http://www.midlandsdivingchamber.co.uk Dive Medicine - information for divers on different diving medicine subjects: marine animal hazards, the bends, Cardiovascular System and scuba diving, Central Nervous System and the scuba diver, Drugs and Diving, Easy Equalization for scuba divers, Eye Problems for scuba divers, women and scuba diving, Fitness and Diving, Gastrointestinal Problems and scuba diving, trauma and orthopaedic problems for scuba divers, Respiratory Problems and scuba diving. en-us webmaster@e-med.co.uk http://www.midlandsdivingchamber.co.uk/ldc_logo_new_small.jpg http://www.midlandsdivingchamber.co.uk 100 50 I have a query regarding one of my students who wants to do the Divemaster course but is concerned about her doctor giving her a medical to dive. She has suffered from Bulimia for about two years. From what I understand, this came to light relatively rece... http://midlandsdivingchamber.co.uk/index.php?id=advice&page=6&cat=31&sub_cat=171 Mon, 01 Aug 2011 03:25:41 +0100 Hi, I spoke to someone on the London Diving Chamber 24 hour advice line who recommended I send you a quick email regarding some tingling I’m having in my left arm. I was doing my PADI Open Water course in the swimming pool yesterday and was at a depth of ... http://midlandsdivingchamber.co.uk/index.php?id=advice&page=6&cat=2&sub_cat=93 Mon, 01 Aug 2011 03:17:27 +0100 I’m thinking of doing a PADI course in Malaysia next month. However, I have a deviated septum, which results in one nostril being almost completely blocked. I was always told, when younger, that I would have to have an operation to fix it when eighteen, b... http://midlandsdivingchamber.co.uk/index.php?id=advice&page=6&cat=6&sub_cat=47 Mon, 01 Aug 2011 03:13:21 +0100 Last year I completed my PADI scuba diving course in the Maldives. Whilst I was learning to dive I did not suffer any problems, however when I returned home I was informed that I have Rheumatoid arthritis. I only have hand and wrist problems that leave me... http://midlandsdivingchamber.co.uk/index.php?id=advice&page=6&cat=15&sub_cat=155 Mon, 01 Aug 2011 03:06:38 +0100 Otitis externa in scuba divers: to treat prophylactically or not and if so what with?by Ms. Alice Hart-George, 4th year Medical Student Brighton and Sussex Medical School http://midlandsdivingchamber.co.uk/index.php?id=advice&page=6&cat=12&sub_cat=170 Sun, 13 Mar 2011 09:24:25 +0000 If I had ear grommets as a child (I am now 27) am I okay to learn to dive without getting prior doctor’s consent? http://midlandsdivingchamber.co.uk/index.php?id=advice&page=6&cat=6&sub_cat=148 Tue, 01 Feb 2011 08:03:08 +0000 I have been away sailing for the past five days and have developed a perianal haematoma and am concerned on whether this will affect either flying or diving. I am taking suppositories to reduce the swelling and it occasionally bleeds. I am not sure how lo... http://midlandsdivingchamber.co.uk/index.php?id=advice&page=6&cat=15&sub_cat=114 Tue, 01 Feb 2011 08:00:20 +0000 Hi, Every time I go diving I seem to get bites on my toes. First time it happened was after diving at Swanage Pier and there were bites all over the underside of my toes and on the balls of my feet that were so painful I could hardly walk. They are indivi... http://midlandsdivingchamber.co.uk/index.php?id=advice&page=6&cat=1&sub_cat=69 Tue, 01 Feb 2011 07:54:36 +0000 Hi, I’m a 32 year old male in need of a spot of advice on my suitability to take up diving. About 15 years ago, I had disks removed from both my breasts. No serious complications other than a slight haematoma. Can you foresee any issues regarding taking u... http://midlandsdivingchamber.co.uk/index.php?id=advice&page=6&cat=15&sub_cat=34 Tue, 01 Feb 