diving after dcs II

dreammermaid · 9th April 2006, 05:20

Anyone gotten DCS II and returned to diving? How did you start back into diving? Thanks, Leila

ROB DAVIE · 9th April 2006, 05:32

Hi, Leila,

Welcome to Rebreather World!

We believe we have a really great site here, and it is made that way by the divers we have who are knowledgeable, friendly, and willing to share information.

I know that we do have one diver (at least) here who has posted about having DCS, and then returning to diving. I take it that you have a personal interest in this subject?

May I suggest using the search function to see if it brings up relevant posts. If not, I am sure our members will help.

If you wouldn't mind, could you fill out your personal profile more completely? It helps our members gain a frame of reference when answering your questions.

Again, welcome to Rebreather World!!

Rob Davie
Rebreather World Admin

NickK · 9th April 2006, 11:13

Hi Leila,

Welcome aboard. This is a great site for anyone, pro or beginner.
Sounds like you got DSI hit, can you share your experience with members of this side, please. I am sure here are very experienced people (some also involved with diving medicine) who can give you a proper advise.

In my opinion, after proper medical clearance, take it easy, go shallow for non stressful dives, extremely close monitor your feelings and, definitely have reliable body with you. I could be wrong with my advise, hope some gurus on this site can correct me.

Great spirit and Body of Water have tremendous healing effect. Hope you will be well soon.

Best regards,
Nick

Pelagian · 9th April 2006, 17:48

Hey Leila

I suffered a spinal hit back in 98 after becoming a Divemaster and working a little too much. 27 straight days in the water, lots of bounce dives for OW training and to pick up mooring lines, and I was so busy I ignored my dehydration and was down to drinking 1 pint a day in 110 F desert heat.

As fas as symptoms I had a 50% redcuation in the feeling on my right thigh.

My treatment was a little sparse. On hour on I.V. and 100% Oxygen and then a 1 hour run at 60ft in the chamber on 100% oxygen.

My run finished with almost a 100% restoration of my sensation.

After a 4 week convalensence with a strict rehydration regimen and regular injections of Tri vitamin B complex(to help build up the nerves i think), I was cleared to return to diving.

For the next 6 months I was extremely paranoid. We were doing 90 min dives in winter and my hands were getting numb but it ended up just being the cold.

I have done about 250 dives a year since then, and 4 years ago switched to tech and CCR. Aside from minor niggles on occasion and some permanent necrosis in one of my thumbs(both of which are unrelated to my previous DCS), i am diving fine.

It takes a while to build up your confidence but build up progressivley, keep your ascents super slow and do your stops and very importantly drink loads of water.

Cheers

Seb

koputai · 10th April 2006, 03:10

Quote: (Originally Posted by NickK)

In my opinion, after proper medical clearance, take it easy, go shallow for non stressful dives, extremely close monitor your feelings and, definitely have reliable body with you.

I don't think you'll ever get a doctor to give you clearance to dive after anything more than a trivial DCS. Some doctors are more progressive and forward thinking than others, but it's unlikely you'll get one to sign on the dotted line.
The biggest problem getting back into it was mental. Those first few dives you'll be watching yourself extrememly closely. Just go steady and build up your dives. I started back at 50m, but only very short bottom times with almost no required deco.
http://www.deepdiving.net/incident.html

Jason.

NickK · 10th April 2006, 05:44

Quote: (Originally Posted by koputai)

I don't think you'll ever get a doctor to give you clearance to dive after anything more than a trivial DCS. Some doctors are more progressive and forward thinking than others, but it's unlikely you'll get one to sign on the dotted line.
The biggest problem getting back into it was mental. Those first few dives you'll be watching yourself extrememly closely. Just go steady and build up your dives. I started back at 50m, but only very short bottom times with almost no required deco.
http://www.deepdiving.net/incident.html

Jason.

You are correct Jason. This is exactly what I meant. Still, I shell recommend to check with good doctor. If "no go" situation, than you accept all responsibilities if you really want to do it.

After I had a problem I started with pool. All I can say: take it easy, shallow at first dives, no deco and trusted body close by, at least for first few dives to check on yourself and regain self-confidence. Rest sad in my previous posting.

