Heart Attack During Scuba Dive Trip! (Life flight evacuation)

[@rayamis9509]

Thanks for your honest run-through of the incident, along with symptoms, therapies & future goals. I'm an "older" diver & so these kinds of uploads are of particular interest to me. Good to see you on the road to a complete recovery. Dive safe & thanks again.

[@TritonsRealm]

Lyell, so glad you're doing ok and thanks for sharing your story. We're looking forward to diving with you again soon.

[@cindybogner6341]

Thankful you’re still here to make this video. ❤️

[@everythingscuba]

+Cindy Bogner thank you! We are too!!

[@slickrtm]

It's amazing that you are making this scary incident into an instructional video and truly shows your instructor spirit. Good luck with your recovery!

[@everythingscuba]

I only hope others might learn something from my experience. I’d rather no diver ever has to live through that. But if they do....DAN is essential. Thanks slick!

[@drmack911]

I had a 90% occlusion of my left circumflex in 2008. I drove myself to a fire station that was just 3 blocks from me when I got hit with the baseball bat across the chest. At least that's what it felt like. I have no risk factors. The paramedics scooped me up and 15 minutes later I was in the cath lab where an angioplasty and stent resolved it. Fast forward to today. A year after my MI I was back in the air on a special issuance from the FAA (PPL ASEL Instrument) and since then have dived on the GBR, Fiji, Hawaii, Florida Keys, Belize, and Cozumel. In fact, we're going to Cozumel day after tomorrow. After the MI my wife and I (both widowed) have determined to live as hard as we can. We're in our late 60s and have made SCUBA a major part of our lifestyle. We have friends in their 80s who still dive and we're hoping to do the same.

[@everythingscuba]

That gives me great hope drmack911! I have to admit I’ve been very down on myself this last week on returning to the sport I love. Your story is inspirational!

[@vincentsubmarinismo774]

As an older diver(60) I appreciate you sharing your story. Wishing you a speedy recovery 👍

[@mikesbigadventures194]

Lyell wishing you a speedy recovery. I know that feeling. In late September 2019 my youngest was completing their OW cert. For the last dive we were allowed to join the class. It was a pretty sporty entrance with 5 ft rollers coming in at the Breakwater and I had some issues getting my fins on in the surf. My kid was already out with his class and I started finning out but I was winded. Super winded. I tried laying back but I couldn’t catch my breath. Nothing I could do would calm my breathing. I decided to call the dive and started back to shore but was struggling. My kids instructor came, dropped my weights, got me to shore, and gave me Nitrox 32 after opening my wetsuit. Ended up in the hospital for a few hours. I was 280 lbs, recently quit smoking, and was wearing a 7mm semi dry I had bought when I weighed 235. I was diagnosed with Atrial Flutter. Got a cardiologist, got on some meds, and in November 2019 had a cardioversion done - the put me under and shocked my heart back to sinus rhythm. My cardiologist cleared me to dive again in late January 2020 (I bought a bigger semi-dry) Flash forward - this morning I was 209 lbs . This past weekend I earned my Rescue Diver on the same beach this happened. I did my scenarios in literally the same location my weights were dropped. I’m going to shoot for 100 dives and start my DM training in July, and also GUE Fundy in the fall. I’ve had a perfect heart rhythm for 18 months and I’m in the best shape of my life. I’m 53. If I can do this, you can do it. You got this. When you’re better, come to Monterey CA and we’ll do some cold water diving.

[@everythingscuba]

Very inspirational story Mike! I have to admit as scary as this story was , I’ve grown a very large cloud over me with the thought of never diving again. It’s a huge part of who I am. I hope I can get things figured out and do as you did! I congratulate you in your weight loss and additional certifications! I’d be honored to dive with you someday. Thanks for sharing sir! Means a lot!

[@CorrupteddSanity]

Wish you a speedy recovery, Lyell.

