Diving again after a spinal op

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harikeo - 23 Aug 2008 18:12 GMT

All

I know I'll have to get checked out properly by a qualified doctor but
does anyone know if having half a disc removed from the lower spine will
stop me diving permanently? If not would you know roughly how long it
will take before thinking about getting back into a suit again?

cheers

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Lee Bell - 23 Aug 2008 23:10 GMT

> I know I'll have to get checked out properly by a qualified doctor but
> does anyone know if having half a disc removed from the lower spine will
> stop me diving permanently? If not would you know roughly how long it will
> take before thinking about getting back into a suit again?

It certainly depends on the extent of the damage and the kind of diving you
intend. Find a doctor that understands both your surgery and the risks of
diving and get some educated information. All we can do is guess.

Lee

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harikeo - 24 Aug 2008 00:09 GMT

>> I know I'll have to get checked out properly by a qualified doctor but
>> does anyone know if having half a disc removed from the lower spine will
[quoted text clipped - 6 lines]
>
> Lee

Thanks Lee.

I'll be speaking to the neurosurgeon next week and will ask him about it
and take it from there. If he can't point me to someone I'll use the
doctor the local dive club recommends. I was just curious to see if
anyone had either personal experience or knew someone who had returned
to diving after their operation. It's kind of daunting having this loom
ahead of me :(

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Lee Bell - 24 Aug 2008 00:40 GMT

>>> I know I'll have to get checked out properly by a qualified doctor but
>>> does anyone know if having half a disc removed from the lower spine will
[quoted text clipped - 15 lines]
> after their operation. It's kind of daunting having this loom ahead of me
> :(

I'm sure others share my hope that it will all turn out well for you.

Lee

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Dennis (Icarus) - 24 Aug 2008 01:53 GMT

You may also consider talking to DAN
www.diversalertnetwork.org

Dennis

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harikeo - 24 Aug 2008 10:00 GMT

>>>> I know I'll have to get checked out properly by a qualified doctor
>>>> but does anyone know if having half a disc removed from the lower
[quoted text clipped - 21 lines]
>
> Dennis

Excellent! Thanks. It seems I will probably be okay but may have to
limit the depth and frequency of diving. I was aware of having to put
the bcd on in the water and to not walk about with it on but that's fine.

I will have to get proper medical advice but it's looking good for next
year :)

cheer guys

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Dennis (Icarus) - 24 Aug 2008 11:04 GMT

snip>

>> You may also consider talking to DAN
>> www.diversalertnetwork.org
[quoted text clipped - 8 lines]
>
> cheer guys

You're welcome

Dennis

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Roy - 25 Aug 2008 19:29 GMT

> All
>
[quoted text clipped - 4 lines]
>
> cheers

Hi

My partner had a discectomy (sp) last year. She had it early July and was
back (no pun intended) diving by December. She is very aware that her back
will always be weaker thatn it was but with care we have already done three
diving holidays and have more booked.

She went to Margaret Clamp for her medical and I can highly recommend her.

Hope you recover quickly.

Roy

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harikeo - 26 Aug 2008 18:33 GMT

>> All
>>
[quoted text clipped - 17 lines]
>
> Roy

Thanks for your post Roy. I'm a lot happier about everything after
researching it a bit and hearing from somebody who has seen how things
work out post op I'm even happier. It's good to hear that this op
doesn't mean I won't dive again.

long and happy diving to your partner :)

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