Dive safe and all the best,
Nick

**Simon TW** · 15th April 2006, 22:31

Quote: (Originally Posted by koputai)

I don't think you'll ever get a doctor to give you clearance to dive after anything more than a trivial DCS. Some doctors are more progressive and forward thinking than others, but it's unlikely you'll get one to sign on the dotted line.
Jason.

I have to disagree there Jason, I had all the checks and took the medical and passed. The doc did say however that when he read the file beforehand he was sure that he wouldn't be signing me off but as he said "you never can judge"

If after a bad hit your lucky enough to make a recovery with no residual effects then any good doctor who is versed in diving medcine should pass you "fit to dive" and as you rightly said it's then up to the individual concerned to overcome the mental issue and get back in the water.

I have replied to your PM Leila and I posted this about my return to CCR
http://www.rebreatherworld.com/surfa...ighlight=simon

Dive safe

bellamygdj · 16th April 2006, 07:10

Hi Leila,

Just over a week ago, after 2 lovely dives, all conservative,CCR KISS with very little deco,100%O2 at 6m. an 1 hour after coming out of the water, I developed a skin rash, marbly, bruised looking, all around the mid-torso and shoulder...classic signs of a DCI hit.

Paranoia set-in, I denied I had a problem, and that night, during a dinner showed my rash to doctor here in NZ, who happens to be a leader in Dive Med. Skin DC hit was his reply, which confirmed my deep down fears, He said your not going to die from this one, but its a good warning.
The next day I booked myself in for a blood flow scan to check for a Right left shunt (PFO), (apparently 80% of this type of skin hit divers have a PFO, hole in the heart between the top chambers, resulting in inertgas rich blood missing getting to the lungs)
With a hefty price tag for a consultation, I'll have to wait 2 weeks to get one...sweat.
I got home to give my wife the news and to plan my next hobby, My wife was late home, she had gone the doctors...she had a skin rash, around her chest and underarms...NEW WASHING POWDER....add some sweat and Bingo.

Still I havent cancelled the appointment. Just in case.

Leila, Get yourself checked out by a doctor with diving experience, take your time, and take it easy, and dont switch brands of washing powder

dreammermaid · 17th April 2006, 10:54

Thanks for all the words of encouragement. You guys are great. My first attempt to share my experience was less successful but here I definitely feel motivated to try....

Pelagian · 17th April 2006, 18:26

Hey Leila

Just keep in mind we are getting much better at treating DCS, and there are many people who have suffered multiple hits over the course of their diving careers(Recreational, tech, commercial etc) and still dive in the most extreme conditions successfully.

This doesn't mean we shouldn't absolutely strive to avoid it, but "Faeces Ocurrs" on even the most well prepared dives.

The main thing is to get it treated as early as possible, and if there is any delay from surface to chamber get on the highest oxygen mix possible for as long as possible, drink plenty of water and get to the chamber as quickly as possible. If the doctors give you the option of further treatments, take em. All of this will decrease your residuals as much as possible, and increase the chances of a return to diving.

Good Luck

Seb

9th April 2006, 05:20	#1 (permalink)
dreammermaid New Member Current Rebreather/s: Not Bought Yet Other Rebreather/s: Not Bought Yet Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: us Posts: 6	diving after dcs II Anyone gotten DCS II and returned to diving? How did you start back into diving? Thanks, Leila
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9th April 2006, 05:32	#2 (permalink)
ROB DAVIE Administrator Current Rebreather/s: Inspiration Classic Other Rebreather/s: Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: HOUSTON, REPUBLIC OF TEJAS Posts: 1,120	Re: diving after dcs II Hi, Leila, Welcome to Rebreather World! We believe we have a really great site here, and it is made that way by the divers we have who are knowledgeable, friendly, and willing to share information. I know that we do have one diver (at least) here who has posted about having DCS, and then returning to diving. I take it that you have a personal interest in this subject? May I suggest using the search function to see if it brings up relevant posts. If not, I am sure our members will help. If you wouldn't mind, could you fill out your personal profile more completely? It helps our members gain a frame of reference when answering your questions. Again, welcome to Rebreather World!! Rob Davie Rebreather World Admin __________________ [SIZE=2]"CC Rebreathers will become a viable part of tech diving [U]WHEN PIGS FLY[/U]!!"--GI3[/SIZE]
(Offline)

