The following is my best account of the facts. My last dive was on Abaco on 20-DEC-07 in Dan's cave led by Brian Kakuk. This was a double stage dive with a 97m BT with 50 min of deco 3 at 30ft and 47 at 20ft. A short section of the cave dipped to 140fsw while most of the cave was around 80fsw. Deco was completed, however I felt stomach cramps and feeling like I had to poo. I wrote this to Brian on my wrist slate. I did an extra 8 minutes at 20fsw and then slowly ascended.

I lost control of my bowels and a few moments later of my body. Brian unclipped my sidemount tanks and pulled me out of the water. At this point I was completely paralyzed. Using my sidemount harness Brian hauled my body up a trail about 150ft distance and about 30ft vert elevation. I could feel my body I just couldn't move it. My body felt like a big blob.

Once at Brian's van I re-gained some motor control, enough to sit on the back of the van while Brian stripped me out of my harness and peel down the top of my wet suit. Doned a warm coat, O2 reg and off to Marsh Harbor Clinic.

A short stop here while transportation options were arranged. The fastest option wound up being Nassau. I was awake and had motor control. Lear jet ambulance to Nassau. Once landed, the ambulance(land type) crew couldn't find the chamber, ufb. Finally arriving I was loaded in for a table 6 with an extension. This ride was semi-uneventful, I was sweating a lot, at the end of the ride I was soaked in sweat. I was evaluated, used the bathroom and then went into the shower to rinse off.

As this cool water hit my body I suffered a seizure, which is the worst feeling I can describe of involuntary body convulsions, next memory I was on the floor. This is Thursday evening 20-Dec-07.
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There is a 7 day gap in my memory, during which time I was transported to Mercy Hospital in Miami, Intabated and was told I was in a coma for a day or two. Blood pressure was low, EKG was irregular and brain activity was shutting down, in short I was Dieing. I have one distinct memory from this time and it was where I had a choice to live or die, and if I wanted to live I had to fight to breath, so I fought for every breath.
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My next memory was a week later Thursday 27-Dec-07 as I drifted in and out. I was intabated and restrained. I was trying to write notes to people, at first they were scribble, slowly my motor skills improved, so I could be understood.

On Sat 29-Dec I got the intabation tube out and was transfered out of ICU. A cup of ice chips is pure heaven after having a tube for a week.

On Tuesday 1-Jan-08 I was released, my balance is about 95% and my strength is about 60%. My breathing is a little weird, it takes work for a full breath.

My diving is on hold, some doctors say never, others say 6 months. I say 1 year at least maybe more. I had arrived at a limit for myself of 3 days of consecutitive diving(some deco) and I let the pressure of a limited amount of time push me beyond my own limits.

Brian Kakuk saved my life, Thank you Brian, which seems so completely short, where a thousand Thank You's still wouldn't be enough.

Important Thank you's

The First / Last and always Thank you goes to my Girlfriend Terri who was there from the clinic in Marsh Harbor to the dark days of uncertainany at Mercy Hospital in Miami.

To my Roomate Karla who returned early from her trip to Spain.

To Brian P. who somehow found out about my condition and appeared at my bedside, twice as I recall. The second time I was in much better shape.

To everyone who prayed or sent well wishes.

Finally to God for giving me another chance at life.


Cliff