Have you ever suffered Immersion Pulmonary Edema (IPE)?

[xspect]

I think there is some confusion going on here. There is a huge difference on what an IPE and a PE.

IPE - Immersion Pulmonary Edema - is fluid accumulation in the air spaces and parenchyma of the lungs.

and

PE - Pulmonary Embolism - is a blockage of the main artery of the lung or one of its branches by a substance that has travelled from elsewhere in the body through the bloodstream (embolism). usually a blood clot in the lungs

 

[InTheDrink]

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!

Hi,

I had a pulmonary edema event in 2011. I understand the difficulty in working out whether to go back diving and if so how. PM me if you'd like to discuss.

Glad you got out ok.

John

---------- Post added December 16th, 2012 at 05:20 PM ----------

Hi,

I had a pulmonary edema event in 2011. I understand the difficulty in working out whether to go back diving and if so how. PM me if you'd like to discuss.

Glad you got out ok.

John

Edit: my story FWIW here- http://www.scubaboard.com/forums/showthread.php?t=395096

 

[Ayisha]

I think there is some confusion going on here. There is a huge difference on what an IPE and a PE.

IPE - Immersion Pulmonary Edema - is fluid accumulation in the air spaces and parenchyma of the lungs.

and

PE - Pulmonary Embolism - is a blockage of the main artery of the lung or one of its branches by a substance that has travelled from elsewhere in the body through the bloodstream (embolism). usually a blood clot in the lungs

They're using PE to stand for Pulmonary Edema in the traditional sense. When in water, it's called Immersion Pulmonary Edema (IPE). They're not talking about a Pulmonary Embolism.

 

[wedivebc]

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

They're using PE to stand for Pulmonary Edema in the traditional sense. When in water, it's called Immersion Pulmonary Edema (IPE). They're not talking about a Pulmonary Embolism.

Actually this guy is.

 

[Duke Dive Medicine]

You're in good hands with Dr. Moon's research assistant (her desk is right behind mine!) In general, if you've had an incident of IPE you are at increased risk of another, as was vividly demonstrated by the unfortunate incident that clownfishsydney referred to. Was it true immersion pulmonary edema, or was there a cardiac component to it? Do you have any history of heart problems? Can you describe the dive?

 

[Ocean girl]

Hi Michael,

Thanks for your response to my post. Firstly my condolences for the passing of your friend. I actually first read about Carol's death on your website well before my own SDPE experience. Both the medical experts and DAN, with whom I have been closely liaising, have also provided me with some further information relating to both Carol's and other SDPE incidents. There still seems to be much to learn about this condition and I am noticing some conflicting advice both locally and globally. At the end of the day I think the media reported comment by your wife, recommending that if you notice any breathing difficulty abort the dive immediately, is a potential lifesaver.

---------- Post added December 17th, 2012 at 06:25 PM ----------

You're in good hands with Dr. Moon's research assistant (her desk is right behind mine!) In general, if you've had an incident of IPE you are at increased risk of another, as was vividly demonstrated by the unfortunate incident that clownfishsydney referred to. Was it true immersion pulmonary edema, or was there a cardiac component to it? Do you have any history of heart problems? Can you describe the dive?

Hi Dive Duke Medicine,
I will send further detail to the email address provided by the research assistant for you both to share (given you are neighbours!). In the interim I can confirm that it was a true IPE incident with no known cardio component.

Cheers

 

[Duke Dive Medicine]

Since the majority of our IPE test subjects are triathletes, we tend to advise them to use extreme caution and listen to their bodies. It gets somewhat more complicated with a diver since you can't just wave for help and have a boat or rescue swimmer come pick you up. One of our triathletes now takes a sildenafil (Viagra) tablet before an event but that advice was specific to her and doesn't apply to every IPE sufferer. If and when you're cleared to dive by a diving physician, I'd recommend you use a level of thermal protection that will mitigate any cold, and avoid heavy exercise and overhydration when diving. I'll be interested to hear what Dr. Moon says about your case. You might be the winner of a free trip to lovely North Carolina

Best regards,
DDM

 

[Ocean girl]

Since the majority of our IPE test subjects are triathletes, we tend to advise them to use extreme caution and listen to their bodies. It gets somewhat more complicated with a diver since you can't just wave for help and have a boat or rescue swimmer come pick you up. One of our triathletes now takes a sildenafil (Viagra) tablet before an event but that advice was specific to her and doesn't apply to every IPE sufferer. If and when you're cleared to dive by a diving physician, I'd recommend you use a level of thermal protection that will mitigate any cold, and avoid heavy exercise and overhydration when diving. I'll be interested to hear what Dr. Moon says about your case. You might be the winner of a free trip to lovely North Carolina

Best regards,
DDM

The potential of a free trip to North Carolina..wow...better get those details to you!! After I have looked up where North Carolina is...! Thanks DDM