Beachbum 0 #1 August 29, 2003 Well ... not sure this is the best spot for this one, but seemed more appropriate than the general forum! I just got out of the hospital and am recovering from a collapsed lung. This was what is called a spontaneous collapse (as opposed to one caused by a trauma of some sort, or a puncture wound). It seems that tall skinny white boys such as myself are prone to this, according to the doctors I had working on me ... . They are also saying I have a 40% chance of it recurring no matter how well I take care of myself. I'm not supposed to do ANYTHING (literally ... ) for a month ... then I can start light exercise. Anyhow ... they're all telling me my jumping days are over with ... . I am not ready to concede this just yet ... tho I do expect that even if I AM able to return to the sky it will be after a very significant (year or more) delay. I just wanted to see if anyone with any real medical knowledge knows anything about any other jumpers who have gone thru this and been able to continue jumping at a later date. thanks!As long as you are happy with yourself ... who cares what the rest of the world thinks? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
carth 0 #2 August 29, 2003 not sure if this is helpful but the same thing happened to my girlfriend who was an avid diver before it happened. at this point she can barily get into a plane without a feeling that she calls "like someone has a tight rope around your chest" that makes it hard to breath. needless to say after that see realized her diving days are done. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
tbrown 26 #3 August 31, 2003 I'd follow the program and be a couch potato for a month before starting the light excercise. Go easy on the recovery and take all the time you need to work your way back. But doctors can be just as big dumb ass whuffos as anybody else. They're just plain prejudiced against anything that confronts them with their own dreary lives. I'd suggest calling your drop zone and trying to get the names of some skydiving doctors you could talk to. They might be a little twitchy about giving you advice, especially if you're not their patient (liability, malpractice, etc.), but if you ask them for a really general overview and tell them you're being a good boy and not rushing things, they might be more forthcoming with you. Or you might want to consult a sports physician, even signing on as a patient and explaining that you want to work your way back into jumping. It shouldn't be any more dangerous than mountain biking, kayaking, climbing, or skiing from a sport doc's point of view, they should be more open minded. The final decision will be yours of course, but anyone telling you your jumping days "are over" is just being a chickenshit. Your humble servant.....Professor Gravity ! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
billvon 2,772 #4 August 31, 2003 >It shouldn't be any more dangerous than mountain biking, > kayaking, climbing, or skiing from a sport doc's point of view, they > should be more open minded. None of those things involve very rapid and cyclic pressure changes. SCUBA diving would be a better analogy. Barotrauma can be a serious problem for both divers and skydivers. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
wmw999 2,334 #5 September 1, 2003 QuoteBarotrauma can be a serious problem for both divers and skydivers.Barotrauma can be a serious problem for both divers and skydivers. Yup. Which is why it's important to get a doctor whom you can trust, and who understands your condition. Same thing as when you're pregnant. It may be that skydiving is particularly dangerous for you -- but that should said from knowledge, and not ignorance. Tbrown's advide to talk to a sports medicine doctor is good. One might be able to refer you to a pulmonologist whose first idea isn't "no" but "how." If you have to lie to your doctor, then you're wasting your money. Wendy W.There is nothing more dangerous than breaking a basic safety rule and getting away with it. It removes fear of the consequences and builds false confidence. (tbrown) Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
pds 0 #6 September 1, 2003 dayum, just how tall and skinny and white ARE you? the only time i ever bust a balloon is when a rib snaps and goes where it aint spossed to. should i be worried? what is this condition called. i used to think the only thing i had to worry about was looking like a tard on the dance floor... p.s. take it easy and get better.namaste, motherfucker. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mr2mk1g 10 #7 September 1, 2003 I have a good friend who is tall and VERY skinng. He has had a lung collapse on him twice now, a few years back. Once while hill climbing and the second time when he wasn’t even doing anything. That was a few years ago. He currently has about 300 jumps and has never experienced a problem with his lungs. Get it checked out first but a collapsed lung doesn’t seem to necessarily mean the death of jumping Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Beachbum 0 #8 September 1, 2003 Thanks for all the input ... First .. yes ... I'm definitely doing my best to "stick with the program", tho it's getting more difficult the better I start to feel. Having sore ribs, etc. from that tube did have one good side effect ... reminded me just how bad off I was a few days before, and how bad I could be again if I don't contain myself (I'm VERY hyper by nature). I do have plans to consult another lung doc about it ... (at LEAST one) ... preferably one who isn't the "then stop doing that" sort. I agree that it is more dangerous than most other sports would be for someone in my position. Downhill skiing can produce somewhat the same effect if you're into hauling ass straight down (plenty of times I've dropped a couple of thousand feet fast enough to pop my ears) but it's nowhere near the pressure change you go thru in freefall. To PDS ... I'm 6'2" and only about 145 lbs. ... that IS skinny. Not for lack of effort ... I've always eaten a lot, but it never sticks to me (I'm now 48 years old). If you're in the category, it IS something to think about, I guess ... I had no clue until this happened to me. The only other person I know who's had this happen to them was of similar build, only shorter (only about 5'7") ... and it got him when he was only 32, so I don't think it's age related. mr2mk1g ... would you ask your friend if he minds if you put me in touch with him? ... send me an email address or something?? thanks!As long as you are happy with yourself ... who cares what the rest of the world thinks? