Did I injure myself?

[scubanoob123]

OK, so I just got certified recently and I went to the local pool here in Cali to practice on my skills. I mostly worked on buoyancy, so I concentrating on filling my lungs with air to keep me off the bottom. The pool is 12ft deep and I was down about half an hour. I felt great after I got out. However, about three hours later I started to notice a discomfort in my back, pain scale a one or two. 15 minutes later I started to feel dizzy and fatigue. My heart rate and bp seemed to be dropping. Then about five minutes later I started to get tunnel vision and started to sweat. I laid down and elevated my legs and felt better. Since then I have had no problems, except for a discomfort in back. Never had any sharp pains, but since I felt dizzy and was diving that day, I wanted to make sure it is not something like I blew out my lungs or got DCS. From what I have read, lung overexpansion seems to be that you are in bad pain, or can't breathe. DCS seems improbable because of the dive time and depth. I never did a rapid ascent, but I fear that while working on buoyancy, I may screwed up. I don't remember holding my breath, but then I was really concentrating on maintaining buoyancy.

 

[Fish_Whisperer]

Sounds like you may have been a little dehydrated.

 

[CameronMartz]

Dude! Call DAN asap at 919-684-8111- you do not need to be a member.

These symptoms might have nothing to do with diving. However, it would be prudent to get checked out by an ER, at a minimum, as DAN will certainly tell you, because those symptoms can mean other bad things, too.

And don't drive yourself, either. We have a brand new client who passed out behind the wheel last week after ignoring her dizzy spells for a week. She woke up when the airbags popped her in the face after her car hit a tree.

Cameron

 

[johnny_bravo]

Do you have another condition that could manifest in these symptoms?

DCS is not an option in that depth or time period and although lung over-expansion injuries (barotrauma) that result from holding your breath have happened in less than 20 feet of water none of your symptoms is indicative of one.

Having said that of course i'm not a doctor and you should see yours regardless.

Hope you feel better.

-J-

 

[Divers Direct]

Dehydration is a good possibility. However the signs and symptoms you mentioned are classic DCS signs so a call to DAN would be a good idea. I'm not looking to scare you, the things you mentioned could also result from a hangover and a bad nights sleep on an uncomfortable bed. Call DAN and see what they think 1-919-684-8111 http://www.diversalertnetwork.org/medical/emergencies.asp

 

[scubanoob123]

Hmmm, dehydration and low blood sugar could definately be it. I hadn't had much to eat. I didn't think about that.

 

[Bibendum]

Those symptoms can also be cased by tweaking your back, slightly throwing it out, straining a muscle, etc. When you laid down it may have realigned things. You also said you are still having some back pain, so that might be what caused it.

But again, I am not a doctor either and you really should just give DAN a call. I have called them before and they are very helpful. At the very least it will give you peace of mind.

 

[www.scubamazing.com]

Well Scubanoob123,

I certainly hope you're ok. Please let us know what the ultimate out come is. and whether you called into DAN.

We worry for you, and would like to learn what you learn.

 

[pasley]

Half an hour relaxing in the pool with your gear weighing nothing followed by standing up and climbing stairs out of the pool. I can see where it might be real easy to tweak your back getting out of the pool and taking your gear off. The dehydration, and low blood sugar could also be a part. Real possibility it is a combination of one or more of those items. But you should consult a physician.

 

[scubanoob123]

OK, just heard back from DAN, and it looks good. I felt great all day yesterday, so I really think it was a combination of dehydration and maybe tweaking a muscle. Thanks to everyone that responded. After reading these boards and the training, I always fear the worst case scenerio.

From DAN:

Thank you for your e-mail. The symptoms you describe are not
consistent with any dive related injury. We agree that DCS is highly
unlikely due to the depth/time issue. Pulmonary barotrauma (lung
over-expansion) can in some cases, initially present subtly. Difficulty
breathing can develop and usually worsens. Dizziness, visual
disturbances and diaphoresis (sweating) are just not typical with this
type of injury. If you are still having back pain we would encourage to
be seen by your doctor. Your doctor is welcome to contact our office
for
consultation for any dive related questions. We cannot offer any
suggestions as to what might have produced your symptoms but they are
most likely not related to diving. If we can be any further assistance
do not hesitate to contact DAN.

Divers Alert Network