The only reason for this post is to make others aware of the risks of diving in foreign countries with exotic diseases or parasites and prevent an unnecessary death.
We decided to expand our diving skills and venture into technical diving after spending 2 weeks at Truk Lagoon. We found a local TDI instructor who would take us for Advanced Nitrox and Decompression diving. Paid our deposit however had to wait until he returned from a trip (I believe) to Philippines. He was at that time a picture of health for someone of about 65 in retirement and loving diving.
On his return from the Philippines we started the course however he complained of not feeling 100%. Over the period of the course over a few weeks his condition deteriorated. Although he managed to complete the courses for us he was clearly unwell. We then joined up for Extended Range course, however after seeing he was not well, we let him know we could wait until he was better. After a few days he messaged us advising that he was sufficiently unwell to be admitted to hospital although he felt his condition would improve after treatment. Within a few days of his last sms he had passed away.
Although the coroners report has not yet been completed, my understanding of his issue was that he had picked up a worm type parasite from the Philippines, whether from diving or from the water there in some fashion which had entered his blood stream. Normally (apparently) this is simply cured by taking antibiotics for a few weeks and all is well.
In his case, for reasons unknown he struggled on for some 4-8 weeks before making it to the hospital. In that time the parasites had multiplied to such a number, that apparently on application of the antibiotics to kill the parasites the dead parasites now make your blood toxic which has the potential for multiple significant organ damage, which (I believe) possibly caused his death as he was in apparently good health prior to the trip. Had he of not taken the antibiotics or not gone to the hospital I believe the parasites would have killed him anyway by their massive number increase over time.
As I said my reason for posting this is to warn other people of these risks and to be aware if you go overseas and come back not feeling well" GET TO A DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY AND TELL THEM WHERE YOU HAVE BEEN AND HOW YOU FEEL". Postponing or ignoring feeling unwell could increase your risk of severe illness or cause an unnecessary death. I was not aware of this risk and often go diving to overseas pacific countries where there are many sicknesses and parasites which can cause illnesses to foreigners. I was living in blissful ignorance. I am a person of similar attitude, I can see me now saying "probably just a tummy bug it will come good in a week or so". There but for the grace of god goes I.
Unfortunately at the cost of a good friend and great instructor, we perhaps have all learned a valuable lesson.
In his memory "You touched me and I have grown" You were a friend and a great instructor and you are missed dearly
We decided to expand our diving skills and venture into technical diving after spending 2 weeks at Truk Lagoon. We found a local TDI instructor who would take us for Advanced Nitrox and Decompression diving. Paid our deposit however had to wait until he returned from a trip (I believe) to Philippines. He was at that time a picture of health for someone of about 65 in retirement and loving diving.
On his return from the Philippines we started the course however he complained of not feeling 100%. Over the period of the course over a few weeks his condition deteriorated. Although he managed to complete the courses for us he was clearly unwell. We then joined up for Extended Range course, however after seeing he was not well, we let him know we could wait until he was better. After a few days he messaged us advising that he was sufficiently unwell to be admitted to hospital although he felt his condition would improve after treatment. Within a few days of his last sms he had passed away.
Although the coroners report has not yet been completed, my understanding of his issue was that he had picked up a worm type parasite from the Philippines, whether from diving or from the water there in some fashion which had entered his blood stream. Normally (apparently) this is simply cured by taking antibiotics for a few weeks and all is well.
In his case, for reasons unknown he struggled on for some 4-8 weeks before making it to the hospital. In that time the parasites had multiplied to such a number, that apparently on application of the antibiotics to kill the parasites the dead parasites now make your blood toxic which has the potential for multiple significant organ damage, which (I believe) possibly caused his death as he was in apparently good health prior to the trip. Had he of not taken the antibiotics or not gone to the hospital I believe the parasites would have killed him anyway by their massive number increase over time.
As I said my reason for posting this is to warn other people of these risks and to be aware if you go overseas and come back not feeling well" GET TO A DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY AND TELL THEM WHERE YOU HAVE BEEN AND HOW YOU FEEL". Postponing or ignoring feeling unwell could increase your risk of severe illness or cause an unnecessary death. I was not aware of this risk and often go diving to overseas pacific countries where there are many sicknesses and parasites which can cause illnesses to foreigners. I was living in blissful ignorance. I am a person of similar attitude, I can see me now saying "probably just a tummy bug it will come good in a week or so". There but for the grace of god goes I.
Unfortunately at the cost of a good friend and great instructor, we perhaps have all learned a valuable lesson.
In his memory "You touched me and I have grown" You were a friend and a great instructor and you are missed dearly
