I did something stupid; decompression illness sucks!

[Tuss]

I really wasn't thinking when I scheduled a 2 tank dive in the morning and a helicopter tour of the island in the afternoon.  It wasn't until the helicopter had taken off that i considered "is flying in a helicopter the same as flying in a plane after diving?"  half way into the hour long helicopter tour I started getting nauseated and a bad headache.  That was last night.  Headache is still there this morning but improved, nausea has improved.   I think I might have a mild case of decompression illness.  I can't believe I was so stupid!

[flopnfly]

I didn't think helicopters counted, but I could be wrong. 

Perhaps it was just a small case of 24 hr flu?

[Tuss]

At the time I thought it was probably a complicated migraine (i get those), but could just as easily be DCI.  Either way it was stupid to go up in the helicopter.  Helicopter is safer than a plane, but it still goes up to about 4000ft above sea level and isn't pressurized so there is some risk.

I also did a 2 tank dive and according to my computer I was right on my limits (90ft for the first dive and 60ft for the second).    Did the helicopter tour 4.5 hours later.

[Pacific State 808]

Hi Tuss

I know you are an MD and everything but I would definately seek local advice regarding this. I would say that it's a very strong possibility you have DCI sickness, although you only  have mild symptoms , DCI can be deceptive as there is a chance the symptoms become worse a day or two after the event. DCI is not an exact science as we all react differently, certainly any flight over 2000ft after diving in not recommended.  I am sure you know better than anyone here about DCI but I would just get local advice to be on the safe side.

These links may help you

http://www.diversalertnetwork.org/medical/faq/Inter-Island_Flights

http://www.diversalertnetwork.org/medical/faq/


1. For a single no-decompression dive, a minimum preflight surface interval of 12 hours is suggested.
2. For multiple dives per day or multiple days of diving, a minimum preflight surface interval of 18 hours is suggested.
3. For dives requiring decompression stops, there is little evidence on which to base a recommendation, but a preflight surface interval substantially longer than 18 hours appears prudent.
4. These recommendations apply to air dives followed by flights at cabin altitudes of 2,000 to 8,000 feet (610 to 2,438 meters).
5. These recommendations are for recreational divers who do not have symptoms of decompression sickness (DCS).

I hope you feel better soon.
Warren

[Gambitt]

At the time I thought it was probably a complicated migraine (i get those), but could just as easily be DCI.  Either way it was stupid to go up in the helicopter.  Helicopter is safer than a plane, but it still goes up to about 4000ft above sea level and isn't pressurized so there is some risk.

I also did a 2 tank dive and according to my computer I was right on my limits (90ft for the first dive and 60ft for the second).    Did the helicopter tour 4.5 hours later.

The fact that the helicopter is Not pressurized, actually Increases the risk..  As Warren says, I'd be heading in to get checked out!

[Tuss]

My symptoms settled completely by the next morning.  Talked to a friend who is also a "dive MD" and he thought i was safe to fly home.  Just got home and no ill-effects on the trip home.  I think it was just a migraine, but still probably not the smartest move to go on the helicopter tour.

[Pacific State 808]

Glad to hear all is well, hope Hawaii lived up to the expectations.....was the diving good ?

[Tuss]

diving was just soso.  the reef isn't really that active, not many fish or bright colors.  Lots of turtles which was nice, a couple white tipped sharks, etc.  The divemaster wasn't great at pointing things out, and I missed a lot of the stuff on the dive that the other people saw.  There were humpback whales in the area so the whale sounds were amazing.  The hightlight of the dive for sure.  I was really hoping to see one in the water, but apparently that's rare.

[JohnnyCastaway]

Good to hear it wasn't anything worse. 

I can't even imagine hearing the whale  song while underwater.  It must have been something.

[Pacific State 808]

Thats why I want to dive Hawaii, just for the Humpback Whales......like you say it's rare and also expensive from the UK.

My top 3 wish list of things I want to see whilst diving .... if I could just tick these 3 off I would be sooooo happy 

1. Sperm Whale
2. Humpback Whale
3. Mola Mola (Sunfish)