Hi everyone, I am new to Rebreather World.

MPJScuba · 21st April 2006, 23:46

My name is Matt Johnston, I am 29 years old with Duchenne's Muscular Dystrophy and am dependent on a ventilator to breathe 24/7. I have a dream to scuba dive. I have made many new friends in the diving world while working on my dream, and hope to make more here.

I am fortunate to have made friends with the likes of Dick Long, who is a pioneer of diving, Susan Long, my good friend, president of DUI and special friends John Chatterton and Richie Kohler.

Scuba diving is something I have wanted to do since I was around 6 years old. I am a very big fan of the underwater world. My favorite underwater creature is the shark. I think rebreathers are cool. The diving technology now is amazing!

Oh sure, diving with these medical issues has never been done before. But I believe that anything is possible if a person wants it bad enough and is willing to do whatever it takes to make it happen. People went to outer space, didn’t they? I just want to go to inner space. The biggest challenge is that a new life support system needs to be developed or an existing system will need to be modified for me to explore the world underwater. And you know what? Through persistence, it is starting to come together.

And, for the first time in ten years, I’m back in the water! Despite several people saying a person in my situation couldn’t go under the water, not only have I been underwater, but I have been increasing my time each and every session. I am up to 1 hour underwater now! I feel like I have a Guardian Angel watching over me. To successfully and carefully accomplish my dream, I use a custom made dry suit with a special water tight connector on the outside. This enables me to connect the 10 foot long double-limb ventilator circuit from the outside to the inside of my dry suit. I have been floating my ventilator above me in a container. I using a Neptune Space full face mask while in the water with supplemental air supplied from the surface. My friends
and support people are working on putting together a inspiration re-breather using a Newport HP50 ventilator. This will be a one of a kind life support system if we are successful!

Also, I am now a certified open water diver…I have a C-Card from SDI.

For more on my dream you can visit my websites @ www.scubadivingdream.com or www.divingadream.org or http://matt55125.tripod.com/scuba

As the bumper sticker on the back of my wheelchair says... "SCUBA diving is life, everything else is just a surface interval!"

I look forward to meeting you all, and any advice you may have please pass onto me. It will
be most appreciated. Safe diving!

-Matt-

divetheworld · 22nd April 2006, 00:18

Wow, now there's an introduction that leaves you a bit speachless.
My heartfelt admiration to you and those who have devoted so much time and effort to your dream. It is truely inspiring.

A stark example that ability to succeed has little to do with physical prowess.

All the very best,

Brent

shell-back · 22nd April 2006, 00:23

you are truly blessed with those around you. I have great pride in that the industry has made your goals possible. If we can be of any assistance in your future endeavors please contact us.

Dr Jocelyn Beal OTD
William H Beal SDI/TDI IT 3507
www.bigoscuba.com
402-896-8282

***caveseeker7*** · 22nd April 2006, 00:45

Welcome to Rebreather World, Matt.

It doesn't happen often that my jaw drops wide open, but you did it.

I'm sure we can provide plenty of info on rebreathers, but it seems you're
the one we can learn from. It's hard to hold on to a dream and pursue it
against all odds. I understand the dream, but not your will power that'll
make it come true. I am in awe.

I wish you the very best, that you will live that dream.

Benthic · 22nd April 2006, 01:05

Matt,

Welcome to Rebreather World. I learned about your project from some of your posts on ScubaBoard and subsequently bought one of your t-shirts. As a result of the shirt, I've had the chance to tell several people your amazing story.

As others have said, you are very blessed to have so many great people around you. What you've accomplished so far is truly amazing. I'm anxious to follow your continued progress. Keep after it, and you'll find a way to make it happen! And be sure to tell us all about it.

I hope you'll be a regular here on the board. We have a great community here, and we'd be happy to talk diving with you all you want. And at the same time, I'm sure you'll teach us all something about determination.

Welcome Aboard!

Brian

abowie · 22nd April 2006, 02:49

That is very impressive.

MPJScuba · 22nd April 2006, 16:00

I am impressed with such a warm welcome that I am receiving here on this board. Thank you so much for the encouragement. Yes I will defiantly enjoy hanging out here. I know that I will get good info from here. I am looking forward to getting to know you all. Love to hear about some dive stories. I will let you all know if I do need help with problems I have. If anyone has any ideas let me know. I know I will enjoy using a rebreather when we get one working, then watch out no one will get me out of the water. LOL. I know we will make it happen. It's just a matter of time, since we will not be changing the rebreather much. That is always what I have always wanted is to be a rebreather diver.

