Diving after DCS

[davehicks]

Yes, which is why I suggested just using a air dive table. Cheaper than a computer, more conservative, runs for ever, waterproof.
Easier to learn than a computer, especially a really cheap single-button computer.

Sorry, nobody uses tables. Are they even part of modern dive training?

 

[tursiops]

Sorry, nobody uses tables. Are they even part of modern dive training?

Yes, if desired, by most agencies. People do still use them.

But what we are talking about is strategies for decreasing risk in a DCS-prone individual.
Air tables while diving Nitrox are cheap, simple, reliable, easy, and more conservative than most computers.

 

[Duke Dive Medicine]

She said her husband got the basic test which was inconclusive and was hesitant to incur the costs of the more accurate one.

I interpreted basic test as a transthoracic echocardiogram which, if done with bubble contrast, will detect a clinically significant PFO. The more invasive one is the transesophageal echo. I did ask for clarity.

Best regards,
DDM

 

[inquis]

After decades of user-centric product design and development I can tell you with confidence that simple solutions win every time.

I don't disagree. Another simple solution is to have a personal limit of X min remaining NDL. Yes, this also results in a variable margin, though it does increase as one goes deeper (for the same value of X). I don't have a solid answer for the general populace. Personally, I'm willing to update the gas in my DC. If others are not, then so be it. Hopefully the margin (variable though it may be) is sufficient for their needs.

 

[Maolli]

I interpreted basic test as a transthoracic echocardiogram which, if done with bubble contrast, will detect a clinically significant PFO. The more invasive one is the transesophageal echo. I did ask for clarity.

Best regards,
DDM

She didn't specify what the basic test was, other than it was inadequate and inconclusive hence necessitating a more thorough test for her husband which she is reluctant to pay for.

 

[Duke Dive Medicine]

Not knowing how much conservatism is needed plagues the "pretend it's air" approach as well. Perhaps on 36% they're unlikely to have an issue, but on 28% they might. The risk clearly increases, which was the main point I was trying to make.

Yes, and it's a relatively clear line with some built-in conservatism, albeit variable depending on the O2 percentage in the mix, that nearly every diver can understand and doesn't involve any guesswork. If a provider says, "Change the conservatism setting on your computer", then the logical reply would be, "To what?", to which they'd have to answer, "I don't know, just make it the most conservative setting." I've run into bent divers who were using conservative settings on their computers already. It's not perfect but I'd argue that for the general diving population, it's much clearer and easier.

Best regards,
DDM

 

[Duke Dive Medicine]

She didn't specify what the basic test was, other than it was inadequate and inconclusive hence necessitating a more thorough test for her husband which she is reluctant to pay for.

Which is why I asked her to clarify.

Best regards,
DDM

 

[Maolli]

O2 exposure for recreational open circuit divers has absolutely ZERO value. O2 exposure is just not relevant to this audience so that level of accuracyt is not helpful. And the false N2 reading is the entire point.

If what you write is true then PO2 settings and MOD tables for a particular EANx blend are irrelevant. Which of course, is not the case.

 

[uncfnp]

My question to others who have been down this path at this age-- what are your limits? Do you still dive in remote locations like Raja Ampat? Do you still go do dive boat trips? Or should we avoid going too far afield?

Not to that age yet but I think I can relate.

I dive very conservatively using a dive computer I set up to my preferences. I only dive nitrox but might reconsider under unusual circumstances. I travel with DAN and private insurance. I will dive in remote areas but oddly enough some of those locations actually have better access to treatment/chamber. Do your homework. Honestly if I was a male at that age I would make sure of healthcare access regardless of PFO status.

 

[davehicks]

If what you write is true then PO2 settings and MOD tables for a particular EANx blend are irrelevant. Which of course, is not the case.

You are not paying attention. These divers are 60ft two dives a day. So MOD and PO2 are not relevant.

Most computers don't display PO2 anyway and many divers have no clue what it means.