2011 07:49:04 +0000 Morning, I wonder if you could answer a question on vaccination for me please? The PADI manual mentions tetanus and typhoid are necessary vaccinations. However the travel clinic I visited recently thought that typhoid was low risk for the area I am planni... http://midlandsdivingchamber.co.uk/index.php?id=advice&page=6&cat=30&sub_cat=95 Tue, 01 Feb 2011 07:39:26 +0000 My family has a history of Hereditary Haemorrhagic Telangiectasia (HHT), with my mother currently suffering from nose bleeds and stomach bleeds, as well as other symptoms such as blood spots on her fingers etc. I have nose bleeds but not to the same degre... http://midlandsdivingchamber.co.uk/index.php?id=advice&page=6&cat=3&sub_cat=60 Thu, 09 Dec 2010 11:30:10 +0000 I am about to complete my Dive Master course and will need an HSE medical to enable me to assist in training and supervision. I would like to ask about PFO. My 2 year old second cousin has just had surgery to repair this condition and I am told that this ... http://midlandsdivingchamber.co.uk/index.php?id=advice&page=6&cat=3&sub_cat=92 Thu, 09 Dec 2010 11:27:57 +0000 I am about to complete my Dive Master course and will need an HSE medical to enable me to assist in training and supervision. I would like to ask about PFO. My 2 year old second cousin has just had surgery to repair this condition and I am told that this ... http://midlandsdivingchamber.co.uk/index.php?id=advice&page=6&cat=4&sub_cat=72 Thu, 09 Dec 2010 11:27:42 +0000 I'm a fit and healthy 22 year old female. I was diagnosed two years ago with first degree heart block but no other abnormalities. Following a routine check up last week I mentioned that I was planning to dive with a conservation organisation in Fiji. The ... http://midlandsdivingchamber.co.uk/index.php?id=advice&page=6&cat=3&sub_cat=92 Thu, 09 Dec 2010 11:25:41 +0000 Whilst on a dive last week I experienced visual disturbances akin to those which precede a migraine, ie. flashing lights and shimmering areas of vision. I used to suffer from migraines but haven't done so for many years. The visual symptoms went shortly a... http://midlandsdivingchamber.co.uk/index.php?id=advice&page=6&cat=3&sub_cat=92 Thu, 09 Dec 2010 11:25:03 +0000 Whilst on a dive last week I experienced visual disturbances akin to those which precede a migraine, ie. flashing lights and shimmering areas of vision. I used to suffer from migraines but haven't done so for many years. The visual symptoms went shortly a... http://midlandsdivingchamber.co.uk/index.php?id=advice&page=6&cat=4&sub_cat=72 Thu, 09 Dec 2010 11:22:40 +0000 I’m a character who has suffered a subarachnoid haemorrhage. The treatment was a 6 hour operation where they "cut my skull open" and made the repair. The vessel had popped in 3 places over 5 years but the final pop caused serious headaches which finally l... http://midlandsdivingchamber.co.uk/index.php?id=advice&page=6&cat=3&sub_cat=112 Thu, 09 Dec 2010 11:17:40 +0000 I went on a 23 metre, 50 minute dive about two weeks ago. The profile was fine, I didn'tyo-yo, didn't come up too quickly and did my stop at 5 metres for well over 3 minutes. When I came up, I had a numb mouth (top quarter) including teeth, my sinus... http://midlandsdivingchamber.co.uk/index.php?id=advice&page=6&cat=6&sub_cat=45 Thu, 09 Dec 2010 11:15:24 +0000 Hi Doc. I am at this moment recovering from a rather nasty bout of the flu. As is usual with the NHS, I couldn't get to see my GP until 3 weeks after my death. I was forced to call an emergency doc. When he examined me I told him that I had very bad heada... http://midlandsdivingchamber.co.uk/index.php?id=advice&page=6&cat=6&sub_cat=43 Thu, 09 Dec 2010 11:13:39 +0000 The