I'll see you around. We divers rock.

Safe diving all Matt

***schford*** · 22nd April 2006, 19:53

Welcome :-)

Team - I don't know what you all think but it sounds to me like we need to work together to be able to give Matt a go on a Rebreather and maybe get him certified - what say you all?

Stuart

76hondachopper · 23rd April 2006, 02:53

Hey all,

I have had the pleasure and honor to meet and spend some time with Matt. Truly an inspiration and overall cool dude.

I have just recently joined Matt’s team and what we are thinking to go enclose Matt’s ventilator within the breathing loop of a rebreather.

The ventilator likes being at ambient pressure which is exactly what a rebreather offers. The first idea was to use my Inspiration and add a water proof housing for the vent in the loop. John Chatterling and Richie Kohler thought about it and came up with the idea of an oxygen rebreather.

This would eliminate the cells, computer, diluant from the system. A demand value would supply O2 when metabolized. We have a depth limit of 20 feet but that is within our dive plan anyway.

We have a goal of going to DEMA in the fall and would like to do an ocean dive.

We can use some help in design and construction. We can use my classic Inspiration in the design or make a hybrid O2 rebreather.

The ventilator should not need a counter lung and we have a product manager for the ventilator on the team. The O2 rebreather seems the way to go but we need a water proof housing for the ventilator and then attach the hoses that go to the dry suit and the trachoma tube.

That is what we have going on so far. Matt is a mover and a shaker. We are all the better for being part of this.

Jere Thorne

MPJScuba · 23rd April 2006, 15:37

Hi Stuart, thanks for the nice message. You have a great board here.

I would be great full for any help from anybody on this board. I would like to be certified for rebreather some time. Sounds great to me. I like the Evolution rebreather. It looks a little smaller then the Inspiration.

I am diving June 18 at the DUI DOG Rally and DEMO days at Wazee Lake in Black River Falls WI. I am working at diving at Underwater Adventures Aquarium at the Mall of America.

Jere, nice to see you here bud. Your ideas are good and so are John and Richie. I love figuring out this stuff that has to do with rebreathers and vents.

Jere you are an awesome friend to have and a great guy. You are a doer in my book. When we go to DEMA 10-11, we will be diving in Key Largo after that.

Take care everyone Matt.

21st April 2006, 23:46	#1 (permalink)
MPJScuba New Member Current Rebreather/s: Not Bought Yet Other Rebreather/s: Not Bought Yet Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Woodbury, MN, USA Posts: 42	Hi everyone, I am new to Rebreather World. My name is Matt Johnston, I am 29 years old with Duchenne's Muscular Dystrophy and am dependent on a ventilator to breathe 24/7. I have a dream to scuba dive. I have made many new friends in the diving world while working on my dream, and hope to make more here. I am fortunate to have made friends with the likes of Dick Long, who is a pioneer of diving, Susan Long, my good friend, president of DUI and special friends John Chatterton and Richie Kohler. Scuba diving is something I have wanted to do since I was around 6 years old. I am a very big fan of the underwater world. My favorite underwater creature is the shark. I think rebreathers are cool. The diving technology now is amazing! Oh sure, diving with these medical issues has never been done before. But I believe that anything is possible if a person wants it bad enough and is willing to do whatever it takes to make it happen. People went to outer space, didn’t they? I just want to go to inner space. The biggest challenge is that a new life support system needs to be developed or an existing system will need to be modified for me to explore the world underwater. And you know what? Through persistence, it is starting to come together. And, for the first time in ten years, I’m back in the water! Despite several people saying a person in my situation couldn’t go under the water, not only have I been underwater, but I have been increasing my time each and every session. I am up to 1 hour underwater now! I feel like I have a Guardian Angel watching over me. To successfully and carefully accomplish my dream, I use a custom made dry suit with a special water tight connector on the outside. This enables me to connect the 10 foot long double-limb ventilator circuit from the outside to the inside of my dry suit. I have been floating my ventilator above me in a container. I using a Neptune Space full face mask while in the water with supplemental air supplied from the surface. My friends and support people are working on putting together a inspiration re-breather using a Newport HP50 ventilator. This will be a one of a kind life support system if we are successful! Also, I am now a certified open water diver…I have a C-Card from SDI. For more on my dream you can visit my websites @ www.scubadivingdream.com or www.divingadream.org or http://matt55125.tripod.com/scuba As the bumper sticker on the back of my wheelchair says... "SCUBA diving is life, everything else is just a surface interval!" I look forward to meeting you all, and any advice you may have please pass onto me. It will be most appreciated. Safe diving! -Matt- __________________ Henry David Thoreau: I have learned, that if one advances confidently in the direction of his dreams, and endeavors to live the life he has imagined, he will meet with a success unexpected in common hours. Last edited by MPJScuba : 22nd April 2006 at 13:26.
(Offline)

