Dr Ebersole,
This past fall, after a week of fairly aggressive recreational diving, I experienced several health issues that I, after the fact, discussed with DAN and through SB, DDM: http://www.scubaboard.com/forums/diving-medicine/441684-migraines-triggered-diving.html. No additional steps were taken or tests done at that time.
In May, I had another milder episode of a deep red rash appear on each side of my lower back, each about the size of my palm. Less itchy but more superficial soreness, like a sunburn. Resolved after about 2 hours. No other symptoms. No chest/breast tenderness. No migraines with aura. This time the rash was after the first day of diving and I had no symptoms during any of the other 14 dives that week.
All dives were within NDL although some to 5 min mark on an Oceanic computer that I understand can be somewhat liberal. All with controlled ascents and 3 min SS.
After some research, following a few threads on SB and soul searching, I asked the physician I work with to order a TTE and Bubble Study. The results are "atrial septal aneurysm with small degree of shunting noted in LV with venous injection."
Could be worse I know but obviously this did not make me happy. The cardiologist that reviewed the study spoke with me briefly and seemed less than impressed with the shunting but admitted he does not have dive experience and recommend I speak with someone that does. His recommendation, don't valsalva.
Today I called DAN and spoke with Dr Bird whom I can not say enough good things about. He spent a long time discussing my specific circumstances and PFO and diving in general. He also suggested that I contact you and I decided to do so through SB so that others in similar situation might learn as well.
So I guess, besides taking addition steps to reduce bubble formation in my dive profile and avoiding valsalva and exercise post dive, any other recommendation? Thank you.
This past fall, after a week of fairly aggressive recreational diving, I experienced several health issues that I, after the fact, discussed with DAN and through SB, DDM: http://www.scubaboard.com/forums/diving-medicine/441684-migraines-triggered-diving.html. No additional steps were taken or tests done at that time.
In May, I had another milder episode of a deep red rash appear on each side of my lower back, each about the size of my palm. Less itchy but more superficial soreness, like a sunburn. Resolved after about 2 hours. No other symptoms. No chest/breast tenderness. No migraines with aura. This time the rash was after the first day of diving and I had no symptoms during any of the other 14 dives that week.
All dives were within NDL although some to 5 min mark on an Oceanic computer that I understand can be somewhat liberal. All with controlled ascents and 3 min SS.
After some research, following a few threads on SB and soul searching, I asked the physician I work with to order a TTE and Bubble Study. The results are "atrial septal aneurysm with small degree of shunting noted in LV with venous injection."
Could be worse I know but obviously this did not make me happy. The cardiologist that reviewed the study spoke with me briefly and seemed less than impressed with the shunting but admitted he does not have dive experience and recommend I speak with someone that does. His recommendation, don't valsalva.Today I called DAN and spoke with Dr Bird whom I can not say enough good things about. He spent a long time discussing my specific circumstances and PFO and diving in general. He also suggested that I contact you and I decided to do so through SB so that others in similar situation might learn as well.
So I guess, besides taking addition steps to reduce bubble formation in my dive profile and avoiding valsalva and exercise post dive, any other recommendation? Thank you.