last few times I've been diving I start to get headaches during my first dive. After the dive the headaches persist and if I dive a second dive the headaches intensify, on the last occasion quite severely and for several hours afterwards. They are alw... http://midlandsdivingchamber.co.uk/index.php?id=advice&page=6&cat=16&sub_cat=97 Thu, 09 Dec 2010 11:11:56 +0000 I’ve been training with a closed circuit rebreather for a few months now, having “graduated” from SCUBA to mixed gas diving. I’ve never been great at ear clearing, however I’m getting noticeably more frequent ear problems since I made the move. They feel ... http://midlandsdivingchamber.co.uk/index.php?id=advice&page=6&cat=6&sub_cat=44 Thu, 09 Dec 2010 11:05:33 +0000 People always say that you should ask a question even if it seems stupid, because a lot of people probably want to know the answer but are too embarrassed to admit it. So here goes my stupid question: how does oxygen work as a treatment in DCS? We’re all ... http://midlandsdivingchamber.co.uk/index.php?id=advice&page=6&cat=2&sub_cat=90 Thu, 09 Dec 2010 11:03:37 +0000 I’ve just done my Nitrox course and learned lots about gases and partial pressures, but would like to know how they worked out what is a safe partial pressure of oxygen to dive with? http://midlandsdivingchamber.co.uk/index.php?id=advice&page=6&cat=4&sub_cat=169 Thu, 09 Dec 2010 11:00:40 +0000 This is not a diving-related question, but I am a diver, so forgive me for picking your brains but I hope you can help. I’m diabetic and due to start treatment in a hyperbaric chamber for an ulcer on my heel that just won’t heal. The doctors treating me h... http://midlandsdivingchamber.co.uk/index.php?id=advice&page=6&cat=18&sub_cat=39 Thu, 09 Dec 2010 10:58:08 +0000 This is not a diving-related question, but I am a diver, so forgive me for picking your brains but I hope you can help. I’m diabetic and due to start treatment in a hyperbaric chamber for an ulcer on my heel that just won’t heal. The doctors treating me h... http://midlandsdivingchamber.co.uk/index.php?id=advice&page=6&cat=4&sub_cat=169 Thu, 09 Dec 2010 10:57:46 +0000 I’ve had a few episodes of odd visual disturbances after diving that I’d like to discuss with you. They are very intermittent, occurring only once or twice a year (and I’m diving most weekends), but usually involve my vision getting darker, almost like th... http://midlandsdivingchamber.co.uk/index.php?id=advice&page=6&cat=3&sub_cat=92 Thu, 09 Dec 2010 10:52:37 +0000 I’ve had a few episodes of odd visual disturbances after diving that I’d like to discuss with you. They are very intermittent, occurring only once or twice a year (and I’m diving most weekends), but usually involve my vision getting darker, almost like th... http://midlandsdivingchamber.co.uk/index.php?id=advice&page=6&cat=4&sub_cat=72 Thu, 09 Dec 2010 10:51:51 +0000 What are the effects of oxygen on the eye? I am asking because my boyfriend is diving on high partial pressures of oxygen (1.4 – 1.6 ATA) on a regular basis and he is complaining of some difficulties with focussing. He says his vision blurs for a few hour... http://midlandsdivingchamber.co.uk/index.php?id=advice&page=6&cat=4&sub_cat=169 Thu, 09 Dec 2010 10:47:47 +0000 What are the effects of oxygen on the eye? I am asking because my boyfriend is diving on high partial pressures of oxygen (1.4 – 1.6 ATA) on a regular basis and he is complaining of some difficulties with focussing. He says his vision blurs for a few hour... http://midlandsdivingchamber.co.uk/index.php?id=advice&page=6&cat=9&sub_cat=130 Thu, 09 Dec 2010 10:44:12 +0000 As an older diver I find my bones and joints are cracking and creaking with ever increasing