Comfortablynumb 0 #26 May 17, 2006 We have discovered that at this time, it is not possible to carry out the wonderful skydiving adventure that we were so hoping for. I do want to thank you all for your support and wonderful words of encouragement. If this ever becomes a possibility for my son, you can bet I will be back here-you really set my mind at ease. You are a great bunch! May all your jumps be spectacular and safe. Michelle Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
AggieDave 6 #27 May 17, 2006 Quote We have discovered that at this time, it is not possible to carry out the wonderful skydiving adventure that we were so hoping for. I'm so sorry to hear that. How's this for an alternative? Would the Doc be willing to allow your son to fly in a vertical wind tunnel? What if yall made a trip to Orlando and got your son some time in the Skyventure wind tunnel there? Its simulated skydiving, the air pushing up (being pulled up actually) creates a similar environment as to the relative wind of skydiving. The coaches there will be able to teach him how to fly his body as we do in the air. This is without the emotional stress of a skydive and high altitude, etc. Maybe this will give you and your family an opportunity to give your son something that he can do that is close to his dream. As with before, please feel free to ask any questions you may have. If I don't know the answer I'll find someone who does for you.--"When I die, may I be surrounded by scattered chrome and burning gasoline." Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Broke 0 #28 May 17, 2006 Bummer. Hopefully your son will be able to improve his condition.Divot your source for all things Hillbilly. Anvil Brother 84 SCR 14192 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
miss3sixty 0 #29 May 24, 2006 Hi, I have had tears in my eyes reading this post.. I did my first tandem as a surprise for MY 21st birthday because like your son, I ALWAYS wanted to skydive, and just knew that it was for me. I honestly played my tandem video to death because of how it made me feel to relive the best experience of my life.(words cannot describe it) Ten years later I moved to New Zealand and learnt to skydive solo- the feeling never left me. I now have a license, and jump every week. I have met so many wonderful people and have so many amazing times, but will NEVER forget my first jump. I think you should go with him!! (what an amazing thing to share!) get all the facts and info you need to ensure you have the peace of mind you deserve and that your son has the safest experience with regards his health. People dont just say that children and 95 year-old people do tandems to make people feel better...they really do! The only downside I can think of is the addiction of this amazing sport, but hey, you already know that! x x x x xMiss3sixty Skydiving- it has its ups and downs Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
obelixtim 150 #30 May 25, 2006 Was that the considered opinion of an aviation medical specialist?. While I respect the opinion of a doctor in medical matters....they arn't parachuting experts by any means.... As an instructor I have discovered over the years that many qualified doctors have little idea about skydiving, they have a picture of paratroopers going in to battle inWW2 with bullets flying, risky parachutes, and body shattering landing forces.... To be fair some have probably dealt with people who have smashed temselves up in a skydiving accident. However their perceptions sometimes are far removed from the reality, and so sometimes they find it really easy to say no..... I've had elderly people in their 80's, paraplegics, terminal cancer patients, and all sorts of disabled people advised not to jump, however in NZ the final decision is always left to the individual, and all of people I've jumped with have jumped and had no problems at all...some have done multiple jumps..... However as an instructor I have the real final say in this situation and I have actually refused to allow people to jump when in my considered opinion they are not up to it..... Not pushing you to consider a second opinion......but just wondering if you've explored all the options.....a medical specialist who is also a skydiver.....thats who would be best to talk to if possible.... Any skydiving quacks out there???....My computer beat me at chess, It was no match for me at kickboxing.... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jtval 0 #31 May 26, 2006 Michelle, I just read the question you posted on dropzone.com. I am sorry to hear that your son didn't get cleared to jump. But Aggie Dave make the next best suggstion.a vertical wind tunnel should be no problem for you sons condition (ask your Dr. anyway) it is the next best thing to skydiving and you can actually fly in the tunnel. one added bonus is that is is much cheaper. You can get in the tunnel with his class. check out skyventure Orlando. They also offer video/dvd of the experience. I have to say there is a missing element from skydiving but you CAN fly your body through the air in the tunnel. it is a very awesome feeling. (tunnel flight can be addicting ,too) http://www.skyventureorlando.com/My photos My Videos Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
skydivamegan 0 #32 May 29, 2006 Hi there fellow skydivers. I'm new to this sport and I stumbled upon this thread which may or may not still be going, but I'm responding to it anyway. I, myself have a congenital heart defect. I am also an RN. I have been the "poor little girl with the weak heart" my entire life. People ALWAYS want to tell me what my limitations are as if I am not aware of my own limitations. If I listened to everything my docs said to me I wouldn't be driving, or working, or exercising. I wouldn't know the joy of motherhood, what it feels like to ride a roller coaster, and I would never have known the thrill of freefall followed by the peace of a nice quiet ride back to the DZ. As a matter of fact, if I had listened to my docs about everything, I would've had a pacemaker by the age of 22. I'm not discrediting your son's doctor or anything of the sort. I will tell you, however, that all most docs consider (believe me, I work with them) is there own liability and they really don't know anything on the physiology of skydiving. I had a million people ask me if I could skydive with my heart when I told them I was going. I did my own research and learned enough to feel good about taking the plunge and VOILA-------a new addiction was born. A word to the wise---------a physical disability is not a reason to tiptoe through life. My dad died of cancer at 48 years old and one thing I learned from him is NOT to tiptoe through life only to arrive safely to your own funeral. Every jump I make is for him, and boy would he be proud of me now!!!!_______________________________________________ CARPE DIEM PMS#529 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
obelixtim 150 #33 May 29, 2006 Way to go Megan...... Thats basically the point I was making..... Hospitals are full of doctors......and I reckon they are very dangerous places to be..... Lots of people die in hospitals..... My computer beat me at chess, It was no match for me at kickboxing.... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
