Quitting diving

[Queen]

Update in post #30

Update in post #70


Diving has been such a fantastic part of my life and breathing under water has never stopped being a complete thrill for me. Now that part of my life has to over according to my doc.

After a 35 year remission my asthma has come back with a vengeance, apparently triggered by a mold and pollen allergy. I've spent the last few weeks having breathing treatments, using inhalers, taking steroids, and being generally unable to breathe. My doc talked with DAN and told me yesterday that she doesn't see any way I can dive with this condition.

It makes me sad and angry, I love diving and don't want to give it up...but I also don't want to risk an embolism every time a suit up.

Just wanted to vent with some folks who would understand the loss.

[kingfish]

Thats terrible....i feel for you.

Jas.

[Vercingetorix]

I'm sorry to hear this, Queen. I've seen from your posts how important diving has been to you. I don't know your age; perhaps in a while(years), the asthma might go into remission again. I hope so.

If you're up to it, stick with us on the board. We're here for you.

[chinacat46]

Don't know what to say except I'm deeply sorry for you.

[Queen]

Originally Posted by Vercingetorix

I'm sorry to hear this, Queen. I've seen from your posts how important diving has been to you. I don't know your age; perhaps is a while(years), the asthma might go into remission again. I hope so.

If you're up to it, stick with us on the board. We're here for you.

I'm 47 now, my doc is pretty concerned because she can't seem to get this under control. It's a bizarre experience to be gasping like a fish out of water all the time.

Maybe if I can go symptom free for a few years I can try again. In the meantime I guess I'll sell off my gear...it's heartbreaking to see it strewn all over the spare bedroom and know I can't use it.

[Kidder]

That sucks, hopefully your doc. will be able to come up with something that can help get it under control. If it is brought on by allergys could it be a seasonal ban? Or you could consider moving to some place with bit different climate like AZ. There was a guy who worked for us that moved there because of his daughter's asthma. Just a thought.

[cgvmer]

My son also has allergy induced Asthma, and one of the requirements for him to dive is to be controlled by normal medications. I hope not just for your ability to dive, but your ability to have a normal non-constrained life you get this stabilized. Good luck.

[Cheddarchick]

Ahhh Queen, Don't sell your stuff, With the new treatments coming along all the time, you never know. I am so sorry, I feel your pain..

[Queen]

Originally Posted by cgvmer

My son also has allergy induced Asthma, and one of the requirements for him to dive is to be controlled by normal medications. I hope not just for your ability to dive, but your ability to have a normal non-constrained life you get this stabilized. Good luck.

I think that was the gist of my docs conversation with DAN, getting controlled with normal meds could make a difference. They're doing pulmonary function tests next week, my doc thinks I have lung scar tissue that is hindering the healing process...when I was a firefighter I was exposed to some chlorine gas that did a number on my lungs.

It's especially disappointing because I bought all new gear in the last year and half in the anticipation of FINALLY being in a position vacation and income wise to start traveling more.

I don't mean to be whiny but this just sucks.

[Charles R]

I had childhood Asthma and that is my greatest fear in life that it would come back. When I quit Smoking In 2006 it seemed like it was comming back but the Doc said it was just my body trying to break up all the crud in my lungs I was releived. I feel your pain as I remember what an Asthma attack feels like. I am sorry that you are unable to do something you enjoy so much and I hope & pray that you will be able to overcome this!