so tired I couldn't see straight????

[opalobsidian]

Hey everybody!

I'm a fairly new diver so everything is pretty new and baffling to me at this point, so please bare with me whilst I ask inane questions...

I just did my second diving vacation in Cozumel; we did 10 dives in 5 days. I was having alot of trouble being too buoyant, which really played havoc with my safety stops. The first three days I had DMs who held me down, altho several times I was so buoyant that they came shooting up to the surface with me. The 4th day I had a DM who told me I was on my own. We went down to a depth of 80ft; when I was surfacing once I hit about 30 ft I just shot right up to the surface backwards, fighting like hell to go down again. The other divers on the boat said they got bent just watching me come up! Altho of course they are right, perhaps this planted an evil seed in my mind....

The next day I got seriously weighted down and did my ascents very nice and slow. However I felt completely exhausted and by the time I got back to the rental house I was having visual disturbances and was too exhausted to stand up for long, my arms especially felt super heavy. But what really had me freaking was the visual disturbances, like seeing swirls and bubbles and not being able to focus my eyes. Of course I started worrying because of what the other divers said about that crazy rapid ascent!

So,am I just being an out of control hypochondriac? Is it "normal" for a new diver to get that exhausted after 5 days?

And, what is it about diving that is SO tiring? I have pretty decent stamina on land when doing much more intense exercise than floating in the water!

Thanks so much!
Pamela

 

[DandyDon]

Rapid and uncontrolled ascents can lead to sub-clinical Dcs with sever exhaustion. Sounds like you were perhaps injured more than that.

I do hope you can be more prudent with your weighting...

 

[opalobsidian]

Hi Don!

Thanks for the reply, can you put it into simpler terms?

Pamela

 

[DandyDon]

Rapid and uncontrolled ascents can lead to sub-clinical Dcs with sever exhaustion. Sounds like you were perhaps injured more than that.

Hi Don!

Thanks for the reply- can you put it into simpler terms?

Pamela

Uh, I don't think so. That was a very simple summary thought of problems that could be address in more detail perhaps, but not simpler. It sounds like you were a little bent, and if this had in the last day or so - I'd be encouraging your to call DAN's 24 hot line, get to an ER, anything. I take it that it's been some days, tho, and you've already flown home...?

It could have been a lot worse. I hope you will reserach your weighting needs and whatever else it takes to do slow ascents, long safety stops, etc. There is a very rewarding discussion going on now on this thread: Ascending faster than 60ft/minute

 

[opalobsidian]

Okay, THAT I understood!

Yes, this was 3 days ago. I've flown home and am feeling "normal" again. Or at least normal for me.

Also I just signed up for a DAN policy- the one with the most coverage!

Thanks!
Pamela

 

[sea_dragon]

well DCS is decompression sickness.... it is bubble in the blood from comming up to fast... what you need it a few more pounds of weight.... to control ur boyancy.... you need to becareful... cause DCS can be deadly....you sould contact DAN(divers ALERT NETWORK) they are 24/7 and are they to answer questions about all kind of medical conditions dealing with diving.... this is something good for all lvls of divers.... the number is +1-919-684-8111 or +1-919-684-4DAN (Collect)

 

[sea_dragon]

Okay, THAT I understood!

Yes, this was 3 days ago. I've flown home and am feeling "normal" again. Or at least normal for me.

Also I just signed up for a DAN policy- the one with the most coverage!

Thanks!
Pamela

to prevent DCS you shouldn't fly with in 24 after diving.... just be careful.... smiles...

 

[DandyDon]

DAN can be called on their free line: 800-446-2671. After a few days and a plane ride, don't see any point, tho.

 

[sea_dragon]

DAN can be called on their free line: 800-446-2671. After a few days and a plane ride, don't see any point, tho.

thanks i had their direct local number i believe that is in NC... your right... i forgot the number is on my DAN membership card... what you mean after a few days and a plane ride....

 

[Charlie99]

... what you mean after a few days and a plane ride....

It sounds like you had DCS. Not a real severe case, but more than just "subclinical".

When Dandy Don says "After a few days and a plane ride, don't see any point<in calling>, tho."; he's probably referring to your current lack of symptoms, and how any treatment at this time is pointless.