I have been dignosed with VHL in 1999. I took up scuba diving in 2006 and was declared fit by a Diving Medical examinor.
In June last year, it was suggested by the VHL support group in South Africa that I have a CT scan done on my abdomen just to make sure that the kidneys are clean. I have not had any discomfort or signs of problems in my abdomen.
To my horror it was confirmed that I had multiple cysts on both kidneys and pancreas ranging from 3mm to 60mm on size. I was admitted to hospital and the large tumour was removed (partial nefrectomy).
It has been 7 months since the surgery and I have recovered very well and back to all normal activities.
I also started diving in a controlled environment this past weekend.
My concern and question is this:
I will be doing a coastal diving trip this coming weekend and am worried about the boat trip out to the diving site which is normally very bumpy. Should I risk doing this dive ?
The Urologist advised that all is OK and that my life must not come to a stand still due to VHL and the surgery. The diving medical doctors though are giving me a red flag saying to wait a year.
Anyone else out there in the same situation ?
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Scuba diving after kidney surgery ??
- By Hermvr
- Posted March 2, 2009 at 10:39 am · 3 replies
- In Getting a diagnosis
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- By Blind_Kiwi
- Posted March 2, 2009 at 4:23 pm
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Hi from NZ,
I too have been through recovery time after kidney surgery for VHL. At the time I was a keen diver and couldn't wait to get back under the water. It all depends how you feel. Doctors etc can give you suggested times for recovery but when it comes down to it we all recover differently and they are probably being over cautious. If the previous dive went ok and you felt ok afterwards I dont see how a bumpy boat ride etc will cause issues. If it was me I would go for it as long as I felt ok in my own ability etc. That said you dont want to dive with a whole load of worries in your head because you probably wont enjoy the dive...
If you decide to go ....let us know how it went. Cheers Greg.
- By Hermvr
- Posted March 3, 2009 at 9:50 am
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Hey there Greg.
All went well yes and I have decided that I will go. I sent a note to the Medical Director of DAN SA and he also said that all should be ok and that the only worry should be a tumour on the brain or spinal cord. I have not yet had those scanned since 2005 and also show no symptoms.
I am looking forward to a dive this weekend seeing blacktip sharks, maybe a couple of Raggies, Manta's etc etc etc.. :)
Will keep you posted !!
- By joyceg98
- Posted March 4, 2009 at 6:12 pm
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Please bring us some photos! It sounds wonderful. Perhaps the rest of us can enjoy your trip vicariously?
Best wishes,
Joyce
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