Hoping for some direction regarding atypical symptoms

[Ronreg]

Hi Dannybot, thanks for your reply

I have had MRIs of my head, and lower back done. My lower back is sort of a mess, but I am told there is nothing there for which changes in pressure should have an impact, or cause the symptoms I have had.

No sign of MS, or anything else like that.

I hope things progressed well for you. What was the ultimate outcome?

 

[MtnDiverColorado]

Hi Ronreg,

No solid outcome yet. I subsequently did a bunch more testing including an MRI of my neck, that indicated the nerves in the spine may be rubbing against the bone of the spinal column, so the diagnosis was that the way I hold my head when I dive is causing the symptoms. The treatment prescribed then is a bunch of physical therapy.

I am not completely convinced this is the case, largely due to the timing of the symptoms, the symptoms themselves, and that it doesn't explain all the symptoms. I haven't been great about doing the physical therapy.

My wife thinks I am crazy, and should listen to the Dr. In her view, I've seen the problem on the MRI, why won't I believe it and just do what actual professionals tell me I should do?

Its not a bad point, so our next dive trip is about 6 mos a way and before then I will be good about going to physical therapy, doing what professionals tell me, and we'll see how that goes...

I really love diving, but honestly have a lot of stress around this thing when I do... so hopefully my wife and the Dr are right...

 

[Ronreg]

Thanks for getting back to me. I too am not convinced as well. When I return to diving after getting fully cleared, I know I will be stressed about it as well and will dive some very conservative profiles, 60 feet max. I may bring a pony bottle with 50% O2 to use at stops at 40 feet and 20 feet. My concern is that I am now compromised to get DCS.

 

[nldunn]

Paresthesia? Ironically, I had just looked this up because I’ve had a major G.I. upset since getting home from Curacao. The feet tingling sounds like it fits.