DCI and Diving? Unfortunately, this is not a simple question to answer.
It all depends on the events that caused you to develop Decompression Illness (DCI), whether you suffered any lung barotrauma (pressure damage) at the time and what level of recovery you achieved after recompression therapy.
Individuals who have had pulmonary barotrauma or neurological decompression illness are thought to be more susceptible to subsequent episodes as a result of pre-existing conditions such as lung disease and cardiac shunts.
With any DCI we would recommend at least a month cessation from diving.
In the case of a neurological DCI this would normally increase to three months, in order to allow sufficient recovery time.
Prior to returning to diving you will no longer be able to self-certify your medical form and will need to be reviewed by a diving doctor. Further tests to exclude pre-existing conditions such as heart scans or lung function tests may be required. If you are permitted to resume diving, restrictions on depths, times and repeat dives may be imposed.
If you have been treated with us at DDRC Healthcare we offer a complimentary “Bend Review” at an appropriate time point after treatment, prior to final discharge.
It is worth noting that if you undergo recompression therapy for missed decompression but without developing symptoms, we would normally recommend between 24-48 hours before getting back in the water.
If you attend DDRC Healthcare and are found to have a non-diving related cause for your symptoms, then this diagnosis will govern how long you need to stay out of the water for.
To discuss your decompression illness and whether you can return to diving you can book a telephone consultation with one of our doctors here.