Scuba Diving with Fibromyalgia - a Guide for Getting Started

Sara is standing in full scuba gear trying to maintain her balance on a small platform of a boat anchored a mile off the coast of Florida. The dive master gives her a pat on the back and says, "go." Sara places one hand onto her mask and the other onto her regulator. She takes one giant stride off the platform and splashes into the Gulf of Mexico. Finally, her muscles relax and she descends into the depths of a new world.

Sara has fibromyalgia. Fibromyalgia (FMG) is a syndrome that usually ends a person's motivation to try new and adventurous physical activities. Patients often feel mentally worn down, depressed, hurting all-over, and without the will to get involved in physical activities.

Sara discovered scuba diving. Scuba has stirred her spirits and given her confidence in herself. Scuba diving has become an escape and release from FMG. The near weightlessness one feels while diving tends to drive away pain and relaxes the body. Diving has also helped her self-esteem remain strong. Here are a few suggestions for fibromyalgia patients who are thinking or dreaming about scuba diving.

1) Talk to your doctor - This is an important and required first step. All dive agencies require dive students to complete a health form. Patients with fibromyalgia will answer yes to several of the health questions. Yes, answers require dive trainers to request students receive a clearance from a doctor before training begins.

You must have a doctors "clearance" before attempting to scuba dive. It will help if you study the basics of diving before meeting with the doctor. Know the challenges of scuba diving before you see your doctor. It is important for the doctor to see that you have knowledge of scuba diving dangers. Some doctors think scuba diving is not for anyone with fibromyalgia because scuba diving is extremely dangerous. If you run into this, yet feel good about scuba training, then get a second opinion. Yes, it is dangerous for anyone who does not know what he/she is doing and chooses to ignore safety rules. If you feel confident about scuba training, then be sure to share this feeling with your doctor.

Discuss medications with your doctor. Are you taking a medication that makes you sleepy, drossy or forgetful? There may be alternatives such as taking the medication after a dive rather than before the dive. Discuss these concerns with your doctor. One thing to keep in mind is that diving requires one to be alert at all times.

2) Evaluate your comfort zone in water - Visit a swimming pool to self-evaluate your confidence and comfort while swimming. Some dive organizations may require you to swim a given distance before you start training; there is no time limit or rule about what stroke you use. If you do not feel comfortable in the water then reconsider scuba diving. It would be wise for anyone who does not feel 100% comfortable in the water to take swimming lessons. Practicing swimming and treading water will help to secure confidence. Being a super strong swimmer may help at times but is not necessary if you know how to keep a cool head and know the proper use of scuba equipment.

3) Visit several dive shops - Check the yellow pages or search the web for dive shops in your area. Take the time to visit each of the shops and explain your medical conditions to them. Do not get wrapped up with which dive organization (PADI, NAUI, SSI or other) is the best. The content of instruction is nearly the same for all dive organizations. Concentrate on the interest, experience, and knowledge displayed by the workers at each shop. You may even find that a certain dive shop specializes in training people with medical disabilities.

Ask if the dive shop has experience training and diving with someone who has chronic pain. Be prepared to answer questions about fibromyalgia. Many people still believe fibromyalgia is what a medical problem is called if the doctors cannot find the origin of the pain. Don't get angry if you run into someone like this. Take a pamphlet about fibromyalgia or a copied article from one of the many web sites to help explain what fibromyalgia is. Leave the information with the dive shop so they can review and discuss the subjects amongst themselves.

Ask if you can meet the instructor. Your main concern is with the instructor's attitude and knowledge. Most instructors are part-time workers and are not always available at the shop. If this is the case, ask if you can have a telephone number for contacting the instructor. Avoid a shop where your potential instructor or management does not seem to care about your physical condition or demonstrates a negative attitude.

Some shops have an "introduction to scuba diving" program. It may cost from $50 - $75 but is worth it if you have any doubts about diving. Many shops will do it without cost if they have an on-sight pool. If you do have to pay for the introduction, then ask if the payment goes towards your open water training.

4) Relax and communicate - Begin with an open mind and don't be afraid to ask for help. All dive programs train under a buddy program. Be sure to inform your buddy about fibromyalgia. Let him/her know ahead of time that you will probably need a little more time to get ready for a dive and a little more help to get your gear on.

5) Stretch - Nothing in this world is easy if you suffer with fibromyalgia. Remember, the primary symptom of Fibromyalgia is chronic muscle pain. It is important to be on a solid stretching routine that you can do before putting on your gear so that those painful muscles are flexible and warmed-up

Of course, scuba diving is not for everyone suffering from FMG. One must apply a great deal of common sense concerning his/her diving abilities and should always follow safety rules. Give it a shot, you may surprise yourself.