1.DCS symptoms and 2. MK25/S600 and Nitrox ?

[bmbeaty]

I bought my Mk21/S560 from a platinum Scubapro shop. I asked the owner (who's been in the business for over 20 years working with Scubapro the entire time) the same question regarding using it with Nitrox. He said all standard Scubapro regs are rated to be used with up to 40%.

 

[Sea Green Dreams]

I talked to DAN, they confirmed the symptoms are not typically associated with DCS, but to get it checked out by a diving Dr would be a good idea. He said given the symptoms go away it is unlikely DSC, as there are no other symptoms.

We talked about other possibilities one being sinus cavity related. I do have to clear my ears quite a bit, perhaps there are pockets of air that are trapped due to anatomy? It expands with elevation, which might explain the tingling (air moving around?) which dissipates with time. I due have a mild headache for a bit after as well which would be expected if this is the case.

This seems to be the logical explanation but I will follow up a Dr.

Thanks all for the support while I work through this. : )

 

[Sea Green Dreams]

I bought my Mk21/S560 from a platinum Scubapro shop. I asked the owner (who's been in the business for over 20 years working with Scubapro the entire time) the same question regarding using it with Nitrox. He said all standard Scubapro regs are rated to be used with up to 40%.

Yes, I found that in the Q&A on Scubapro's webpage as well. They say all the regs outside of Europe are manufactured for up to 40%. Very happy about that as I think Ill get Nitrox Certified regardless : )

 

[Duke Dive Medicine]

Given the description of the symptoms, there is no reason to suspect a PFO in this case and certainly no reason to get tested for one. As previous posters and DAN noted, this is unlikely to be DCS. You mentioned that the tingling in your head is associated with ascent to altitude. Is this the case every time it happens? Can you describe the location of the tingling better, i.e. is it deep inside, superficial, skin surface only? Can you localize it to any particular area? How long does it take to resolve, and does it disappear all at once or gradually?

Best regards,
DDM

 

[Sea Green Dreams]

Given the description of the symptoms, there is no reason to suspect a PFO in this case and certainly no reason to get tested for one. As previous posters and DAN noted, this is unlikely to be DCS. You mentioned that the tingling in your head is associated with ascent to altitude. Is this the case every time it happens? Can you describe the location of the tingling better, i.e. is it deep inside, superficial, skin surface only? Can you localize it to any particular area? How long does it take to resolve, and does it disappear all at once or gradually?

Best regards,
DDM

Post dive pack up is normal.
Time before leaving sea level is considered with dive profile.
Most extreme example: waited 4 hours to go to 2000ft post dive. Got 1/2 way up and symptoms manifested. Tingling inside my head, mild pressure, headache and bit disorienting. Turned around went back down hill for another couple of hours. Went back up and symptoms came back at elevation, pulled over and waited for 20 mins. Symptoms went away except residual fog that lasted for couple hours.
No other symptoms besides being tired, but I'm a new diver and would expect to be tired; shores dives with flights stairs, walks up hills and surface swims are not my fav : P

I do have to clear my ears quite forcefully and often when deeper.

Thanks for the input.

Cheers,
Huddie

 

[Duke Dive Medicine]

Huddie,

People can have anatomic variances in the sinuses that can expose some of the nerves in the head to pressure differentials. That's what this sounds like, though it's strange that it would happen with the relatively small pressure changes on the surface compared to under water. You may be traumatizing your sinus tissues with repeated forceful equalization (which is not advisable in any event due to the risk for inner ear barotrauma); if they swell up after you dive, they could trap air on ascent to altitude. You may want to consult an ENT specialist.

Best regards,
DDM

 

[fmerkel]

I would think sinus issues would present with pain, pressure, and mucus, possibly but not necessarily bloody. I say this from the perspective of someone diving with serious sinus issues for 20 years > 2 decades on nasal steroids, and 2 sinus operations and 7 years without a sense of smell. I HAVE to descend VERY slowly and pay close attention to my sinuses. Ears....no problem.

I would not be surprised if different people had some different sinus symptoms but tingling would surprise me.

The major change in pressure is shallow, needing the most clearing. You should be clearing every 2' for the first 20-30 feet of depth....minimum. If you are forcing clearing at depth I suspect you've overshot the marks on the way down and have incurred some barotrauma. Maybe this is affecting your inner ear?

By disorienting do my mean dizziness?

 

[Sea Green Dreams]

Huddie,

People can have anatomic variances in the sinuses that can expose some of the nerves in the head to pressure differentials. That's what this sounds like, though it's strange that it would happen with the relatively small pressure changes on the surface compared to under water. You may be traumatizing your sinus tissues with repeated forceful equalization (which is not advisable in any event due to the risk for inner ear barotrauma); if they swell up after you dive, they could trap air on ascent to altitude. You may want to consult an ENT specialist.

Best regards,
DDM

Ok thanks, I'll relay this info when I see my GP.

Cheers,
Huddie

 

[Sea Green Dreams]

I would think sinus issues would present with pain, pressure, and mucus, possibly but not necessarily bloody. I say this from the perspective of someone diving with serious sinus issues for 20 years > 2 decades on nasal steroids, and 2 sinus operations and 7 years without a sense of smell. I HAVE to descend VERY slowly and pay close attention to my sinuses. Ears....no problem.

I would not be surprised if different people had some different sinus symptoms but tingling would surprise me.

The major change in pressure is shallow, needing the most clearing. You should be clearing every 2' for the first 20-30 feet of depth....minimum. If you are forcing clearing at depth I suspect you've overshot the marks on the way down and have incurred some barotrauma. Maybe this is affecting your inner ear?

By disorienting do my mean dizziness?

Tingling is the best word I have at the moment, I will be putting it in my log book the next time it happens, as it happens with hopefully more detail. Clearing history, dive profile and correlation to symptoms etc.

Maybe dizzy, foggy, pressure, headache, not clear headed, affected; which causes the discomfort, don't like driving when I feel it. Perhaps disorientation is not the best word because I am aware of where I am and what I'm doing.

Sounds like you've been through a lot with your sinuses! You must love diving to push through and continue.

I will be more diligent with my clearing now that I have worked out equipment (new to drysuit and switched to BW ) and trim and see if it helps.

Thanks for the tips : )

Cheers,
Huddie

 

[fmerkel]

PM sent, something for you to consider.