Am I Stuck Forever at 40 Feet???

[wedivebc]

Have you seen an ENT? That should be your first stop.

It might be prudent to look for an ENT who knows about dive medicine. I went to my family Dr about my concerns about a PFO due to a couple of cases of skin bends I had experienced. He didn't know what I was talking about but said he would research it. He called me back and we scheduled a TTE. Anyway my point is not all Drs understand the needs of divers.

 

[360GUY]

"PFO" "TTE" WTF???? LOL...Sorry...I don't know what those mean?

Wait a sec. Going back to a previous message. Are we supposed to equalize while ASCENDING? Yikes! I never have as I don't believe I've ever experienced pressure, pain or discomfort while ascending...

Great advice about making sure ENT is familiar with "diving" environments...I'll definitely make sure that box is checked!

 

[rhwestfall]

"PFO" "TTE" WTF???? LOL...Sorry...I don't know what those mean?

Don't worry about the specifics there... what he means is work with an ENT that knows/understands diving.....

Just because they are an MD doesn't mean they understand the additional issues associated with diving... some do. Find one!

 

[360GUY]

ABSOLUTELY! Great tip. THX

 

[flyboy08]

Start equalizing as soon as you wake up and continue till u splash...but do see an ENT as well.

 

[rick00001967]

Wait a sec. Going back to a previous message. Are we supposed to equalize while ASCENDING? Yikes!

NO !! that is why i quoted the poster asking for them to clarify that statement. when you ascend (assuming you have clear eustachian tubes) the expanding gas should escape naturally.

 

[Snoweman]

Put some 70% rubbing alcohol in your ears between dives to clear out the water. If it makes you drop to the ground, writhing in pain, you probably have a decent sized ear infection.

 

[NorCalDM]

Since you have no issues on the first dive I don't think you are doomed and your sinuses may be getting irritated on the second or third dive. This can happen to me on dive trips with multiple days of diving. The more you dive your body will adapt and it will become easier and you will learn what works for you. One thing that will help is make sure you are hydrated and I mean drink more than you think you need! Also swimmers ear after dives helps as well.

 

[ChuckP]

6. ChuckP, are you implying that, with TIME, my physiology will get used to me diving, and these issues will become less problematic?

If you have some physical issue, such as prone to congestion or slight blockage - no, it will not get better.

I see some people that struggle on day 1 of diving but by day 3 or 5 they have no issues, sometimes built up congestion goes away after a few dives - I think that helps - a good amount of buugers and snot all over your face after the first dive helps!!!!!

I think that the more you dive, the more aware of equalizing you become - you realize that you should equalize BEFORE you feel any pressure, once you feel pressure, it can be difficult. The first 30 feet, I equalize a lot, a whole bunch almost non stop - as you get deeper the pressure differential isn't as great so you don't need to as much. I think new divers just allow too much pressure to build before equalizing.

 

[Norwegian Cave Diver]

Make some ear beer for after your dives. 50% rubbing alcohol - 50% clear vinegar. Mix in a small bottle from water. Relabel the bottle so no one drinks it. Lay on your bed or couch. Put a few drops in until the ear feels full. Lay there for 10 minutes or more. Alcohol will dry the ear - vinegar will kill anything that is wrong in the ear passage. Do the other ear. As a cave diver I have some dives that can be 2.5 hours long. Sometimes my ear(s) don’t feel right and this mix helps. But if you think your problem is more that ear beer can fix - talk to a professional. And enjoy your diving no mater what depth your hitting!!