Plasmapheresis and diving

[Scubastt]

I am a 49 year old female and was diagnosed with transverse myelitis about a month ago. I am on prednisone 60mg, weaning down over a month and do plasmapheresis twice a week. I am a very experienced diver and would like to do a 30m dive in two weeks. I am almost fully back to myself with about 80% function in my hand and some numbness from the hip down on the right. Any scuba doctors out there to know if there is a problem with diving (nitrox).
Thanks

 

[Duke Dive Medicine]

Hello, and thank you for posting your question.

You still have residual neurological symptoms, which indicates that inflammation is still present. The fact that you are undergoing plasmapheresis may indicate that your physician did not think your symptoms were improving quickly enough, or that he/she suspects an autoimmune component. In either case you should not dive while you still have symptoms and are actively undergoing therapy. You need to involve your treating physician in this discussion. I also strongly recommend that you be evaluated in person by a physician trained in examining and treating divers before you return to diving.

Best regards,
DDM