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mww115 0 #9 September 2, 2003 What you experienced is a spontaneous pneumothorax, a leaking of the lung into the pleural cavity. Being an Army ER nurse and an EMT, we occassionally see these accidents. They occassionally happen during HALO operations with SF guys also. Nothing causes spontaneous pneumos, but tall thin white males are more prone to them. While cynical and implying that the medical community is 'prejudice' he should examine the prejudices he is informing. Billvon had the right idea, however, in the fact that it would be better to relate skydiving to SCUBA. And WMW999 was correct: find a medical professional who you can TRUST. Speak to a doctor who knows or specializes in hyperbaric medicine. He should be able to best explain to you how to approach the subject. I'll try to answer anything specific you have, but a doc is better suited for the questions. MikeUntil you've stepped out at 800' in the dead of night with 100 lbs of chute and equipment.. you haven't jumped. AIRBORNE ! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
skymedic 0 #10 September 3, 2003 interesting story on spontaneous pneumo's...during my Paramedic class, one of the instructors talked about these very things, and told us about the tall skinny kids that it can affect. we all went blah blah blah...yeah right. not two days later in class one of the paramedic students dropped a lung right there. he fit the bill to a T. 21, 6'5" 150 pounds. he really scared the crap out of everyone. I am happy to say that chris is now a full time profesional firefighter/paramedic. so it is possible to be in high intensity sport/activity/job and have this problem. key is getting a 2nd or even 3rd opinion from someone you trust!!! peace and blues, marc Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Clownburner 0 #11 September 3, 2003 When I was in High School, one of the history teachers collapsed in front of the whole class - BOTH his lungs collapsed, and he was in full arrest before the paramedics arrived. He didn't make it. Later, I heard the same thing in EMT school, and he fit the profile perfectly: Mid 30's, 6'3", ~145lbs. Scary.7CP#1 | BTR#2 | Payaso en fuego Rodriguez "I want hot chicks in my boobies!"- McBeth Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Beachbum 0 #12 September 4, 2003 QuoteNothing causes spontaneous pneumos this is the part that is really troubling to me ... got to be SOMETHING that causes these ... especially if it is well known that people built like me are prone to them ... just hasn't been enough research done on it yet, perhaps. It's maddening that they can't tell me A) what caused it B) what to do to prevent it happening again (other than doing very little that I like to do for enjoyment!) Hope to have at least a FEW more answers after friday ... go in for a followup visit, and now that I'm off the pain meds, can ask some reasonable questions of the doc (he's the head of that department at the hospital).As long as you are happy with yourself ... who cares what the rest of the world thinks? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
sneaky 0 #13 September 4, 2003 Sorry to hear you laid down dude.Heres what ya do.... Obide the request of the doc and sit out and recooperate...what dvd's etc take it easy.Then when alls done go and see an FAA approved Medical examiner who is expert in the field of Aeronatical Medicine and they can advice you from there. I had a fractured Sternum and was out for 6 weeks....4 days after the accident I was back in the air,totally ignoring the advice of doctor Steinhart...but I was OK... but with this condition you need the time to get well...be patient. Peace Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
CLebsack 0 #14 September 4, 2003 My son had a spontaneous Pnumothorax at birth along with a bunch of other lung troubles. He was 9 lbs 3 oz and 22 inches at birth, which is off the chart for height. The doctors said they almost only see problems like his in large white baby boys. And for twins, if one is a boy and the other is a girl, the boy seems to almost always have lung the problems. I guess the skinny tall white male thing starts early. Weird~Cindy~ "I dont know what your problem is, but I'll bet its hard to pronounce." Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mjosparky 4 #15 September 5, 2003 Do you think it is a good idea to write off what your Dr. has told you and look for medical advise on a skydiving web site. Those skydivers that could offer advise, ie Doctors, are not likely to do so sight unseen. jmo. SparkyMy idea of a fair fight is clubbing baby seals Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Beachbum 0 #16 September 6, 2003 dunno where you got the idea I was writing off my doc ... no way am I QUITE that stupid ... LOL!! But .. I did want to hear info from other jumpers who have had this happen to them or people they know, and whether or not they were able to get back to jumping at a later date ... etc. I sure don't expect someone (doctor or otherwise) to stick their neck out by offering diagnosis, treatment, followup procedures or anything else on here ... I just asked for information and experiences ... and yes, I think a skydiving site is JUST the place for that. My experiences with doctors as a group is that they have a tendency to say "stop that" entirely too much for my taste. It is hard to find the ones who understand the drive to do things, and are willing to take more of a "well, you CAN keep doing it, if you do this, that, and the other ... and here are the possible consequences, things you can do to help decrease odds of problems, etc." Results of my friday visit are that I am still not allowed to do diddly squat for another 2 1/2 weeks ... basically nothing more strenuous than walking. Then I get to start back with very light exercise and VERY slowly work back up to try to get back into some sorta shape. I will be allowed to bike and swim .. that should help (if my knee will tolerate much biking, that is ... LOL). I asked about the possibility (WAY down the road from now) of hop-n-pops, since that way you skip the rapid pressure change ... said to come back and discuss it when I think I am TO that point, but he really doesn't have a clue about skydiving overall, so I think I will try to talk to a good flight surgeon when I think I'm ready to consider actually doing it. Thanks again for all the responses ... looks like I'm outta the air for a LONG time, if not forever ... As long as you are happy with yourself ... who cares what the rest of the world thinks? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
