Diving with MS

[Bimbler]

I was wondering if anyone has any experience with the above? A friend of mine received an MS diagnosis a couple of years ago, with an additional year before hand while they decided what he had! He is interesting in diving, but has never done any before. As you may appreciate, his dexterity is not at its best, but I thought I would ask if anyone has any experience of how people with MS get on with diving.

He is also interested in recompression chambers because he has heard that the oxygen pressurisation alleviates symptoms Is this true? I know we all try to avoid going in chambers, but is there any way someone could pay their way into one?! For someone so young, my friend's deterioration has been very rapid and it would be nice to think there's a way of relieving his symptoms, even if it is only temporary and a long shot!

[Johnny Boy]

my wife has MS and used to dive, but had to give it up eventually as the weight of the equipment [not so much the actual diving] became too much. once in the water she was fine though. in circumstances like having to climb a hard boats ladder at the end of the dive fully kitted it really becomes an issue. her hands shake too, especially so when cold, so manual dexterity [pressing bcd inflator buttons for example] also is an issue. i would say that diving in good conditions, without too much task loading and stress is the best option, but i don't know your friends current state, so don't quote me!

breathing o2 at higher ambient pressures? dunno? heard mixed responses. once made her sit on the settee whilst watching corry breathing high fraction deco mix! she's still got MS mate!

[yazzyfooty]

I am aware that the North Middlesex hospital had a chamber which was used for people with MS to assist with alleviating symptoms as there was a big hoo ha when they decided to close it down. I am not sure whether this was due to there being insufficient evidence of the efficacy of the chamber as a treatment for those with MS.

[Adrian Kelland]

Bimbler,

I am aware that at least one member here has MS. Perhaps they will contact you. It probably dependant on the level of your friends condition. And possibly the views of a diving medical referee.

A diving friend of mine runs the MS chamber in Exeter, if your mate is localish, he could give them a call. Multiple Sclerosis Resource Centre MS Therapy Centres (UK and Ireland)

Adrian

[Bimbler]

Just wanted to say thanks for all your replies and the kind PMs people have sent me. I am now armed with lots of information to pass onto my friend. As I say, he hasn't dived before and was a bit uncertain about attempting it with his dexterity problems, but at least with all the links and contacts I have, he is now on his way to making a more informed decision!

Thanks again

[James The Badger]

While working as an instructor abroad I was joined a number of times by a family where the monther had fairly well progressed MS and was a well skilled and comfortable diver.
Like a lot of disabilities and diving it just takes a little more planning and picking the right dive.