Medical Question

[mclir9]

I happened to see a medical clearance form that PADI has everyone fill out before they start the Certification process. I noticed one line mentions Hernia's. I had a Hernia just above my naval 3 years ago, but I had surgery to have it repaired. Is this gonna be OK or are they talking about hernia's that I might have unrepaired??

 

[Garth]

To be honest, I had a inguinal (groin) hernia repair about 2 or 3 years before my OW class. I work in the medical profession and I have no idea what hernia they are talking about.

possible a hiatal hernia (one that is at the level of your esophagus where it meets the stomach).

 

[300bar]

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A ScubaBoard Staff Message...

Moved to Diving Medicine

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[Hawkwood]

Don't read too much into the question: "Have you ever had or do you currently have…"
"_____ Hernia? You need to only answer yes or no to the question. There is no leeway to interpret the questions.

Since you have had a hernia repaired, the answer is Yes. Since the answer is Yes, you will have have your physician clear you. Guidelines are available to you to give to your physician so that your physician can make the determination to clear you.

Directly from the questionaire:

"A positive response to a question does not necessarily disqualify you from diving. A positive response means that there s a preexisting condition that may affect your safety while diving and you must seek the advice of your physician prior to engaging in dive activities."​

 

[knotical]

You can check out the entire document, including the guidelines for physicians portion at:
http://www.wrstc.com/downloads/RSTCMedStatementGeneric.pdf

Searching on the word hernia reveals:

Neurological - Relative Risk Conditions - Herniated Nucleus Pulposus

Gastrointestinal - Temporary Risk Conditions - Unrepaired hernias of the abdominal wall large enough to contain bowel within the hernia sac could incarcerate

Gastrointestinal - Severe Risk Conditions - Paraesophageal Hernia

Sounds like the second one likely applies, and your physician would almost certainly give you the green light.