Lung Removal,

[ocean_hunter]

Hey guys,

It's been a while since I've been online but I was hoping to catch some insight from fellow divers on a subject.

I recently went through a surgery where my right upper lobe of my lung was removed due to a mutation that I was born with. (lobectomy)

My doctor says I can still dive, but will obviously be more prone to a pneumothorax (collapsed lung).

Has anyone ever had something similar ?

I'ts not a reason to quit, just something I'm going to work with.

Any info would be great, thanks.

James.

 

[strangelove]

James

You mean dive (like scuba - dive) or free dive breath hold, did you explain to the doctor the difference.

many doctors do not know.

 

[PlymouthDamo]

About 20 years ago, I had the lower two lobes removed from my right lung. This was due to a tumor which proved to be benign when examined after the operation. As a result of the tumor, I'd suffered several bouts of pneumonia and had had a pneumothorax without realising it - possibly for over a year.

8 years ago, while planning a holiday, I decided I'd give scuba diving a go. I looked into it and realised I'd need to get a proper medical from a diving specialist because of my lung operation. We have one of the UK's premier diving specialists here in Plymouth, so I went there. I was declared fit to dive, and I've been scuba diving ever since without any problems - at least none related to my lung.

I've also done a bit of free diving. Nothing ambitious - breath holding for little over a minute during dives. No problems.

My diving doctor has never mentioned anything about an increased risk of pneumothorax. I've certainly not had one since my operation despite lots of diving. Perhaps you ought to try and consult a diving specialist? Or alternatively, visit scubaboard.com and find the Ask Dr Deco section - he seems to be a mine of information.

 

[strangelove]

Maybe a good post would be asking for a doctor referral around your area. At least in Brazil was really difficult to find a good doctor that knew about physiology of diving. I am not sure if it true every where.

I think your diving time is really good, that is normally what I do with two lungs.

I was expecting more posts about your question.