-> Just recently I spent 6 hours in the decompression chamber.  Upon
-> completion of the treatment I was advised not yto dive for five
-> weeks and to see a doctor prior to returning to diving.  I also was
-> advised that because I had gotten bent that I now would be more
-> likely to become bent easier the next time and that I should dive
-> much more conservatively.  I had no problem with the recommendations
-> and figured it would be easy to dive a little bit m conservatively.
->
-> After six weeks of no diving I went to see a doctor (the same doctor
-> that had cleared me to dive about a year and a half ago) to get the
-> OK to dive again.  Boy did I get a surprise!  I was told that he did
-> not feel comfortable saying I could dive again and referred me to a
-> Dive Medical Officer at the nearby Naval Station where I had been
-> treated for DCS in the chamber.
-> I proceeded to see a Dive Medical Officer at the Naval Station and
-> after reviewing my record and speaking with the Dive Officer that
-> actually treated me in the chamber they decided that I was no longer
-> "physically fit to dive". Talk about a hit below the belt.  He
-> stated that based on the fact that I had experienced DCS and my past
-> medical history that I sould not dive.  Even though I had been
-> cleared to dive a year and a half ago by a doctor who was of my past
-> medical history.
-> The problem is I have no desire to give up diving and feel I am still
-> physically fit to dive but due to the Officers actions I cannot dive
-> legaly.  I put my military benifits and possibly my career on the
-> line if I dive.  I am in the process of applying for reconsideration
-> but I am in need of all the information I can get my hands on
-> concerning my conditions and the effect of diving on them.  I have
-> the following conditions:  Mitral Valve Prolapse, Depression (which
-> is being controlled by medication) and a past histor anxiety/panic
-> disorder (which was resolved with extensive relaxatio management
-> training/therapy)
-> Would appreciate any info on the mentioned conditions and the
-> effects of diving on the, if any, or a guide in the right direction
-> to obtain info on these conditions and the possible effects of
-> diving with them.
-> Hve been diving for over a year and a half, justcompleted with my
-> divemaster training (just have to take the written tests) have
-> completed training for the following spectiallies:  deep diver,
-> drift diver, boat diver, night diver, multilevel diver and equipment
-> maintenance.  Certified in SCUBA/SCBA tank inspection, USD service
-> technician, self trained in the maintenance of DACOR, Sherwood,
-> SEATEC, SEAQUEST and SCUBAPRO diving equipment.  Have a  invested in
-> th esport as you can see.  Have logged over 125 div and Guam with no
-> problems and would like to continue
-> SIGNED
-> Diver In Distress
->
-> --- GEcho 1.20/Pro
->   A hit below the belt is better than your family supporting the 
undertaker prematurly.I am know medical expert but i have been to some 
funerals where the deceased went against medical advive.I would listen and 
get on with life.THere is alot more to life than just diving.
       good luck george
--- InterEcho 1.12
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