Questions about health requirements for Scuba

[khaosinc]

I used to dive in lakes when I was much younger in WI, but I haven't been in years, and was never licensed. With alot of my recent issues theres a few things I figure I need to get on with if I'm going to di them. One of them is getting a cold water permit (and equipment) to dive in the Puget sound.

What sort of physical requirements do you need to meet. I'm still recovering from surgery at the moment but by fall I should be mostly funtional.

 

[AquaAgua]

I would call a dive shop in the area and ask all your questions. One thing is that you will need more weight on your belt going from fresh water to salt water and also using a dry suit. You would want to have the upper body strength and leg strength to carry that stuff around.

 

[ducatimikep]

Actually DAN
http://www.diversalertnetwork.org/
is a much better resource than any local dive shop.

 

[billsreef]

That question is best asked of a doctor that is familiar with diving. DAN can likely recommend one or more in your area that you can consult with, if your own doc is not familiar with the needs of diving, both in regards to physical exertion and pressure effects.

 

[SeaJayInSC]

I second that opinion. Call DAN.

I dove DURING my recovery of knee reconstruction surgery after a patella tendon rupture and radical dislocation. During surgery, they found out that I had testicular cancer.

During chemotherapy, I lost 70 pounds in six weeks, lost every strand of hair, and was hospitalized seven times for low blood pressure and severe dehydration. My attitude was completely shot and my body would not heal - neither from the knee surgery nor from the testicle they ripped out. I was heavily laced with morphene (good stuff - especially the injectable kind), dialodid (what's that, a glorified aspirin?), percoset (radical mood swings), and other painkillers (bah - zero effect).

During my low-blood-pressure blackouts, I didn't dive, for fear of passing out without warning... But otherwise, against the doctor's orders, I dove.

It took me forever to gear up, and often I was too exhausted to clean my gear afterwards... And my SAC rate was off-the-chart rediculous... But somehow, the world seemed better when I was submerged.

I don't know what kind of surgery you've had, but I would definitely encourage you to dive if you can.

 

[khaosinc]

I'm Still recovering from heart surgery, and it will be another month or 2 before my ribs are up for any real weight or swimming.

Growing up I was on a swim team and water polo through high school, and last time I was in a pool my muscles still seem to remember how everything worked.

I have to see the docs tommorow... I'll see if any of them know about diving.

 

[SeaJayInSC]

Yeah, that's pretty serious stuff. Keep in mind how pivotal the heart's role is in offgassing. Aside from the bone issues that you're talking about (you could always don and doff in the water to prevent strain - and have someone assist you with gear otherwise), a strong heart and healthy lungs are paramount.

What did they do for heart surgery? How long has it been?

Any doctor worth his weight is going to automatically say "no" if there's any doubt whatsoever... Just to cover his tail liability-wise... But if it was me, I'd pay extra special attention to what the doctor says when it comes to anything dealing with the heart and lungs and scuba diving. I wouldn't just talk to the doctor... I'd talk to the doctor, the surgeon, and then DAN. On a conference call. During a webcast... With photos, video, and diagrams... And a powerpoint presentation.

Let us know what he says... And inquire about whether or not he looked for a PFO or deviated septum while you were under the knife. His answer may mean something to you years from now if/when you're back to normal diving.

 

[khaosinc]

I have a new valve and a new Aerota (all plastic) thanks to a huge Anurism caused by some fancy problem I couldn't hope to spell correctly. They are saying I should be strong enough to be back at my old job within another month or so, and I have a fairly labor intensive job. As for funtion of my heart and lungs, I assume it works normally, other than I will be on blood thinners for life...

 

[SeaJayInSC]

I just checked out "the" thread Khaos... Awesome stuff! I don't know what was more incredible - the immense tank build, the surgery, or the complications to surgery. Wow.

I'm afraid I gave up on reading the entire thread (got some pretty sideways looks from my girl after a couple of hours on the computer), but I read up to about page 25 before beginning to skim for yours or Tink's posts.

How far along is the tank project? It's too damn cool. Of course, you know that already - it looks like the whole world's already told you that.

Love your style, my friend.

Check with the docs and DAN for an "okay" on diving... But if you ask me, I don't see anything that should prevent you from diving. Sure, it looks like you're going to have to keep your physical strain to a minimum, so it'd probably be best to don and doff in the water, and have someone carry your gear for you. But I suspect that diving would actually be GOOD for you, otherwise... A good, low-impact activity combined with slightly raised PPO2 levels that would actually promote healing, if anything. The blood thinners may actually help you offgas better, too... At least, in theory.

The drugs that they probably still have you on may have some bad side effects, though... Underwater, you need to be able to think and act clearly - are you capable of driving? Do you believe that you're able to make rational decisions underwater?

Have all of your wounds closed? Historically, salt water is good for wound care, but there may be some concern about your body's natural armor having a "chink" in it.

 

[khaosinc]

I'm taking very few of the drugs anymore, no pain pills, or blood pressure meds anymore.

I am driving, and working and while they won't let me at work, I even play with some power tools at home.

I haven't gotten rid of the antobiotic IV yet, but hopefully soon, then I will be out of open wounds. Obviously all of this will have to wait untill I'm done with that (hopefully wednesday)

As for making rational decisions, I grew up swimming and have done some lake diving and like to think I can just about always remain calm. I've never dove in the ocean, and of course theres a cold factor that I haven't really dealt with before, but I can learn and I've always been pretty thick skinned.

The tank is coming along slowly, more on hold due to finances than anything at this point. Hopefully early next month, the clean up crew gets refreshed, then its on to the fun stuff...

 

[AquaAgua]

Wow, just read your thread.... that's incredible, and now you are into diving. You must be the Energizer Bunny, batteries and cyborg parts included. So glad you are on the other side of the surgery and back at it.

 

[SeaJayInSC]

Yeah, me too... What he said.

Wait until your wounds are closed, and ask the docs and DAN. They'll know better than anyone.

Personally, I wouldn't dive on any mood-altering drugs like painkillers and such... But listen to the docs and see what they have to say.

...Just the fact that you're thinking about diving at this point in your recovery is pretty amazing. <respect>

 

[Waterobert]

I got certified at Sport Chalet and they send me to physician with long list of thing to check out. My physician was helpful ,however was surprised by requirements. It really helped that I was in perfect health at that time. Well, you can lose your life during certification process and whoever is going to train you doesn't want to be sued by your significant other.

 

[AquaAgua]

By the way, if you get addicted to diving it gets really expensive. Maybe not as expensive as reef keeping, Khaos style.
As others have stated, check out Divers Alert Network DAN for medical info. They have lots of info and you might find answers to questions you hadn't thought of yet.