frequency. One of the penalties of advancing years I suppose. However the reason for my email is that I have been diagnosed with glaucoma. As I understand it, for ... http://midlandsdivingchamber.co.uk/index.php?id=advice&page=6&cat=9&sub_cat=38 Thu, 09 Dec 2010 10:41:24 +0000 Diving is one of my major passions in life, the other being rifle shooting. In competition I am finding it more and more difficult to focus on faraway targets, and my optician has advised me that I need a prescription to correct my distance vision. The op... http://midlandsdivingchamber.co.uk/index.php?id=advice&page=6&cat=9&sub_cat=36 Thu, 09 Dec 2010 10:39:19 +0000 I’m a recreational diver of 10 years’ standing and feel the desire to impart some of my hard-earned diving knowledge to others. I’ve therefore been contemplating becoming a divemaster (and hopefully eventually an instructor) with PADI, but understand that... http://midlandsdivingchamber.co.uk/index.php?id=advice&page=6&cat=9&sub_cat=130 Thu, 09 Dec 2010 10:25:41 +0000 I’ve been stationed out in Vietnam with work for a year, and whilst here I’ve been enjoying all the natural pursuits the country has to offer – amongst them, diving in inland lakes as well as off the coast, caving, longboating up the river etc. Recently I... http://midlandsdivingchamber.co.uk/index.php?id=advice&page=6&cat=1&sub_cat=68 Thu, 09 Dec 2010 09:55:22 +0000 I have just got back from Sharm and was stung by a fire coral a week ago, on my second dive of a series of ten. Initially it blistered into large fluid-filled bubbles all over my leg. The doctors at the hotel put white vinegar and iodine on it. Since then... http://midlandsdivingchamber.co.uk/index.php?id=advice&page=6&cat=1&sub_cat=67 Thu, 09 Dec 2010 09:53:24 +0000 Yesterday my wife got stung by a jellyfish whilst diving in the waters off Saudi Arabia. We washed the affected area with vinegar and soaked it in hot water. However she still has a lot of pain and no painkiller is working. She took an antihistamine shot.... http://midlandsdivingchamber.co.uk/index.php?id=advice&page=6&cat=1&sub_cat=66 Thu, 09 Dec 2010 09:52:14 +0000 I’ve been travelling around the globe on a very delayed gap year (I’m now 36!) At least this means I’m not on the traditional shoestring student budget, so I can afford to do things like diving. I’m Advanced Open Water qualified and have racked up over 10... http://midlandsdivingchamber.co.uk/index.php?id=advice&page=6&cat=30&sub_cat=168 Thu, 09 Dec 2010 09:48:11 +0000 The shores of Lake Malawi have been my home for the last few months. I’ve been seeking inspiration for my latest work and I thought I’d found the perfect location to galvanise my literary brain into sensuous and romantic outpourings. Sadly after an ill-ad... http://midlandsdivingchamber.co.uk/index.php?id=advice&page=6&cat=1&sub_cat=167 Thu, 09 Dec 2010 09:35:34 +0000 My question concerns the skin symptoms of decompression sickness. On a liveaboard in Papua New Guinea recently one of the group got severe itching after a deepish dive (42m for about 35 minutes). There were no problems on the dive at all. The itching was ... http://midlandsdivingchamber.co.uk/index.php?id=advice&page=6&cat=2&sub_cat=85 Thu, 09 Dec 2010 09:29:49 +0000 Every time I go diving I seem to pick up a bad dose of Athlete’s foot. At least I think that’s what it is. The skin between my toes flakes off and I get quite painful cracks developing, underneath my toes and on my heels as well. Am I right, and is there ... http://midlandsdivingchamber.co.uk/index.php?id=advice&page=6&cat=33&sub_cat=116 Thu, 09 Dec 2010 09:27:31 +0000 My buddy and I were recently diving in Mexico, which was excellent until the last day. We were hanging onto