Someone that had a deep-vein thrombosis and a small Pulmonay Embolism 3 months ago, could make Scuba Dive ?

Question

Hello! I had strog stroke in my knee in the begining of October and it caused an deep-vein thrombosis in it. 2 months later it evolved to a very small Pulmonay Embolism. Now, I'm taking a droug called sodic varfarin to make my blook thinner, but i wont take it forever.. (probably only 6 months). In MArch, I will go to Hawaii, and I would like A LOT to make some scuba diving and some free dive. Do you think it could be a risk to my Life ? and... if it is.. do you think that if I make only free dive (without any breathing equipament) I would be in risk also ? thanks a lot !

Of course i've spoken to a doctor...

I have a doctor that is with me during this hole time...

He says NO to dive.

I'm just getting some other opinions and information, but of course i WILL follow his advice

thanks

Answer 1

First of all if you want a second opion you should go to a Hyperbaric Medicine Doctor that specializes in Commercial divers, but you must accept his opinion as fact.
If you are going in march you will still be on the blood thinner which basically leads me to say no you should not even free dive.
Even free divers get embolised sometimes and they can definately get squeezes. It is squeezes that you have to worry about the most, because this can result in an uncontrolled bleeding in your sinuses or inner ear.
No one really knows what triggers DCI's and with your current medical condition you may be more at risk. I would say forgo the diving this time do a little snorkling relax and let yourself heal, theres always next year.
A little info I dug up from scuba_doc.com. Check out the whole page before you make any decisions at
http://www.scuba-doc.com/antcoag.htm
Divers on blood thinners risk bleeding from injury, ear, sinus and pulmonary barotrauma. A cut will bleed longer and may require compression for control; an ear or sinus squeeze will cause excess bleeding if the squeeze is severe enough to cause damage to blood vessels in the middle ear, sinuses or lungs. Other medications will affect the clotting of blood through various mechanisms - including altering the blood platelets (Plavix, aspirin). Heparin is an injectable anticoagulant that acts in multiple places in the clotting schema.

Answer 2

Instead of consulting us you should consult your doctor who will give you the best advice