Posted by James T. Redmond on August 11, 2002 at 07:34:25:
In Reply to: Re: Scuba Diving after the Maze Update posted by Ken Willis on August 07, 2002 at 13:52:15:
Dear Ken,
Thank you for your correspondence. I am glad that you have resumed diving. It sounds to me that you are well on your way to resuming what you love to do. I was recently put on an antiarhythmic drug called Sotalol. I have been in NSR for six weeks. I spent the entire month of June out of rhythm. I turned 60 on Thursday of this past week. I had visions of diving until my 80's. I am giving diving some careful consideration at this time. My cardiologist at the Cleveland Clinic has ruled out diving. He is most concerned about the Coumidan. As you know, people with Atrial Fib must be on Coumidan all the time. The danger from cuts, scrapes and bruses is real for us divers. One good source of information is given by Dr. Fred Bove at Dr.Fred@scubamed.com. His remarks are both encouraging, as well as discouraging, for divers with our condition. Apparently, much blood goes to the Atria during diving and can stretch the Atria, thus causing AFib. I would encourage divers with AFib to consider treatment at the Cleveland Clinic. They have a staff of eleven cardiophysiologists. Carl P reported to me that Dr.Cox, the founder of Maze, is no longer doing surgery. However, a Cleveland Clinic doctor reported to me that Dr. Cox is sending his patients to the Cleveland Clinic. I guess that is a very good endorsement. Even with the Clinics level of expertise, I still believe there are cardiologist with specialties in dive medicine. I believe that these physicians, in consultation with the Cleveland Clinic staff, can offer a variety of good information. I am currently being treated by a cardiac pacing specialist, Dr. Sweigert. He will recommend the Ablation procedure if Sotalol does not work. Right now, I am very nervous about resuming diving even if I get the go ahead from cardiologists. As mentioned above, Dr. Fred Bove's observations about the stretching of the Atria from excessive blood infusion concerns me a great deal. I may have to give up my beloved activity if that act keeps me in NSR. I will keep this board informed of my treatment options as I move along. Thank you Ken, Carl, and Dave for your valuable remarks in respect to Diving and AFib.