to know about your bedtime habits and how well you sleep. Your doctor may ask you to go to a sleep center for a sleep study. Tests done at the sleep center may reveal which kind of sleep apnea you have.

The breathing strips really don't help.

If sleep apnea is controlled with appropriate treatment, one should be abble to fly. The symptoms need to be resolved and there should not be significant daytime tiredness.

If you think you know someone who has sleep apnea (it is usually the bed-partner who notices the periods of time when breathing stops), they should be seen by a physician an a sleep study should be considered.

Hope this helps Kristie.

[Kristie]

Thanks doc!

[My Flight Surgeon]

You are welcome.

CLARIFICATION:
My post from yesterday says 4 to 6 and my fingers were behind my mind. It should be 4 t0 6 weeks.