Health and the aging cave diver

[Kelly Jessop]

I recall a presentation from Jeff Bozanic that had an analysis of all the accidents that have occurred. Since we have readily available training and good gear,accidents typically fall into two categories-exceeding limits and health related issues. Since a poll on CDF shows that the median age of cave divers to be somewhere between 45 to 55,that would infer that health issues may continue to be an issue. Cave diving is a strenuous sport,if not carrying heavy gear to the water,then the act of diving. What do you do to screen for health related issues,and what measures do you take in your personal life?

[fno]

Kelly, not that I am getting in the water near as much the last few years but a recent development supports some of your questions. I am 53 and I recently had to go to the ER and found out that I have atrial fibrillation (AFIB) My heart rate at rest was 160. This was on New Years day and the previous few days only a shortness of breath while bending over or squatting down was the indicator. A word of caution to all is that the whole time I was checking my blood pressure which was OK and the heart rate indicator does not accurately show your real heart rate when in AFIB. Prior to this, the only time I noticed a shortness of breath was while cave diving in a strenuous environment at say Ginnie or Little River. At the time, I chalked it up to my drysuit being to tight around my middle torso. I've been told that many go through life with some AFIB and never notice it and the real danger is the possibility of sending a blood clot to the brain (stroke) or pulmonary edema. Others like me, get carted off one day and find out about all kinds of lifestyle changes that need to be made. Little things like a low/no sodium diet, losing weight, cutting back on alcohol (the hard part!!), and exercise are on my agenda for the new year. Several years ago, I cut out the longer deeper dives like Eagles Nest and Diepolder as I am reluctant to see the inside of chamber yet again and I have spent enough time at both to last a lifetime. I may or may not cut back on cave diving, depending on the reliability of my daily prescriptions and my efforts to live healthier.

[jason]

The American Academy of Underwater Scientists (AAUS) has a physical exam specific for diving and a scheduled interval for exams that increases in duration with age. The intent of this screening is to identify contraindications for diving, particularly as scientists age. I don't think it physicals should be a requirement for continued certification, but for those that want to protect themselves, the AAUS model is a good place to start. You can find more information on their web page at www.aaus.org.

[WEPIV]

My work in general keeps me pretty active (as well as my diving and family activities) but I also get a physical every year from my general practitioner doctor.
Also, a couple of years ago, my son and I had the complete, full physical done (which might be the one listed above) that was a requirement for scientific diving for the underwater archaeological program at LAMP in St. Augustine.
Cutting out the alcohol was not a problem for me 20 years ago but, being a Southerner and eating (and drinking southern-style foods), well ... that's a bit harder.
I also almost always limit my dives to one a day and I do not do a lot of deeper trimix dives.

[tursiops]

The American Academy of Underwater Scientists (AAUS) has a physical exam specific for diving and a scheduled interval for exams that increases in duration with age.

I think you mean an interval that decreases with age....not increases.
It is a 5-year interval up to age 40, then 3 years until 60, then 2 years.

[sandy]

I get an annual physical.

Jason, thanks for the link - getting ready to open it.

[Randy G]

Thanks for the post.

I am turning 52 this march and need to get in for my physical. Last one was 5 yrs ago, so I guess I am due. I am reluctant to go simply because I HATE needles.

[gschaut]

Because of my age and weight, my doctor makes me do stress ECG every couple years. Not fun, but great to know that my heart is still in good working order. AND have a chance to experience "maximum" cardiac loading.

[bullfrog]

I an 65 in may, and my buddy is less than two years younger. We get to Florida twice a year to cave dive. We are both pretty active. I take three meds to keep my blood pressure under control and a statin to keep my cholesterol down. But the fear of dying in a cave will not keep me out of the water. My fear is dying in a nursing home. I ride horses so cave diving is not the most dangerous thing i do. The horses have more potential to put me in a nursing home. One has already got me an operation. Also I am a born again believer which takes a lot of the terror out of death. I ride a bicycle for exercise when it is warm enough. But if you ever read about me dying in a cave don't cry for me. just say lucky Rod got his wish it was not in a nursing home. and tear me up on accident analysis if I did somthing stupid, so others can learn. And if you know Jesus we will talk and laugh about it when you catch up with me.

[FW]

I an 65 in may, and my buddy is less than two years younger. We get to Florida twice a year to cave dive. We are both pretty active. I take three meds to keep my blood pressure under control and a statin to keep my cholesterol down. But the fear of dying in a cave will not keep me out of the water. My fear is dying in a nursing home. I ride horses so cave diving is not the most dangerous thing i do. The horses have more potential to put me in a nursing home. One has already got me an operation. Also I am a born again believer which takes a lot of the terror out of death. I ride a bicycle for exercise when it is warm enough. But if you ever read about me dying in a cave don't cry for me. just say lucky Rod got his wish it was not in a nursing home. and tear me up on accident analysis if I did somthing stupid, so others can learn. And if you know Jesus we will talk and laugh about it when you catch up with me.

I would agree with most of this, except I don't want to die in a cave and add the the statistics and bad press of cave diving.