[@lydialeigh4]

I woke up this morning for work (1:30 am in Michigan) and quickly checked my phone to see what new messages had come through. And with that, I saw that you had just posted the details of a very serious life event that had happened to you merely one week ago. As soon as I started watching your video I knew that I would not only be running late for work today, but that your experience would be with me from here on in. You took such care to share the important details of what can happen to any diver, at anytime, and without any warning. I am so glad you and your wife surfaced early and took your symptoms seriously - and that you are here to tell us about it. Once again, Lyell, it is obvious that the teacher in you never rests. Thank you for that. And so glad you are okay. 👌

[@everythingscuba]

Thank you Lydia. I think that any, and hopefully, all of us who ever experienced and lived through such a thing would take the time to inform others of those warning signs. None of us ever expect to be the person in that situation. (Least of all me!). I’d hoped other divers would take this video as a learning point to never ignore even minor things that may be going wrong above or below the water. I’ve heard from several divers who have experienced heart issues over the years and thankfully most were able to return to the sport they loved. That’s my mission now. As always your comments are very much appreciated and we love having you as part of the Everything Scuba family!

[@gee4526]

I am very glad that you are OK. you certainly had Gods hand on you. I hope that there will be no lingering affects on your future diving. Stay safe my friend and best of wishes on your future.

[@tobiashartung856]

I wish you a speedy recovery, Lyell! Thanks for sharing and explaining your experience in such detail. Hopefully this helps others to recognize the warning signs.

[@tazccl]

Thank you for making this video. Good luck on your recovery.

[@johnayres6599]

Wow Lyell, I have no words. So very glad you are ok! Man, what a thing to go through! So great that Divers Alert Network was there to assist in your situation. It just reinforces to me that even though you may think you'll never need their services, you could be wrong, and having them by your side, so to speak, could save your life. Their insurance is one of the first things divers should purchase IMO (besides spring straps that is, if they don't come with the fins you buy, lol). I look forward to seeing you this spring/summer, even if it may not be under water. Take care!

[@Reilly_P]

How you have only 4k subscribers is beyond me. I'm thankful both that you made it and that you are so willing, able to, and skilled at articulating that. Your content is so impactful and well spoken, I hope you are around for a long time more to convey it. Keep up the amazing videos!

[@seraines]

I am very happy you are OK and I’m thankful for you sharing your experience, which could save lives. 🙏🏼

[@SummersideDiver]

This just came across my feed. I’m sorry to hear that you went through that experience and am glad you are here to share your experience with us; I sincerely hope that you fully recover

[@amyjwilliams1]

So glad you are okay! Thanks for sharing your story!

[@Biodoc100]

Wow! thank you so much for sharing! Glad to hear you are on the mend!!

[@christopherrollefson2344]

Nicki and I send our warmest regards. I'm very happy you could make this video. I hope you can continue diving again soon!

[@everythingscuba]

Thank you Chris. I hope you guys are well!

[@johnmontgomery2735]

Wow. Sorry about your trip but om glad your still around to tell your story. God bless

[@arsenzhdanov1907]

I wish you a speedy recovery. Great content thank you for the effort

[@LW-qe2kz]

Really glad that you are okay. Hope you come back even better than before! Thank you for sharing this experience.

[@jeremy31410]

Best wishes and thank you for sharing!!

[@markthecapp]

We're so glad you're okay, buddy! Cheers to you, Lyell.

[@stevemichel801]

Glad you doing better. Wishing you well. God Bless.

[@francisbevacqua8014]

Hello Lyell, Happy Birthday my friend. Glad you’re feeling better

[@BAMFSQUAD]

Glad your ok brother. Speedy recovery and happy belated birthday

[@Chogogo717]

Sorry your trip got shot. Glad you made it. Looking forward to the DAN videos. Take care of yourself.

[@jingergaer610]

Wow sorry to hear what happened but so happy that you are here and doing ok..

[@tridoc99]

We’ll be diving on a family vacation in Mexico in about a month where I’ll also be celebrating my 50th. I also have a medical background, am healthy and active with a good diet, but we have our DAN insurance in place anyway. Hopefully none of us need it, but I’m glad to hear how well it works and that you made it through OK. Sobering story, thanks for sharing.

[@B25Flyer]

Wow! Glad to hear you're good.

[@sparkyabq2718]

Wishing you a speedy recovery

[@bignickdigga1]

I'm glad you made the right call brother. Too many divers let the cost of the trip put them in the grave. I'm a huge fan of DAN (hey that rhymes). Looking forward to the videos. All the best.

