Correct on all assumption. Blood checked out, at least the vitals - they did not do a run of the mill check. I know it included things like major organ issues, thyroid and blood count. Not sure beyond that. As for changes, nothing. Same fairly healthy lifestyle - sports, job, exercise, diet, lots of water, etc. I live in a plat from the 50's, so no changes there either.
The entire dive weekend was a lot of work. We did a lot of walking fully geared up, which is not light even when you are fit. By a lot, I meant literally around 1/2 a mile at times. Entry/exit into the quarry is not always the easiest either, specifically over by the navigation pylons for those familiar with Portage. We were also camping, so note the hard sleeping surfaces and tasks associated with that. Still, the biggest strain was my regulator issue, and the fact that I was just BARELY under-weighted on the first two dives (my first wetsuit dives ever), which made the initial descend more difficult than it should have been. I learned my lesson, and logged the weights and issues. On the dive when I struggled to equalize, I made the mistake of using my arms to try to force myself down to drain out ALL the air in my BCD. Honestly, I've thought all along that I may have pushed down a little too far on the struggle which may be the cause to the inner ear trauma. Big OOPS - no lecture needed. LOL. I knew it was wrong then, and no way I'd ever do it again knowing it can do this to me! Next time I'll risk lugging an extra couple pounds if I'm struggling to sink.
For the eye jitters, I obviously can't watch my own eyes, but my field of vision seems to shake mostly diagonally up and to the right and down and to the left according to the test I just did where I actually paid attention to it. Since mornings are the most brutal time, I'll use this morning as an example. 7:00 AM this morning felt more like 9:00 AM yesterday, which is a slight improvement. I'm getting to the point in the day where symptoms are usually lightest and I don't feel much difference compared to previous days. I have been doing the exercises I was given at 5 sets, 3 times per day. I've also been doing my own modified versions at work by sitting up in my desk chair and leaning as far to the sides as I can (lying my head on the desk) and looking upward as much as I'm able. Please let me know if anyone sees a reason why this is a bad idea. I've also been adamant about taking the Meclizine for dizziness. Honestly, I'm not sure it helps but who knows. I hoped for more improvement with the meds and exercises, but at this point a beggar can't be a chooser and a slight improvement through the morning is better than nothing. Tomorrow will tell if it was a fluke or actual progress.
I should also note, somewhat humiliatingly, that my stomach/chest feel much better with nothing other than the over-the-counter antacid/anti-gas meds. If I call 12-3 days ago 0% improvement, yesterday was about 40%, and today is around 90%. Almost normal. My breathing is much smoother and the tightness and pressure has decreased substantially. What do you all think? Was I swallowing air fighting my reg, then it really did cause a huge gas bubble as I ascended? Assuming symptoms continue to improve given current practices, I'd like for future readers (and myself) to have a lesson to take away so hopefully many of us can avoid something similar.
I also hit up the chiropractor again today to continue loosening the tightness in my back. Figure I might as well keep on all the issues so I can more easily single out the problems at hand.
