decompression sickness

[sfhs40]

First off, I tend to over analyze things and think the worst has happened when things really are not that bad. I have been certified for many years, but just went diving for the first time in many years. I was at a sandals resort with my wife last week and the instructors were fantastic about safety, but I am want to make sure that I do not exibit any signs of decompression sickness. The first dive I made was 7 days ago and we made 6 dives in 4 days. 2 tank dives on three days with one day off in between. I have read about decompression sickness, and all the websites say that symptoms occur soon after diving, but is it possible to have a minor case that may have lingered for a few days, and if so, does this need to be treated immediatly, or will nature take its course. I know this is not a medical website, but many of the threads I have read have been helpful for other questions. The only thing that does not feel right is my left foot, that feels slightly numb, but other then that, I do not think I have any of the other tell tale signs of decompression sickness. My joints feel fine, I do not have any real pain in my body and I do not feel fatigued. But, as a person who is always healthy and never has to go to the doctor, when I do not feel right, I generally go overboard. Just wondering if anyone might have some info. Like I said, it has been 7 days since my first dive, and 2 and a half days since my last dive. We followed all the rules about decompression stops etc, but I just feel like you never can be to safe. Thoughts.

 

[Benthic]

With the information you posted, it's hard to say anything for sure. And I'm NOT a doctor so even if you post every detail you can remember I still couldn't say for sure.

Here's what I CAN say for sure--If you are concerned, you should call Diver's Alert Network (919.684.8111). The DAN medics are very good at helping you assess your situation and decide on a course of action. However keep in mind that they can't make a diagnosis over the phone either. They can offer you additional information and an informed opinion.

The number above is actually the number for the switchboard at the Duke University Medical Center. When the operator answers, just ask for the Diver's Alert Network hotline.

Brian

 

[Wilson]

I know of a diver who developed bends symptoms in his feet. He ended up taking two sessions in the chamber. It could be something else, but I'd get on the horn to DAN right now.

 

[Jason Ooi]

DAN DCI http://www.diversalertnetwork.org/medical/articles/article.asp?articleid=65

Welcome to :sblogo:
:wave-smil :wave-smil

 

[DandyDon]

When in doubt, call DAN or your physician. I ignored leg pains a year ago until I could barely walk and was lucky I didn't stroke out on a dive weekend from the clogged vein.

Howdy and welcome to SB!

It does help with discussions if you complete your Profile. And it's even more fun when you load an Avatar (personal pic for each post) and a Profile pic. See UserCP to access these if you'd like to...?

If you haven't yet, click Forums above and start going thru the list - looking for those of interest to you, especially your local dive club. Click the link in my Sig below to PM me if I can help you around here..

don

 

[k4man]

Good advice from all. DAN is your friend!!

 

[DocVikingo]

Hi sfhs40,

If everybody went to DAN with every medical concern, there would be little reason to have this Diving Medicine forum It's easy to endlessly parrot, "contact DAN," but believe it or not there actually are a few doctors and paraprofessionals here who on occasion can be quite helpful. Although sadly it often is not treated as a medical website, it can in a fashion serve as one.

A few questions (which DAN likely also would ask):

1. What were the dive profiles, that is the depth and time of each of the 6 dives?
2. Were all of the ascents slow and controlled?
3. Were safety stops performed?
4. How long after the last dive did the foot numbness begin?
5. Is the numbness constant, or does it come and go?
6. Any other symptoms of any type, such as a rash or headache?
7. Could the foot have been injured in any way?

Thanks,

DocVikingo

 

[DandyDon]

Hi sfhs40,

If everybody went to DAN with every medical concern, there would be little reason to have this Diving Medicine forum It's easy to endlessly parrot, "contact DAN," but believe it or not there actually are a few doctors and paraprofessionals here who on occasion can be quite helpful. Although sadly it often is not treated as a medical website, it can in a fashion serve as one.

The original post was made and the response were also posted in Intros and Greets - without that info being included on the thread when it was moved today. Having survived the close call I did with y DVT, perhaps I over reacted, but since I am not a medical professional - I never know when the poster has time to be referred to this forum for better coverage, or whether s/he may have time to await an answer from you or one of the other fine pros who do post here.

We are indeed fortunate to have you and the others posting here, and perhaps the forum should be limited to medical professional replies only...??

 

[jpcpat]

Contacting DAN and maybe a doctor will take a load off your mind if everything is OK, and get treatment in case something needs attention.

 

[DocVikingo]

We are indeed fortunate to have you and the others posting here, and perhaps the forum should be limited to medical professional replies only...??

Thanks for the words of support, Don.

Back when I was a medical moderator that idea was very seriously discussed. Although I can't recall the exact reasons at the moment, it wasn't implemented.

While a good argument can be made for limiting input, it's also nice to have the forum open to all who have something accurate, informative and useful to contribute. There are lots of folks with personal experiences that can be quite educational.

In any event, it's really only a serious problem when uninformed people give incorrect and even dangerous advice, which happens with alarming frequency. It absolutely escapes me why individuals with no knowledge or training in medicine, let alone diving medicine, feel so entirely free to offer medical advice.

The posts which add nothing (and there are scads of these), but don't do any real harm, are merely distracting and annoying. I mean, what is the point of being the fifth poster in a row to say, "call DAN?"

Just one man's opinion.

Again, I do appreciate your thoughtfulness.

Regards,

Doc