Back in 2011 I posted this thread Increasing conservatism with Decoplanner/VPM seeking advice on increasing conservatism for technical dives after experiencing some 'minor' DCS symptoms. Rather than bump it I decided to make a new thread.
I changed my profiles based around the feedback received (particularly about extending the 6m stop and doing a slower ascent to the surface on O2) and over the last 8 years and 1500 dives largely didn't have any problems until 3 weeks ago when I got properly bent (numbness and pain in upper right arm from shoulder to elbow after the dive) and did 2 treatments in the chamber (Table 6 and 5). I believe the problem was a shortened surface interval between 2 deco dives, and not really being in fit physical condition on the day; otherwise I have done the same profiles many times without issue. My own stupid fault on both points and kicking myself ever since.
Anyway, moving on, I still want to continue to dive both rec & tech so thinking again how to adapt to the new challenge of now being predisposed for repeat DCS so I thought I would open myself up to my peers here and seek your advice once again.
What's changed since the last thread: for several years I have been using a Shearwater computer with ZHL16C GF30/70. Doing more DPV dives now. I got trimix certified a couple of years ago but still mostly diving Air or Nitrox backgas to a max of 65m in the warm, clear waters of the Philippines where I now live since retiring. Obviously older now (50) and a bit fatter (BMI 26). Doing less diving in general now, 1-2 a day, 2-5 days a week, sometimes less/more - apart from the odd liveaboard trip which are obviously busier.
For the record, the hyperbaric doctor gave me 4 weeks off diving, DAN gave me 6 (although there were 2 treatments, symptoms resolved after the first and the second was precautionary). Apart from getting tired easily the first few days I've felt fine since the first treatment and no reoccurrence of the numbness/pain. Interestingly I never really had any other symptoms, neurological exams were ok. no headaches etc.
My first plan is obviously stick to the minimum 3 hour SI which I had always done prior to this event, and making sure I'm fit and hydrated, both of which I should have done in the first place. Beyond that I'm open to hearing any and all feedback.I'm still pretty down on myself about the incident but do want to get back to diving safely again as soon as prudently possible and in a manner conducive to avoiding further incidents, however at the same time being retired now, one that hopefully won't break the bank.
Having said that, if you think trimix or rebreather or stop tech diving is the answer, that's what I want to hear. Interested in opinions on everything from how long to wait, how to ease back in and what to change gear/profile/gas etc. Thanks.
I changed my profiles based around the feedback received (particularly about extending the 6m stop and doing a slower ascent to the surface on O2) and over the last 8 years and 1500 dives largely didn't have any problems until 3 weeks ago when I got properly bent (numbness and pain in upper right arm from shoulder to elbow after the dive) and did 2 treatments in the chamber (Table 6 and 5). I believe the problem was a shortened surface interval between 2 deco dives, and not really being in fit physical condition on the day; otherwise I have done the same profiles many times without issue. My own stupid fault on both points and kicking myself ever since.
Anyway, moving on, I still want to continue to dive both rec & tech so thinking again how to adapt to the new challenge of now being predisposed for repeat DCS so I thought I would open myself up to my peers here and seek your advice once again.
What's changed since the last thread: for several years I have been using a Shearwater computer with ZHL16C GF30/70. Doing more DPV dives now. I got trimix certified a couple of years ago but still mostly diving Air or Nitrox backgas to a max of 65m in the warm, clear waters of the Philippines where I now live since retiring. Obviously older now (50) and a bit fatter (BMI 26). Doing less diving in general now, 1-2 a day, 2-5 days a week, sometimes less/more - apart from the odd liveaboard trip which are obviously busier.
For the record, the hyperbaric doctor gave me 4 weeks off diving, DAN gave me 6 (although there were 2 treatments, symptoms resolved after the first and the second was precautionary). Apart from getting tired easily the first few days I've felt fine since the first treatment and no reoccurrence of the numbness/pain. Interestingly I never really had any other symptoms, neurological exams were ok. no headaches etc.
My first plan is obviously stick to the minimum 3 hour SI which I had always done prior to this event, and making sure I'm fit and hydrated, both of which I should have done in the first place. Beyond that I'm open to hearing any and all feedback.I'm still pretty down on myself about the incident but do want to get back to diving safely again as soon as prudently possible and in a manner conducive to avoiding further incidents, however at the same time being retired now, one that hopefully won't break the bank.
Having said that, if you think trimix or rebreather or stop tech diving is the answer, that's what I want to hear. Interested in opinions on everything from how long to wait, how to ease back in and what to change gear/profile/gas etc. Thanks.