http://www.londondivingchamber.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.londondivingchamber.co.uk/ldc_logo_new_small.jpg http://www.londondivingchamber.co.uk 100 50 Hi... I was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS) in 2000 and whilst I have the odd niggle, relapses are happening at about 3 - 4 year intervals. These are not major as such and thus far I have always recovered pretty much 100% with rest. So far, I know ... http://londondivingchamber.co.uk/index.php?id=advice&page=6&cat=4&sub_cat=71 Mon, 19 May 2008 12:53:37 +0100 Hi... I was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS) in 2000 and whilst I have the odd niggle, relapses are happening at about 3 - 4 year intervals. These are not major as such and thus far I have always recovered pretty much 100% with rest. So far, I know ... http://londondivingchamber.co.uk/index.php?id=advice&page=6&cat=30&sub_cat=123 Mon, 19 May 2008 12:52:46 +0100 Hi... I was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS) in 2000 and whilst I have the odd niggle, relapses are happening at about 3 - 4 year intervals. These are not major as such and thus far I have always recovered pretty much 100% with rest. So far, I know ... http://londondivingchamber.co.uk/index.php?id=advice&page=6&cat=5&sub_cat=121 Mon, 19 May 2008 12:25:35 +0100 My boyfriend has recently been diagnosed with sarcoidosis, bit of a nightmare as we are divemasters and have flights booked to Thailand to do our instructor course.He has seen the specialist and his lung function tests are better than average,... http://londondivingchamber.co.uk/index.php?id=advice&page=6&cat=14&sub_cat=78 Mon, 19 May 2008 12:18:08 +0100 At the time I was put on oxygen and after about 30 minutes my sight was fine. I suffered no other symptoms. After a couple of days I resumed diving with no problems.However - and four years later - on a plane journey yesterday I was sitting at... http://londondivingchamber.co.uk/index.php?id=advice&page=6&cat=2&sub_cat=87 Mon, 19 May 2008 12:15:25 +0100 About four years ago I completed a normal profile dive and within an hour I experienced visual disturbances, with flashing lights and opaque sections of vision. At the time I was put on oxygen and after about 30 minutes my sight was fine. I suffered no ot... http://londondivingchamber.co.uk/index.php?id=advice&page=6&cat=4&sub_cat=72 Mon, 19 May 2008 12:14:20 +0100 Hi, I had a bicycle crash last week when I sustained multiple fractures of the cheekbones and lost a few teeth. All seems to be healing well one week on but I'm wondering how this could affect ear clearing and risk of embolism in the face on ascent i.e. ... http://londondivingchamber.co.uk/index.php?id=advice&page=6&cat=16&sub_cat=120 Mon, 19 May 2008 12:08:29 +0100 Hi, I had a bicycle crash last week when I sustained multiple fractures of the cheekbones and lost a few teeth. All seems to be healing well one week on but I'm wondering how this could affect ear clearing and risk of embolism in the face on ascent i.e. ... http://londondivingchamber.co.uk/index.php?id=advice&page=6&cat=15&sub_cat=119 Mon, 19 May 2008 11:59:35 +0100 I am looking for some advice please. I am doing my PADI open water course in Egypt soon. A while ago I was playing football and received a blow to my head, I was knocked unconscious for about 10 seconds max. I felt OK at first, then started to get tunnel ... http://londondivingchamber.co.uk/index.php?id=advice&page=6&cat=15&sub_cat=119 Mon, 19 May 2008 11:57:22 +0100 I am a regular blood donor and was wondering whether you could see any reasons I can't dive? I really want to try diving and I asked the staff at my last donation session whether it was OK but they didn't really know. Is there a recommended time I should ... http://londondivingchamber.co.uk/index.php?id=advice&page=6&cat=13&sub_cat=2 Mon, 19 May 2008 11:53:12 +0100 My father is an ex-military diver, he is now 68 years old, but has kept up recreational diving for many years since he left the Navy. He has always been pretty fit but 6 months ago he had a stroke. He suddenly lost the use of his leg and his speech went. ... http://londondivingchamber.co.uk/index.php?id=advice&page=6&cat=3&sub_cat=112 Mon, 19 May 2008 11:50:40 +0100 Hi. I'm a novice diver so I hope this question doesn’t sound stupid. I'm a bit of an exercise freak and train with weights most days for at least 2 hours. Some of the lads at the gym are divers and were saying that you shouldn't exercise when you dive as ... http://londondivingchamber.co.uk/index.php?id=advice&page=6&cat=11&sub_cat=118 Mon, 19 May 2008 11:49:05 +0100 Our 9 year old son is a keen swimmer and enjoys weekly snorkelling and life saving lessons at his local swimming club. My husband is a regular scuba diver and our boy is starting to take an interest. However he was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis (CF) late... http://londondivingchamber.co.uk/index.php?id=advice&page=6&cat=30&sub_cat=122 Mon, 19 May 2008 11:40:59 +0100 I've noticed recently, in a few dive magazines and forums, that people are saying it's OK to drink beer between dives during a surface interval. Being Australian I'm partial to a cold stubbie or ten, and I know some divers who insist on drinking beer befo... http://londondivingchamber.co.uk/index.php?id=advice&page=6&cat=5&sub_cat=117 Mon, 19 May 2008 11:38:01 +0100 Whilst holidaying with my daughter and grandchildren in the Maldives I was given the opportunity to dive. I had only ever snorkelled previously and scuba diving was a revelation. But at the ripe old age of 63 how many years of this wonderful sport do I ha... http://londondivingchamber.co.uk/index.php?id=advice&page=6&cat=11&sub_cat=18 Mon, 19 May 2008 11:21:11 +0100 I'm hoping you will give me some information over a problem I've had for some time. About 15 years ago I was attacked with a baseball bat and a machete, I was on life support and in a coma with multiple injuries. When I eventually got out of hospital I st... http://londondivingchamber.co.uk/index.php?id=advice&page=6&cat=14&sub_cat=28 Mon, 19 May 2008 11:16:23 +0100 Hi, I have recently given birth to a baby girl, and I am breastfeeding. I had been hoping to return to the water as soon as possible but I have concerns about the effect the pressure changes may have on my milk supply. Is there any advice you can give me ... http://londondivingchamber.co.uk/index.php?id=advice&page=6&cat=10&sub_cat=8 Mon, 19 May 2008 11:14:26 +0100 Hello. I want to try diving but when I was pregnant last year I was diagnosed with sickle cell trait. My doctor doesn't know whether it's safe for me to dive, and I’ve heard about sickle cell disease and I’m not sure what the difference is, if there is on... http://londondivingchamber.co.uk/index.php?id=advice&page=6&cat=30&sub_cat=122 Mon, 19 May 2008 11:12:13 +0100 Hi, I have recently been for a routine medical for my job. My doctor suspected that there may have been a problem so sent me for an ECG, the results for this came back and now he wants me to go for an 'echo' to see if I have an enlarged heart. Have you ev... http://londondivingchamber.co.uk/index.php?id=advice&page=6&cat=3&sub_cat=62 Mon, 19 May 2008 11:09:19 +0100 My boyfriend recently broke his hand, which had pins put in yesterday and is now in a cast. We are going on a diving holiday on Thursday and his surgeon has signed a letter saying he is fit to dive as long as he keeps the cast dry. He bought some waterpro... http://londondivingchamber.co.uk/index.php?id=advice&page=6&cat=15&sub_cat=33 Thu, 14 Feb 2008 12:14:51 +0000 I weigh 13st 4lbs and am 5ft 3ins. My BMI is 32. Obviously, this is above the '30' acceptable limit for the HSE medical. However, I have a large excess of 'spare skin' as a result of a large amount of weight loss (7 stone in the last 12 months). I hav... http://londondivingchamber.co.uk/index.php?id=advice&page=6&cat=11&sub_cat=15 Thu, 14 Feb 2008 12:12:34 +0000 Just wanted some information, could you help please? I am currently half way through a trimix course and I’ve got a tattoo planned on my back. Is it still ok to dive with a tattoo and if not how long would I need to leave it? Thanks so much. http://londondivingchamber.co.uk/index.php?id=advice&page=6&cat=33&sub_cat=116 Thu, 14 Feb 2008 12:10:02 +0000 I put my hand and foot on sea urchins back in early July. I managed to get most of the spikes out but a few remained. one has just exited my finger the opposite side that it went in, two appear to be doing the same in my toe but there are two at the base ... http://londondivingchamber.co.uk/index.php?id=advice&page=6&cat=1&sub_cat=115 Thu, 14 Feb 2008 12:00:27 +0000 I am hoping that you can help me. I was shot 6 months ago trying to avert an armed robbery and was told by the specialist at the time that it would be sensible to go for a medical before I dive again. The bullet went into my back near the shoulder b... http://londondivingchamber.co.uk/index.php?id=advice&page=6&cat=15&sub_cat=114 Thu, 14 Feb 2008 11:54:37 +0000 I have been told that people who have