How long can DCS last?

[GoingScuba]

I am trying to diagnose a previous condition I have and I was just wondering 2 things which will help me understand more.

what are the chances of you getting the same type of DCS with the same symptoms after diving?(ex. getting the DCS type the chokes after diving two differnet times and happening 5-8 hours later after you day)

Also, Let's say you dont go in a hyperbaric chamber how long does it take for someone to recover from a mild - moderate case of DCS?

 

[DocVikingo]

what are the chances of you getting the same type of DCS with the same symptoms after diving?(ex. getting the DCS type the chokes after diving two differnet times and happening 5-8 hours later after you day)

The chances are not known, but some technical divers and a smattering of recreation divers report what appear to be repeated episodes of DCS involving the same symptoms.

The "chokes" (cardiopulmonary DCS, a form of Type II DCS) are quite uncommon and typically appear following rapid ascent from considerable depth. Signs and symptoms can include cough, coughing up blood, shortness of breath/difficulty breathing and pain/burning sensation in the mid-chest area. It is highly unlikely one would have repeated episodes of this and continue living. If this condition isn't promptly treated, it can be fatal.

As for, "Also, Let's say you dont go in a hyperbaric chamber how long does it take for someone to recover from a mild - moderate case of DCS?," it depends on what type of DCS. For example, untreated mild-to-moderate joint pain-only DCS (Type I) seems to most often resolve spontaneously and without permanent residua. Other types do not seem to fare so well. In any event, all cases of DCS should promptly be assessed by an appropriate professional.

Helpful?

Regards,

DocVikingo

This is educational only and does not constitute or imply a doctor-patient relationship. It is not medical advice to you or any other individual and should not be construed as such.

 

[GoingScuba]

yes. thanks. I am getting more adn more feedback my symptoms occuring several hours later after I dive is more medical condition(MVP) related and/or side effects of Dramamaine. I plan on seeing a cardiologists in a month or so

 

[Rhone Man]

Statistically, more than half of DCS symptoms appear an hour or more after diving, and a significant minority appear more than 8 hours after diving.

 

[GoingScuba]

Statistically, more than half of DCS symptoms appear an hour or more after diving, and a significant minority appear more than 8 hours after diving.

really? Interesting. well, my symptoms(shortness of breath, chest tightness/pain) have seem to appear abot 5-8 hours later and get a little worst the next day and get better the third day and seem to be back to normal on the fourth day

 

[DocVikingo]

Statistically, more than half of DCS symptoms appear an hour or more after diving, and a significant minority appear more than 8 hours after diving.

Cardiopulmonary DCS tends to have onset shortly after the dive.

Regards,

DocVikingo

 

[Rhone Man]

really? Interesting. well, my symptoms(shortness of breath, chest tightness/pain) have seem to appear abot 5-8 hours later and get a little worst the next day and get better the third day and seem to be back to normal on the fourth day

This table may be of interest: Decompression sickness - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

 

[GoingScuba]

well in my case if i did get DCS. DAN med asst. swears up and down that is not what I have. and the chances for having the exact same symptoms is highly unlikely. I am thinking the dramamine could have casued me to feel this way in addition to increasing the risk of the chokes(possibly). Not ot mention the doctors didnt find anything after the first time of felling sick

 

[DocVikingo]

This table may be of interest: Decompression sickness - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

There's DCS and there's DCS.

-Type I with musculoskeletal/joint (e.g., "the bends"), skin, lymphatic and/or constitution involvement (e.g., fatigue).

-Type II with neurological DCS, pulmonary/cardiorespiratory(e.g., "the chokes') and/or vestibular (e.g., "the staggers") involvement.

This Table lumps them all together.

As was stated earlier, "Cardiopulmonary DCS tends to have onset shortly after the dive." This Scubadoc webpage, which includes the remark, "The onset of the chokes is usually heralded by a midchest discomfort that commences within minutes of reaching the surface," may be of interest:

Pulmonary DCS (Chokes)

Regards,

DocVikingo

 

[GoingScuba]

thansk for all replies. from talking to docs and dicsussion on forums along with some internet research. i am ruling out the chokes in my case and going to see a cardiologist for an eval.