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SCUBA Diving?


Thu, November 06, 2008 9:01 PM

I'm part way through an open water training course, and am wondering if any other divers with crohn's disease could offer any words of advice.  Do you know of any medications/surgeries etc, that would put me at higher risk while diving?  I have taken (at one time or another) pretty much every type of medication used to treat crohn's (currently on Humira) and had an illeal resection about 5 years ago.

Anything I should know about mixing SCUBA and crohn's?  Any divers out there who have had surgery or have experience diving while on Humira?

FPO gabem
Joined Nov 6, 2008

Tue, November 11, 2008 12:20 AM

 Reply posted for gabem.

Scuba is great and I highly recommend you go through with it!  It's super relaxing and very chill.

Having said that, I also have Crohns and I'm currently taking Entocort, Imuran, and Humira.  To be honest I've never dove while on the Humira, but I can tell you that I (personally) wouldn't worry about it.  I have dove with the Imuran and the Entocort though and I was just fine.  I've also dove while on Asacol, Librax, and Zoloft and I was also just fine (not on any of those now).  I'd recommend using a dive computer and staying well within your no deco limits.  If you're worried about "losing it" at sea, I can say I've never had a moment of urgency while at depth.  On dive days I tend to eat light and stay very well hydrated.  Just make sure you stay relaxed and keep your cool.  If you don't feel right about a dive, then definitely don't do it.  There's always another day.

And always, of course, consult your doc and make sure they are okay with it.

FPO vortmax
Joined Nov 10, 2008

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