Diving with a hernia

[stonedpirate]

Hi all.

I just read an article in a scuba diving magazine that said people with hernia shouldn't scuba dive. Does that apply to freedivers?

I won't go more than 10m for a while. Do you think that depth could harm an abdominal hernia?

Thanks

 

[JayStarzZ]

Interesting, I was unaware of this. I did a quick search regarding diving & hernias & it makes complete sense to me. I have survived two inguinal hernias (L & R), both repaired many years ago. The potential for issues may vary depending on what type/where the hernia is (inguinal, umbilical, etc.), but it appears the main concern is expanding gas in the intestine (which may have potential to worsen the hernia), and this applies to freedivers as well as scuba divers.
Do you have any plans to get it repaired? If you do choose to dive just be aware of, and prepared for any complications or issues that may arise I suppose.
Sorry I am not a doctor but have gone through hernia repairs (and subsequent, long lasting issues ) so, just my thoughts I guess. If you have serious concerns maybe consulting a doctor, or even a dive related physician might be your best bet.
Good luck man, hope this helps

 

[stonedpirate]

Thanks Jay

I have been down about 15m over the past week, doesnt seems to be a problem.

Looks like spearfishing is fine with umbilical hernias, wouldnt try scuba or deep freediving until fixed though

Cheers

 

[erik5117]

Thanks Jay

I have been down about 15m over the past week, doesnt seems to be a problem.

Looks like spearfishing is fine with umbilical hernias, wouldnt try scuba or deep freediving until fixed though

Cheers

With a hernia, I do not know, but I've got also a serious one between L4 and 5. But is it solved now by surgery and now it is not any problem, I wend to Nemo 33 and also told my (hyperbar) doctor.
By the way, in less then one year after surgery i will run a marathon again.