visual "disturbances" after much diving

[vladimir]

I totally agree with Vladimir.

What I originally posted was pretty much an abstract of the best ideas offered by Dr.Deco and the physicians in this thread, perhaps expressed in pithier prose. Then I decided it might have more value coming from somebody who actually knew what they were talking about, so I deleted my contribution.

 

[peterbj7]

This is the problem of the cost of treatment being a factor. In your case I wouldn't hesitate, but would go to a diving doctor (who in Britain isn't just a doctor who also happens to be a diver, but one specially trained and experienced in the medical issues to do with diving) and have all this out with him/her. I'm not remotely medically trained but I do have an interest in remaining alive, and it seems to me you may not be experiencing a stable problem that you can avoid or deal with as you feel fit (!), but it may be a developing condition that could become much worse. Perhaps any exercise could spark it off, such as running or cycling. As I said (suggested), in Britain cost wouldn't be a factor, but down here in Belize I'm already having to pick and choose which medical "conditions" I can afford to treat.

 

[opalobsidian]

Well...crap

Thanks for all the excellent advice, people, tho what a bummer for me

Yes, I know I'm finding out the easy way

Anyway.....does anyone know if I could get these procedures done in competent, affordable countries like Costa Rica or Singapore? There's no way my insurance is gonna touch this, and might even drop me if they even think they might have to rake out some dough on me.

Thanks again
most likely leaky Shivaya

 

[DocVikingo]

...does anyone know if I could get these procedures done in competent, affordable countries like Costa Rica or Singapore? There's no way my insurance is gonna touch this, and might even drop me if they even think they might have to rake out some dough on me.

Hi opalobsidian,

IMHO, it would be prudent to select a country with a recognized high quality of medical care. By many ratings, Singapore has very fine medical care. CR appears to be better than one might expect, but not up to Singaporean standards.

Both CR and Singapore have nationalized health insurance programs, so a non-resident would need to get involved in their smaller parallel private health care systems.

For cardiologists in Singapore, you can contact Singapore Cardiac Society. In CR, Cardiology Specialists in Costa Rica - Hospitals Guide.

Ask lots of questions and otherwise do your homework.

Regards,

DocVikingo

This is educational only and does not constitute or imply a doctor-patient relationship. It is not medical advice to you or any other individual, and should not be construed as such.

 

[NC Wreck Diver]

Call DAN..............I didn't read all the posts, but go to them first, then follow up with their advice on what doctor to see. The rash sounds very suspicious of skin bends, but DAN needs to tell you that, since they are the Pro's.

Good luck and safe diving (after you clear this up!).

 

[TSandM]

opalobsidian, your insurance company should be okay with a diagnostic study if you have documented visual disturbance and skin bends. Otherwise, my friend who paid for his own transcranial doppler told me it was about $300. Somehow, I suspect airfare to Singapore is more than that . . .

 

[opalobsidian]

Thanks everyone for your excellent info.

What are other heart defect type possibilities that have been referred to on this thread as "shunt" or "left right transferrence"? Might some of these defects be unfixable?

As far as PFO-from what I've read it sounds like the best diagnosive test is the TEE (transesophageal echocardiogram) and if it's a fixable issue then I'd want it plugged up. As my husband and I will be in Malaysia anyway maybe dropping on down to Singapore is the best option.

Scubaboard can literally be a lifesaver eh?

 

[opalobsidian]

Hey everyone GREAT NEWS!

I called DAN and the medic said my symptoms were not that unusual for someone doing continuous days of multiple diving!!!!! And that the visual disturbances, the skin bends and the tingling in the extemities were symptoms often seen together in someone diving alot.

His recommendation? That I follow thru with a little neurological examination by a GP much like a drunk driving test to see if I am still a little zonked, and to change to nitrox but dive a regular gas profile.

WOOOO HOOOOOOOO!

 

[vladimir]

I know it's heresy to question the word of DAN around here, but I'd also give a little weight to the cautions of the doctors here.

 

[ScubaSteve]

I know it's heresy to question the word of DAN around here, but I'd also give a little weight to the cautions of the doctors here.

I am sure DAN knows what they are talking about, but with the things that have been linked together here, I think I would want to make double sure that it was nothing else. Some things have similar symptons but very different effects. I would hate to assume it was the "nice" one only to find out the hard way that it was not.