Hernia

[neil33]

Does anyone know whether diving with a minor inguinal hernia is allowed under bsac and hse rules?
Or - is it necessary to have this operated on before diving?

I'm asking as my doctor here in japan said it was nothing to worry about and that i didn't need surgery...but doesn't know anything about diving.

Thanks - Neil

[JamesW]

Hi Neil I have had a Umbilical Hernia for 11 years and I have been diving for 18 years and its never caused me any problems.
I have seen my GP he said its ok to dive. I also have had 2 HSE medicals and the first doctor was told before I had the medical and he said its ok. Go and see your doctor.
Thanks

[Tristan Green]

Hi Neil,

Why not drop an e-mail to one of the Medical Referees listed on the UKSDMC in the link at the top of this page.

I notice that there isn't a doctor listed in Japan, but here in HK (and we are almost on the same time zone) we have Dr Ronson Li who should be able to give you some useful advice by e-mail or over the phone.

Cheers,
Tristan

[David Tombs]

Interestingly,a dive Buddy of mine only developed his Inguinal and Epigastric Herniae after he tried to lift his twin 12's from the floor!

[IainC]

A friend of mine had a hernia for a couple of years while diving and passed a HSe dive medicla during that time and was passed fit to dive BSAC wise, too. He just took it easy with the lifting kit etc.

The operation to fix it stopped him diving for 6weeks :-)

iain.

[Nick Argue]

The operation to fix it stopped him diving for 6weeks :-)

iain.


That's me at the moment, only 3 more week until I can dive. :( Diving doc said no problem to dive with it, just take it easy with the lifting afterward

[NickMcV]

Not only the kit lifting, but watch it climbing boat ladders with kit on, and even standing up if kitting up in a seated position.

Let your buddies/dive marshal/boat crew know of your potential problem, and if necessary de-kit in the water and get someone else to lift the kit into the boat. Just remember to buy them a pint of decompression fluid afterwards!

[neil33]

Thanks everyone.
I had a 2nd opinion and then surgery 2 weeks ago, so going to give it another month or so before i get back in the water.

For other peoples info, i've had a variety of replies from a few diving doctors about diving with an inguinal hernia.

While a couple said that there was no problem diving with this type of hernia as long as you take it easy, the majority say that this type of hernia contraindicates diving.

[Nick Argue]

While a couple said that there was no problem diving with this type of hernia as long as you take it easy, the majority say that this type of hernia contraindicates diving.

Just to be clear, contradicts diving when you've a) got one b) just after you've had one repaired during the recovery phase or c) 6 weeks after repair? I completly ignored mine diving wise until I had it repaired, didn't dive for 6 weeks after the op and now I'm still careful when lifting.

Nick

[staniel]

Hi Neil,

I am living in Japan with a hernia as well. I need to have surgery soon. What doctor did use and how was the outcome of your surgery?

Thank you for any tips you may have.

Staniel

Thanks everyone.
I had a 2nd opinion and then surgery 2 weeks ago, so going to give it another month or so before i get back in the water.

For other peoples info, i've had a variety of replies from a few diving doctors about diving with an inguinal hernia.

While a couple said that there was no problem diving with this type of hernia as long as you take it easy, the majority say that this type of hernia contraindicates diving.