9th April 2006, 11:13	#3 (permalink)
NickK New Member Current Rebreather/s: Evolution Other Rebreather/s: Evolution Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Vancouver Island Posts: 84	Re: diving after dcs II Hi Leila, Welcome aboard. This is a great site for anyone, pro or beginner. Sounds like you got DSI hit, can you share your experience with members of this side, please. I am sure here are very experienced people (some also involved with diving medicine) who can give you a proper advise. In my opinion, after proper medical clearance, take it easy, go shallow for non stressful dives, extremely close monitor your feelings and, definitely have reliable body with you. I could be wrong with my advise, hope some gurus on this site can correct me. Great spirit and Body of Water have tremendous healing effect. Hope you will be well soon. Best regards, Nick
(Offline)

9th April 2006, 17:48	#4 (permalink)
Pelagian Multi-Circuit Meg Monkey! Current Rebreather/s: Megalodon Other Rebreather/s: Inspiration Classic Inspiration Vision Evolution Sport Kiss Optima Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Leeds, England Posts: 275	Re: diving after dcs II Hey Leila I suffered a spinal hit back in 98 after becoming a Divemaster and working a little too much. 27 straight days in the water, lots of bounce dives for OW training and to pick up mooring lines, and I was so busy I ignored my dehydration and was down to drinking 1 pint a day in 110 F desert heat. As fas as symptoms I had a 50% redcuation in the feeling on my right thigh. My treatment was a little sparse. On hour on I.V. and 100% Oxygen and then a 1 hour run at 60ft in the chamber on 100% oxygen. My run finished with almost a 100% restoration of my sensation. After a 4 week convalensence with a strict rehydration regimen and regular injections of Tri vitamin B complex(to help build up the nerves i think), I was cleared to return to diving. For the next 6 months I was extremely paranoid. We were doing 90 min dives in winter and my hands were getting numb but it ended up just being the cold. I have done about 250 dives a year since then, and 4 years ago switched to tech and CCR. Aside from minor niggles on occasion and some permanent necrosis in one of my thumbs(both of which are unrelated to my previous DCS), i am diving fine. It takes a while to build up your confidence but build up progressivley, keep your ascents super slow and do your stops and very importantly drink loads of water. Cheers Seb __________________ 'Because... I was Inverted!'
(Offline)

10th April 2006, 03:10	#5 (permalink)
koputai Subsea Systems Current Rebreather/s: MK 15.X Other CCR Other SCR Other Rebreather/s: Not Bought Yet Other CCR Other SCR Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Sydney, Australia Posts: 309	Re: diving after dcs II Quote: (Originally Posted by NickK) In my opinion, after proper medical clearance, take it easy, go shallow for non stressful dives, extremely close monitor your feelings and, definitely have reliable body with you. I don't think you'll ever get a doctor to give you clearance to dive after anything more than a trivial DCS. Some doctors are more progressive and forward thinking than others, but it's unlikely you'll get one to sign on the dotted line. The biggest problem getting back into it was mental. Those first few dives you'll be watching yourself extrememly closely. Just go steady and build up your dives. I started back at 50m, but only very short bottom times with almost no required deco. http://www.deepdiving.net/incident.html Jason.
(Offline)

10th April 2006, 05:44	#6 (permalink)
NickK New Member Current Rebreather/s: Evolution Other Rebreather/s: Evolution Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Vancouver Island Posts: 84	Re: diving after dcs II Quote: (Originally Posted by koputai) I don't think you'll ever get a doctor to give you clearance to dive after anything more than a trivial DCS. Some doctors are more progressive and forward thinking than others, but it's unlikely you'll get one to sign on the dotted line. The biggest problem getting back into it was mental. Those first few dives you'll be watching yourself extrememly closely. Just go steady and build up your dives. I started back at 50m, but only very short bottom times with almost no required deco. http://www.deepdiving.net/incident.html Jason. You are correct Jason. This is exactly what I meant. Still, I shell recommend to check with good doctor. If "no go" situation, than you accept all responsibilities if you really want to do it. After I had a problem I started with pool. All I can say: take it easy, shallow at first dives, no deco and trusted body close by, at least for first few dives to check on yourself and regain self-confidence. Rest sad in my previous posting. Dive safe and all the best, Nick
(Offline)