22nd April 2006, 00:18	#2 (permalink)
divetheworld Dive porn pimp Current Rebreather/s: Inspiration Classic Other CCR Other Rebreather/s: Not Bought Yet Inspiration Classic Inspiration Vision Classic Kiss Other CCR Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Leeds, England Posts: 1,535	Re: Hi everyone, I am new to Rebreather World. Wow, now there's an introduction that leaves you a bit speachless. My heartfelt admiration to you and those who have devoted so much time and effort to your dream. It is truely inspiring. A stark example that ability to succeed has little to do with physical prowess. All the very best, Brent __________________ Self praise is no reccomendation. Dont try to be a great man, just be a man and let history be the judge of you. CHECK OUT OUR INTERWEBS FOR CUSTOM REBREATHER UPGRADES *WWW.NARKEDAT90.CO.UK* *http://www.grpservices.com/pursuit/* Supporting Shearwater Research Products in Europe
(Offline)

22nd April 2006, 00:23	#3 (permalink)
shell-back I do all my own stunts Current Rebreather/s: Other CCR Dolphin Ray Azimuth Other SCR Home Build Other Rebreather/s: Other CCR Dolphin Ray Azimuth Other SCR Home Build Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: middle of US Posts: 481	Re: Hi everyone, I am new to Rebreather World. you are truly blessed with those around you. I have great pride in that the industry has made your goals possible. If we can be of any assistance in your future endeavors please contact us. Dr Jocelyn Beal OTD William H Beal SDI/TDI IT 3507 www.bigoscuba.com 402-896-8282 __________________ The greatest obstacle to discovery is not ignorance -- it is the illusion of knowledge. ----Daniel Boorstin Billy Beal SDITDI IT #3507 Rebreather World FIGJAM commitee member
(Offline)

22nd April 2006, 00:45	#4 (permalink)
*caveseeker7* Who loves ya, baby Current Rebreather/s: Sport Kiss Other Rebreather/s: Prism Topaz Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Too far from Neverland Posts: 5,325	Re: Hi everyone, I am new to Rebreather World. Welcome to Rebreather World, Matt. It doesn't happen often that my jaw drops wide open, but you did it. I'm sure we can provide plenty of info on rebreathers, but it seems you're the one we can learn from. It's hard to hold on to a dream and pursue it against all odds. I understand the dream, but not your will power that'll make it come true. I am in awe. I wish you the very best, that you will live that dream. __________________ Cheers Stefan "It is still a good day if you are on the green side of the grass! Su amigo Roberto!" Sponsor Lou in Race For Life!
(Offline)

22nd April 2006, 01:05	#5 (permalink)
Benthic MEGalomaniac Current Rebreather/s: Megalodon Other Rebreather/s: Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Pensacola, FL USA Posts: 219	Re: Hi everyone, I am new to Rebreather World. Matt, Welcome to Rebreather World. I learned about your project from some of your posts on ScubaBoard and subsequently bought one of your t-shirts. As a result of the shirt, I've had the chance to tell several people your amazing story. As others have said, you are very blessed to have so many great people around you. What you've accomplished so far is truly amazing. I'm anxious to follow your continued progress. Keep after it, and you'll find a way to make it happen! And be sure to tell us all about it. I hope you'll be a regular here on the board. We have a great community here, and we'd be happy to talk diving with you all you want. And at the same time, I'm sure you'll teach us all something about determination. Welcome Aboard! Brian __________________ Well lit rooms will not repel determined beer ninjas.
(Offline)

22nd April 2006, 02:49	#6 (permalink)
abowie Fighting Girl Current Rebreather/s: Sport Kiss Other Rebreather/s: Join Date: May 2005 Location: Land of Oz Posts: 573	Re: Hi everyone, I am new to Rebreather World. That is very impressive. __________________ Andrew Bowie Rebreather-friendly Buddy
(Offline)

