Scuba Diving/Snorkeling

[Bdhoagie]

When I had surgery, 9 years ago, for a valve replacement, triple bypass and a couple of other procedures, I read that it wouldn't be safe to do scuba diving/snorkeling. I had only ever been snorkeling anyway, so didn't worry about it. However, I have just booked a holiday to Australia, and of course, the Great Barrier Reef is on the itinerary! I would like to go snorkeling there, but can't find anywhere, anything that says I shouldn't. Has anyone else been snorkeling or scuba diving since a valve replacement? Would it be safe to do? thank you.

[Hidden]

Scuba diving, my understanding is you would need to be properly signed off as medically fit given your history. If you were ultimately declared fit, you would also need to make sure your holiday insurance covered you, not just generally but with specific reference to your health and diving. This link is for the UKDMC (UK diving medical committee) page on existing health conditions which will give you some idea of the concerns and restrictions depending on your condition. Although you’re going to Australia, similar guidance will definitely apply over there:

ukdmc.org/medical-conditions/

Snorkelling is generally considered safe for most people, even with existing health conditions, but there can be medical factors that mean you should exercise some caution. I know from experience that some organisers in different parts of the world will ask you to fill in a health waiver to cover them in case of a problem. If you know which tour group/company you’d potentially be going with, you could drop them an email and ask if they would have a problem. Failing that, I’m sure many of the Oz based companies that operate on the reef will have websites that include relevant information around health given how big a draw it is, so a quick google for those might help.

[Bdhoagie in reply to Hidden]

Thank you, but I was hoping somebody had personal experience.

[Mentdent]

I’m a diver. I had a stent just over 12 months ago. A proper dive medical from a doctor on the list of the UKDMC for diving but for just snorkelling it’s no different from swimming.

[Hidden in reply to Mentdent]

Dear Mentdent

No disrespect but did you read what Bdhoagie has had done? Please I don’t take away the fact that you had a stent fitted, but he has had so much more.

He will never pass { like me } to dive, and I would question if he is ready yet to snorkel, with the breathing restrictions that places on the lungs.

I maybe wrong but I for one would not take the risks, there are other ways to see the barrier reef, stunning as it is

Take care

[Bdhoagie in reply to Hidden]

Thank you, unfortunately, I think you may be right!

[Bdhoagie in reply to Mentdent]

Thank you, but my understanding is that snorkeling is different to swimming.

[Mentdent]

That’s why I said to have a proper dive medical. Snorkelling is quite different

[Wire57]

Having completed hundreds of dives and seen parts of this planet that only divers are privileged to see, I was devastated when my cardiologist said I had to pack it in. This was due to a cardiac arrest and a diagnosis of severe heart failure, after two minutes contemplating the options I soon come to the conclusion that staying alive was far more important than seeing hidden wonders of the world. Seriously think before diving or snorkelling is it worth it, both these activities can be dangerous for the able bodied without heart issues.

Take care of yourself enjoy Australia it’s got a lot to offer above the water as well as below it.

[Bdhoagie in reply to Wire57]

Thank you.

[Hidden]

Hi I had my bypass in 2018 Two months later went snorkelling in Cyprus had a great time.Bit of muscle soreness but that's all.Didn't even think to ask if it was safe to do so.As far as I'm concerned the wonderful NHS have fixed me so I aim to enjoy the rest of my life to the full now that I am retired.Make every day count.lol x

[Bdhoagie in reply to Hidden]

Thank you. I want the rest of my life to be quite long though! I'm probably too scared to chance something like that so far from home! I will probably have to see the doctor for advice!

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

Amazing would not have thought that your sternum had repaired itself in that time for that type of activity, let alone get insurance etc.

I most be weaker than I thought

Take care

[Bdhoagie]

Thank you, I am able to Google, I was just hoping somebody had had the same procedures and had personal experience of diving/snorkeling.

[Hidden]

I actually rang my consultant beforehand and he told me what ever I feel confident in doing I should try.We know how we feel better than anyone.Life is for living not moping about waiting for the next pain or illness.Get out and enjoy life.We are not here long.x

[ChoochSiesta in reply to Hidden]

I have noticed that this phrase comes up time and time again with the health professionals. We know our own bodies better than anyone. If it feels okay, it probably is. On the flip side, if something doesn't feel right, there's probably a problem.

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

Sorry if I gave you the impression that I was “waiting for the next pain or illness” I certainly didn’t want to do that.

But like Wire57 I too was an experienced diver {commercial} and was also shocked that I could never dive again, but a quick talk to myself and I realised that this was not just about me but my other fellow divers {recreation} having taken one body back to shore in my time the effect on the others was shocking.

I have cost the NHS a small fortune getting me to this level and no I’m not pussy footing around, I just don’t want any part of this treatment repeated because of my ‘live for now attitude’ { that has got me in a lot of trouble in the past }

I am not afraid to admit that I am a changed person because of it, but ready to lie down and roll over? You really don’t know me.

A large part of me is jealous of you { a new emotion for me} and a small part worries for both you and your loved one.

Take care, you are indeed a superman { dam there’s that green mist again }

[Pleezto]

Need more info. How old and how good of a shape you are in. I just had bypass surgery and one of the the things I asked my dr was when will I be cleared to go diving again. Dr thinks I should be cleared in 6 months but I am 52 but very active and was in good physical shape prior to my surgery . If you are physically fit with no current heart issues and physically can swim and carry the tanks your past cardiac surgery should not be an issue. Just get a medical physical prior to your dive.