15th April 2006, 22:31	#7 (permalink)
Simon TW Martini Diver Current Rebreather/s: Inspiration Classic Inspiration Vision Evolution Megalodon Other Rebreather/s: Join Date: May 2005 Location: Hurghada (Egypt) and Lancaster (England) Posts: 152	Re: diving after dcs II Quote: (Originally Posted by koputai) I don't think you'll ever get a doctor to give you clearance to dive after anything more than a trivial DCS. Some doctors are more progressive and forward thinking than others, but it's unlikely you'll get one to sign on the dotted line. Jason. I have to disagree there Jason, I had all the checks and took the medical and passed. The doc did say however that when he read the file beforehand he was sure that he wouldn't be signing me off but as he said "you never can judge" If after a bad hit your lucky enough to make a recovery with no residual effects then any good doctor who is versed in diving medcine should pass you "fit to dive" and as you rightly said it's then up to the individual concerned to overcome the mental issue and get back in the water. I have replied to your PM Leila and I posted this about my return to CCR http://www.rebreatherworld.com/surfa...ighlight=simon Dive safe Last edited by Simon TW : 15th April 2006 at 23:31.
(Offline)

16th April 2006, 07:10	#8 (permalink)
bellamygdj New Member Current Rebreather/s: Other CCR Dolphin Home Build Other Rebreather/s: Other CCR Dolphin Home Build Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: hamilton Posts: 33	Re: diving after dcs II Hi Leila, Just over a week ago, after 2 lovely dives, all conservative,CCR KISS with very little deco,100%O2 at 6m. an 1 hour after coming out of the water, I developed a skin rash, marbly, bruised looking, all around the mid-torso and shoulder...classic signs of a DCI hit. Paranoia set-in, I denied I had a problem, and that night, during a dinner showed my rash to doctor here in NZ, who happens to be a leader in Dive Med. Skin DC hit was his reply, which confirmed my deep down fears, He said your not going to die from this one, but its a good warning. The next day I booked myself in for a blood flow scan to check for a Right left shunt (PFO), (apparently 80% of this type of skin hit divers have a PFO, hole in the heart between the top chambers, resulting in inertgas rich blood missing getting to the lungs) With a hefty price tag for a consultation, I'll have to wait 2 weeks to get one...sweat. I got home to give my wife the news and to plan my next hobby, My wife was late home, she had gone the doctors...she had a skin rash, around her chest and underarms...NEW WASHING POWDER....add some sweat and Bingo. Still I havent cancelled the appointment. Just in case. Leila, Get yourself checked out by a doctor with diving experience, take your time, and take it easy, and dont switch brands of washing powder
(Offline)

17th April 2006, 10:54	#9 (permalink)
dreammermaid New Member Current Rebreather/s: Not Bought Yet Other Rebreather/s: Not Bought Yet Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: us Posts: 6	Re: diving after dcs II Thanks for all the words of encouragement. You guys are great. My first attempt to share my experience was less successful but here I definitely feel motivated to try....
(Offline)

17th April 2006, 18:26	#10 (permalink)
Pelagian Multi-Circuit Meg Monkey! Current Rebreather/s: Megalodon Other Rebreather/s: Inspiration Classic Inspiration Vision Evolution Sport Kiss Optima Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Leeds, England Posts: 275	Re: diving after dcs II Hey Leila Just keep in mind we are getting much better at treating DCS, and there are many people who have suffered multiple hits over the course of their diving careers(Recreational, tech, commercial etc) and still dive in the most extreme conditions successfully. This doesn't mean we shouldn't absolutely strive to avoid it, but "Faeces Ocurrs" on even the most well prepared dives. The main thing is to get it treated as early as possible, and if there is any delay from surface to chamber get on the highest oxygen mix possible for as long as possible, drink plenty of water and get to the chamber as quickly as possible. If the doctors give you the option of further treatments, take em. All of this will decrease your residuals as much as possible, and increase the chances of a return to diving. Good Luck Seb __________________ 'Because... I was Inverted!'
(Offline)

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