Pulmonary Embolism (Blood clot on lung)

[748Racer]

Hi all,
I just wanted to get some opinions and advice on something: I've never been scuba diving before and am planning to give it a go later this year on holiday. However, I am a little concerned about previous medical conditions causing me trouble. About 2 years ago I broke my back in a motorbike crash and when I was laid-up in hospital I developed a pulmonary embolism - this eventually cleared with treatment and it has not been repeated since. However I was coughing up blood for quite a few days and it was obvious that I'd given one or both of my lungs quite an injury. Thankfully I am now in a reasonably fit shape although I plan to get as fit as possible before my holiday. What are your opinions on how I may have increased risks when diving? I know any posts here don't necessarily constitute professional medical advice but I'd appreciate any thoughts. I will be seeing my local doctor and seeking other advice as well but I thought I'd ask people who do actually dive as well.
Thanks guys!
Jon

 

[rmediver2002]

Hi all,
I just wanted to get some opinions and advice on something: I've never been scuba diving before and am planning to give it a go later this year on holiday. However, I am a little concerned about previous medical conditions causing me trouble. About 2 years ago I broke my back in a motorbike crash and when I was laid-up in hospital I developed a pulmonary embolism - this eventually cleared with treatment and it has not been repeated since. However I was coughing up blood for quite a few days and it was obvious that I'd given one or both of my lungs quite an injury. Thankfully I am now in a reasonably fit shape although I plan to get as fit as possible before my holiday. What are your opinions on how I may have increased risks when diving? I know any posts here don't necessarily constitute professional medical advice but I'd appreciate any thoughts. I will be seeing my local doctor and seeking other advice as well but I thought I'd ask people who do actually dive as well.
Thanks guys!
Jon

It would be worth going to a diving medical specialist for an evaluation, one of the dangers divers will face is involuntary blockage within the lungs trapping an amount of gas that could result in a pulmonary over-inflation injury.

One of the procedures that should be conducted is a chest x-ray looking for any scar tissue that could cause such a blockage.

Hopefully you will recieve good news at the evaluation!

Keep us posted,

Jeff Lane

 

[748Racer]

Many thanks Jeff - I will. I'm currently looking for a local diving medical specialist in the UK so that I can have relevant tests. I will see my doctor as well but I'd also like to get the opinion of someone experienced with medical issues in scuba.
Does anyone know of any specialists in the UK? Preferably in the Midlands - near Coventry?
Thanks again,
Jon

 

[rmediver2002]

No problem Jon, try this link http://www.scuba-doc.com/divuk.htm should be able to find someone local...

Jeff Lane

 

[DocVikingo]

On balance, you are likely to find the scubadoc URL to be dated as regards the specific facilites & specialists listed.

Here is a more up to date source that I have previously posted to this forum:

http://www.uksdmc.co.uk/main/Medical referees.htm

Best regards.

DocVikingo

 

[748Racer]

Many thanks for all your information guys - I am now in touch with a local diving medical specialist in the UK. She says that a medical followed by "flow volume loop breathing test" should suffice as long as I didn't directly injure the lung in the accident or suffer a collapsed lung.
I'll get back to you with the results and if there's any general guidelines for people who've suffered blood clots.
Thanks again,
Jon )

 

[rmediver2002]

Many thanks for all your information guys - I am now in touch with a local diving medical specialist in the UK. She says that a medical followed by "flow volume loop breathing test" should suffice as long as I didn't directly injure the lung in the accident or suffer a collapsed lung.
I'll get back to you with the results and if there's any general guidelines for people who've suffered blood clots.
Thanks again,
Jon )

Sounds good so far huh?

Good luck on the eval and see you on the bottom!!

Jeff lane