Have you ever suffered Immersion Pulmonary Edema (IPE)?

[Ocean girl]

Hi there, this is my first post on this forum so please be gentle!

About 2 months ago I suffered acute IPE whilst on a deep dive. I am interested to hear from any other divers out there who have experienced IPE and were in a position where they had to make a decision as to whether to continue diving or otherwise. I am especially keen to hear from those who have decided to keep on diving and how they might be managing the risk of any recurrence.

I am sharing the details of my incident and subsequent medical follow up data with the DAN network and Australian based medical experts in the field. This team of experts will, in the near future, provide me advice in relation to any future diving on my part. At the moment I am not going to re enter the water until I have had some further conversation with these persons.

However at the end of the day it will ultimately be a decision that is left with me and I suppose I am just seeking out all my options!

Once the dust settles a little more for me personally I would be happy to share further detail more publicly on this forum.

Thanks so much for reading!

 

[wedivebc]

Could you provide some details of your experience with it. I have not had it but your personal experience might be helpful to others.

 

[Wookie]

One of my deck crew on my liveaboard suffered an IPE on a dive to 100 meters in September. She was cleared to dive, and was diving in Truk Lagoon on trimix in October. She is diving with me now in Grenada, although not on her rebreather. Her name on this board is jaboothtx, a complete write up is available on the Deco Stop. She will be participating in Dr. Moons DAN study in February.

 

[SangP]

I'm glad you are ok but having fluid fill your lungs sounds pretty serious.

 

[Dr. Doug Ebersole]

Dr. Richard Moon of Duke Dive Medicine is looking for people just like you to study Immersion Pulmonary Edema. If you might be interested in participating, I am sure he would love to hear from you.

 

[DukeIPE]

Hi there,

Thanks all for spreading the word and supporting Dr. Moon's IPE study at Duke. Ocean girl, I am Dr. Moon's research assistant for the IPE study being conducted at Duke. Asides from research aspect, we are also genuinely interested in increasing awareness about IPE. If you would like, I can help facilitate communication with Dr. Moon and we would be happy to review your case and provide recommendations and information that may assist in making decisions about your future with diving.

Please let me know if I can be of assistance in any way.

 

[motorref]

Hi there, this is my first post on this forum so please be gentle!

About 2 months ago I suffered acute IPE whilst on a deep dive. I am interested to hear from any other divers out there who have experienced IPE and were in a position where they had to make a decision as to whether to continue diving or otherwise. I am especially keen to hear from those who have decided to keep on diving and how they might be managing the risk of any recurrence.

However at the end of the day it will ultimately be a decision that is left with me and I suppose I am just seeking out all my options!

Once the dust settles a little more for me personally I would be happy to share further detail more publicly on this forum.

Thanks so much for reading!

I suffered a massive PE several years ago, but it was as a result of flying too much, and not getting up to stretch/walk around, resulting in DVTs completely blocking the blood flow in my entire left leg. From there the blood clots migrated to my chest until both lungs were completely enveloped.
I was able to return to diving, despite not being in the best shape (old and overweight); my pulmonologist said OK, but wouldn't sign the papers, my surgeon (a diver) said OK as well, but I forgot to get her to sign the papers, so my primary care physician signed me off after she reviewed all of my tests.
If you have doubts, I would strongly urge you to find a doctor that is knowledgeable and experienced in scuba; knowing the stresses placed upon a body during diving would be a huge benefit, and once they OK your return then you should feel pretty comfortable that you're ready.

HTH,
KevinL

 

[Ocean girl]

Hi Wookie,

Thanks so much for the heads up. I will look her up and maybe we can compare notes! Glad she is OK and even better she is back in the water.

Once again thanks (sorry for the late response).

---------- Post added December 10th, 2012 at 06:29 PM ----------

Hi DukeIPE,

I would be happy to help Dr Moon. I have however been in close contact with and shared by circumstance with DAN Asia Pacific and have received considered recommendation and some information from their associated medical network. Whilst I am in no way "opinion or doctor shopping" I am interested to ascertain the wider viewpoint in relation to IPE, particularly because of the current gaps in knowledge relating to this condition. Please be aware that I am based in Sydney Australia (although with technology this perhaps should not matter!).

Kind regards

---------- Post added December 10th, 2012 at 06:30 PM ----------

Thanks Debersole,

I have made contact with Dr Moon's research assistant.

kindest regards

 

[clownfishsydney]

You should read my web site article Michael McFadyen's Scuba Diving Web Site which is about a friend who died of SDPE on a dive I organised. The Coroner's Inquest into her death was last Thursday. As you will see from the page, she suffered SDPE about a year before she died. At the inquest, the dive medical expert consulted by the Coroner (Assoc Prof David Smart from Royal Hobart Hospital) said that it is now thought that anyone who has had one episode should not even swim in water, even a swimming pool. I will update the page with the inquest details shortly.

 

[DukeIPE]

Hi Wookie,

Thanks so much for the heads up. I will look her up and maybe we can compare notes! Glad she is OK and even better she is back in the water.

Once again thanks (sorry for the late response).

---------- Post added December 10th, 2012 at 06:29 PM ----------

Hi DukeIPE,

I would be happy to help Dr Moon. I have however been in close contact with and shared by circumstance with DAN Asia Pacific and have received considered recommendation and some information from their associated medical network. Whilst I am in no way "opinion or doctor shopping" I am interested to ascertain the wider viewpoint in relation to IPE, particularly because of the current gaps in knowledge relating to this condition. Please be aware that I am based in Sydney Australia (although with technology this perhaps should not matter!).

Kind regards

---------- Post added December 10th, 2012 at 06:30 PM ----------

Thanks Debersole,

I have made contact with Dr Moon's research assistant.

kindest regards

Hi Ocean Girl,

It would be great if you could you e-mail me at IPEdivestudy@duke.edu. We can then discuss some details of your case. I am glad you have been in contact with DAN, they are a great resource.


Hope to speak with you soon!