new to list questions about asthma/larger suits

[jmishka]

Hi all I am in need of some advice...
I am going to be starting a scuba course soon at a local dive shop, Holyoke Underwater Supply. I have had some snorkelling experience in FL Keys when I was younger but I am not a super swimmer.
My questions are

1. I have mild asthma, take daily antihistimines and will need to take meclizine for boat trip dives... should I be speaking to a doctor who is familiar with diving about health issues or just the instructor?

2. I am a size 18/20 in normal clothes and I think I will end up investing in a Henderson Hyperstretch suit but I will be diving in the northeast (mostly) as well as FL (few times a year)...mom lives there and I get free room and board visits... trouble is I dont really want to have to buy two suits, any ideas? Also is it true that fluffier woman stay warmer in the cold water so maybe I could purchase a thinner all around suit?

Thanks in advance
jenn

 

[raviepoo]

If you are taking a PADI course you will be required to have a doctor sign off on your fitness for diving before you begin the course. My OW cert was through SSI and I was required to have a dive doctor check me out before starting the class. I don't know if this is normal for SSI. But I do know that if you answer "yes" to any of the questions on the PADI medical declaration (and if you answer honestly, you will have at least one "yes" on your form), you will have to get clearance to dive from a doctor.

Go to the shop that sold you the class and explain your situation. They should give you a medical form for your doctor to sign off on. Make the appointment now, before class starts, so you won't be dissappointed. I suggest you go to a doctor referred by DAN (Divers Alert Network - do a search on here for more info) unless your doctor says that he is familiar with the impact of asthma on scuba divers.

And no, one suit will not be enough for you. It gets cold as *&$# up here in the Northeast. You will need one suit for local diving and another for trips down south. Don't buy exposure protection yet. Talk to your instructor before you spend any money.

Don't rely on your fluff to keep you warm. I'm not exactly Calista Flockhart, and I freeze my butt off in anything less than 84 degree water.

 

[jmishka]

Thanks for the good information

 

[Miss Gigl]

Just wanted to mention that I wear an 18/20 normally and I just got my 3mm Henderson Hyperstretch that I will be trying out in Kona in August. It fits perfectly and I'm so glad I splurged on it. No more ill-fitting mens sizes!!

 

[Diver Kat]

Another vote for Henderson Hyperstretch .... I'm also in the 18/20 range and short to boot. I just love my Hyperstretch as it fits well, is not confining at all and does not restrict my movements or breathing. Some of the suits I tried while in my OW class were very hard to move in, and felt extremely uncomfortable. The amazing thing is my daughter is the exact opposite - about 6 ft tall and very slender - and after trying on a number of suits, she opted for the Hyperstretch as well ... it's very adaptive for all types of sizes .....

 

[zeN||]

Asthma, medication dependent, with another powerful medication meclizine-used while diving would definitely rate seeing a dive specialist MD; just about any MD will take you as a patient but it is my feeling that the average physician doesn't work with dive medicine enough to be the best choice for you.
You will want to be well informed and well regimented on any medication that you take prior to your dive that has significant effects on your respiration and cognition. 25 cents please zeN||

 

[ktarlecky]

I think i may be able to help. I also have asthma and take 2 preventative medications and have a fast acting inhaler. I checked with my doctor and actually had to get clearance to partake in class. If I have been experiecing asthma symptoms I do not dive! I am also on the "fluffy" side and dive in cold water in the Northeast and "No" we do not stay warmer or atleast I don't. Last weekend surface temps were 65 and i froze my butt off in a 7MM , hood and gloves at 60 ft. Anyway, I also dive in the Caribbean several times per year and do not wear any protection although I am buying a 1MM. I have heard a lot of postitive statements about the hyperstretch especially from "fluffier" divers.