Diving related or not?

[WKD]

Hi

My left shoulder blade has been almost totally numb for about 12 weeks (since I got home from a weekend diving trip in Malta). It isn't painful, but it does worry me a bit. I went to the quack a few weeks prior to going to Malta with numbness and tingling down my right arm, he said it could just be compression of a nerve and to give it two weeks. I did and it disappeared eventually. When my shoulder started to go numb I thought it was maybe the same thing and a coincidence, but now the right side of my right foot is also numb.

There is still circulation in both areas. So my question is, could this be a minor bend or something else diving related that really needs specialised treatment or should I be going back to the GP and let him figure it out?

Thanks

 

[herbdb]

My wife suffers from regenerative disc disease. Her symptoms are similar to yours. The area of the spine affected determines the area of the body affected. For her it is the left arm. They just fused two vertebrae in her neck and we are hoping she gets some relief.

This problem is normally treated with physical therapy, then pain management (cortisone shots) and as a last resort surgery. If it continues have the doc send you to a specialist to check it out.

 

[DocVikingo]

Hi WKD,

What is described does not sound much like DCI. And as it's now 12-weeks post-onset, there seems little benefit to be obtained from contacting a recompression facility or a diving medicine specialist.

One's regular GP can begin getting this sorted out, although consultation with an othopedist or neurologist could well ensue.

Cheers,

DocVikingo

This is educational only and does not constitute or imply a doctor-patient relationship. It is not medical advice to you or any other individual, and should not be construed as such.

 

[WKD]

Thanks for the info, I'll go bother my doctor again.