the shot line doing our safety stop, I had gloves on and she didn’t. As she pulled herself up to the surface she cut her hand on something. It was ... http://midlandsdivingchamber.co.uk/index.php?id=advice&page=6&cat=1&sub_cat=67 Thu, 09 Dec 2010 09:12:01 +0000 I’ve been diving for a few years now, but seem to have developed an allergic reaction to something in my wetsuit. I’m not conscious of anything abnormal whilst I’m wearing it, but after a dive I seem to get red weals, bumps and itchiness over my arms, leg... http://midlandsdivingchamber.co.uk/index.php?id=advice&page=6&cat=33&sub_cat=134 Thu, 09 Dec 2010 09:09:18 +0000 Late Presentation of Decompression Sickness http://midlandsdivingchamber.co.uk/index.php?id=advice&page=6&cat=12&sub_cat=166 Thu, 09 Dec 2010 08:57:56 +0000 Last year I sustained two skull fractures, a fractured eye socket and three jaw fractures! Is it safe for me to dive and would I pass a diving medical? Since the incident I have made a full recovery. I am fit and healthy. http://midlandsdivingchamber.co.uk/index.php?id=advice&page=6&cat=15&sub_cat=119 Fri, 17 Sep 2010 03:28:08 +0100 Hi, can you advise what happened to me on return from a liveaboard in the Red Sea? I had stomach pain and diarrhoea along with 80% of my club on this trip. Unfortunately I came off worse and collapsed on the second day of my return after seeing my doctor.... http://midlandsdivingchamber.co.uk/index.php?id=advice&page=6&cat=17&sub_cat=25 Fri, 17 Sep 2010 03:25:56 +0100 Hi, I had a diving incident with a friend who I was guiding nearly ten months ago. The incident involved him having a buoyant ascent from 15m in a dry suit. Upon reaching the surface he then (having by this time dumped all the air from his suit) dropped b... http://midlandsdivingchamber.co.uk/index.php?id=advice&page=6&cat=31&sub_cat=101 Tue, 11 May 2010 03:28:51 +0100 Hi, I wonder if you can help. I had an emergency appendectomy on 4th January. Due to the infection, they had to remove it via a central vertical laparotomy incision. I didn’t have any post op complications or infections and the wound has healed nicely. I ... http://midlandsdivingchamber.co.uk/index.php?id=advice&page=6&cat=15&sub_cat=34 Tue, 11 May 2010 03:27:09 +0100 Hello, I had an emergency operation on 11/11/09 for a testicular torsion. Both testicles are now stitched in place and the wound is still weeping a little and a little painful. However, what I would like to know is when can I go diving again? Or, how long... http://midlandsdivingchamber.co.uk/index.php?id=advice&page=6&cat=15&sub_cat=34 Tue, 11 May 2010 03:25:19 +0100 My partner snapped his Achilles Tendon four weeks ago and had surgery to fix it. He has had his foot in a hard cast ever since and went back yesterday to get it repositioned. The doctor says that he has to wear the cast for another six weeks. We are booke... http://midlandsdivingchamber.co.uk/index.php?id=advice&page=6&cat=15&sub_cat=34 Tue, 11 May 2010 03:23:44 +0100 I’m using these shoddy economic times and my recent redundancy as a good excuse to live out one of my dreams and travel through southeast Asia. My golden handshake was more a passionate bearhug (with tongues) so I’m lucky enough to be going on the road fo... http://midlandsdivingchamber.co.uk/index.php?id=advice&page=6&cat=5&sub_cat=48 Sun, 09 May 2010 07:09:09 +0100 I am a refined, mature but physically active “coffin-dodger” (one of the more galling nicknames that’s been foisted on me by exuberant grandchildren). I still enjoy sport (tennis, golf and the like) but only recently discovered the joys of diving. My wife... http://midlandsdivingchamber.co.uk/index.php?id=advice&page=6&cat=5&sub_cat=165 Sun, 09 May 2010 07:05:03 +0100