About 3 weeks ago, I began to experience some tingling in my upper left arm, followed by a mild, pulsating ache. The tingling disappeared after a day or so, but the ache persisted. I called DAN, but they ruled out DCS because the symptoms appeared more than 24 hours after my last dive. My doctor thinks it’s skeletal/muscular overexertion (pulling my gear bag around; weight lifting at the gym, etc.). It may also be tendonitis.
I have abstained from diving since the injury and have been icing the affected area and taking naproxen sodium. As of today, it’s almost healed with just some residual minor sensitivity and discomfort. By this weekend, it’ll be four weeks since my last dive, and I’m considering getting back underwater. However, I am concerned that my current condition may represent an increased chance of getting hit by DCS.
My dive plan would call for a very low-risk, conservative shore dive. Descend at about 20 fsw, spend 10-15 minutes to practice improving some skills with my buddy – bouyancy control, horizontal trim, hovering, relaxation, long breathing, moving slowly, etc. Then spend another 15-20 min doing a slow exploration to no more than 40 fsw. Then return towards shore and do a slow ascent with a 5 min safety stop, followed by a slow (30 ft/min) ascent to surface. Total time not to exceed 45 min.
Anyone out there who 1) has dove with a similar mild tendonitis/muscle ache or 2) knows or has heard of another diver who did or 3) has theoretical knowledge (Dr. Deco and any other doctors and scientists out there) on the likely DCS risk regarding diving while having a minor residual skeletal/muscular condition or tendonitis. I’ve read these article from DAN: http://www.diversalertnetwork.org/medical/articles/article.asp?articleid=43 and http://www.diversalertnetwork.org/medical/articles/article.asp?articleid=44
and would be interested in any additional info or insight. Thanks.
I have abstained from diving since the injury and have been icing the affected area and taking naproxen sodium. As of today, it’s almost healed with just some residual minor sensitivity and discomfort. By this weekend, it’ll be four weeks since my last dive, and I’m considering getting back underwater. However, I am concerned that my current condition may represent an increased chance of getting hit by DCS.
My dive plan would call for a very low-risk, conservative shore dive. Descend at about 20 fsw, spend 10-15 minutes to practice improving some skills with my buddy – bouyancy control, horizontal trim, hovering, relaxation, long breathing, moving slowly, etc. Then spend another 15-20 min doing a slow exploration to no more than 40 fsw. Then return towards shore and do a slow ascent with a 5 min safety stop, followed by a slow (30 ft/min) ascent to surface. Total time not to exceed 45 min.
Anyone out there who 1) has dove with a similar mild tendonitis/muscle ache or 2) knows or has heard of another diver who did or 3) has theoretical knowledge (Dr. Deco and any other doctors and scientists out there) on the likely DCS risk regarding diving while having a minor residual skeletal/muscular condition or tendonitis. I’ve read these article from DAN: http://www.diversalertnetwork.org/medical/articles/article.asp?articleid=43 and http://www.diversalertnetwork.org/medical/articles/article.asp?articleid=44
and would be interested in any additional info or insight. Thanks.
.
