Jump to content

  • These forums are for "after booking" trip communications, socializing, and/or trip questions ONLY.
  • You will NOT be able to book a trip, buy add-ons, or manage your trip by logging in here. Please login HERE to do any of those things.

Upcoming Trips My Trips Paper Forms Trip Forums DiveAssure FAQ
FaceBook Help Desk
Photo

doctor trained in scuba diving.......

Started by Starfish Sandy , May 10 2007 10:51 AM

  • Please log in to reply
12 replies to this topic

#1 Starfish Sandy

Starfish Sandy

    I spend too much time on line

  • Member
  • PipPipPipPipPipPip
  • 2,323 posts
  • Location:Islip, New York
  • Gender:Female
  • Cert Level:aow, nitrox
  • Logged Dives:600+

Posted 10 May 2007 - 10:51 AM

I need some help in finding a doc trained in diving to "medically" clear me for a dive trip. I have contacted DAN and the 5 names they gave me in the NY area do not do the exams any more - any suggestions on where to look or who to call? Type 1 diabetic - 40 years - insulin dep - and YES - every one that dives with me knows I am diabetic. :) I'd even consider a trip back to Texas to see a doc!
Known puker

#2 cmt489

cmt489

    I spend too much time on line

  • Member
  • PipPipPipPipPipPip
  • 4,346 posts
  • Location:Vancouver, BC
  • Gender:Female
  • Cert Level:AOW, Nitrox
  • Logged Dives:75+

Posted 10 May 2007 - 11:49 AM

Can't your GP or specialist provide you with clearance? My dad is also type 1 diabetic with other problems and his GP signed off for him. I believe the form is on the PADI website and there has never been an issue.
cmt489@singledivers.com

Posted Image

#3 Starfish Sandy

Starfish Sandy

    I spend too much time on line

  • Member
  • PipPipPipPipPipPip
  • 2,323 posts
  • Location:Islip, New York
  • Gender:Female
  • Cert Level:aow, nitrox
  • Logged Dives:600+

Posted 10 May 2007 - 12:52 PM

Well - I am not sure - their specific wording is a doctor certified in dive medicene. I guess I can email them and double check - thanks. :)
Known puker

#4 secretsea18

secretsea18

    I spend too much time on line

  • Member
  • PipPipPipPipPipPip
  • 1,007 posts
  • Location:NYC when not diving!
  • Gender:Female
  • Cert Level:AOW
  • Logged Dives:1062

Posted 10 May 2007 - 12:57 PM

Well - I am not sure - their specific wording is a doctor certified in dive medicene. I guess I can email them and double check - thanks. :)



Not that I am encouraging you to "break the rules"... but how are they going to know???? There is NO Dive Medicine Board to provide certifications in the US....

Are you diving abroad?

Robin

#5 mantarraya

mantarraya

    Everyone knows me

  • Member
  • PipPipPipPipPip
  • 597 posts
  • Location:Galveston, TX
  • Gender:Female
  • Cert Level:AOW / Nitrox
  • Logged Dives:>100

Posted 10 May 2007 - 01:03 PM

Someone gave me this link one time when I was searching for the same type info for a friend. You can search for a diving medical examiner near you.

http://www.uhms.org/...ingexaminer.asp

They apparently have to take this course to be certified (it includes the ability to assess recreational divers fitness to dive)
http://www.uhms.org/.....20TO DIVE.htm

Edited by mantarraya, 10 May 2007 - 01:06 PM.

Back after a long absence - whew, too busy at work!

#6 ScubaDadMiami

ScubaDadMiami

    I spend too much time on line

  • Member
  • PipPipPipPipPipPip
  • 2,022 posts
  • Location:Miami Beach, Florida
  • Gender:Male
  • Cert Level:Course Director; CCR Instructor
  • Logged Dives:2000+

Posted 10 May 2007 - 03:50 PM

There is a small booklet that DAN used to carry that provides information for physicians in evaluating divers for fitness for recreational diving. You might try asking about getting a copy of that for your physician.

Failing to reveal known medical conditions just to be able to be cleared for diving could be dangerous for yourself and others that dive with you. So, if you decide to follow that advice, you might not be the only person killed in an accident. Something to think about . . . .
"The most important thing is not to stop questioning." Albert Einstein

"For the diligent diver, closed circuit rebreathers are actually safer than open circuit scuba." Tom Mount

#7 scubagalpal

scubagalpal

    On a roll now.....

  • Member
  • PipPip
  • 91 posts
  • Location:Deerfield Beach, FL
  • Gender:Female
  • Cert Level:MSDT
  • Logged Dives:2500 +

Posted 10 May 2007 - 03:51 PM

When I did my instructor class a few years ago my internal medicine doc signed off for me. I'm a Type II diabetic who at the time was on meds for blood pressure and arthritis besides the diabetic meds. You might also consider seeing an endocrinoligist.

Good luck!
:birthday:

#8 Starfish Sandy

Starfish Sandy

    I spend too much time on line

  • Member
  • PipPipPipPipPipPip
  • 2,323 posts
  • Location:Islip, New York
  • Gender:Female
  • Cert Level:aow, nitrox
  • Logged Dives:600+

Posted 10 May 2007 - 05:34 PM

Well - I am not sure - their specific wording is a doctor certified in dive medicene. I guess I can email them and double check - thanks. :birthday:



Not that I am encouraging you to "break the rules"... but how are they going to know???? There is NO Dive Medicine Board to provide certifications in the US....

Are you diving abroad?

