posted
I am recently diagnosed and am wondering about scuba diving. I searched for a previous post but I did not find one, so I apologize if this is a repeat.
We are going on vacation in March and our main reason was for scuba diving. This was all planned before I knew what was up with my health. My Dr. said it may make me feel more ill, but she didn't expand on that.
We dive to depths of 60-80 feet. Obviously, I do not want to ruin my entire vacation or worsen my health. The feeling of floating and being weightless is amazing and I was thinking it could help me.
Thanks
Posts: 2 | From Greenbush, WI | Registered: Feb 2017
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posted
I'm just not sure. I do know of two people with Lyme who went diving and it permanently (so far) messed up their vision and balance. One person went diving 25 years ago and the other about 10 years ago. I am wondering if being under so much pressure pressed the spirochetes deeper into the more dense tissues?
Could it be that diving alone (without Lyme) could cause vision and balance issues for so long?
Maybe some more people will weigh in here as I hate to see you not be able to do something you really enjoy.
Posts: 764 | From Northwest | Registered: Sep 2014
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Keebler
Honored Contributor (25K+ posts)
Member # 12673
posted
- Do you have any inner ear / middle ear (vestibular) issues at all?
Are you taking any Rx or OTC product that is ototoxic?
I would not scuba dive with lyme, though, as the inner ear is often very much affected and once that gets any damage, it can be a long road of torture ahead. With inner / middle ear damage, it's such terrible life, I know this for a fact. Please, just don't push it.
When the vestibular system is affected, reading, writing, walking, talking, thinking . . . communicating with other in any fashion can be destroyed. And vertigo non-stop will do more than make one spin. The risk is very real with even one dive.
Lyme already is attracted to the inner ear & treatment is also hard on the inner / middle ear system, don't push it with the kinds of pressure that diving creates.
I cannot say this emphatically enough: PLEASE DO NOT SCUBA DIVE, given your diagnosis. It could really ruin the rest of your life.
SNORKEL INSTEAD - that would be a much wiser and safer activity. -
Posts: 48021 | From Tree House | Registered: Jul 2007
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Keebler
Honored Contributor (25K+ posts)
Member # 12673
posted
- If you are taking doxycycline (or some other Rx, too) being in the sun can be dangerous due to sun exposure issue. Be sure to check out all Rx and stay covered up everywhere you go, too, most of the time as most Rx can alter your normal reaction to the sun.
Also keep in my "no alcohol" is really the best way to proceed - even on vacation. All kinds of other fun beverages with good antioxidants of fruits but no added sugar -- and TEA might be enjoyed.
And, if you go to a nightclub, even just for the fun . . . be mindful if they have flashing or strobe lights. CALL IN ADVANCE. Avoid if so.
There are ways to still have a wonderful vacation, really. But you have a whole different body now with different requirements. If you mind those, though, all can be okay.
One mistake, though, can have far worse and longer consequences than anyone could have ever imagined before lyme.
I say this, not to rain on your parade or scare you yet it's an extremely important detail to the new owner's operating guide for a body with lyme.
Nurture & nourish . . . Plan as many aspects as possible about any energy output or food intake & Pace yourself . . . are the guiding points. -
Posts: 48021 | From Tree House | Registered: Jul 2007
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Keebler
Honored Contributor (25K+ posts)
Member # 12673
posted
- The point may be made that mild Hyperbaric Oxygen therapy (mild HBOT) is one treatment that has helped many with lyme.
However, that's under different circumstances with LL guidance and preparation and you would not be in the middle of an ocean.
Just in case you want to feel optimistic, not want to "be" a sick person, etc. please don't let some kind of "attitude" steer you off course, either. It's really important that you not risk your vestibular system at this point in time.
As you will likely fly, that can also require a few steps just to make things more comfortable for you. GINGER CAPSULES often help.
You may not have a pronounced inner ear / middle ear issue now. But as lyme & lyme treatment really puts that at risk, it's the wise action to protect that most valuable tissue between your ears.
Rarely do I bring here my own difficulties for various reasons. One focus of my limited energy has been to help others avoid or "fix" --- but maybe if I tell you that
for over 8 years now, I've been homebound, unable to have even holiday meals with any others, unable to even talk on the phone with many others due to the nature of cheap electronics that cost a fortune. Mostly, unable to really address lyme / infections adequately for decades,
were I "just" to be ill and tortourslly exhauseted. - now too tired to finish-- well, I could still go out sometimes but not with the vestibular damages. I am not overstating the need to protect this function.
With love. -
Posts: 48021 | From Tree House | Registered: Jul 2007
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posted
That's a really good question. Some people use hyperbaric oxygen chambers for treatment. You might want to ask on the medical questions board about how scuba diving compares to that and what precautions you should take.
-------------------- sixgoofykids.blogspot.com Posts: 13449 | From Ohio | Registered: Feb 2007
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quote:Originally posted by Keebler: -Lyme already is attracted to the inner ear & treatment is also hard on the inner / middle ear system, don't push it with the kinds of pressure that diving creates. -
Keebler is really right here. Lyme loves the inner ear and it can be darn hard to treat
Posts: 764 | From Northwest | Registered: Sep 2014
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I currently do not have any inner ear issues, thankfully. I do have heel pain and right shin bone pain.
I am continuing to do research regarding depths....staying within the 30 feet range for example. However, if I do not find any solid info, I will simply go snorkeling and jet skiing.
Thanks again, I truly appreciate you.
Posts: 2 | From Greenbush, WI | Registered: Feb 2017
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randibear
Honored Contributor (10K+ posts)
Member # 11290
posted
I have tinnitus and ear pain. no way for me.
in fact I'm afraid to even fly.
-------------------- do not look back when the only course is forward Posts: 12262 | From texas | Registered: Mar 2007
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