Hepatitus c and diving?

[jackiemize]

I Have hepc and Im taking Paxil for anxiety after finding out about the hep. Its only contaigiuos through blood..I am goin to start treatment soon. I started my certification last year but busted my eardrum during the last dive ..I passed all test but could not do the last dive .Can I finish this year before I start treatment which is like chemotherapy and makes you ill for 1 year. I know I cant dive during that treatment but would really like to finish the cource.My ear healed on its on after a few months. Any reply is welcome..

 

[jackiemize]

No suggestions or thoughts at all..?

 

[jbd]

I'm not a doctor. I think it would be best for you to finish your treatment program first and then get an ENT to examine your ear and clear you for diving. You may also need clearance from the doctor treating the Hep C.

Once the health issues are behind you then redo the class in whatever way is acceptable with your instructor. Could be just an academic review and then some water skills to get you back in the game or you may have to redo the whole course.

Even if you finished now you would proably benefit from a refresher course after such a long abscence.

Best of luck with whatever you decide.

 

[ckharlan66]

I agree, get the medical probs sorted out then you can really concentrate on the classes.

Anyway, if you finish the class now and then don't dive for a year I would think you would want to take a refresher anyway. So why not wait and do one class instead of two.

Good Luck and keep us posted.

Chad

 

[scubadoc]

Excellent advice from jbd and Chad.

There is a thread about diving with liver disease at this URL:
http://www.scubaboard.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=5478

It has a link to my web page about Hep C and diving.
http://www.scuba-doc.com/hepc.html

Good things!
scubadoc

 

[jackiemize]

That was very informative and i will wait till I finish treatment before continuing a great hobby. Just know how lucky some of you are ..Thans for the info