alpha thalassemia

[Black Halo]

Hello there,

I was just diagnosed with alpha thalassemia. I was just wondering how this will affect my diving hobby.

Not too sure what type of alpha thalassemia I have (I think there are a few different types) but I haven't really been affected so far by it so I don't think it's the type that I'll need blood transfusions. From what my doctor has told me, my red blood cells are just a bit smaller and I have a few more of them.

Any insight would be helpful

thanks

 

[scubadoc]

Answers to questions are for information only, do not imply diagnosis or treatment and should always be used in conjunction with advice from your personal physician.

As you might expect, there are no studies relating thalassemia and Hb-J to diving. One must infer danger if there is anemia below Hb of 12 g/dl (O2 transport) or if there is splenomegaly (enlarged spleen). Enlarged spleens can rupture from very minor trauma.

There are 58 hemoglobins designated Hb J by electrophoretic mobility (fast band) on cellulose acetate eiectrophoresis. The vast majority of these are of no clinical significance. There are 6 that are unstable and Hb J-Cape Town has increased oxygen affinity. The potential for interaction with Hb S is not defined.

Most have no clinical significance and extensive testing and counseling is not generally indicated. Extended testing at a reference laboratory may be indicated if erythrocytosis (high hemoglobin) or anemia is present.

Here are some sites that might be helpful:
Overview of anemia and diving
http://www.scuba-doc.com/overview.htm

Sickle cell anemia

http://www.scuba-doc.com/sickle.html

Ern Campbell, MD

 

[Black Halo]

Thanks for the info!

 

[sane]

and I knew about it before I took my open water course 2 years ago. When I wanted to be medically certified as fit for diving, the general practitioner refused to after I said that I was thalassaemic. This is even though I argued that it's at high altitudes, where oxygen tension is low, that I may have problems, and not under water where I'm breathing in pressured air.

And.. my confession is that I went ahead with the OWDC anyways, and then with the AOWDC, without being medically certified (yes the dive shop shouldn't have let me, but anyways..). I'm definitely not proud of this.

I usually go for 2 dive trips a year. With the thalassaemia, and ocassional fainting spells which I don't know what to attribute to (hypoglycaemia? mild anaemia?), and a brush with bronchopneumonia 10 years ago... my mind tells me that the rational thing to do is to stop diving, because I could be an accident waiting to happen. I also don't know of any specialist in this area in my country (Singapore), so I can't go for a thorough checkup by someone qualified.

Well, just a confession. Something I have to seriously think about before I commit myself to buying my own gear.

 

[Black Halo]

Hi Sane,

I talked to my doctor about it, and she says that my version of Thalassemia is more of a curiosity than anything else (maybe I can get a job in a circus freak show?). My hemogloben is ok, It's just my red blood cells are a little small. She also said that diving shouldn't be a problem (YAY!).

The only caveat is if I want kids, the female part of the equation should have her blood checked for Thalassemia cause if the parents both have it, it's a bad thing.

I've never had any fainting spells or adverse effects to high altitudes. So I guess I'm counting my blessings now

Cya in the blue