That pesky Medical Statement

[lowviz]

...//... is there any reason to not get him exited and talk scuba with him and then he get dissapointed when the doc says no?

The issue of meds was well-answered.

I will add my personal insight as I believe the OP would tolerate the momentary hijack.

My ADHD son was doing very well under a fairly high regimen of the typical drugs that were titrated for everything including the ability to do homework reasonably independently (primary school through high school). He spent a couple of weeks in a juvenile facility under his doctor's suggestion. I asked the psychologist for insights into my son on discharge. He said that he saw my son twice, once on intake, once on discharge. No insights into my son. Why is he here then? Ans: to give you guys a break. We do group therapy and your son participated and enjoyed it. He is fine with his peers, he likes it here.

Just great. So for some unexplainable reason, I asked the right question. "You have to give me something. How about, of all the children you have seen what do all the ones who become successful have in common?" He complimented my question, never heard that one before, and then said: "They all found something that they could be passionate about, something that defines them, and something that is non-competitive."

He was the only local diver even through high school. It defined him.

Talk scuba with your son.

 

[Rred]

As the chorus said, ASK DAN for a referral. You are looking for contraindications of a not common medicine and a very not common sport situation, I'd be surprised if the average GP or even psychiatrist had any familiarity with the issue. Barotrauma and narcosis just ain't hot topics in med schools.

 

[uncfnp]

ADD, ADHD and Diving

Ask DAN: Mood-Altering Meds

Psychological Issues in Diving — DAN | Divers Alert Network — Medical Dive Article

Alert Diver | Psychiatric Fitness to Dive

You have probably already seen these but thought I would link just in case.

 

[pepperbelly]

Hopefully if the meds he is currently taking won't allow him to dive they can change to some that will.

 

[cipherbreak]

This is how it goes:

"Read and answer the questionnaire honestly. If you return it to me and you have answered YES to anything, I will need a written statement from your doctor clearing you to dive. I repeat, if you return the questionnaire, to me, with anything answered YES, you will need a written authorization from your doctor or you will NOT dive with me today. Again, *wink wink* YES with no doctor's note means no breathing underwater with us. But answer honestly."

Then inevitably someone will turn the questionnaire answering YES to something. The DM will ask for their doctor's note. Then they will argue it was a while ago and they haven't had any recent issues. The DM will ask for their doctor's note. Then they'll say they came all the way here to dive. The DM will ask for their doctor's note...

Usually, they get some doctor to fax/email the authorization form. Often, 30 minutes after the scheduled departure time.

 

[Steve_C]

As noted a yes may not have anything to do with issues the diver has ever had or ever will have. Some yeses refer to family history. So my grandfather who was a heavy smoker had a lung issue. That is irrelevant to me a nonsmoker.

 

[lowviz]

@cipherbreak

Understood that what you describe is the fallout caused by some "center of the bell curve" person being overly honest and trying to take diving 100% seriously. Been there, so I can also see the conflict from their perspective. To you, it is a just a damn nuisance, not a conflict of principles.

You are part of the problem with your *wink wink*. Why not just tell them straight up that if you (the diver) answer "no" to all questions then your (the professional) lawyers won't bother anyone.

Funny to you, not to me.

 

[TMHeimer]

OK, This may be old questions about an old form, but I'm looking at a PADI one from 5-10 years ago.---
Seems on the left side there's a checklist of things to look at and check off. If you have or do any of these things you "must seek advice of your physician"......doesn't say you need a note from the doctor.
For me here, I would say YES to:
--occasionally smoking a pipe.
--take prescription medication--pills for my sensitive bladder.
--HAD severe hayfever or allergy (YES, but not since about age 35 and I'm 63)
Using common sense, I MAY not answer YES to any of those 3 (honestly can't recall what I've done with that it's been so long ago).

The right side specifically SAYS "answer YES....we must request that you consult with a physician".... and you can get such a form from your instructor, etc.
Now, all the stuff on THIS side looks really serious! And I'd WANT to ask a Dr.

I don't know what the left side means you should do with a YES--just see the Dr. for your own good and don't worry about telling the shop?
Again, it's an old form--apologize if it's changed.

 

[cipherbreak]

OK, This may be old questions about an old form, but I'm looking at a PADI one from 5-10 years ago.---
Seems on the left side there's a checklist of things to look at and check off. If you have or do any of these things you "must seek advice of your physician"......doesn't say you need a note from the doctor.
For me here, I would say YES to:
--occasionally smoking a pipe.
--take prescription medication--pills for my sensitive bladder.
--HAD severe hayfever or allergy (YES, but not since about age 35 and I'm 63)
Using common sense, I MAY not answer YES to any of those 3 (honestly can't recall what I've done with that it's been so long ago).

The right side specifically SAYS "answer YES....we must request that you consult with a physician".... and you can get such a form from your instructor, etc.
Now, all the stuff on THIS side looks really serious! And I'd WANT to ask a Dr.

I don't know what the left side means you should do with a YES--just see the Dr. for your own good and don't worry about telling the shop?
Again, it's an old form--apologize if it's changed.

This is what it says:

"To the participant:

The purpose of this Medical Questionnaire is to find out if you should be examined by your doctor before participating in recreational diver training. A positive response to a question does not necessarily disqualify you from diving. A positive response means that there is a preexisting condition that may affect your safety while diving and you must seek the advice of your physician prior to engaging in dive activities. Please answer the following questions on your past or present medical history with a YES or NO. If you are not sure, answer YES. If any of these items apply to you, we must request that you consult with a physician prior to participating in scuba diving."

Now, this is a training specific form. PADI only cares about PADI-related dives (all courses, including ReActivate and DSD).

 

[lowviz]

I fail to discern the *wink wink* part of post #189. I hope your lawyers are comfortable with this becoming permanent internet pap.