You got that right! I was discharged from the Coast Guard because I couldn't get rid of it either. And believe me, they tried everything before they discharged me!!
Discharged for seasickness? Man, I tried that but they wouldn't let me go. I barfed so much, I think I tossed up the dinner from my 16th birthday.....when I was 26! I had marathon ralph sessions, sometimes for an entire watch.
My advice, eat something that tastes good coming back up! Pancakes...add a little syrup for flavor, you'll appreciate it later. Bananas are soft and not too bad. Cool Ranch Doritos---never. Yes, as they said: greasy stuff, sausage, etc....that's terrible and it's worse coming back up. Most of it is in your mind, actually all of it, but that doesn't mean you can control it. Once the "what if I barf" thoughts start rolling, you start regretting last night's dinner and sooner or later, you see it again.
I spent weeks on end at sea in the Coast Guard and never got rid of it. I could function only for minutes at a time or in very calm seas. Meclazine dried me out, dramamine didn't work, ginger ale....well, it tasted okay coming back up. There was no magic remedy, until I was completely dehydrated and sickly, then I could function for longer periods of time, but that's not healthy.
Two contributors I've heard of are vision problems and congestion (particularly in the ear, but sinuses and ears are connected). Obviously if your eyes are tired or weak, they can't keep up with the motion and start rolling around and losing "control". I only just recently found this connection when I was prescribed my first pair of glasses and doing some hunting. I may try wearing my glasses next week and see if it's better....the weather in roatan has been a little bumpy the last few weeks. I dont' know about this one, but it's intruiging.
Congestion? When I was younger, I sailed with my parents and went on boats all the time. I could read while below decks in rough weather. As an adult, I would get queazy trying to make out the sign on the bathroom door that says "Men". Allergies and congestion were a problem that I had as an adult but not as a kid. There could be connection there for me. I avoided medicating the sinus issues while in the coast guard, but when I did, I noticed seasickness was less of a problem.
My advice:
-Stay hydrated.
-Do what it takes to keep the head congestion clear, that relieves pressure on the ears.
-Eat only food that you want to "taste" later.....that will keep you from eating foods that will make you sicker...you'll avoid that sausage gravy and corned beef hash.
-Be proactive, don't let the seas get to you, ride the waves instead of getting tossed about (this is the mental aspect, but it keeps you feeling like you're in control).
-Minimize tedious activities (reading, setting up gear, etc), prepare on the dock, jump in quickly after you suit up.
-Stand on windward side of boat, look at the horizon, point your face into the wind like a dog....the fresh air will do you good.
-Avoid diesel or gas fumes.....they'll make you toss cookies for sure.
-Always make sure you have a clear path to the leeward side so you can "discharge overboard" if you have to.
-Avoid conversation and focus on the horizon, not things in the boat.
-Try different things. We're all different, something may work for you that doesn't work for others. Sure would be nice to find that thing!
Good luck! I know your pain!
~Al
but then again it could all be in my head.
