I have had changes in my health in the last 8 mo that have affected my sleep performance, PT, and overall ability to stay alert and focus on my tasks. My blood pressure is elevated my heart rate is elevated as a result of sleep apnea. I am here at the CBHCO working as a Cadre member where our mission is making sure SM (service members) gets there required treatment. I feel that I should be treated in the same regard when it comes to my medical condition. I have a diagnosis of moderate to severe sleep apnea and have given my chain of command plenty of time to prepare for the surgery. Yet I am put off and put off then the CO denies my surgery. I have had the surgery scheduled since 10/27/2006. I informed my chain of command of the surgery dates and times of CONLV (convalescent leave) on 10/27/2006. Once I received the confirmation, I then started inquiring for the information on how to take CONLV and what else was needed from me or my DR. I was told by SSG Finsness that the CDR may not approve it because of a shortage of personnel in the office to cover down while I was gone. I was never given a definite answer, but instead of an answer my NCOIC made a plan and submitted it to the CDR, as a means of covering my work load while I was gone. I felt positive about SSG Finsness and his attempts to cover my work load he had a workable plan that was agreed upon by everyone in the ADMIN section, including the 1SG. As a whole, we are understaffed. To add to this complaint another cadre member was allowed to have the same surgery on or about 12/21/2006. We as a section are more capable of covering the work now, than covering it later after losing a Cadre member in JAN07 and another FEB07 both from the ADMIN section leaving the section down three personnel as apposed to two in the current situation. Due to my recent diagnosis of moderate to severe obstructive apnea and low oxygenation during sleep I suffer from congestion and difficulty breathing. Causing fatigue during daytime hours difficulty functioning and affecting my overall mood and performance. At this time this is my best option for resolving my medical condition. I still don’t have any clear cut guidance on the date and time I will be allowed. I was informed that the last two weeks of my mission. I have a follow up three weeks after the surgery.

Question:
After reading this statment does any one have advise on weather I should file an IG complaint or just let it go.

Choices:
Yes File
No dont bother
May be more than you bargin for by filing

 

I think if you get a recommendation by a doctor for the surgerey, then they don't have a choice. You and your chain of command would need to get together and decide on a date. If they still refuse to let you have surgery, then I might go to IG. Make sure that your COC knows it, before you go. That might spur them into action.

Thank you I have gone through the COC all the way and the statment I posted has been read by my COC. I just wanted outside unbias opinions. But my COC is totally informed. Nothing has happened yet.

Its your health and your career, I say yes-file a complaint.

I'd like to know where a commander has the authority to deny surgery; I don't see how he/she could that unless they are the doctor. Is this categorized as an elective surgery? For example, Soldiers are now eligble to receive breast augmentation surgery at the expense of the government (TDY, etc not included), but since this is an elective surgery, I could see howa commander could deny it based on mission requirements, OPTEMPO, etc.

What is the nature of surgery you are having to correct sleep apnea? More often than not, surgeons will remove tonsils, adenoids, and part of the uvula (the dangly thing in the back of your throat). If this is the case, time off from work should be minimal. In some cases septoplasty may be necessary and would require a longer time for recovery.

As I am deeply concerned with the diagnosis of sleep apnea (likely cause of my father's death). I have been on my soapbox about the seriousness of the disorder, it's ramifications on the overall health, as well as options for treatment.

One of the first lines of treatment for moderate to severe sleep apnea is a CPAP or BIPAP. In sum, they are breathing apparatuses you strap to your head and face to help keep your airway open at night. They provide pressure with inhalation, expiration, or both. If you haven't tried one it is definitely worth a shot. Most who wear them have initial complaints about getting used to them. Once they have had them for a while and have gotten over the awkwardness and white noise, they report increased energy levels and symptoms associated with sleep apnea gradually disappear.

Other ways to help you deal with the sleep apnea include smoking cessation and weight loss if applicable. If either of these apply these are a must fix prior to surgery. Otherwise you will be spinning your wheels.

As far as the complaint, it is an elective surgery, but one that would benefit your health. Consider using other methods to cope prior to surgery but if none work, and surgery is inevitable, an IG complaint may be your best bet.