HCV and Scuba Diving

Dear all

Don't know if this is the right place to ask this question or not? If not, please redirect or tell me where is the right place. My question is. Is there any effect of Scuba Diving on HCV? FYI, I didn't start my medication yet. I know that when I start the treatment, I won't be able to dive. But, will Scuba diving make it worst or speed up the spreading of the virus?

[Andiamo1]

I have gone diving many times with HCV and suffered no ill effects.  So - have some fun!

[ladywhy]

There was a member here called Scubadiver...during tx, there were many reasons not to dive...but I don't recall any if not txing. You may want to search archives for his posts...going back to April 2007....around there. There were a few posting about diving...hope this helps.

[jdwithhcv]

I've gone diving many times with HCV, both before and during tx.  Last dive was Feb 20, 2008 during week 24 of 48.  My doctors will let me dive as long as my hemoglobin remains above 10 (so I'm not on rescue drugs).  Take it easy and you should be fine.  I ditch and don in the water, and make sure the divemaster is aware in advance that I'm doing chemo.  I keep my DAN membership current and only dive with reputable operators, and I don't dive in really cold water during tx.  Actually, I'm more relaxed in the water than any place else.

Go log some bottom time, you'll be glad you did.

jd

[ladywhy]

Ahh, what do I know about diving! Nothing.
...but I would love to do it....I have snorkelled in Hawaii...it's certainly another world down there. I hope you are doing well and enjoying the weekend.

y

[moahunter]

Don't know if it is true, but I heard that scuba diving is linked to strokes, something to do with the bubles in the blood. Mind you, everything kills you eventually I guess.

[jdwithhcv]

Perhaps you are referring to the "bends" which is the common name for decompression sickness.  There are "safety stop"  requirements for divers place to outgas nitrogen in the blood while ascending, and recreational divers dive within "no-decompression" limits.  Scuba diving is very safe for trained divers who follow procedures.  However, I would not try it while on procrit, which can cause blood clots.  That's why I only dive when I'm not on rescue drugs.

In all my time training and diving, I have never heard of any correlation between diving and strokes, except for a person who had other risk factors for stroke.  Such a person would likely be medically unfit for scuba certification.

[merryBe]

I'm not a doc, but good question!

I'm pretty sure it would be something t really look into, just as flying can also cause problems with many diseases, diving does as well.

the main issue would be your stage and grade of liver disease I would think.
Fluid retention causing swelling of the belly (ascites), later stage disease includes swollen veins on the utside of the liver and often esophogeal swelling and similar issues.

I would think you would be safe enough in early disease stages, and if you are just a coral reef  tourist, but certainly check with your doctor and, especially it may depend on whether you are on treatment drugs and/or other medications.
Hopefully scubadiver will see this and give you ALL you need here...or try writing to him privately to get his attention.

[Gehadoski]

Thanks for the information. I am searching for scubadiver right now. I will keep you updated.


cheers
Gehadoski