Done diving this year

[marshallkarp]

My friends,

Yesterday, I was diagnosed with a hernia. No picking up heavy things and no 35 pound scuba tank on my back. I got 18 dives in and my diving is over already this year.

I cannot tell you how disappointing this is. I waited all winter here in Ohio to get back to diving. The few quarry dives I made this year, I kept waiting for the water to get warmer and looked forward to August and September. Very pleasant diving this time last year.

I'm just feeling so disappointed now, but I know I will be okay. I know of several pro football players have had hernias and returned to play a very violent game. If they can do that, I should be able to return to diving.

The big thing that I will miss is getting to know you people. We correspond on this forum and it was nice to meet more of you. I was looking forward to the Meet and Greet and the fellowship, but I don't think I will be there now.

K4man, Bus Driver, and Private Stash, I am glad I got to dive and get to know you. Baracuda 2, I was hoping we could get together sometime. Ber, your rabbit ear hood has me curious. Mental Marine, I was hoping we could hook up for a few Sunday dives. But, everything is on hold now until next year.

Well, thanks for letting me vent. I thank God for my 18 dives this year and He gave me the health and good fortune to get those in. You've heard it so many times and it's true, enjoy everyday because you never know about tomorrow.

God bless all of you for your support and friendship.

 

[diver_paula]

Major bummer! But do come to Gilboa for the fellowship.

Paula

 

[UnderSeaBumbleBee]

Could you have a buddy carry your gear to the water and then put it on in water up to your neck? In the water the gear doesn't weight that much. I suppose that would only work if you were shore diving. Hope you heal quickly

 

[PvtStash]

I like the idea of having your buddy put your rig in the water and then getting into it while in the water... I cant imagine that would stress your condition (ask your Dr. of course) , the only percieved downside is Asking your buddy to do it for you and I'm sure thats not Really a problem at all, as I for one would Gladly do such a small service if it meant a fellow Diver could Dive

And I'll promise not to make you Chase me 'round the quarry, slow n easy...

 

[JoyfulNoise]

I have fibromyalgia and the doctor recommends I pick up nothing more than 10 pounds. I am helped with my BC on the dive platform of boats and roll into the water. I've also been told that I can put the BC on once in the water. I'm not sure if this would work with a hernia, but thought I'd mention it. Many of us with limitations have been able to dive thanks to the kindness and understanding of boat crews and fellow divers. I hope you heal quickly! I know I'd miss diving so much if I couldn't do it. My best to you.

 

[UnderSeaBumbleBee]

I have joked with my dive buddy that we need to go in together and build the ultimate mountain lake scuba house. I am thinking a climate controlled garage staging area with a specially designed sky type lift that will take us from the gear area and lower us into the lake below and then pick us up for the return trip back up the mountain.

It would be nice to just sit down, slip into my bp/w, lower the bar and press the little control lever, move toward the lake, hover for moment with just our feet in the water, put our regs in and to gently slip into the water.

 

[Barracuda2]

:no Hey Marshall, don't scratch the Meet & Greet. We always have a great time, especially around the campfire on Sat. night. There is always somebody topside during the day and it would be a great time to make some diving relationships for when you are all healed up. Com'on down and meet everybody.

On a side note: I had gallbladder surgery and was fit to go just 3 wks. later. They had to go through stomach muscles to get the job done (laproscopically) sp? which amounts to a designed hernia. Why does this knock you out of diving for the rest of the season? Just curious.

 

[joystershell]

I feel your pain. During my June dive trip to Saba, I blew out my back, but had no idea just how seriously. End result, two herniated discs in the lower back, as well as floating disc fragments in one of them. My doctor said that I could dive, but very carefully. I ended up doing one of the ten dives I had planned for this year's Invade the Keys. Felt great to be in the water, better than on land. Now, it's three weeks after surgery, and I'm still not allowed to bend, lift or twist. I plan on diving this weekend, again with the help of great friends. I'm not allowed to touch anything. All my gear will be packed, loaded into the truck, carried to the boat and set-up by my husband. Buddies will gear me up on the platform and gently roll me in. Once back at the boat, I'll need help removing my fins, then I'll slip out of my gear and get myself up the ladder.

Thankfully, I have great buddies who are as anxious to get me into the water as I am. Hopefully, your buddies will show you the same willingness to help you dive.

Best wishes for a speedy recovery, Joyce

 

[PvtStash]

On a side note: I had gallbladder surgery and was fit to go just 3 wks. later. They had to go through stomach muscles to get the job done (laproscopically) sp? which amounts to a designed hernia. Why does this knock you out of diving for the rest of the season? Just curious.

I would guess that the Dr. in question perhaps has little knowledge of diving and its possible ramifications to this procedure. In todays litigious society its much safer from the Dr's point of view to simply say "your done for the season" than to risk a What If scenario where, God forbid, something happens and a scapegoat is needed.

 

[marshallkarp]

Appreciate the sentiment, really do. I am feeling emotionally better than the last two days, coming out of this mental funk. It is true that there is so many worse things one can be diagnosed with, so in a way, I am fortunate. Not feeling sorry for myself or pity party, just disappointed my dive year is cut short.

It is just not lifting, but activity. Not supposed to lift my weights, can use my bowflex. Supposed to stop my running, too, but walking is ok. Not supposed to do things that cause a strain. There are times where diving can become rather stenuous. My surgeon appointment is September 4, who knows how long before repair surgery and recovery? I have to watch that it does not get worse, serious things can happen.