Medical Clearance Help?

[sunset12]

Hi Everyone,

My husband and I just registered for OWC in May. When filling out the medical form I answered "yes" to the prescription meds because I take Nexium on/off for acid reflux. I didn't think this would be a big deal, but I spoken to 3 doctors that I regularly see (including the GI who prescribed it) and none of them will sign off due to liability. Does anyone happen to have any advice for this type of situation?? It seems that no doctor is willing to sign off on the medical statement since it is "too comprehensive" even though I'm trying to specifically get clearance just for the Nexium.

Thanks

 

[knotical]

The questionnaire you were initially asked to complete is simply a filter. Once you answer “yes” to any question, you are required to get a physician’s release. Not a release for the item discussed in the question, but a release that the doctor signs with a statement such as:

I find no medical conditions that I consider incompatible with diving.

That statement is from this form: http://www.wrstc.com/downloads/10 - Medical Guidelines.pdf which includes guidelines to the physician on a wide range of conditions.
This particular form is used by several scuba certifying agencies. As far as I know all agencies require something similar.

Three out of three doctors refused? Sounds like you’ve either had the misfortune of running into three very risk-averse docs, or there is more to the story. If there is some other issue that the doctors see, then it could be best for your health that they are refusing.

 

[SeaCobra]

get in touch with the Diver's Alert Network at Scuba Diving Medical Safety Advice ? DAN | Divers Alert Network . They can answer your questions, help educate your doc and/or refer you to a diving physician in your area.

 

[razorbackdiver]

Hi Everyone,

My husband and I just registered for OWC in May. When filling out the medical form I answered "yes" to the prescription meds because I take Nexium on/off for acid reflux. I didn't think this would be a big deal, but I spoken to 3 doctors that I regularly see (including the GI who prescribed it) and none of them will sign off due to liability. Does anyone happen to have any advice for this type of situation?? It seems that no doctor is willing to sign off on the medical statement since it is "too comprehensive" even though I'm trying to specifically get clearance just for the Nexium.

Thanks

Try a interenet serach for a diving physician in your area. You might also try a physician that has the credentials to conduct FAA exams, That is what I had to do.

 

[Hawkwood]

...It seems that no doctor is willing to sign off on the medical statement since it is "too comprehensive" even though I'm trying to specifically get clearance just for the Nexium.

Thanks

That really is too bad that you can't find someone. I have never had a student tell us they could not get a physician to sign for the reason you describe.

We sometimes get the occasional student who has not looked at the form before coming to class and have to quickly find a walk-in clinic to get the clearance before the next morning.

I have two "yes" answers and need to get this done every year and haven't have issues yet.

Synthroid and "over 45 with a family history of heart attack or stroke".

 

[underH2Oman]

Part of the problem might be the side effects of Nexium. A quick google search said that an infrequent side effect is sinus irritation and congestion. it is listed as severe.
Having that happen when diving could cause problems??

Common and Rare Side Effects for Nexium oral

The following side effects are associated with Nexium oral:
Common side effects of Nexium oral:

Head Pain	Less Severe
Diarrhea	Less Severe
Stomach Cramps	Less Severe

Infrequent side effects of Nexium oral:

Sinus Irritation and Congestion	Severe
Dry Mouth	Less Severe
Indigestion	Less Severe
Incomplete or Infrequent Bowel Movements	Less Severe
Dizzy	Less Severe
Feel Like Throwing Up	Less Severe
Gas	Less Severe

 

[blindzy]

I'm a diabetic that has had sinus surgery, so I had to jump through hoops myself. Had to have 3 doctors sign off before I could take my ow class. I went to DAN sight and downloaded over 150 pages of info and took it into my diabetic Dr. He actually took it all home and read it himself. He signed off pending my eye dr signed off pending my ear nose ant throat dr signed off. I finally got them all on board the day before the class started. Best thing I can say is to get info to your Dr from as many sources as possible. Good luck.

 

[uncfnp]

You say you take Nexium "on and off." If that's the only question holding things up, would it be reasonable for you to switch to OTC Prilosec so you can then truthfully answer "no" to this question?

 

[JohnN]

Hi Everyone,

My husband and I just registered for OWC in May. When filling out the medical form I answered "yes" to the prescription meds because I take Nexium on/off for acid reflux. I didn't think this would be a big deal, but I spoken to 3 doctors that I regularly see (including the GI who prescribed it) and none of them will sign off due to liability. Does anyone happen to have any advice for this type of situation?? It seems that no doctor is willing to sign off on the medical statement since it is "too comprehensive" even though I'm trying to specifically get clearance just for the Nexium.

Thanks

You've hit an unfortunate part of diving (at least in the US). I have GERD and moderately elevated blood pressure (without meds). On meds, no problems.

So the only thing getting a doctor to sign a medical release does is put him in the liability chain if something were to go to sh*t. I happen to like my Doc, and always answer "no" to the questions.

I'd suggest you answer appropriately.

FWIW in the USA, the liability release is basically worthless since it does not preclude your heirs from suing anyone and everyone they choose.

 

[kwinter]

As others have said, most docs know nothing about diving or barotrauma and might be reluctant to sign a form. Without knowing what the contraindications are for diving, it is difficult to sign a form stating that you have none. After my colon resection and 6 months recovery that was complicated by cardiac issues, it was time for me to get back to the aquarium where I volunteer and also do an advanced technical course. The course needed the standard medical release from TDI. My primary doc had no problem signing it. The aquarium however has a 7-page form describing all sorts of diving related medical issues because they want doctors to be informed. Each page has to be initialed by the doctor, who then has to sign the last page certifying that none of the included contraindications are present and I would be ok to dive. Neither my primary doc or my surgeon would sign that form. Fortunately my cardiologist used to work with a diving medical specialist and author of a dive medicine book, so she was willing to sign it.

You have to understand that by signing the TDI form, my doctor was clearing me to dive to 300 feet using trimix in a rebreather. The aquarium form would only clear me to dive 25 feet on a single tank of air. Yet that was the one that gave me all the difficulty. Sometimes more info is not necessarily better.


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