Return to Diving

I am planning to return to diving after a mild case of cutaneous decompression sickness (DCS), or "skin bends." If I dive using nitrox, will that be enough to prevent recurrence of DCS?
Conservative diving is strongly recommended to avoid a repeat DCS incident. Cutaneous DCS has about a 20 percent chance of having a neurological component. The next event could be similar to this one or be significantly more severe. Diving conservatively, however, involves more than simply switching to nitrox. Consider the following recommendations:
Being conservative is a trade-off. Divers want to maximize their bottom time to get the most out of every dive, but that maximum bottom time is also maximum inert gas (nitrogen) loading. Remain well rested and hydrated, and dive with a partner who has similar goals and follows similar practices. Adding small safety margins to each step can help provide a comfortable security cushion. Dive computers are powerful tools, but sound knowledge of diving physiology, good physical conditioning and adherence to thoughtful practices offer the best protection for divers. Every diver is unique, with varying susceptibility to decompression stress. Ultimately, only you can determine how much risk you want to take.
— Frances Smith, EMT-P, DMT
© Alert Diver — Q2 Spring 2018
Conservative diving is strongly recommended to avoid a repeat DCS incident. Cutaneous DCS has about a 20 percent chance of having a neurological component. The next event could be similar to this one or be significantly more severe. Diving conservatively, however, involves more than simply switching to nitrox. Consider the following recommendations:
- Dive with nitrox, but set your computer to "air" or "21 percent." Clearly note the maximum operating depth (MOD) for the mix you're actually breathing, and never exceed that depth. Use a partial pressure of oxygen (PPO2) setting of 1.4 or lower to avoid oxygen toxicity. If you reset your computer to a nitrox setting, then your potential bottom time will be calculated as longer and defeat the purpose of minimizing gas loading. Nitrox is only safer if you shorten bottom times.
- Spend an extended period at less than 30 feet, and add long safety stops to allow offgassing prior to surfacing. Extra stop time in shallow water is an effective way to reduce decompression stress and the likelihood of bubble formation.
- Select the most conservative setting on your computer to limit bottom time.
- Use a slow ascent rate of 20 to 30 feet per minute.
- Extend your surface interval, especially after long, deep and repetitive dives.
- Avoid exercise and load lifting in post dive hours, and do not engage in intense physical training for 24 hours after diving; perform only low-intensity exercise within that period.
- While diving, minimize your exercise intensity, and avoid overheating during the deepest parts of the dive.
- Take warm showers, enjoy the pool after diving, but avoid hot showers and hot tubs.
Being conservative is a trade-off. Divers want to maximize their bottom time to get the most out of every dive, but that maximum bottom time is also maximum inert gas (nitrogen) loading. Remain well rested and hydrated, and dive with a partner who has similar goals and follows similar practices. Adding small safety margins to each step can help provide a comfortable security cushion. Dive computers are powerful tools, but sound knowledge of diving physiology, good physical conditioning and adherence to thoughtful practices offer the best protection for divers. Every diver is unique, with varying susceptibility to decompression stress. Ultimately, only you can determine how much risk you want to take.
— Frances Smith, EMT-P, DMT
© Alert Diver — Q2 Spring 2018
Posted in Alert Diver Summer Editions
Tagged with DCS, Decompression Sickness, The Bends, Nitrox, MOD, Maximum operating depth
Tagged with DCS, Decompression Sickness, The Bends, Nitrox, MOD, Maximum operating depth
Categories
2023
January
March
Demo DiversCape Marine Research and Diver DevelopmentKaboom!....The Big Oxygen Safety IssueTerrific Freedive Mode“LIGHTS, Film, Action!”Scuba Nudi ClothingDive into Freedive InstructionThe Benefits of Being BaldThe Inhaca Ocean Alliance.Special Forces DiverToughing It Out Is DangerousWhat Dive Computers Don\'t Know | PART 2
2022
January
February
UNCERTAINTY AFTER DIVING: Case Report and Recommendations #1.UNCERTAINTY AFTER DIVING: Case Report and Recommendations #2UNCERTAINTY AFTER DIVING: Case Report and Recommendations #3UNCERTAINTY AFTER DIVING: Case Report and Recommendations #4DIVERS LOSING ACCESS TO EMERGENCY CAREPreventing Breathing gas Contamination
March
When Should the Rescue Begin?Celebrating Young and Old in Turks and CaicosScuba Cylinder RundownChasing WeedsUnderwater Smartphone PhotographyAir and a SpareUnderwater Photographer: Fred BuyleBuilding Better BalanceLow-Visibility DivingMore Than a Sore ShoulderNot Only for DivingLaryngospasm and AnxietyPulmonary Hypertension and DivingTitan Meets TitanicPool Operation: Know Before you GoThe Argonaut Octopus and the jellyfishShort but Beautiful Lives
April
A Sense of PurposeMexico’s Sardine RunHigh-Pressure Hose injuriesA Hole in My HeartGoing UpConcussion and Return to DivingMarfan Syndrome Recommendations.South African Sardine Run by Walter BernardisSouth African Sardine Run By ProdiveSardine Run Port Elizabeth by ProDiveSardine Run Port St Johns by ProDiveScuba Diving In MauritiusScuba Diving in TanzaniaScuba Diving in the SeychellesScuba Diving in Nosy BeScuba Diving in MalawiScuba Diving in KenyaScuba Diving in South AfricaScuba Diving in Mozambique
May
June
July
Destination AntarticaUnconscious DiverA Little DetailDive Boat SafetyBlenny Watching 101Bonaire Inspires Hope for the Future of CoralThe Secret to Deep Freediving: Tips from 3 Female World Record HoldersEnsuring Safety in Freediving CompetitionsFour Tips For Staying Warm While Cold Water DivingAnd They Dived Happily Ever AfterFreediving Is About To Enter A New Era If Oxama Has Its SayGET BENT!The Joys and Challenges of the DeepUnderstanding The Secrets of Deep Freediving: Tips from Three National Record Holders