Scuba diving following an Oesophagectomy

[Oakscross]

I have a PADI registration from a number of years ago and wish to do some diving again. I went for a refresher course and in completing the pre dive questions I confirmed I was on prescription medication. This means I have to get a doctor to certify that I am fit to dive. My GP has said that she does not feel qualified to comment on my fitness due to the Oesophagectomy I have had. Has anyone had experience of this issue that can give me some guidance?

[phil]

No

[phil]

That does surprise me. After my operation 18 years ago I started diving again. Because of the weight loss it was more effort carrying and the equipment to the waters edge . But apart from that it was no problem My advise would be if you to decide to try it again use one of diving centers, don't dive too deep ,say 20 meters maximum.Have a good experienced Buddy to dive with and stay relaxed in a prone position head slightly raised. I'm sure you know all that that.Hopefully you will be able experience diving again.

All the best

Phil

[Mbads in reply to phil]

Iv been wondering about this allso over the last year and half since my op .

I’d written of diving again completely ! My thoughts are if we have lost the valves that stop fluids returning up from our new stomachs then acid reflux could happen under pressure wasn’t this a problem . Would like ve to dive again .

[phil in reply to Mbads]

No that was not a problem you probably take a daily PPI as I do to greatly reduce stomach acid. When we are diving our heads are slightly raised anyway. So has long as you aware of that position you should be fine. Its worth trying a shallow dive first at one of the diving centers.

My first dive was at diving center in Lancashire in 5 meters of water and there was no problem.

Phil

[Mbads in reply to phil]

Thanks Phil that’s very encouraging Iv been on a couple of holidays since my op and completely wrote of the diving Iv got Egypt booked for march so may give it a go this time and love the fact you are many years post op .

These first few years after op are the ones that we worry about so much has that disappeared over the years .

[Spikey]

I learned to dive in Koh Samui in 2005. I had my oesophagectomy in June 2007 and went diving again in St. Lucia in 2009 and Phuket in 2015 and 2017. Each time, I had to have a quick refresher, but was fine and had no problems diving. Regarding your concern about acid reflux, I always made sure that I hadn't eaten for at least a couple of hours, so that I had an empty stomach.

Unfortunately, I've now developed late onset adult asthma, so I can't dive anymore.

[grandylynda]

That's all interesting because I was told that if I wanted to swim again I would have to do so with my head up out of the water rather than having my face in and turning to the side to breath. Can't do that due to neck problems so no more swimming. But if some of you are managing diving. . . . . .?

[Bards in reply to grandylynda]

Hmmm. I wasn’t given that swimming guidance, and had no problem with side breathing, including bilateral breathing once a bit of fitness regained.. What was the reason given for advice? Maybe Reflux, but then surely a precautionary ‘be aware of potential risk’ would be more appropriate than a prescriptive ‘avoid’..?

I would revisit the advice maybe…?

[grandylynda in reply to Bards]

Maybe I will get brave enough to just try again sometime with someone with me. Can't remember exact reasons I was given but all to do with having no valve at top of stomach

[Bards in reply to grandylynda]

Same with me post Ivor Lewis. I think sometimes the advice can maybe be a bit too blanket. My Consultant (who I no longer see) may have been a bit more up for letting the patient feel their own way?

Always worth (literally in this case) dipping a toe in.

I’d be interested to hear if you are given the (doubtless not ‘’wrong’ as such) reasoning behind it.

[Makulit]

Hiya. I had a full esophagectomy 10 years ago at the age of 46. I was a diving instructor, and you'll be happy to know I'm currently on a live aboard dive trip in Indonesia. Stay positive, you'll get there. I do loads of diving and pretty much everything else I used to do.

I saw a specialist diving doctor in the UK, who gave me an official certification approving me to continue diving. I carry it with me on all trips still, but never had to use it.

I just looked her up and sent her an email, checking she is still doing this and that I can share her email with you. I'll let you know asap when I hear back.

Nick.

[Makulit]

Hi there. Contact Dr. Nicky......

[e-mail]