Diving Physicians in Wiltshire or Hants UK

[Chris and Karen]

Hi all,

As some of you are aware, both myself and Karen will be taking our OW and AOW certs in Cyprus in April 2013.

I am trying to find out of anyone in the UK on these forums knows of a good diving physician who can help answer some questions I have relating to a previous road traffic accident I was involved in years ago. It was over twenty years ago and I suffered a pnemothorax (collapsed lung). I have been told by the diving centre that accident related collapsed lungs generally dont present any problems with diving, and that it is only ones that are "natural" that do present problems at depth.

Can anyone point me towards a good Dr local to us in the UK (Hampshire or Wiltshire)or perhaps there is one on these forums that may be able to offer me some advice. The dive centre require a written confirmation that I will be OK to dive. My own GP is reluctant to sign anything as he is not a "diving physician" .
I am sure there will be no problem, but I just want to be sure.

 

[Dave1w]

on the BSAC website there is a link to a list of diving doctors.
Go to the left hand menu, under Divers, there is a link called Medical Matters. Click on this, and there is a list of medical referees, as well as a number of information sheets on various medical issues, I think one on respiratory issues. Worth a read through.

Dave


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[Dave1w]

http://www.bsac.com/core/core_picker/download.asp?id=10085&filetitle=List+of+Medical+Referees


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[Crowley]

I can't recommend a specific physician but for sure I agree with the idea of getting a certified medical opinion. The dive centre is correct in the opinion that it's "probably not a problem" but is also correct in seeking medical confirmation, and it's a wise decision to be honest about these things on the medical declaration. Many people are not. Some people die as a result. Very simple.

I'm also glad to heat that the GP is reluctant to sign because I have had customers arrive with the medical form stamped and signed by a doctor because they do have high blood pressure/diabetes/asthma/whatever - and the non-diving doctor has written that it's "okay to dive because they are on medication" - or something - and we have to refer them to the local hyperbaric physician, regardless.

If nobody on the forum can recommend a local hyperbaric physician, contact the Divers Alert Network (DAN) for somebody who can. You can find their contact details at DAN Europe - Home.

Cheers

C.

 

[Edward3c]

Hi Chris and Karen,

I’ve dived in Cyprus with just the UK Sport Diving Medical Committee Self-Certification Form (here), but do be truthful with your answers the questions are:

1. Have you suffered at any time from diseases of the heart and circulation including high blood pressure, angina, chest pains and palpitations?
2. Have you at any time had chest or heart surgery?
3. Have you suffered from or had to take medication for asthma?
4. Have you ever had collapsed lung or pneumothorax?
5. Have you ever had any other chest or lung disease?
6. Have you suffered at any time from blackouts, fainting or recurrent dizziness?
7. Have you had regular ear problems in the past ten years?
8. Do you have an ileostomy, colostomy or ever had repair of a hiatus hernia?
9. Have you ever had epilepsy or fits?
10. Have you had recurrent migraines?
11. Have you ever had any other disease of the brain or nervous system (including strokes or multiple sclerosis)?
12. Have you ever had any back or spinal surgery?
13. Have you any history of mental or psychological illness of any kind, fear of small spaces, crowds or panic attacks?
14. Have you any history of alcohol or drug abuse in the past five years?
15. Do you have diabetes?
16. Are you currently taking any prescribed medication (except the contraceptive pill)?
17. Are you currently receiving medical care or have you consulted the doctor in the last year other than for trivial infection or minor injury?
18. Have you ever been refused a diving medical certificate or life insurance or been offered special terms?
19. Have you ever had, or been treated for, decompression illness?

If you answer yes to any of these then consult a diving medical referee, use the link posted by Dave1w.

 

[Chris and Karen]

HI, and thanks to all. Im very grateful for the replies and info. I wanted to get this checked for my own piece of mind and didn't want to risk an injury underwater.