Dcs & Then Some

[clownfishsydney]

You should get tested for a PFO, my wife had a breast bend almost two years ago and it was probably caused by a PFO. Two of our friends are hyperbaric doctors and advise that this is a very common cause of breast (and skin) DCS.

 

[tstormdiver]

You should get tested for a PFO, my wife had a breast bend almost two years ago and it was probably caused by a PFO. Two of our friends are hyperbaric doctors and advise that this is a very common cause of breast (and skin) DCS.

I would have, but did not think about it at that time.

 

[dlofting]

OK, here goes a try on the profile,...

Thanks for posting. You can also export the dive to a CSV file and then pull it into Excel.....shows the time, depth, NDL, etc for the individual data points.

 

[KevinNM]

I would have, but did not think about it at that time.

Any reasonable sized hospital should be able to do this testing. There is both an invasive and non-invasive version of the test IIRC, they both rely on a electrocardiogram ultrasound.

 

[tstormdiver]

Any reasonable sized hospital should be able to do this testing. There is both an invasive and non-invasive version of the test IIRC, they both rely on a electrocardiogram ultrasound.

Not that they could not,.... I just did not think to ask (I had something else on my mind at the time)

 

[Dizzi Lizzi]

Glad to here you're recovering.... But I'm a little curious, why/how do just the boobs take a hit? Are they more prone to this? Setting the diabetes aside, when women take a hit is that usually the first sign of DCS for them.
.

Thank you so much for posting this Tammy, and best wishes for a speedy and safe recovery.

On a second note this is the first time I've ever heard of bent boobs, again thanks, i don't know that I would have known the significance without your post.

 

[Jax]

Did a 123 min. CCR Dive in Ginnie Springs on Tues. By Tues night, I had considerable swelling in my "girls". Wed morning the "girls" were considerably more swollen. Called DAN & was told to get to the Valdosta hospital. I wound up taking a 5 hr schedule 6 chamber ride. While doing labs for the chamber, it was found that I am diabetic. It runs heavy in my family,.... It was only a matter of time. Bad news, was needed to be known. Dr. Thinks hit was from dehydration due to the diabetes. Look like some serious lifestyle changes are in the future.

@tstormdiver - Tammy, be sure you mention the diabetes to your optometrist. Macular degeneration risk is MUCH higher in diabetics, and your optometrist should be monitoring you.

 

[kensuf]

Hi Tammy,

I would strongly suggest getting checked for a PFO when you have the chance. There are three tests for the PFO:

1. TCD - Trans-Cranial Doppler -- this is supposed to be the "gold standard" for detection, but does nothing for determining size.

2. TTE - Trans-Thoracic Echocardiogram - Also known as a "bubble study." Aside from being injected with a saline solution, it is non-invasive and takes only a few minutes. Supposedly this one is not very effective at picking them up, but it detected mine.

3. TEE - Trans-Esophagial Echocardiogram - This used to be the "gold standard" but I can tell you that the two times I've had it done, I tested negative.

I wrote up a little article about my experiences with decompression sickness, detection of a PFO, and ultimately the surgical closure of a PFO. Maybe some of my experiences will help you out.

Mending a broken heart (or how I found out I had a PFO) – Dive Gainesville

Best of luck,

Ken

 

[uncfnp]

3. TEE - Trans-Esophagial Echocardiogram - This used to be the "gold standard" but I can tell you that the two times I've had it done, I tested negative.

Ken, your killing me here. After a positive TTE bubble study and multiple events despite diving conservatively I finally broke down and went to an Interventional Cardiologist to get the D*# n thing closed. He was skeptical of the risk/benefit ratio but after a long conversation I had him convinced. Of course he wanted his own TTE to further document and aid in getting insurance coverage but ok I had expected that. No PFO on the TTE so all plans for surgery gone. I had hoped that the positive TEE was just operator error or some such since the TTE is as you said the gold standard.

 

[tstormdiver]

A brief update:
I was completely over the DCS hit within a couple days. It just took a couple days for the remaining swelling & tenderness to abate. I just found a Dr that could take me in within a reasonable amount of time (most places I called could not get me in until late July/ early Aug). I had my 1st apt the other day & it went well. Had some blood work done yesterday & should find the results of the tests when I go back in on Fri. From there the Dr & I will form a battle plan to get the management going quickly. In the meantime, I have been taking the Meds prescribed to me by the ER Dr & testing myself before/ after every meal. My numbers have come down significantly, but are still a bit too high,... probably just need an adjustment of the meds. I have nearly completely changed my diet & while it has not killed me,... it has not been easy. I went cold turkey on the sodas (non diet), as soon as I got out of the hospital,..... that has been the hardest part. I was more than hooked on them & looking back was drinking waaaaay more than I ever should have been. Overall, things are looking on the up & up. Overall it has not slowed me down too much.