T&T: Update on using SCUBA gear with a paralyzed diaphragm

[Scott Bulger]

For those on the list that have followed our adventure, you may recall
I have a slight problem with a paralyzed diaphragm.   A big concern I
had was being able to go over the side to work on the prop, should we
foul it.  I had done a lot of research into using a Hookah system, all
of it advising that I would NOT be able to breathe underwater given my
condition.  One member of the T&T list thought there was some chance,
and my doctor also advised he thought it might work, so yesterday I
finally gave it a try.

Sure enough, I had exactly the experience I thought I would.  What I
experienced was as long as the regulator was at or very near the same
depth as my lungs they would fill with air easily.  If I raised my
head, essentially reducing the pressure at my mouthpiece rather than
my lung cavity, there would be some slight reduction in breathing
ability.  I did experience a significant change when I turned over on
my back, which I understand is something normal SCUBA divers
experience, just to a lesser extent.  I tested my ability to breathe
in depths ranging from 4 to 10 feet, and spent about 20 minutes under
water.

So I am going to purchase a Hookah system and get as much "over the
side" experience as I can while we travel down the coast.  I think
with a bit more experience and time I'll be able to gain enough
proficiency to use the system safely to service items under the boat.
Thanks to those of you that provided guidance and experience.  A
special thanks to the lone individual that cut through all the
official industry positioning about the dangers and risks and gave me
the same practical advice my personal physician confirmed, which gave
me the incentive to go ahead and try this.

Having said all this, I want to make sure this applies to me and my
situation only.  If anyone else is considering diving with compressed
air there a million and one ways it will kill you, or so I'm told.
I'm simply sharing this information so if others are interested they
have a single data point where some information contrary to the
industry line was presented.  As Dave Cooper so aptly says, YMMV (Your
Mileage May Vary)

Thanks,

Scott Bulger, Alanui, N40II, Seattle WA