Thought I'd provide an update as a couple of you had expressed interest in hearing a follow-up.
Unfortunately, my echo and bubble-test was positive. I do have a PFO. I plan to take part in the research study that is being conducted through DAN.
For those of you who may be curious about recommendations, etc., I'll share with you how my dive physician has addressed the issue. Once again, I found him via DAN referral and feel that he has been an exceptional doctor.
The first step that he took with me was to reinforce that this subject (diving/PFO's) was a very controversial area. He said the first decision was whether or not to put me back in the water. So, he actually gave me some reading assignments! He said to call back when I had finished the reading and made a decision as to whether or not I wanted to try and dive again.
My decision was to indeed return to diving, yet I knew that I would probably be diving in a new way. Because I had a fair number of previous dives without problem (about 115), and the instance with DCS occurred while diving in a way that I had not typically dived (5 repetitive days, deeper dives, longer bottom times, ... bottom line, just a much higher nitrogen load) ... I really felt and do feel that I will be fine with a more conservative approach. If I would happen to experience another bout of DCS, my decision would probably then change.
The parameters that my doctor has suggested include:
1) Depth Limit of 40 feet (ouch!)
2) Nitrox
3) Limit of only one dive per day
4) Do not dive on repetitive days
5) Extend safety stop time to 5 minutes
I had just finished my DM cert the week prior to the "hit" ... however, it was suggested that I not pursue that avenue. I certainly understood the suggestion and why it was a valid one on many levels.
It's taken some time to digest this change as I had hoped to do many things through diving. However...as time moves along, I'm realizing how lucky I am to have had so many wonderful experiences and that I will still get to dive...just in a different way.
I've been on scuba board much more so during my surface interval and realized that there seems to be a fair amount of interest in the PFO issue...so I'm hoping that my post may be helpful to someone.
Was planning to do my return to the water this weekend, but conditions have delayed me. So...am shooting for next weekend!
