Diving after the bends

Question
Hi, in 2001 I suffered a small 'bend' in my left calf muscle. By the time this was diagnosed as 'most likely DCI' the Drs decided it was too late for recompression treatment. I haven't dived since, but have recently heard that using helium instead of air would be a safe option for me. Does helium reduced the chance of further problems for someone like me?
Regards
Richard.

Answer
 Hello Richard, Sorry to hear about your problem. It would have been much better for you if recompression was done initially, however you can't change that now. Technically, Helium would reduce your chances of having further problems,as you would be decreasing the percentage of Nitrogen in your breathing mixture, and hence the amount of Nitrogen absorbed by the body would be less,but for the average sport diver(i am assuming you are) to start diving with Helium mixtures, would not be a wise thing to do, as Helium diving has it's own complications, and you need to be extremely qualified.Helium diving has it's own problems...(a very high diffusivity rate,a thermal conductivity 6 times that of Nitrogen.etc)... which at this time i won't get into.But,don't worry Richard...you can go diving again, and you can do it without Helium.If you follow these steps below, you should be well on your way to diving "Normally"
1)Start off by doing 1 dive per day..No repetitive dives!
2) Keep well hydrated..drink lots of water. This increases your blood's ability to hold gases in solution.
3)Keep warm...getting cold reduces your circulation,and hence the releasing of gases, that would otherwise be transported away effectively.
4)Ascend slowly!....Give yourself the best opportunity to off-gas.Take it slow, even if it means doing an extra Decomp/safety stop.
5) Don't do a lot of work on your dive, and avoid exerting yourself afterwards.
6)Look into diving with Nitrox, and it's associated mixtures. Nitrox diving mixtures contain less Nitrogen, and therefore less absorbtion into the body. Keep in mind, that different Nitrox mixes...have different depth limits, and that you will have to take a course on Nitrox, to become qualified. I hope this helps..and remember: take it slow!..(you haven't dived in 8 yrs.)...little by little! Thanks for the question, and best of luck.

             "Plan your dive...Dive your plan"

                  Gary S.