Ear Issue

[ScubaThor]

I had the pleasure of having to visit the emergency room this weekend, with almost unbearable ear pain. Turns out that I somehow managed to clog my ears with ear wax (sounds sick, I know). The doctor told me it was most likely due to my daily use of q-tips and POSSIBLY pressure-related, due to diving. After fixing my issue (i.e. flushing what seemed like 700 gallons of water through a syringe into my ear), she prescribed me some steroidal/antibiotic ear drops and told me not to dive for a week. The pain is now gone and I can easily equalize (on dry land). I have a two tank wreck dive scheduled for this weekend...should I be concerned?

 

[Don Wray]

Give DAN a call....they can advise you.

 

[DocVikingo]

Hi ScubaThor,

The treating physician directed no diving for a week; it will be a week this weekend. The presenting pain is now gone and equalization is easy and normal topside. There are no ENT-related or other signs or symptoms. The diver feels fully up for scuba.

Are all of these statements correct? If so, the question appears answered.

Should there be remaining concerns, DAN, who has not examined you, will be of limited use. The specialist rendering the treatment and prescriptions is the first line of contact.

This is educational only and does not constitute or imply a doctor-patient relationship. It is not medical advice to you or any other individual, and should not be construed as such.

Regards,

DocVikingo

PS: ENTs have an old saying: "Never put anything smaller than your elbow in your ear!"
http://www.entnet.org/healthinfo/ears/earwax.cfm

 

[ScubaThor]

Hi ScubaThor,

The treating physician directed no diving for a week; that was a week ago. The presenting pain is now gone and equalization is easy and normal topside. There are no ENT-related or other signs or symptoms. The diver feels fully up for scuba.

Are all of these statements correct? If so, the question appears answered.

Should there be remaining concerns, DAN, who has not examined you, will be of limited use. The specialist rendering the treatment and prescriptions is the first line of contact.

This is educational only and does not constitute or imply a doctor-patient relationship. It is not medical advice to you or any other individual, and should not be construed as such.

Regards,

DocVikingo

PS: ENTs have an old saying: "Never put anything smaller than your elbow in your ear!"
http://www.entnet.org/healthinfo/ears/earwax.cfm

DocVikingo:
The statements are more or less correct (it will have been a week by the time the boat leaves the dock this Saturday). No trouble clearing and I feel up for the dive.
I'm also going to see my Primary Care Provider this afternoon to get a second opinion.

 

[DocVikingo]

Hi ScubaThor,

Sounds like a prudent move.

Best of luck and please do let us know what is decided.

Regards,

DocVikingo

 

[ScubaThor]

Yeah, so much for that, I think. My doctor strongly advised me not to dive this weekend, due to the "nasty staph infection" in my ear. I think his clinical definition was "your ear looks like sh!t". Apparently, his definition of "diver is ok to dive" and mine differ greatly. 500 mg of antibiotics later, I got him to consent to look at me again on Friday before giving the final thumbs-down, but I am inclined to take him up on his advice. I'm bummed, but no need to risk further injury.
Thanks for your comments.

 

[DocVikingo]

Hi ScubaThor,

You've been on an antibiotic for 3 days; perhaps by Fri you'll have shown better response.

But, these infections can be stubborn, especially if the antibiotic chosen proves not to have been the best for the job.

While it seems somewhat unexpected that your ear would be in such a state in the absence of any discomfort or other symptoms, clearly your PCP wasn't thrilled with what he saw and to risk further injury indeed would be foolish.

Fri will tell.

Please keep us posted.

Regards,

DocVikingo

 

[ScubaThor]

Woohoo! Just got back from the doc and got the go-ahead for tomorrow. Phew.
He just made my weekend.

 

[DocVikingo]

Hi ScubaThor,

Thanks for the update.

Good news--and as I expected.

Regards,

DocVikingo