So my mother has brought to my attention that she has sleep apnea, however her doctor says that he will not diagnose her for it.  Her symptoms are to the "T" with all signs of OSA.  I just need to know what I can do or if there are actual professional MD's that deal with this in Illinois.  It's to the point where Im really scared due to the fact my mother tells me she falls asleep behind the wheel to work.  Thanks.

Steve0 wrote:

So my mother has brought to my attention that she has sleep apnea, however her doctor says that he will not diagnose her for it.  Her symptoms are to the "T" with all signs of OSA.  I just need to know what I can do or if there are actual professional MD's that deal with this in Illinois.  It's to the point where Im really scared due to the fact my mother tells me she falls asleep behind the wheel to work.  Thanks.

Hi,

I think you need to drop the doctor.

She needs a referral to a sleep specialist ASAP. She may also be breaking the law by continuing to drive.

She is a danger to herself and others.

There are numerous sleep spcialists in your area.

Daniel.


_________________
The untreated Sleep Apnoea sufferer died quietly in his sleep.......
Unlike his three passengers who died screaming !!!!!!

(Anon)

Steve - You don't say in which part of Illinois you live (I grew up just outside of Peoria).  There are many excellent medical facilities scattered thoughout the state.  Your mother definitely needs to drop the quack that won't diagnose her or even refer her for a sleep study (the ego of some docs drives me nuts!).  She needs to find a doc who will listen to her and act accordingly.  If you register with this site, you can use the PM feature if you don't want to publicize where you are.  

Good luck!

Steve,

Your mom definitely needs to drop her current doctor NOW.  If he won't even listen to her concerns and set up a sleep study or refer her to a specialist, then he doesn't care for his patient.  Now I know it can get tricky picking a doctor, especially if you have to get a primary care physician because of the insurance you have.  Now some doctors will then refer you to a sleep specialist.  My doctor ordered a sleep study so I never did see a specialist, however, a specialist did read my study.  Of course, I think my doc is absolutely AWESOME because first and foremost she listened to all of my concerns and readily said ok let's order a sleep study and see what's going on.

Do you have family or does your mom have close friends nearby?  If so, she might want to ask them about their doctors and check them out.  I've found when searching for a new doctor or even a dentist, I will ask my family and friends.  I found my current doctor that way and haven't regretted it for a minute.  Your mom can also call those doctors and ask to speak to the nurse to question if the doctor has dealt with sleep apnea patients.  In this way you will know that even if the doctor isn't a specialist, he/she at least deals with sleep disorder patients and would be open to discussing your moms questions and concerns.

I know many people are resistant to switching doctors, however, her continuing to work with this physician is endangering not only her life, but the lives of the people who are traveling on the same roads your mother drives on.

Best of luck!

Melinda