Medical conditions

[Grumpy Grandad]

I live in Essex and have a number of health issues in breif high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, for which is controlled by medication, I also have menieres and MS; the MS has left me with no mobility problems diagnosed 15 years ago; the menieres one episode of vertigo about 8 years ago.

I would love to dive ( I know it may be a bit late in life to start) but with these medical conditions will my doctor laugh me out the surgery or is there a dive doctor that can give frank advise that may sign my certificate for training and if so what is the cost for such advise and where might I find such a person

 

[MattDW]

Hi GG,

I'm from Chelmsford so down the road from you

I booked a "Fit to dive" medical at the London Diving Chamber just before starting my training -

Diving Medicals, London UK, London Recompression & Hyperbaric facilities - The London Diving Chamber

I think it cost £60 and was an opportunity to talk one-to-one with a dive doctor as well as gain a "fit to dive" certificate at the end.

I'd recommend sending them an email via their website. They're very helpful but will probably want to see you.

I was seen by Dr Oliver Firth, who coincidentally also co-writes a medical FAQ book so he's very well informed on the subject!!

Oh they also have an FAQ on the website which you might want to have a look through (I've not looked to see if any of your questions are answered there) -
Dive Medical Advice, Diving Medicine, FAQs, Common Diving Problems, London Recompression & Hyperbaric facilities - The London Diving Chamber

 

[spectrum]

Matt DW has obviously provided a splendid local response. In my experience the issues you describe "under control" is usually the prevailing factor so you may have a good shot at a clearance to dive.

Pete

 

[Grumpy Grandad]

Many thanks what a quick response I have already rung them and sent an email with the medical bits on here's keeping fingers crossed

 

[freewillie]

Well controlled hypertension is not a contraindication to dive.

Diabetes used to be an absolute, but these days many dive docs are allowing diabetics to dive provided they are well controlled and have no significant low blood sugars.

I'm not personally familiar with MS as it relates to diving. I would say any neurologic condition that puts a diver at risk for seizure or passing out would be absolute contraindication. If you haven't had a seizure related to MS and your previous bout vertigo was quite some time ago they may let you dive. You would be higher risk of course.

 

[Searcaigh]

Although controversial in the US, treatment of MS in the UK frequently involves use of O2 in a hyperbaric chamber, for the OP diving with Nitrox might actually be a useful thing to do, obviously under medical advice. As a scientist and a diver I am very curious about this.

 

[DCBC]

I'm not a hyperbaric medical expert, but know that not every Expert holds the same opinion. Often 'opinions' depend upon an individual perspective and their interpretation of the research. In a case of MS this may not be the case, so I'd encourage you to speak with your family physician and go from there. Good luck!

Wayne