HEY Wayne you are not alone,there are alot of us out there (disabled divers, not too many Waynes thought but Hey I'm both hehe)
I have Muscular Dystrophy and I am still mobil (for how much longer is the question) and I do OK when it comes to diving. We (disabled divers) do have a few more obstacles to overcome before we can just drop on in the water but if we are aware of our limits then we can find ways around them. Just look at Matt! He is just such an inspiration and proof that it can be done!! YOU ROCK MATT!!!!
As far as your questions regarding some of the obstacles we may have I would be more than happy to share any insights I have found that may be a bit helpful in your diving. And I would love to hear some of you findings as well.
I read that you were having a prob with weighting or what sounds to me to be more of a TRIM prob than a weight prob. You said you were having probs staying rightside up without flipping over (I assume you mean facedown in the water so you can SEE the pretty fishes and coral) I have the same problem and the same problem with my legs and feet rising up when I wear a 7mm wetsuit.
The way I corrected the trim problem was to use 2 different weighting devices (I rent BCs so I need to change the setup accordingly but it works) When using a weight integreated BC I also use a weight belt to offset my trim. While wearing a 7mm wetsuit I used 29lbs of lead (yes I know it is way too much weight, I am working on dropping a few lbs) I put 3lbs in each of the rear trim pockets of the BC (6lbs in back) then five pounds in each front weight pocket (10 lbs in front) then 5 lbs on each Side of my weight belt (10lbs) (right at my sides so it balanced me out).and finally a 3lb right at the center of my back on the belt. (total 13lbs on belt) I find that by using both the integerated BC and weight belt it made adjusting Trim alot easier (all you have to do is shift them (foward or backward) on the belt. As for the legs and feet staying down I would say ankel weights BUT for me it would totally tire out my legs way too fast (legs/hips are my main weakness) so I have adopted the dive witout the bottom of the wetsuit theory, it works but up here in NY, BUT in Sept. it was COLD! Next time out I am gonna try using a friends 5mm bottom with a 7mm top and see if that works any better.
I also use some interesting ways to enter and exit the water.
Welcome to the board
WAC