Multiple sclerosis and freediving

[Daić]

My good friend just found out that he has multiple sclerosis. Since he loves freediving and he would like to continue with this sport he has some concerns about his health problems. Does anyone know how does freediving effect on multiple sclerosis? Should he quit freediving or does freediving not affect multiple sclerosis?

I would be very happy for any answer!

Regards!
Jure

 

[cdavis]

This is one for a doctor who has knowledge of both MS and freediving. Hope one chimes in.

In general, MS is an inflammatory disease of the nerves. Looks like some kind of auto-immune response. Nerve damage is the result. I don't see how freediving per se would be negative for that. Getting cold in the extremities might be, hard to avoid in freediving. A strong and long lasting DR might also be a negative, maybe. If I had MS and was going to continue freediving(what else?) I'd be very careful to stay warm and keep my sessions short. Also seek truly knowledgeable advice, which might be hard to find, just any doc won't do.

Good luck with it and my sympathy to your friend.

Connor

 

[irishlostboy]

I am not a doctor, Just a medic. But my mother has MS. has had it since I was just a kid (a long time) women go longer with it than men usually.
She does not freedive, but loves swimming. She tires easier, has intention tremors sometimes, and occasionally sends things flying across the room from some random nervous impulse. In later years she has also had problems swallowing food.
If it is early days for your friend's symptoms, it would probably do him more good to try and have fun and do what he loves than if he were to try and remove the potential added risks that may come with MS. MS tends to be very individual in its symptoms and progression, and so long as he is feeling comfortable on his breath holds, and has friends on overwatch, He should be as fine as the rest of us. I cannot think of any negative physiological effect freediving could have on your friend that could worsen MS. But, like I said, I have experience, but am not a doc. I would hazard a guess that even a neurologist would say similar though. Good luck to you and your friend.

 

[Daić]

Thanks for you answers! And if some doc reads this, I would appreciate any answer.

Jure

 

[Azrael3000]

You could try writing a PM to member Fitz-Clarke DeeperBlue.com Forums - View Profile: Fitz-Clarke who happens to be a doctor. He might be able to help you.

All the best to you and your friend.

 

[Ronnie]

I have a friend who was an international level climber until he was diagnosed with MS. He now swims a lot as he can make do with less coordination. I don't think he does significant apnoea though.

I think it's important to enjoy life as much as possible in the time we have remaining