do i have DCS or Skin Bends?

[txtroop]

i need help. i think i might have dcs or skin bends. here is the info. i dove in belize on 4/14/05.
dive profile: 25 min. @ 85 ft., 25 min @ 65 ft w/ saftey stop, 1.5 hrs rest, 30 min. @ 65 ft., 15 min. @ 40 ft. w/ saftey stop.
after the dive i felt fine infact, 2.5 hrs. after the dive i worked out at the gym. i also had some alcholic drinks later that night. however i did notice a red mark on the small of my back over the spinal cord. mark was about 1.5 in. wide and 5 in. long.
on 4/15/05 i noticed the red mark on my back had gotten darker and now looked like a bruise but did not hurt like one. i had gotten a itchy rash on upper arms, shoulders, chest, and back.
on 4/16/05 the rash appeared to be getting better but still itched, started getting more dark marks like the one on my back, on shoulders, upper arms, and wrists. i also started getting dark freckle like markes on my forearms, wrists, stomach.
today i still have all the dark marks and spots, rash has gotten better but uppararms still itch, i have a sore throut, fell weak and fatigue, and my body aces.
i have pictures of marks if that helps any.
and advice or infor would be helpful
thank you.

 

[sprange]

Personally I'd call DAN or book an appointment with my MD before I'd ask for help here.

Sean P

 

[diverberr]

Personally I'd call DAN or book an appointment with my MD before I'd ask for help here.

Sean P

I agree, definitely call DAN or a diving physician, but it sure sounds like skin bends to me. Your symptoms sound almost the same as a friend of mine who was bent (skin bends) a few years ago. Of course, it could also be an allergic reaction.....CALL A DOCTOR OR DAN!

Al.

 

[serapis]

I am by no means an expert but I strongly agree with the other posts. Do something now! better safe then sorry.

 

[Rick Inman]

Call DAN NOW! Even if you don't have the insurance, they will help.
800-446-2671

 

[Hyper-limits]

It won't hurt to call DAN, Let us know what they say about it.
IMO because it been longer than 48 hours they is not much they or anybody can do.

 

[txtroop]

good news folks, its not what i thought it was.
i called DAN and they advised me to contact my local hospital w/ a hyperbaric chamber which i did. the doc at the hospital said that it was not DCS and even if it was i was too late for recompression. what the rash and dark marks are i dont know yet but i see a skin doc on wed.
my next investment foresure is a new computer and DAN insurance. (which i should've all ready had)
thank you all for the help.

 

[Corigan]

my next investment foresure is a new computer and DAN insurance. (which i should've all ready had)

That sounds like a great plan. Glad to hear they don't think it is DCS, but I hope the rash/dark marks go away soon for you,

Matt

 

[jonnythan]

If you have to ask, get on the phone with DAN and/or get yourself to a hospital. Don't wait for people on ScubaBoard to tell you what to do.

 

[Al Mialkovsky]

I thought a person could go into the chamber well after 48 hours? At least that was my impression.

DAN insurance is the best investment a diver can make. It's a number I have memorized.