Possible Future Diver with PTSD

[Carl_F]

Probably depends on agency. They are not the same for PADI.

PADI's Discover Scuba Diving Medical questionnaire can be seen here:
https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct...sg=AFQjCNF2A_Pevddb59YnPTtM-gXhRi0urg&cad=rja

The one used for Open Water and beyond is here:
http://www.padi.com/english/common/courses/forms/pdf/10063-ver2-0.pdf

Thanks! That's interesting that PADI chose to use a different form than the RSTC form for the introductory scuba program (OW is the RSTC form.) My shop uses the RSTC form for both.

 

[Tippytoes12]

Hi there

Good to hear for you and I often wondered how you got on.

i would definitely keep trying until you get a doctor to sign you off. They should be encouraging you to take up new activities , which are shown to improve peoples physical and emotional health.

Please don't give up , many people on this boards had bumps on the road to certification and got over them. You sound very resilient , so keep going man.

very best fishes xxx

 

[edwants2dive]

Not trying to be negative here but the DSD release asks about mental issues and he cleared that hurdle so the dive op did allow him to continue but there was nowhere on the form that I saw stating that a medical release was needed. That being said the OW questionnaire is more detailed and does state that a that a medical release is needed if you answer yes to any question.
I would like to echo what others have said find a non-VA doctor to do the release! The VA doctor sounds like they are hesitant to do the release for liability reasons and I can understand that, but hey are they familiar with diving medicine ( probably not) you may be better of with a doctor who is.
DAN is a great resource for that. This is from their website:
If you are looking for a physician to conduct a diving physical to be medically cleared for diving or would like a consultation from a diving medical specialist in your area, you can call DAN at +1-919-684-2948 (Monday–Friday, 9 a.m.–5 p.m. Eastern) or send an email.

Lastly don't give up!

 

[EdwardMH]

Hello, WOW I had no idea my interest in learning scuba started in 2014, well I still have not done it yet but now have new doctors so am trying again for the medical waiver, a lot has happened since I started that has stopped me pursuing this dream but I feel the worst obstacles are gone. My new Psychiatrist is on board and I still need to discuss with my new primary care Dr. I as of last week am now a diabetic and am on Metformin is this an issue? Are there divers with diabetes? I am back on track for the dream just hope 57 years old is not too late to start.

 

[mc42]

Here are some resources on diabetes and diving. It is definitely possible. Good luck on your journey!

Divers Alert Network. Information for you and your doctors.
- Guidelines on diving with diabetes
- Scuba diving and diabetes

PADI Pros blog. You can view this as PADI’s guidance to their dive professionals to ensure they are prepared for students or certified divers with diabetes. May be useful when discussing with a prospective instructor.
- Diving and diabetes

 

[Jim Lapenta]

I have a student who is Type 2 diabetic with an insulin pump that had to go through a bunch of hoops with doctors but he got clearance. He's also full cave, DPV, and rebreather certified now.

 

[EdwardMH]

Wow, I am not far along no insulin just pills so far.