Doc says no more diving. Waaaahhhhh!!!!!!!!!

[DharmaMtn]

Welcome to my ityparty:

Diagnosis: Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis
The good news: Progression is very slow. I also have mild emphysema. blah blah blah
The bad news: The doc says...no diving!!

I'm on 2L O2 at night and when I exercise. I'm starting pulmo rehab in November. I'm in good health and I do NOT want to stop diving.

I went to Duke for a 2nd opinion. Fortunately, I was seen as a favor of another doc who teaches residents. No doubt I received the best care. I had all the tests, saw the experts. When I asked my doc if I could dive there was no hesitation; no, period. He added that he had posed that question to one of the top diving experts in the country also at Duke and he was told, 'no'.

However, I would think that if I contract an instructor for a private dive, one who fully understands the signs and symptoms related to low O2, take it very slow and stay above 40', I could continue enjoying the sport as long as my 'numbers' were ok. No, I don't have a death wish. Yes, I have great respect for my new team of Duke docs.

I can fly. I can snorkel. And Bari Reef is calling...

Guess I'll start scouring over the threads entitled, 'Where's the best beach snorkeling?'.

Until Duke comes up with a different answer,
K

 

[RJP]

Duke is "the" place to go for IPF, so you'll get the best care - and advice - there. Unfortunately the issue with IPF and diving is less about "low 02" and exercise tollerance. Rather, the diffuse scarring of the lung tissue can trap gas. As you ascend, that gas will expand... and further damage your lungs. Potential for severe lung over-expansion injury is significant.

PS - as you may have heard, two new drugs were approved this week for IPF. Both are shown to slow the decline of pulmonary function...

InterMune and Boehringer win tandem FDA nods for 'breakthrough' lung drugs - FierceBiotech

 

[DharmaMtn]

Thanks for the correction and fine tuning, RJP. I wonder if there is a maximum descent limit/time where the damage would be negligible? 5'? 20'?
I agree, Duke sets the bar I am incredibly fortunate to be under their care. The Rheumatology and Pulmonary departments are doing some fine research and more meds are under trials. I go back in Jan for more Pulmo function tests to determine progress. Then, hopefully, Bonaire in May.

 

[TSandM]

The problem, of course, is that the proportional pressure changes are greatest in the shallowest water, so if you have an expansion-related issue, shallow is precisely the part of the ocean where you don't want to be.

I feel for you. I can't imagine being told to stop diving. But your risks are lethal, so you have to decide whether it is worth it to you, and whoever goes in the water with you needs to know they may have to be involved in a rescue.

 

[Dr. Lecter]

Fibrogen has FG3019, too, which looks like it may reverse some fibrosis - something neither ITMN nor BI's drugs have done. Unfortunately it's still in Phase 2 trials, but something to look into.

Best of luck - it's not a nice disease, and I hope you kick its ass and dive again.

 

[DENLASCUBA]

Sorry to hear your doctor said you can not dive no more and that you are diagosed with this diesease.

You stated you wanted to see if you could contract an instructor for a private dive this can be a big issue when it comes to their liability insuarnce. If something were to happen the insurance would most likely not cover them in the event of a dive accident due to your illeness. This would be a very big risk for them and the shop that they work for or own. Even though you may say you will not hold them liable your family could still end up doing so. Also this can cause issue to include having their license revoked/ suspended by the agency they teach for if they flind out the instructor knew about your condition and did not have a medical clearance as the agencies have their policies.

I wish you the best of luck with treatemnts and being able to dive again.

 

[Pao]

IIRC in the book "Deco for Divers" a depth of 1.4 m is sufficient to cause overexpansion injury.

 

[Aruba Bobs]

Here is my advice to you buddy. I would go snorkeling with the Woodwind on Bonaire. They take you to Klein Bonaire and you see so many turtles and coral and fish. Its just as good as diving. Also around the Divi and under the pier are really great snorkel spots. I really feel for you because I love to dive but snorkeling is next best. Also Dee from the Woodwind took me night snorkeling and that's even better. Best of luck.

 

[DharmaMtn]

You guys are the best. Thank you. I am grateful for your advise and for sharing the wisdom of your experience.

I would never put another diver at risk and I understand now that there is much more at stake than a little disorientation underwater.

I am open to trying the drugs and I made myself available for any research for which I might qualify.

I look forward to snorkeling Klein and will check out Dee/Woodwind. The day I left Duke I told my S/O that I needed to get back in the water soon and a dose of snorkeling Bonaire will surely be good for my soul.