Pneumothorax question

[BCOZ]

Just returned from Coz where I had planned on doing the "discover scuba" course.

While filling out the "medical history" release forms, it asked if I had ever had a Pneumothorax? ( collapsed lung )

I had, so was not allowed to dive without my own doctors permission..........perfectly understandable for liability reasons.
I home and waiting for the medical release forms to arrive so I can get everything to my new doctor and hope he gives me a "thumbs up" to dive. It was 1989 or 1990 when it happended. I was 19-21 years old and and still invinceable... so I never thought to remember the details. Never found out the reason it happend, so it was listed as "spontaneous pneumothorax". I spent three days with a single chest tube, one day more for observation and was released. I'm certain I was ever asked to take a single medication.

Does anybody have insight as to if I will ever be cleared to dive on my next trip to Cozumel? I hope so!

BCOZ

 

[TSandM]

BCoz, unfortunately, I'm going to give you some bad news.

Spontaneous pneumothorax is one of the strong contraindications to diving. The reason for this is that it usually indicates an underlying anatomic abnormality of the lung, and the recurrence rate is high. Pneumothorax underwater is a very potentially lethal event.

At the very least, you should have an evaluation by a physician, to include a high resolution CT scan of your chest, looking for remaining blebs or areas of abnormality. You can then discuss the results with the physician (hopefully someone who is dive-savvy) and evaluate the risks, and decide whether you are up for them.

Good luck with this.

You might read THIS or THIS from DAN for further information.

 

[BCOZ]

TSandM-

Thanks for the links!

I read through them and........Your right.........you did give me bad news.

Thanks for the info-
BCOZ

 

[Garrobo]

Hope tht you can do some diving but there's always snorkeling. Not as much fun but still you'll be in the water.

 

[DiverBizz]

Thank goodness BCoz did not lie on the form. I have heard of people who did not tell the truth. I can't believe anyone would risk there life and the careers of others (or at least their emotional/financial situation).

 

[DocVikingo]

Hi BCOZ,

Basically, a history spontaneous pneumothorax is an absolute contraindication to SCUBA.

You could undergo high-resolution helical/spiral CT of the lungs. If the scanning is positive for air-trapping spaces like blebs or bullae, you could consider undergoing one of several unpleasant forms of pleurodesis to remove them. If the scan is negative, there still is no guarantee the lung will not collapse again. If pneumothorax should occur at depth, you'd be in very serious trouble.

Sorry,

DocVikingo

 

[Zippsy]

three cheers for BCoz for having the honesty, maturity and intelligence to answer the form correctly and get medical advice before diving. You may have saved your own life. Diving is very nice but not worth that risk.

So, let us know how the skydiving course goes... I've been too chicken to try that.

 

[BCOZ]

Still waiting for my medical records to get to my doctor, but from everything I've read on the web........I doubt I'll find a doctor willing to risk his reputation or my health in this matter. I'm thinking a future of free-diving is my best alternative. I'll report what happends.

As for skydiving..........
I think I'm a NATURAL BORN skydiver! I'm a 38 year old guy who fears flying. (YES...FEARS! As in...if nobody was watching, I'd likely be crying.)
So, wearing a chute and jumping out of the plane just happends to be my immediate thoughts once we leave the ground!!!!!!
It's my LEAST favorite part of every trip to Cozumel.
Lorazipam anyone?????

BCOZ

P.S.- Please dont tell me how flying is safer than driving. Cars can at least coast to a stop on the side of the road after engine failure. - BCOZ

Unknown Comedian- "You KNOW theres no oxygen in those masks that fall from the overhead compartments........they're only there to muffle the screams!"

 

[Kingpatzer]

You'll want to get yourself looked at by a heart/lung specialist who has a strong understanding of dive medicine. Your regular doctor will not sign off on this (and if he does, get yourself a new regular doctor, throw out his recommendation, and go see a specialist anyway).

All hope is not lost, but the probability of you being OK to dive is pretty darn low.

 

[stevewirl]

its not the end of the world .

you health is your wealth . (and all of that )

free diving maybe just as dangerous as depth and pressure are still factors .

snorkling is prob the best option .