Post PFO and HSE medical/insurance ?

[pdh]

Having just been diagnosed with a PFO and a small ASD (Atrial Septal Defect), that's two holes - bad luck or what ! I'm interested to hear if any of you who have had them closed have been able to get an HSE medical to return to teaching status ? I'm also interested if anyone is back on mix and doing deepish - 60M - diving post PFO closure. The cardiologist I'm seeing at Papworth seems to think he has a good chance of closing them both and that I should be able to do any dives I want after that, however I'm not convinced HSE will be so positive. The doctor that did my HSE medical (which I passed last month) is checking but I just wondered if anyone else has already been there. I'm pretty sure I'm going to go for it, but there isn't much point if I can't do what I love to do.

While I'm asking are there any insurance issues post closure, from those who have had it done ? Any depth limits etc - DAN are being a bit slow on answering this one.

12 years diving, 4 years teaching, 3 years on mix, 1 confirmed bend (but feeling really sh*t on many more) and now game over - Boll*cks !

thanks Paul.

[Mary]

Not me personally but I'm aware of at least 2 local divers whom has been issued with an HSE medical post PFO closure (and previous neuro bend).

[paronix]

Hi,

I never had a problem getting a HSE medical post my closure. You mention it, but if anything you are now safer than someone who has never had a test or discovered a pfo yet, as you know for sure you haven't got one now.
I started doing mixed gas dives to 60 after my op and everthing is fine.

Nick..

[pdh]

Just a quick update for those in the same boat. DAN, my insurer, are happy to insure me to dive with a PFO and ASD, even if I don't have closure. I suppose they reason that I'll go easier as I know about it more than someone who doesn't - quite refreshing from an insurance company.

The doctor who does my HSE medical is also happy to let me dive but with limits. No deco, no trimix, max 30 metre, must dive on nitrox with computer on air mode and stay well away from deco limits, slow ascents, avoid CESAs with students etc etc.

I've decided I want to do whatever I want to do so I'm going for closure in December. If all goes well I can get back to whatever diving I want to do. If not then we'll have to wait and see. Perhaps knitting or bowls

Paul.

[Buoyant Babe]

Good luck with the closure. How refreshing of DAN!

Helen xxx