had Malaria will always get an ear infection when diving and for some reason it can be dangerous? Can you advise whether the risk is any different compared to the normal risk or is it an old wives tale? http://londondivingchamber.co.uk/index.php?id=advice&page=6&cat=30&sub_cat=108 Thu, 14 Feb 2008 11:51:33 +0000 I have just got back from Sharm and was stung by a fire coral last Friday. It first went into a swollen bubble and they put white vinegar and iodine on it. Since then the swelling has gone down but around the wound there is a red/purple patch. I have been... http://londondivingchamber.co.uk/index.php?id=advice&page=6&cat=1&sub_cat=67 Thu, 14 Feb 2008 11:45:30 +0000 I have just returned from a trip to Sharm, where one of our group had some sinus congestion at the beginning of the trip. They used Sudafed on the first day, and all was well, but when this was mentioned in conversation at the dive centre they (the dive c... http://londondivingchamber.co.uk/index.php?id=advice&page=6&cat=5&sub_cat=113 Thu, 14 Feb 2008 11:41:16 +0000 I have just returned from a trip to Sharm, where one of our group had some sinus congestion at the beginning of the trip. They used Sudafed on the first day, and all was well, but when this was mentioned in conversation at the dive centre they (the dive c... http://londondivingchamber.co.uk/index.php?id=advice&page=6&cat=6&sub_cat=45 Thu, 14 Feb 2008 11:41:16 +0000 Your advice would be appreciated. I have just started my Divemaster training and am planning to DM in the UK. Anyhow, in 2004 I had a gastric band fitted - which has been very successful having now lost about 9 stone. Will I be able to dive? http://londondivingchamber.co.uk/index.php?id=advice&page=6&cat=17&sub_cat=24 Thu, 14 Feb 2008 11:33:21 +0000 Dear Doctor, I am a BSAC sports diver and have been diving for just over 9 years to various depths (up to 52m). In February 2007 I had a hernia operation. My doctor has now pronounced me fit but as advised me to take things easy with anything physical, es... http://londondivingchamber.co.uk/index.php?id=advice&page=6&cat=31&sub_cat=104 Wed, 26 Sep 2007 12:56:57 +0100 3 months ago I did one dive to a depth of 33m. We had a surface interval for 1 hour before travelling back over the hills. While travelling I had a slight pain in my right breast so I undone my bra and removed it. But then the pain started in both breasts... http://londondivingchamber.co.uk/index.php?id=advice&page=6&cat=10&sub_cat=8 Wed, 26 Sep 2007 12:55:35 +0100 Is it safe to dive if you suffer from Marfan syndrome? My 34 year old husband has this condition & would like advice. http://londondivingchamber.co.uk/index.php?id=advice&page=6&cat=30&sub_cat=122 Wed, 26 Sep 2007 12:42:47 +0100 Hello there. I would be grateful for any information you could give me about the effects and recommendations of diving on the drug Naproxen. I take two 250mg tablets daily and have done so for a couple of years. I very rarely take any other medication ot... http://londondivingchamber.co.uk/index.php?id=advice&page=6&cat=5&sub_cat=57 Wed, 26 Sep 2007 12:39:29 +0100 Hello there. I would be grateful for any information you could give me about the effects and recommendations of diving on the drug Naproxen. I take two 250mg tablets daily and have done so for a couple of years. I very rarely take any other medication ot... http://londondivingchamber.co.uk/index.php?id=advice&page=6&cat=5&sub_cat=55 Wed, 26 Sep 2007 12:38:16 +0100 I was told to contact you by my local diving school before undertaking their PADI diving course. I have never dived before, but I would very much like to during my stay in the Maldives this April.My issue is with vertigo, I developed this back... http://londondivingchamber.co.uk/index.php?id=advice&page=6&cat=6&sub_cat=43 Wed, 26 Sep 2007 12:29:00 +0100 I was doing my Rescue Diver class recently and on descent of about 3-4 metres I felt a sharp pinch over my left eye. I went up then tried again and the pain was much less. We only went to about 6.5 meters for a bottom time of 15 minutes. On surfacing I ha... http://londondivingchamber.co.uk/index.php?id=advice&page=6&cat=6&sub_cat=45 Wed, 26 Sep 2007 02:47:15 +0100 I bought a holiday home in Italy many years ago and have visited every summer for the last 10 years. It’s at about 1000m above sea level and has amazing views over the Adriatic. I always wondered what diving was like so a few years back I took a trip down... http://londondivingchamber.co.uk/index.php?id=advice&page=6&cat=2&sub_cat=110 Wed, 26 Sep 