How do I get permission to fly when diagnosed with Sleep Apnea?
When an Aviation Medical Examiner, AME, issues you a medical certificate, that is the relevant "permission" you need. Having sleep apnea complicates that issuance process, but doesn't necessarily make it impossible. Along with what you read on the AOPA forums, I would suggest making an appointment to talk with a local AME, preferably one who has accomplished this process with other pilots before. He can give you a picture of what the process is likely to look like in your case, which is a better answer than assuming that your journey will look like that of somebody you read about on the internet.