Second Episode of Skin Bends

[Dr. Doug Ebersole]

I agree completely with Duke Dive Medicine. As an active recreational/technical/CCR/cave diving instructor and an interventional cardiologist who closes PFOs on selected divers on a regular basis, I would be happy to discuss your case with you in detail if you would like. PM me and I''l give you my cell number.

 

[mattia_v]

For what it's worth, I know several divers with known or suspected PFOs who still dive, they just plan their dives exceptionally conservatively. Like running gradient factor 40/60, ascending SLOW, always taking some extra hangtime, staying hydrated, staying warm, no heavy activity post dive, etc.

Just adding that somewhere between 15 and 25 of all people (and thus all divers) have a PFO. It’s a negligible risk factor until it’s not, ie until you have an event that may be related to said PFO and is not caused by something else (strokes being the primary reason for PFO closure in selected patients, overall). The bigger risks are with larger PFOs (with large shunts) which are far more rare. But I see no value in screening preemptively for rec diving in divers who have never been bent.

(my background: 6th year cardiology resident with a focus on cardiac imaging, among other things)

 

[pelan-pelan]

Forgive if this seems stupid. Somewhere in these posts I noted mention of cold and constriction. Could a tight wetsuit make a difference? I am thinking that wetsuits can be very constricting for women across the chest area. I am linking this to the physique description.

 

[Duke Dive Medicine]

Forgive if this seems stupid. Somewhere in these posts I noted mention of cold and constriction. Could a tight wetsuit make a difference? I am thinking that wetsuits can be very constricting for women across the chest area. I am linking this to the physique description.

It doesn't seem stupid at all. A wetsuit that was tight enough to impair lymphatic drainage from the breast tissue could theoretically lead to DCS in that area. I've heard anecdotal reports of this.

Best regards,
DDM

 

[pelan-pelan]

Then this could be another anecdotal report. I was never sure because the dive was above 20 m and under one hour. Also some possible previous damage from an (undignified) fall in the garden.

 

[Duke Dive Medicine]

Then this could be another anecdotal report. I was never sure because the dive was above 20 m and under one hour. Also some possible previous damage from an (undignified) fall in the garden.

Most of mine are undignified too

There's no way to really be sure about DCS if you weren't evaluated in person.

Best regards,
DDM