Can only dive 50ft, is it worth it?

[sander8]

I would talk to DAN and get a second opinion from a doctor. You may want to consult a pulmonary doctor. With the injury and removal of part of your lung you may have an increased risk of obstructions, gas embolism, etc. Your issues might be bone related or with your lungs. The doctor has to know something about the physics and physiology of diving. It may be that your doctor did not understand the equal pressure that breathing compressed gas causes, as a previous message in this thread indicated.

 

[SrLagarto]

Definitely worth it - and, fair play for querying what I think is possibly a misinformed decision from your Doctor... frankly, the pressure on your rib cage would be greater if you were to dive down without scuba. I'm right behind Reo's earlier post - I think a second opinion might be in order!

 

[ianr33]

Seriously,get a second opinion. There is no net pressure on your ribs while SCUBA diving.

Even if you are limited to 50 feet it's totally worthwhile given the correct location.

 

[Paladin]

As others have said, there should be no pressure on your ribs on SCUBA. Even so, some of the best diving is less than 60 feet. I've been diving since 1965 and the vast majority of my diving has been in water less than 60 feet deep. So go for it.

 

[Rhone Man]

Seriously,get a second opinion. There is no net pressure on your ribs while SCUBA diving.

Even if you are limited to 50 feet it's totally worthwhile given the correct location.

What Ian said.

But even if that's right - my son is limited to 40 feet (by age), and he still loves it.

 

[Nick Briseno]

will DAN talk to me even though I'm not a member? I'm in class right now so I can't call right now.

 

[Superlyte27]

There's lots of fun caves at 50' or less.... get some cave training

 

[sskasser]

I didn't read this as the doctor being concerned about the pressure of the gas he's breathing, but of the atmospheric pressure on his damaged rib cage. When you're at 33FSW, your body is under twice the pressure as it is at the surface.

And to answer the original post, yes, definitely! Lots to see and enjoy at 50 feet or less.

 

[rmh84]

Absolutely - just came back from Bonaire, and we saw the best stuff at around 15 feet while doing our safety stops! There are some areas you won't be able to dive obviously, but if you're limited there are still tons of fantastic dive sites for you.

All that said, you're going to want to check it out with a doc that specialises in scuba divers. Also - will your ribcage put up with the weight of gear? You won't have to spend a lot of time with it on above water, but the bit you do could cause damage if you're still fragile.

 

[Bubbletrubble]

I would talk to DAN and get a second opinion from a doctor. You may want to consult a pulmonary doctor. With the injury and removal of part of your lung you may have an increased risk of obstructions, gas embolism, etc. Your issues might be bone related or with your lungs. The doctor has to know something about the physics and physiology of diving. It may be that your doctor did not understand the equal pressure that breathing compressed gas causes, as a previous message in this thread indicated.

@Nick Briseno: Listen to the above advice.

Earlier in this thread, you made reference to your "bone dr." I'm going to assume that you were referring to an orthopedic surgeon. The ortho guy probably isn't familiar with dive medicine at all. You really should consult with a pulmonologist who is familiar with dive medicine. As it has already been mentioned, DAN can give you a referral to such a specialist (even if you aren't a DAN member). In addition to your past musculoskeletal injury, damage to your lungs may be a cause for concern.