Robin



I always tell who ever I dive with - land or live a board - that I am a diabetic - every one around me knows what to be on the look out for in case my sugar goes low - If something does go wrong - I want someone who knows what is wrong with me and can tell a doc - no matter where I am. :birthday: I do full disclsoure!!! :birthday: My buddies know I carry "loser juice" in my bcd pocket and usally Dan has a tube too - or knows where mine is should my sugar drop under water. In T&C- 3/4 of the group brought me chocolate!!! :birthday: Gotta be some benefit to being diabetic!!!

Besides - I wear an insulin pump - kinda hard to hide! :fish2:

Edited by Starfish Sandy, 10 May 2007 - 05:41 PM.

Known puker

#9 Starfish Sandy

Starfish Sandy

    I spend too much time on line

  • Member
  • PipPipPipPipPipPip
  • 2,323 posts
  • Location:Islip, New York
  • Gender:Female
  • Cert Level:aow, nitrox
  • Logged Dives:600+

Posted 10 May 2007 - 05:35 PM

Someone gave me this link one time when I was searching for the same type info for a friend. You can search for a diving medical examiner near you.

http://www.uhms.org/...ingexaminer.asp

They apparently have to take this course to be certified (it includes the ability to assess recreational divers fitness to dive)
http://www.uhms.org/.....20TO DIVE.htm


Thank you - I'll see what I can find.
Known puker

#10 netmage

netmage

    People are starting to get to know me

  • Member
  • PipPipPipPip
  • 471 posts
  • Location:Coconut Creek, FL
  • Gender:Male
  • Cert Level:Tech & Cave
  • Logged Dives:500+

Posted 10 May 2007 - 07:07 PM

You can download the PADI paperwork. The first two pages are the student questionaire - basicaly a self assesment if a doctor's consult is required, and then either a 2nd page for the doc, or a small signature line... The rest of the form is "doctor speak" for the items a doc should be concerned about based on the specific item you checked on the 1st page....

I called DAN, got a few hyperbaric doc's and I thought that would be that. I went to one of the ones from the DAN list and told him my story - and I was there for another 30-45 minutes as he picked up the phone to consult w/ two other hyperbaric doc's.....

So, I guess the moral of my story is that if you can - go see a hyperbaric doc.., but if you can't - go see a GP and give them the # for DAN's medical consult line, cuz there's a good chance a phone call is going to be made either way.

-Tim
"I aim to misbehave...."

#11 Dive_Girl

Dive_Girl

    I need to get a life

  • Member
  • PipPipPipPipPipPipPip
  • 5,513 posts
  • Location:Portland, OR/Vancouver, WA USA
  • Gender:Female
  • Cert Level:PADI Course Director, EFR Instructor Trainer, DAN DEMP Instructor, rec-Trimix & Normoxic
  • Logged Dives:too many logged, too many not logged...:)

Posted 10 May 2007 - 08:45 PM

You can download the PADI paperwork. The first two pages are the student questionaire - basicaly a self assesment if a doctor's consult is required, and then either a 2nd page for the doc, or a small signature line... The rest of the form is "doctor speak" for the items a doc should be concerned about based on the specific item you checked on the 1st page....

I've posted the full PADI Medical Statement to our dive shop's Website for our student's convenience. Click Here to download it. :diver:
It's Winter time - you know you're a diver when you're scraping ice off your windshield INSIDE your vehicle...!

Once in a while, it is good to step back, take a breath, and remember to be humble. You'll never know it all - ScubaDadMiami. If you aren't afraid of dying, there is nothing you can't achieve - Lao-tzu. One dog barks at something, the rest bark at him - Chinese Proverb.

#12 Twinklez

Twinklez

    I spend too much time on line

  • Member
  • PipPipPipPipPipPip
  • 1,350 posts
  • Location:East Texas
  • Gender:Female
  • Cert Level:Instructor
  • Logged Dives:200+

Posted 10 May 2007 - 09:28 PM

Well - I am not sure - their specific wording is a doctor certified in dive medicene. I guess I can email them and double check - thanks. :diver:

Dr. Rydzak in Tyler Texas did my exam for DMC. He's specializes in undersea medicine, is affiliated with DAN, is a diver himself and runs the local hyperbaric chamber at the ETMC Wound Healing Center. The number there is (800) 459-0928. If you get in touch with him I bet he knows of someone in your area who is specialized and can do your physical.

#13 Starfish Sandy

Starfish Sandy

    I spend too much time on line

  • Member
  • PipPipPipPipPipPip
  • 2,323 posts
  • Location:Islip, New York
  • Gender:Female
  • Cert Level:aow, nitrox
  • Logged Dives:600+

Posted 15 May 2007 - 08:57 AM

Well - I am not sure - their specific wording is a doctor certified in dive medicene. I guess I can email them and double check - thanks. :bye:

Dr. Rydzak in Tyler Texas did my exam for DMC. He's specializes in undersea medicine, is affiliated with DAN, is a diver himself and runs the local hyperbaric chamber at the ETMC Wound Healing Center. The number there is (800) 459-0928. If you get in touch with him I bet he knows of someone in your area who is specialized and can do your physical.


Thanks Tina - I've emailed him for help!! Still running in to brick walls in the NY area - no doc still does the exam or has moved to FLORIDA!
Known puker
Back to Diving and Health


0 user(s) are reading this topic

0 members, 0 guests, 0 anonymous users

  1. SingleDivers.com Surface Interval INDEX
  2. → DIET and HEALTH
  3. → Diving and Health
  4. Privacy Policy