HELP....How Long??????

[GLENFWB]

Went to the doctor today because I was having trouble with my left ear since diving last Saturday night. I have never had trouble equalizing before, but I did Saturday night.

Doctor says I have a "Reverse Squeeze" I think is how he termed it. Basically, he said my ear drum was inflammed and there was fluid behind it. He told me if I dive this week I could rupture my ear drum. He gave me medicine and told me to have it re-checked in 10-14 days.

Can someone please tell me how long something like this takes to clear up on average? I know everyone heals differently. Had a big dive weekend planned and that is shot. Just wondering how long something like this usually lasts?

 

[DandyDon]

I wouldn't rush it. Have you seen "The divers ear under pressure" video? The site it having problems, but these posts from another thread today may help...

The following links are to the actual videos (if they don't work by just clicking on them, save them to your desktop and double-click them there):

Modem/ISDN (56kbps)
Cable/DSL (256kbps+)

(Their web server seems to have a glitch right now, but it'll probably be fixed soon, but I've checked that the video links themselves still work, and I pulled them and the above quoted text from an old archived copy of the page.)

I ruptured both of my eardrums in a cave dive. Wouldn't recommend it. Just as bad as the injury was the surgery ( while awake ) to repair my eardrums.

This girl is now extra careful with her ears.

 

[Doc Intrepid]

Don't rush it.

A friend of mine, occasionally on this board, had something like this happen on a photography safari to Hawaii about a year and a half ago.

He is still having issues.

He hasn't dived in the interim. It can be real serious. Listen to your doctor.

Best,

Doc

 

[DocVikingo]

Hi glenfwb,

Yes, the treatment regimen described appears reasonable.

The fact that there is minimal pain does not mean it is safe to dive. The congestion within the middle ear space should resolve entirely before return to scuba, i.e., the sensation of water in the ear and clogging completely disappears.

Helpful?

Regards,

DocVikingo

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.

 

[GLENFWB]

Yes, that is helpful...I am just going to have to be patient and ride it out.

Thanks

Hi glenfwb,

Yes, the treatment regimen described appears reasonable.

The fact that there is minimal pain does not mean it is safe to dive. The congestion within the middle ear space should resolve entirely before return to scuba, i.e., the sensation of water in the ear and clogging completely disappears.

Helpful?

Regards,

DocVikingo

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.