dcs - denial and recognition
the most common manifestations of dcs are joint pain and numbness or tingling. Next most common are muscular weakness and inability to empty a full bladder. Severe dcs is easy to identify because the signs and symptoms are obvious. However, most dcs manifests subtly with a minor joint ache or a paresthesia (an abnormal sensation like burning, tingling or ticking) in an extremity.
In many cases these symptoms are ascribed to another cause such as overexertion, heavy lifting or even a tight wetsuit. This delays seeking help and is why it is often noted that the first symptom of dcs is denial. Sometimes these symptoms remain mild and go away by themselves, but many times they increase in severity until it is obvious to you that something is wrong and that you need help.
What happens if you don't seek treatment? In severe dcs, a permanent residual handicap may result: This can be a bladder dysfunction, sexual dysfunction or muscular weakness, to name a few.
In some cases of neurological dcs, there mat be permanent damage to the spinal cord, which may or may not cause symptoms. However, this type of damage may decrease the likelihood of recovery from a subsequent bout of dcs.
Untreated joint pains that subside are thought to cause small areas of bone damage called osteonecrosis. Usually this will not cause symptoms unless there are many bouts of untreated dcs. If this happens, however, there may be enough damage to cause the bone to become brittle or for joints to collapse or become arthritic.
I still dive a single with the hubby.
