Health question from diver wannabe

[caroayala]

Hi there!

My husband is thinking to get certified. I am certified and during our honey moon he got the typical resort quick class and went with me in a hadfull of dives. He loved it! but I am a bit concerned because he had a motorcycle accident 11 years ago and he was left with extensive tissue damage. His legs are in very bad shape even though he's able to walk just fine but he wears braces (for support, as his ankles were fused and have no movility). He did great in the dives we've done but I heard before that when you have big scares and tissue damage, is harder for your body to get rid of the nitrogen accumulated during dives... Also I don't know if he should only get the Scuba Diver Certification (40 Feet max) or if he will be ok getting the Open Water Cert (60 feet max). Does anyone know more about this?

Thanks!

 

[Sasquatch]

Welcome to SB!

The only sueggestions I'm going to make is that you a) talk to an instructor and b) talk to your husbands doctor about what you intend to do.

Honestly, I don't see any problem in doing the OW certification if he can pass the swim/float test after completing the two suggestions listed above.

Best of luck to him and, again, welcome to ScubaBoard!

 

[Aquanautchuck]

You also might call DAN. They might know a bit about that.

 

[H2Andy]

You also might call DAN. They might know a bit about that.

ya, this sounds like a question for DAN:

1-800-446-2671

http://www.diversalertnetwork.org/

 

[Louma]

Look for a Handicapped SCUBA Association Instructor in your area (or if you want to take a vacation look for one at your vacation destination). I am one in Orlando. The link is www.hsascuba.com. We teach the blind, quadriplegics, people with Cerebal Palsy, Amputations, etc. Your husband does not seem to have any problems that can't be overcome. There is no corrilation between scar tissue and nitrogen retention. The only poss problem is scar tissue on the lungs. Hope this helps

 

[webjr]

ask his doctor.
If there's any circulation problems , diving may not be advisable .
But as far as weak legs go , as long as he can swim comfortably , that shouldn't be a problem . Just plan dives carefully to avoid locations with strong currents . There are plenty of divers out there who don't even have legs ! They use special webbed gloves . They also even have thier own training association !
http://www.hsascuba.com/

 

[H2Andy]

ask his doctor.

yes, but many doctors do not know the implications of certain conditions when
it comes to diving. most of them will probably have a "no way!" knee jerk reaction, on the conservative side, without really understanding the issue

that's the beauty of DAN, they can answer your question if it's a common one or
even get you in touch with a doctor familiar with diving who can

 

[Gator Diver]

Best bet is to contact DAN after you speak with your husband's
doctor. Unless his doctor also dives, I would confirm whatever
he says with a call to DAN.

 

[Damselfish]

As far as Scuba Diver vs. full OW certification, if he's going to do it he should do the full OW cert. About the only good reason I see to do Scuba Diver (if there is one) is if you don't have time to finish the full thing just then. More training is always better and safer. More important than the depth limitation, Scuba Diver also limits you to diving with an instructor which is not always convienient and will likely cost more each time.

Just because the certification says 60' doesn't mean he has to dive that deep on a regular basis, should it be decided that makes a difference in his case. And the certification dives themselves may not even go that deep, some places you need a shovel to get that deep.

 

[caroayala]

WOW! Thank you all so much for your responses... I didn't think I was going to get any answers.

I did some more research and found a very well known diving and hyperbaric specialist in the area (Seattle, WA), so we are going to go see him.

I'm happy to hear that scar tissue doesn't have any relation with nitrogen retention. About circulation I imagine that the circulation in his legs is not completely normal, but let's see what this specialist says.

I will also check with DAN and the local Handicapped SCUBA Association. GREAT IDEAS... thank you tons!