[@MikiBrett]

Good to hear you are well. Wish you all the best getting through this moment

[@williamwells8672]

I hope that you have a full and speedy recovery.

[@CritterHunter]

Thanks for sharing. Scary

[@everythingscuba]

Still having trouble believing it really happened. Scariest few days of my life. Just hope it doesn’t keep me out of the water for too long.

[@UKDiver]

Glad to hear your okay pal. I’ve heard nothing but good things about DAN, I’m glad they came through for you. 🤞this is nothing too serious long term and you get back in the water soon 👍 Stay strong 💪

[@ericgoslinga2455]

Thankful you are safe! Scary story. See you at the water soon. Best wishes at Mayo.

[@rmclosa]

so glad you are OK!!!... now take care!!1

[@DiveMonster]

Lyell, hope all will be fine and you fully recover, with no damage done and no conditions, which holds you back from getting into the water again. I spend the 20th birthday of Dive Monster Jr. with her in the back of a tiny Cessna, … me being emergency evacuated from a tiny island in the Philippines to a hospital, and to the chamber after a suffering from DCS after 2 OW-profile dives. And instead of flying to Rio de Janeiro 4 day later to see Iron Maiden headlining Rock in Rio 2019, as the birthday gift to myself, I spend it in the chamber. Thanks for sharing your experience and once again, speedy recovery!

[@markgrohman3014]

Prayers Up for you and your family

[@elmo319]

Wow, quite a story. Glad to hear you made it back safely, that was a lucky escape given the remote location. I wish you the very best and hope you’re able to get back in the water soon. 👌

[@leonschindler4687]

Just finished the video. Man, that sounds beyond terrifying and I truly hope it was a one time happening and that all is smooth going forward.

[@MyBelgianAzzy]

I appreciate you making this video, one you are (unfortunately!) uniquely qualified to make... thankfully (fortunately!) you're even here and well enough to film it, after such a major cardiac event *in the water*! I hope you won't mind me asking a question or two. You mentioned your physical fitness, which I'm certain played a role in your survival but also the speed at which you seem to have begun to bounce back. What other means within your control do you believe played a role in mitigating damage and/or increasing the rate you are recovering? How important was it, in retrospect, to keep your head and not to panic? What would have happened had this happened when you were already at a depth that required decompression stops? Now that you have had this cardiac event occur, what steps will you take to decrease risk during future dives? Are there any special supplies or practices that can help you if you have a repeat incident? Thank you so much for your time and attention to my inquiries! I'm so very glad you were in the hands and care of a competent dive crew and hospital staff. Their quick action and rendering of correct care is evident simply in your being here to share your story. :)

[@everythingscuba]

Ang, thank you for your detailed questions. Part of the reason for my recovery was the type of heart attack I had. I will drop a link to another video we made that explains that. Panic is certainly something that could harm a diver in a major way if they tried to “bolt” for the surface, which could result in DCS in addition to the medical issues you were already were experiencing. For the most part I am a recreational diver and so was not at risk due to deco stops necessary but if this did occur when you had a deco debt then again this may result in risking DCS in addition to the heart attack but getting back in board or ashore so going to be first a foremost. It may mean leaving your group who may have deco debts so they can finish their deco time. This would be a dire situation for sure. For now as I return to the sport, I am starting with easy dives in warm environments. Will not be doing a deco dives over the next 6 months and continue to rehab by working out and training in the gym. Here is a link to another video we made addressing my heart attacks and fitness for diving: kzbin.info/www/bejne/fnaqfKBpjsh7bqc

[@rod383]

Boy that sucks! Glad u made it ok. I’m a physician and would guess that you’d have a PFO or something related. I wonder what further work up at Mayo suggested. On another note I just dove Socorro early this year and it was undescribable. I hope you get a chance to get out there again bro 🤙

[@everythingscuba]

Rod, thank you for your kind words. I went through a full work up with Mayo Cardiology. No PFO. Stress Cardiac MRI showed normal flow and no perfusion defects, so no myocardial damage. They then connected me with Hyperbaric Medicine and I was taken to 3 atmospheres and did a full VO2 Max monitored treadmill test with no EKG changes and they were not able to reproduce the event. Review of my cardiac Cath showed some dilatation and wall motion defect at the base of my left ventricle from the day of the event. No coronary artery blockages and normal vessel fill and emptying. They believe it was a Takotsubo event. I experienced the perfect storm of events to precipitate it. So I was cleared to return to diving and teaching. I did have an inverted T wave that persisted for several months but that has since corrected also and cardiology no longer wants to see me. I’ll be doing an update video soon reviewing those findings and also talking about the huge costs involved and how that was all handled via health insurance and DAN. I do however plan to return to Socorro someday! The thirty minute dive that I was able to complete at San Benedicto was amazing! (Other than crushing chest pain throughout. :) Thanks for your comments and thanks for watching!

[@bikeon143]

I"m glad you came though this scary incident. I'm curious where you were when you got the Nitro, was it on the dive boat or when transferred? Keeping Aspirin in the kit is always a good idea.

[@everythingscuba]

The dive boat keeps a full emergency kit on board and an AED

[@souswes]

I’ve heard about DAN and it’s part of every captains briefing on the boat. I’m curious, do you have insurance with DAN? If you do, What would happen if you didn’t carry that policy. I’m sure they would still assist…but what would that scenario look like? Glad you’re well, brother. Take it easy and do not apologize for what happened.

[@everythingscuba]

I do carry DAN insurance. (Relatively inexpensive for the benefit they would provide in the event of an accident.) In fact most liveaboards require that you carry some type of dive accident insurance. DAN is not the only provider out there. Dive Assure is another provider that some divers carry. In the case of an accident, if you didn’t have a policy, obviously you’d still obtain help but the costs incurred (which can be significant), may not be a covered benefit of your regular medical insurance. Some medical policies specifically exclude injuries incurred while scuba diving. We are in the works of bringing you a couple of episodes where we will talk with representatives from Divers Alert Network. DAN provides many other services above and beyond medical dive insurance. (We also have an interview with an experienced diver who’s story makes mine seem like child’s play.) We always take the time to discuss these topics with new divers and students since it is not something covered during typical OW class and elearning.

[@everythingscuba]

We'd love to hear from other divers who may have suffered from or have heart issues. What have you done to to allow you to continue to dive?

[@drmack911]

Moderation. Eat healthier food (lots of fish). Light exercise (don't train for the Olympics). Camping (RV). Enjoy adult beverages but don't binge. SCUBA. Get a dog like our two mini Aussies. They have a lot of energy so they keep us active.

[@rickpeck7068]

Hi Lyell, I just found this channel and am very impressed with your content. I don't have a cardiac issue, but I am diving with diabetes I follow the DAN protocol (mostly) and have never had an issue. A segment on diving with diabetes might be some good content? So glad you "made it" and I wish you the best for a full recovery and a future in diving.

[@everythingscuba]

@@rickpeck7068 thank you so luv for your kind words. We are glad you found us and thank you for your video suggestion! Thankfully I am back in the water and have no cardiac damage. Thanks for watching!

[@NormaTLeon]

I have been dealing with high cholesterol all my life and had a simile heart event @the age of 37 where I was diagnosed with hypertension. I go yearly to a SCUBA diving cardiologist. Eating healthy since then.. Carefully watching my sodium content. Am 52 and still diving..

[@391wombat]

Lyle unfortunate but obviously could have been much worse. I started diving 50 years ago (now 65) and gave it up for career family etc. in my late 20’s early 30’s. Been trying to get back into it last 2 years and this is an issue which looms large for me. My health is good but i read too many stories about unknown heart/health issues despite regular check ups/healthy life styles. There seems to be a void here as to why this happens to otherwise “healthy” individuals and how to prevent it. Most Dr.s have no clue re the rigors of diving and “dive docs” are nearly impossible to find at least in my neighborhood. Maybe theres a trail to be blazed here. Best wishes, John

[@everythingscuba]

+391wombat John you are right. This could’ve been so much worse. I’m very grateful that it wasn’t. Thank you for your comments.

[@CK-jv5mn]

You’ll be alright mate as long as you haven’t had the vaccines

[@stephenlagana2090]

how terrible. best of luck

[@judosunny]

Wish you a speedy recovery, Lyell.