i've got the bends (i think)

[matva]

i went diving saturday and started feeling weird that night. First thing i noticed was my left leg started feeling tingly/slightly numb. I figured i should get some rest so i did and the next morning the feeling was still there along with a similar feeling in my left arm. It is extremely slight and i really only notice the numbness when i am not doing something (i.e. my mind is clear). Now it is just my leg that has the feeling, but it is so slight that i can't tell whether it is just something else. In addition, i get weird tingly feeling at random spots in my body every once in awhile. I do remember a point in my dive where i may have ascended a little faster than i should have, but i do use a watch (mosquito) and i was will within all no decompression limits etc.

What do you guys think? am i just full of it, is it maybe something else, or do i really have the bends? Obviously the only sure way to tell is to get a check-up, but id like your thoughts before i go and get one. Everything is so slight that i tend to think it may go away on its own. I read the wikipedia article on decompression sickness and it says that "rest and oxygen (increasing the percentage of oxygen in the air being breathed via a tight fitting oxygen mask) applied to lighter cases can be effective."

Any thoughts?

 

[jeckyll]

Besides: Go seek medical help immediately and get checked out!?

No.

 

[do it easy]

I would contact DAN or a dive physician ASAP. The first symptoms of the bends is denial. Do it now and don't waste time.

 

[riguerin]

You should call DAN (Divers Alert Network). They will be able to give the best advise.

The contact info can be found here:
http://www.diversalertnetwork.org/contact/index.asp


Good luck.

 

[H2Andy]

call DAN immediately and let them liase a local chamber for you if needed

you've waited a long time already. i wouldn't wait any longer

 

[The Chairman]

DITTO...

Call DAN:

Diving Emergencies (Remember: Call local EMS first, then DAN!)
1-919-684-8111
1-919-684-4DAN (collect)
1-800-446-2671 (toll-free)
+1-919-684-9111 (Latin America Hotline)

 

[Guba]

I'm late on this one, but just in case you're still dilly-dallying around looking at this computer...

WHAT NETDOC SAID!! PICK UP THE PHONE AND MAKE THE CALLS!!!

I'll be saying a prayer for you.

 

[fmw625]

What they said deffinately.

 

[Misplaced Priority]

What did you find out? Did you follow this great advice? Are you still in the chamber?

 

[DandyDon]

Why is it that divers come here to ask if they're bent - instead of calling DAN?? Yeah, we care, but they need to be on the phone while they're typing! Are the Insts not getting this need across, do the uninsured think they have to be members, or are they just looking for someone to tell them they're ok?

I have called DAN many times, just in case. Called the afterhours Doc about my buddy on our first dive trip. They've always been super - even if my questions were dumb, and only at the last did they ask if I was a member.

I think we need to get the word out better...