Quote: (Originally Posted by
Jim)
You are hiding behind stats .... the vast majority of tech diver's I know are experienced guys and girls with a good deal of common sense, ignore your NNT, NNH - if you have suffered a bend or like most that go on to be diagnosed, multiple bends, for what appears to be no known reason on conservative dives, an educated person would look to get themselves tested or give up diving (as discussed an unfixed PFO still carries risks). That's it, as simple as I can make it - You don't need stats to tell you it's a wise move.
I'm not talking widespread testing as I've already suggested which blows out most of your stats because you are working with a bunch of already bent divers - you can statersize (is there such a word - I'm sure you will correct me) & theorise all you like. I'm talking common sense from experienced, educated, knowledgable tech divers.
Jim. You are basing your opinions on what has happened to you and applying it to all divers. Thing is, you're not a typical diver, and you're doing different diving to the majority of divers in the world, including probably / possibly the original post here.
Also you need to be careful about extrapolating your experiences. Last year I was on a boat with someone who missed all of his stops after a trimix dive to 45 metres. He got away with no symptoms. It 'worked' for him on that occasion but I'm still going to do deco! That's why we need stats and not anecdotes.
Just because your operation was successful and your PFO was picked up it doesn't mean that everyone else's is. I know of someone who had an allergic reaction the the implant (not nice) and it is not without risk.
That said, because I am a similar sort of diver to you, if I had multiple bends then yes I would get tested and if I had a large PFO like yours then I would probably get it fixed. But you and I (and the rest of the board) aren't typical divers.
If Missus Janos (a recreational diver) had a single bend then I'm not sure whether it's sensible for her to have the PFO test or not. TEE might be worth it but I'm don't know about a TOE. Fingers crossed we won't have to make that decision
Janos