1.DCS symptoms and 2. MK25/S600 and Nitrox ?

[Sea Green Dreams]

As I dive more (< 30 dives currently) I am wondering if I am more prone to Nitrogen loading. My whole head can tingle, not in a good way, but not on every dive. Due to the locations of most recent dives I've been doing, I have to drive up and over a hill to get home, about 700 ft. I have also experienced tingling post diving in Maui then staying in Kula (2000ft)., even after waiting 4 hrs before heading up the hill. Has anyone heard of this before?

I just bought a MK25/S600 Scubapro and am cringing at the realization it might be best if I try Nitrox. Does anyone know if I can use rec Nitrox with my current reg? It is not the Nitrox edition. It has EN250A stamped on it.

Thanks,
Huddie

 

[fmerkel]

What's that mean, "more prone to N2 loading"? More as you dive more often? More than other people?

The simple answer in either case is, no.
The more complicated answer is that as you gain experience you will tend to go deeper and stay longer. In that case you certainly would load more N2 on board. That's normal.

Tingling is not a usual DCS symptom. It is a normal hyperventilation symptom. Maybe you have some anxiety over diving and are over breathing after dives?

No need to cringe about Nitrox. The reg is fine as is. The only drawback to Nitrox is the class time + cost, and the ongoing cost of Nitrox. It's a good cert to have if you are going to be doing multiple dives, especially if they have any depth. Get the cert, use Nitrox, and see if the problem goes away. I seriously doubt it, but then I'm playing scubaboard diagnostician, which is worth the time it takes to read this.

 

[Sea Green Dreams]

Great to hear about the reg set up, damn scuba gear is expensive!

As far as the tingles, no anxiety or hyperventilation happening. It seems to be post dive elevation related. It's distinct and pronounced. I plan on logging it moving forward to try and isolate the factors.

I'll try the Nitrox and see if it helps.

Thanks!

 

[fmerkel]

700' is trivial. 2000' is getting there, with rapid ascent creating more pressure differential. If you've done several deep long dives some time to off gas would be prudent.

 

[Sea Green Dreams]

Yes, agreed. That's why I waited 4hrs before going up to 2000ft. after a multi/deeper dive day. I even had to pull over for 15 mins half way up for the tingling to subside. The effect is the same but not quite as strong at 700ft.

 

[fmerkel]

I hear you, but tingling? Does not correlate with DCS symptoms.
You might do some research here:Scuba Dive Medical Articles — Decompression, Heart Safety — DAN | Divers Alert Network

 

[Sea Green Dreams]

Thanks, I know it isn't common, thats why I asked. Ill check your link out now.

 

[Fossil_Diver]

If someone was ascending to 2000' shortly after a dive would it help prevent DCS if the dive was planned as if it was being conducted at an altitude of 2000'?

 

[Lorenzoid]

My whole head can tingle ....

Do you feel tingling in any other part of your body, or just your head? I'm just a layperson, but in all the discussions of DCS I have read, in which "tingling" is mentioned, it's in the context of skin tingling. See paresthesia.

If you've got some sort of "tingling" sensation in your head, I suggest speaking with a dive physician. Call DAN.

 

[fmerkel]

Skin bends is generally described as itching or aching, which is why I didn't go there. You might read these 2 short articles and see if that correlates with your experience at all.
Divers Alert Network, Cutaneous DCS with Transient Neurological Symptoms after a Hot Shower
Alert Diver | Skin Bends

If none of this is helping calling DAN is a reasonable step.