Finding a dive Doctor

[Maule]

How do I go about finding a local doctor who is familiar with diving? I ask this because on friday I went to my family physician. My blood pressure was running a little high. I currently take Cozaar 100mg for it. He stated that he was going to change me to Hyzaar 100/25 mg. I asked him to at least start me on the 100/12.5 mg and lets track it. He asked why and I told him that I dove and that dehydration could cause a higher incident of DCI. I also asked him to prescibe me the Cozaar 100mg so that I could take it a week before going on a major dive. (like a liveaboard for a week) He flatly refused both requests. He told me I shouldn't be diving anyways as it was a dangerous sport . So, to my original question, how do I go about finding a local Physician who is familiar with diving?

 

[DocVikingo]

Hi Maule,

Where are you located?

Regards,

DocVikingo

 

[Maule]

Near Hickory, North Carolina

 

[carolrose]

I found a local dive doc by asking DAN. I emailed their medic, who sent me a bunch of recommendations for docs in my area.

 

[Dr. Doug Ebersole]

First of all, you are to be commended for thinking about an increased risk of DCS with dehydration.

You should definitely contact DAN for a referral to a primary physician in your local area with knowledge of diving medicine.

That having been said -- as a cardiologist with an interest in diving medicine, I would not be overly concerned with the addition of a mild diuretic to your anti-hypertensive regimen. A lot of people require the addition of a mild thiazide diuretic to their other medicines for good control of blood pressure. Hence, why they combine the two drugs in one pill. You will obtain a steady state with the diuretic within a few days to a week or so. The increase in risk of DCS is negligibile. Just drink plenty of fluids before diving and during the dive day (like you should do anyway).

 

[DocVikingo]

Hi Maule,

DAN would be a good place to start (919-684-2948 (Mon-Fri, 9AM-5PM EST)), but be aware that their referral base typically is quite thin, especially outside of major metropolitan areas. Folks are quick to say, "Call DAN for a referral," but often it isn't that simple.

Depends on what you mean by "local." Given that you seem to be ~50 miles from Charlotte, ~70 miles from Asheville and ~60 miles from Winston-Salem, I'd say that your chances of finding a diving doctor with an hour to an hour and a half drive were good.

You also can contact local dive clubs and shops as they may have recommendations based on member/customer word-of-mouth. It appears that NC has at least 3 dive clubs----> http://scuba.about.com/cs/ncclubs/index.htm and multiple dozens of dive shops----> http://www.nc-wreckdiving.com/shops.html.

Best of luck.

DocVikingo