#3936
seawolfdiving - 9/30/2008 9:03 PM


Hi Valentina;


I have felt nearly the same thing on several occasions. The problem with DCS is that it closely mimics the symptoms of several other possible problems, including severe dehydration, and over exertion. Even "experts" many times have difficulty saying that what a diver is experiencing is DCS.


Being a "little" sore and a little tired is normal after a dive. After all you are exercising (more than you might realize). Especially when you get as old as I am and try to keep up with a bunch of younger divers. If you are not in good physical condition and if you are not accustomed to the type of exercise that you are subjected to while diving, you could very welll over-exert and get really sore. The remidy to this, of course is to stay in good condition & "dive often".


There are some indicators that should prompt a diver to seek medical attention regardless if it turns out to be DCS or not.


Unconsiousness, Dizziness, any neurological symptoms, difficulty breathing, chest pain, etc... These may indicate DCS or other serious conditions and should never be ignored.


Although this is NOT a complete listing of serious symptome, I think you can get the idea of what to look for.


You can learn a lot more detail on DCS and other Dive related injuries by participating in a Diver First Aid course that may be available in your local dive shop.


Also Divers Alert Network offers a lot of great training on Asessing and dealing with diver specific emergencies including DCS, AGE, Marine Life injuries, etc...


Have Fun, Be Safe and remember


"Good Divers are Always Learning"