biggerthanjesus 0 #17 September 7, 2003 The condition is a Spontaneous Pneumothorax, can be caused by infection or because your tall and skinny. a friend of mine who was a cross country runner used to suffer from them. They usually clear up on their own in 4-6wks depending on how big the area was effected. in trauma cases u require surgical intervention and a chest drain. luckily your not 1 of them. listen to your doctor, and if in any doubt consult an AEROMED specialist. Rest up, stay invovled at the DZ to stop from getting bored and wait. Your jumping days are not over, only postponed Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Beachbum 0 #18 September 8, 2003 this WAS a total collapse ... they showed me the x-ray ... just a little bag smaller than my fist hanging in the middle of the cavity the lung SHOULD be filling. They did the tube/suction, etc. to reinflate it ... was in the hospital for 5 days. Just having the needles stuck in between your ribs to deaden so they can put that tube in is STRONG motivation to try to avoid a repeat ... LOL!!!As long as you are happy with yourself ... who cares what the rest of the world thinks? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mjosparky 4 #19 September 8, 2003 Gary, No way was I implying you were stupid. Having spent 15 years as a fire dept. paramedic I understand the nature of your condition. I was concerned that you might not appreciate how serious it could be. That said, I am really sorry that this has happened and put you on the ground. Many years ago an injury grounded me for several weeks. Just that time drove me nuts. I think you will find the most flight surgeons will also be in the dark. (i am a pilot) Look around in your area for a Dr. who jumps or one not in your area that will talk with, off line, about it. SparkyMy idea of a fair fight is clubbing baby seals Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Beachbum 0 #20 September 8, 2003 No problem ... I most definitely understand the severity of this happening. One of my friends knows a few docs that jump, and is going to hook me up with one of them when the time comes that I think I MAY be ready to consider going airborn again. I still figure to find a flight surgeon also ... ought to be one around this area somewhere (Houston area) that has jumped ... with NASA and all here. I do appreciate your concern ... thanks.As long as you are happy with yourself ... who cares what the rest of the world thinks? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mr2mk1g 10 #21 September 8, 2003 did you get my friends PM beach? Was he of any use? He says you should feel free to mail him if you have any more questions given he's been through this himself and is a skydiver. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Beachbum 0 #22 September 9, 2003 yep ... we've emailed back and forth a couple of times. It's encouraging to know at least one person who has had this happen to them, and jumped quite a bit afterward without any problems. He is a lot younger than I am, but I don't intend to let that bother me ... LOL!! Thanks again for putting me in touch with him.As long as you are happy with yourself ... who cares what the rest of the world thinks? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
AdamGeorge 0 #23 May 11, 2009 Has anyone got any further information about this? Its recently happened to me ( I write this form the hospital bed with the chest drain in ). Looking for all insights posisble please. Thanks Adam Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
format 1 #24 May 11, 2009 Quote Has anyone got any further information about this? Its recently happened to me ( I write this form the hospital bed with the chest drain in ). Make sure the tube you're connected to SUCKS air out instead of blowing it in, exactly what happened to me. At the time I was 37, able and willing to pay for the best solution to it. They convinced me it should be drained. I am 6'6" but twenty others weren't tall at all or old as I was. And another thing, they lied to me saying there's no alternative to drainage. I found out they received 3 dosages of some glue but it was to be used only on patients who frequently come back with a same pneumothorax issue. I watched a procedure, through a drain hole, they blew some acid powder onto pleura, than return vacuum hose, that's it. Acid makes pleura more stickier. I guess it is expensive too. Doctor explained to me that I should be happy he didn't use it on me because a glued pleura isn't effective, doesn't collapse anymore but neither works what is supposed to. Elefant droping I said and made him extract the damn drain out of me because they made it worse then before. It healed after 5 days, 3 bottles of strong drink and 400 cigarettes. Was cautious for a month, avoiding heavier lifting ans so, then forgot about it. However, a year after it happened again, no hospitals or doctors then. Being slow for 4-5 days it went away. When doc heard about it, he made me promise to come next time and show it to him during the event, not after. Wants to learn mtf. Three years later, I've started jumping - no more lung issues What goes around, comes later. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
AdamGeorge 0 #25 May 11, 2009 I think they are going to do some kind of procedure but I'm not sure which one. I actually have the chest drain in atm :-( Does that mean it took you 3 years to get back into jumping? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
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