22nd April 2006, 16:00	#7 (permalink)
MPJScuba New Member Current Rebreather/s: Not Bought Yet Other Rebreather/s: Not Bought Yet Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Woodbury, MN, USA Posts: 42	Re: Hi everyone, I am new to Rebreather World. I am impressed with such a warm welcome that I am receiving here on this board. Thank you so much for the encouragement. Yes I will defiantly enjoy hanging out here. I know that I will get good info from here. I am looking forward to getting to know you all. Love to hear about some dive stories. I will let you all know if I do need help with problems I have. If anyone has any ideas let me know. I know I will enjoy using a rebreather when we get one working, then watch out no one will get me out of the water. LOL. I know we will make it happen. It's just a matter of time, since we will not be changing the rebreather much. That is always what I have always wanted is to be a rebreather diver. I'll see you around. We divers rock. Safe diving all Matt __________________ Henry David Thoreau: I have learned, that if one advances confidently in the direction of his dreams, and endeavors to live the life he has imagined, he will meet with a success unexpected in common hours. Last edited by MPJScuba : 23rd April 2006 at 22:54.
(Offline)

22nd April 2006, 19:53	#8 (permalink)
*schford* Despotic Overlord Current Rebreather/s: Megalodon Sport Kiss Other Rebreather/s: Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: London, UK Posts: 3,662	Re: Hi everyone, I am new to Rebreather World. Welcome :-) Team - I don't know what you all think but it sounds to me like we need to work together to be able to give Matt a go on a Rebreather and maybe get him certified - what say you all? Stuart __________________ Bailout and Kit Management account for Murphy's Law The only bad question is one you did not ask and later wish you had. Use of Rebreather World is subject to the Rebreather World Terms & Conditions of Use
(Offline)

23rd April 2006, 02:53	#9 (permalink)
76hondachopper New Member Current Rebreather/s: Inspiration Classic Other Rebreather/s: Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: minnesota Posts: 1	Re: Hi everyone, I am new to Rebreather World. Hey all, I have had the pleasure and honor to meet and spend some time with Matt. Truly an inspiration and overall cool dude. I have just recently joined Matt’s team and what we are thinking to go enclose Matt’s ventilator within the breathing loop of a rebreather. The ventilator likes being at ambient pressure which is exactly what a rebreather offers. The first idea was to use my Inspiration and add a water proof housing for the vent in the loop. John Chatterling and Richie Kohler thought about it and came up with the idea of an oxygen rebreather. This would eliminate the cells, computer, diluant from the system. A demand value would supply O2 when metabolized. We have a depth limit of 20 feet but that is within our dive plan anyway. We have a goal of going to DEMA in the fall and would like to do an ocean dive. We can use some help in design and construction. We can use my classic Inspiration in the design or make a hybrid O2 rebreather. The ventilator should not need a counter lung and we have a product manager for the ventilator on the team. The O2 rebreather seems the way to go but we need a water proof housing for the ventilator and then attach the hoses that go to the dry suit and the trachoma tube. That is what we have going on so far. Matt is a mover and a shaker. We are all the better for being part of this. Jere Thorne
(Offline)

23rd April 2006, 15:37	#10 (permalink)
MPJScuba New Member Current Rebreather/s: Not Bought Yet Other Rebreather/s: Not Bought Yet Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Woodbury, MN, USA Posts: 42	Re: Hi everyone, I am new to Rebreather World. Hi Stuart, thanks for the nice message. You have a great board here. I would be great full for any help from anybody on this board. I would like to be certified for rebreather some time. Sounds great to me. I like the Evolution rebreather. It looks a little smaller then the Inspiration. I am diving June 18 at the DUI DOG Rally and DEMO days at Wazee Lake in Black River Falls WI. I am working at diving at Underwater Adventures Aquarium at the Mall of America. Jere, nice to see you here bud. Your ideas are good and so are John and Richie. I love figuring out this stuff that has to do with rebreathers and vents. Jere you are an awesome friend to have and a great guy. You are a doer in my book. When we go to DEMA 10-11, we will be diving in Key Largo after that. Take care everyone Matt. __________________ Henry David Thoreau: I have learned, that if one advances confidently in the direction of his dreams, and endeavors to live the life he has imagined, he will meet with a success unexpected in common hours. Last edited by MPJScuba : 23rd April 2006 at 23:01.
(Offline)

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Display Modes
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode