What causes difficult inhaling oxygen while having decompression sickness?
Patient: I am a ex US Navy Diver that was treated for decompression sickness in the 60 s and 70 s. We regularly did bounce dives to depths for hours on time with only 12 hours time between starting a new set of bounce dives. Completely different tables than today. I have exhibited some of the symptoms of DCS over the years but the last 4 1/2 years I have had to go to 4.5 liters of O2 to maintain above 90 SPO2. My Pulmonary function test are normal with no obstructions in the lungs or airways. Heart has no blockage and my blood pressure is 122/72. The doctors that have worked my case say I simply no longer absorb O2. I have been told this could be residual effects of DCS. Do you have any experience or recommendation? Doctor: Hello and Welcome to ‘Ask A Doctor’ service. I have reviewed your query and here is my advice.  As you explain the history, it would be better for you to do a DLCO test to evaluate the diffusion capacity of the lungs of CO.  Please discuss with your doctor.