Any thoughts on whether Scuba Diving is good for lymphoedema?

[syrup01]

I want to be less inhibited by my lymphy leg and have always wanted to try Scuba diving. What do people think about whether diving would be generally good for lymphoedema or would there be risks? I know I will have issues with wetsuits etc. but first things first...

[shazsnicks]

My husband scuba dives so will as him later and get back to you. However its me that's the lymphie.

[syrup01]

Thanks for the replies, it's kind of what I thought, it's just the lymphoedema seems such a complex condition there was bound to be something that would be wrong.

[shazsnicks]

Hubbie says he didnt think wet suit will be a problem. He said you can get loose fitting ones and made to measure.

But advised looking into the depth of water you were going down to and the affect this would have on your lymphoedema. It said he was not sure of the pressure the atmospheric changes would have so worth getting more advice on.

Good luck

[gavinlwright]

There is no reason for you not to scuba dive as far as I can see. I used to be a scuba instructor and taught at a high level including other instructors. You will however be likely to be requested for a certificate/note from your GP as part of a medical questionaire. In terms of a wetsuit you do not want a loose fitting one as this will defeat the point of a wetsuit which keeps you warm by trapping water. There is the possibility of using a dry suit which is where you essentially wear a thinsulate (thermal onesie) and then the dry suit which has seal around the neck and cuffs. My advice would be to go to your local dive centre and talk to them. Make sure they are accredited as either a BSAC or PADI centre as you will be sure to get a good level of training. A try dive is certainly a good way to go as it will indicate whether you will enjoy it as well as how the le may effect you in terms of mobility. The main thing if you do proceed is to enjoy.

[syrup01]

Sounds like top advice! I'm hoping it maybe beneficial, then maybe we can get a group together and make therapy fun!

[nan2high]

I used to dive abroad in my prelymph. younger days and found that the water pressure

caused me to pee a lot getting rid of swollen ankles from flying and sitting around all night drinking. I loved diving, really enjoyed all the colourful fish and sea weeds etc. Give it a go. Good luck. Nan

[AnneBury]

I have done a lot of scuba diving. I am primary in both legs & feet. I make sure I minimise any cuts etc by wearing diving boots rather than bare feel and fins. Also I wear a full length wet suit, if possible, so knees don't get grazed. My feet have a tendency to float_ never sure if that is my fat ankles or just the difficulty of coping with everything!

[emlies]

You've probably tried this out by now but I dive with primary lymphedema in my left leg. I haven't found any problems with it and actually, after a couple of days diving my leg can be much smaller due to water pressure issues and what's essentially full-body compression. I wear dive boots on my feet - always have - and an older compression stocking. I also wear a sock on the one foot to make sure there's no uncovered skin. I've been down close to 30 meters and I haven't noticed any problems at all. Once or twice it seems the calf may be a bit bigger, these seem to be from dives that involve a lot more swimming, but some massage or wrapping at night takes care of that. Go for it!

[syrup01]

Thanks for this.

Excuse the pun, but I haven't taken the plunge yet, but it is definitely something I want to try.

Did you wear the compression under a wetsuit, or instead of one?

Also if you are wearing a wetsuit did you have to have one specifically made?

I love swimming and am fascinated by marine life, but not necessarily if it's going to cost me thousands to get up and running with it