2007 02:45:14 +0100 I have had a recent endoscopy to investigate stomach troubles and have been diagnosed with a 4cm hiatus hernia. My GP states that laparoscopic (keyhole) surgery will rectify the problem. I would like to know if post surgery I will be able to continue divi... http://londondivingchamber.co.uk/index.php?id=advice&page=6&cat=17&sub_cat=26 Wed, 26 Sep 2007 02:32:59 +0100 I have just been diagnosed by my doctor here in Japan as having a "minor inguinal hernia on the right". He said that I don't require surgery as the lump is very small and causes no pain or discomfort. Can you tell me whether I am able to dive with this co... http://londondivingchamber.co.uk/index.php?id=advice&page=6&cat=17&sub_cat=26 Wed, 26 Sep 2007 02:22:21 +0100 I seem to be allergic to certain rubber/latex products, like for instance the brand new Mares Nemo watch I bought this weekend, got massive swelling/blisters where the watch straps actually touched my skin while only wearing the watch for about 4 hours. D... http://londondivingchamber.co.uk/index.php?id=advice&page=6&cat=33&sub_cat=116 Wed, 26 Sep 2007 02:18:01 +0100 I’ve recently been diagnosed with something called Factor V Leiden after my sister had a blood clot (deep vein thrombosis, or DVT). The doctors told me it makes me more susceptible to DVT myself, but does it increase my risk of getting a bend? http://londondivingchamber.co.uk/index.php?id=advice&page=6&cat=3&sub_cat=60 Wed, 26 Sep 2007 02:12:12 +0100 I’ve recently been diagnosed with something called Factor V Leiden after my sister had a blood clot (deep vein thrombosis, or DVT). The doctors told me it makes me more susceptible to DVT myself, but does it increase my risk of getting a bend? http://londondivingchamber.co.uk/index.php?id=advice&page=6&cat=13&sub_cat=2 Wed, 26 Sep 2007 02:11:51 +0100 What is the effect on women putting a tampon in during scuba diving? http://londondivingchamber.co.uk/index.php?id=advice&page=6&cat=10&sub_cat=10 Wed, 26 Sep 2007 02:08:07 +0100 My osteopath has just diagnosed me with PMR. I had a blood test taken this morning via my GP - results due in 5 to 7 days - at which point I presume/hope my GP concurs. So to date there is no medicine prescribed. However, how will this affect me diving, a... http://londondivingchamber.co.uk/index.php?id=advice&page=6&cat=15&sub_cat=31 Wed, 26 Sep 2007 02:04:47 +0100 Hi there, I am a very active diver and I've recently been told I need to have a pacemaker fitted. My cardiac surgeon has said that there is physically no reason why I shouldn't be able to continue to dive as my heart would be able to cope under heavy load... http://londondivingchamber.co.uk/index.php?id=advice&page=6&cat=3&sub_cat=94 Wed, 26 Sep 2007 02:02:37 +0100 I am wondering if you can give me an opinion on whether I can dive again please. I had a malignant tumour in my right breast which was removed last year. At the beginning of this year I underwent radiotherapy and additionally I was prescribed Tamoxifen. I... http://londondivingchamber.co.uk/index.php?id=advice&page=6&cat=32&sub_cat=109 Wed, 26 Sep 2007 02:01:11 +0100 Recently had a diving medical with you. Have completed open water dives (max depth 9m). My left eye is very bloodshot and under my eye is a little bruised looking. Searching the internet it appears that this might happen as a result of not equalzing my ma... http://londondivingchamber.co.uk/index.php?id=advice&page=6&cat=9&sub_cat=99 Mon, 25 Jun 2007 15:11:30 +0100 My wife is 51 years and normally in excellent health, she is certified AOW with some 60 dives to her credit. In May she underwent major surgery and was found with the following: A 2.7 kg low malignancy Gastro-Intestinal Stromal Tumour (G... http://londondivingchamber.co.uk/index.php?id=advice&page=6&cat=17&sub_cat=105 Mon, 25 Jun 2007 15:08:46 +0100 I have glandular fever - which is very bizarre as I'm about 35 years too old for it, and haven't been snogging any 17 year olds since I was 17... Nevertheless, I do have it, and do feel rough in the mornings, and get tired. I am working... http://londondivingchamber.co.uk/index.php?id=advice&page=6&cat=30&sub_cat=108 Mon, 25 Jun 2007 15:03:45 +0100 I know you are a doctor and not a dentist but I hope you can help. If you can inform me of any diving-dentists I'd be very grateful. The situation is this. I've had to undergo the removal of a front tooth which has been the bane of my life s... http://londondivingchamber.co.uk/index.php?id=advice&page=6&cat=16&sub_cat=59 Mon, 25 Jun 2007 14:59:37 +0100