RE: [detached-retina] scuba diving

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Posted by Jim on Jun 29, 2006 112 views

From: detached-retina@yahoogroups.com On Behalf Of Jim Skamarakas
Sent: Thursday, June 29, 2006 8:12 PM
To: detached-retina@yahoogroups.com
Subject: RE: [detached-retina] scuba diving

Probably me or someone in the same boat, pardon the pun. I am a PADI Dive Master, and my primary RD surgeon is also a diver.

You can dive, after a period of time. The best source for diving medical questions and concerns is 3 places.

Your primary physician
A diving physician. There are around if you live reasonably close to a large body of water, but also look for a bariatric treatment center
Every diver should be a member of DAN. The services they provide and the information they make available are an invaluable resource for us all.

One of the biggest concerns, is once cleared by #1 for general physical activity and swimming, you need to check the specific medications you are on, and their effects under pressure.

Having been in technical diving programs for deep air and deep NITROX, I would not ever expect to go below the recreational depth limits of 60; again myself. Not for any reason other than:

Fear
Not wanting to blow out my eye ball and have to listen to my wife
Not wanting to risk what vision I have now for the rest of my life for a moment of fun

#3 is also what keeps me from driving on bad driving condition days even though I know I could do it. I think testosterone has a lot to do with stupid things men do, and I will tell you that I can dive back down to 183 feet in a heartbeat and I can drive to work in the left lane doing 75 while it is raining with slick roads and fog making it impossible to see 20 feet in front of me.

But then I blink and think of supporting my family, and just take things differently.

Even cleared to dive, and as much as I want to sit my butt back on the wreck where I took my first narc hit with a good friend one sunny afternoon off Ft. Lauderdale, I know I will never see that spot again. And not because #1, 2 or 3 told me not to. I know my arch nemesis is overhead projectors, and I donâ€™t want to give them any more ammo to put me out of work or make it happen more often that I cannot read the E on some eye exam days. It happens enough know. And if it does get worse, as a natural result of my RD, AND I push it with diving, I will have to listen to it being my fault till she carves it on my headstone. And as much as I do not want to listen to that speech, I more donâ€™t want to put my family through the consequences it would bring.

Sorry for giving too short of an answer. If you have any specific questions on mixes, masks, filtered masks, custom lenses or anything else, feel free to ask.

From: detached-retina@yahoogroups.com On Behalf Of lucas sultan
Sent: Tuesday, June 27, 2006 3:16 PM
To: detached-retina@yahoogroups.com
Subject: Re: [detached-retina] scuba diving

I reckon if I were a shark, i would be the one who is more scared.

tuxette <feitpingvin@yahoo.no> wrote:
Hi again,

I remember one person who posted here about being able to scuba dive
after a RD but I’d like to hear from others who have been able to dive
after RD/retinal tears…

I’m especially concerned about my fluid problem (fluid buildup behind
my retina that seems to enjoy being there) and would like to hear from
others who have had similar problems/experiences. I’m going to Cape
Town, South Africa this fall (or was it spring?) and would like to
dive with the sharks
(Yes, I’m going to ask my doc too
cheers,
tuxette/feitpingvin