Medical Questions

[hambleto]

I am hoping this is the right place to post this. I am very excited about getting into diving. However, I have a couple of concerns about some medical issues. I hope they will not stop me from diving though. I am currently on Alegra for Allergies (damn high high pollen and dust sends me into sneezing fits). I am on a stomach medicine due to acid reflux/ indigestion (Stress from the job) I am also on Blood Pressure Medicine. I am working on getting myself off of these slowly. (I have lost over 100 lbs since last September I went from 385 down to 280). My right knee has been rebuilt twice (ACL and PCL from football and wrestling) I also have three pins that hold my left shoulder in place (from wrestling) I am in better shape than I have been in ages but I am still worried that these issues may be a problem. Could you please tell me what you think and any advice/concerns you may have?
Thank you,
Ben

 

[DocVikingo]

I don't want see your inquiry go unresponded to, so I'll provide you with my take. Perhaps one of the other board doctors can be more helpful.

You have indicated medical conditions including allergy, GI disorder & HPB, all of which are receiving treatment. You have indicated what drug(s) you are taking only for the first condition, and it is not reported how severe these are, nor what damage, if any, they may have produced.

In addition, you appear to be overweight, and indicate a history of multiple knee surgeries and shoulder surgery with indwelling pins. The degree of limitation, if any, imposed by your orthopedic status is not specified.

All of your medical conditions could have implications for safe scuba, but they are inadequately described to make any confident comments. This notwithstanding, your overall medical condition is likely too complicated for an answer of a length and degree of meaningfulness appropriate to this forum.

You or you physician may submit any questions to DAN http://www.diversalertnetwork.org/medical/

Best regards.

DocVikingo

 

[hambleto]

DocVikingo,
Thank you for replying to my message. I apologize for not going into more detail in the message. I will see my doctor before diving for a physical and perhaps have him contact the link that you provided. As much as I yearn to dive, my health and wellbeing are more important. I thank you for your time.
Sincerely,
Ben

P.S. If you though I should go into more detail about my medications and such please let me know and I shall.

 

[DocVikingo]

You're entirely welcome.

I am sorry that I wasn't of more help, but there are so many medical issues that it would be difficult to craft a useful reply within the confines of this forum even after the extensive information gathering required.

Best regards.

DocVikingo