A big thank you to all of you

[tparrent]

Reading through hundreds of posts here REALLY made a difference for my Open Water cert dives. I was much calmer and focused than I would have been otherwise.

Regardless of the stories posted earlier, there have been only two lasting problems from the dives.

1. I can't seem to get one ear permanently equalized. It doesn't hurt but is just kind of annoying. Maybe a does of sinus medicine will clear it for good.

2. I can't seem to pull myself away from travel sites. I want to go diving NOW! I had no idea it could be this addictive - especially since the OW dives were in terrible vis conditions. I don't care - I just want to get wet again. I am looking to get to the Keys, Bahamas, Bonaire or Cayman sometime in the next three weeks. Heck, I'd even take a pool dive right now. Maybe an ICE DIVE! It is so cool to think of diving without having to worry about the pressure of skills tests. I'll still practice the skills but now I KNOW I can do them.

 

[nauifins73]

Congratulations!!! and welcome to the addiction. I understand your need my gills are drying up and quite uncomfortable.

 

[Ben_ca]

Great reports... Welcome Diver

 

[Manta Aria]

Congrats!!! Isn't diving righteous?!

Regardless of the stories posted earlier, there have been only two lasting problems from the dives.

1. I can't seem to get one ear permanently equalized. It doesn't hurt but is just kind of annoying. Maybe a does of sinus medicine will clear it for good.

Permanently Equalized? Not possible.... Do you mean you want it clear so it can equalize when you need it to? Sinus medicine can wear off while down under leading to a reverse block. That's not cool. Best to take care of it on land first. Get cleared by your Doc, then go get 'em!!!

2. I can't seem to pull myself away from travel sites. I want to go diving NOW! I had no idea it could be this addictive - especially since the OW dives were in terrible vis conditions. I don't care - I just want to get wet again. I am looking to get to the Keys, Bahamas, Bonaire or Cayman sometime in the next three weeks. Heck, I'd even take a pool dive right now. Maybe an ICE DIVE! It is so cool to think of diving without having to worry about the pressure of skills tests. I'll still practice the skills but now I KNOW I can do them.

Take your time and dive safe!! The ocean isn't going anywhere, but I know what you mean!! God I love diving!!!!

 

[creamofwheat]

Congrats! It is addicting, isn't it? As someone told me upon my my "I'm certified!!" post, we don't believe in catch and release.

Have fun, go dive.

 

[TSandM]

Well, I thought I was pretty good at writing up the certification experience so it was entertaining, but I think you've outdone me in spades. I laughed myself silly reading your accounts.

Now I get my revenge . . . I get to watch you go home to Chicago and figure out how to feed the nitrogen addiction when the air temperatures are 20 degrees and all of your available water has ice on top of it. Hee hee hee.

I'M going diving this weekend . . .

 

[tparrent]

My ear problem is that I am on land now three days after diving and they still aren't clear.

I don't have too much of a problem clearing when diving but I get this residual stuffiness afterwards.

 

[DandyDon]

Reading through hundreds of posts here REALLY made a difference for my Open Water cert dives. I was much calmer and focused than I would have been otherwise.

You're welcome - glad you found some good stuff here.

Regardless of the stories posted earlier, there have been only two lasting problems from the dives.

1. I can't seem to get one ear permanently equalized. It doesn't hurt but is just kind of annoying. Maybe a does of sinus medicine will clear it for good.

A common challenge. Would be a good idea to see an ENT and/or do a lot of reading here on Dive Medicine.

2. I can't seem to pull myself away from travel sites. I want to go diving NOW! I had no idea it could be this addictive - especially since the OW dives were in terrible vis conditions. I don't care - I just want to get wet again. I am looking to get to the Keys, Bahamas, Bonaire or Cayman sometime in the next three weeks. Heck, I'd even take a pool dive right now. Maybe an ICE DIVE! It is so cool to think of diving without having to worry about the pressure of skills tests. I'll still practice the skills but now I KNOW I can do them.

Key Largo is a super place for newbies.

Where are you? How about putting that in your profile so we can give you better suggestions.

 

[pasley]

My ear problem is that I am on land now three days after diving and they still aren't clear.

I don't have too much of a problem clearing when diving but I get this residual stuffiness afterwards.

Still not sure what you mean there. Are the ears making a crackling sound or is there pressure in them?

Water in the ear (crackling sound) for days after a dive does happen from time to time. Some water sports ear drops will quickly resolve the problem (glycerin and alcohol). IF the ear is clogged inside the ear drum, with pressue, time to see a doctor.

As Dandy Don says, an good ENT might be helpful.

 

[Kevfin]

Congratulations. I'm excited for you. This does sometimes seem like an addiction. Just thinking about going different places and diving can be half the fun.

May I suggest getting the ear/sinus thing checked out medically. It may be nothing. But, for peace of mind it would be best to know for sure. You don't want to run into problems while diving that might have been easily solved. Hopefully, you can find a doc that is familiar with diving.