Is it a sensible assumption that I don't need seasick meds

[dlwalke]

I'm supposed to go diving out of Charleston SC this weekend (waves and weather permitting). The dive shop booker suggested I take dramamine or something similar whether I get seasick or not. I'm 44 and have never been seasick. I ocean kayak, have been on dive boats maybe 20 times (on a few occasions where another passenger got sick even though I felt perfectly fine), used to go boating with my dad in thed Chesapeake Bay, etc. I don't want to start taking prophylactic medicine for something I don't think I am even susceptible to, and am inclined to just assume that I'll be OK. If not, it will be a lesson learned (to the tune of $100) but am just wondering how sure of a thing it seems that I am simply not the kind of person who gets seasick. It seems like I would probably have had some sort of indication by now. Right?? Has anyone here been in a similar boat, so to speak, and then found out that they do get seasick despite an extensive history that might suggest otherwise?

Thanks for any input.

 

[DocVikingo]

Yes, that is a sensible assumption.

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,

Doc

 

[herman]

I would not assume it's a safe bet based on what you have posted. Where were the dive boats? Boat dives in Fla or the Caribbean don't count as far as I am concerned. If it's 20 NC dives maybe. It's a 50/50 shot for me, some day I get sick and others I don't. I run my own boat out of Southport and if I have to be out all day I take something. I don't bother for most Fla diving but if I am heading off shore here in NC and paying to dive, I am on Bonine (regular old Dramamine makes me about as sick as being ss). I had the pleasure of watching my buddy who "never gets seasick" hurl over the stern of my boat one afternoon, payback for the times I got sick on his boat. I am convinced no one "never" gets seasick but there are those who are pretty immune. It's your choice but it's a long miserable day if you do. Bonine is cheap. :voskl1:

 

[Cheley]

I get sea sick regularly....but that doesn't keep me from diving.

My husband on the other hand has spent the last 10 years telling me that it's all in my head and I don't need the meds. We recently went out and I can't tell you how pleased I was to look to the back of the boat to see my "all in your head" husband doing those long swallows that you do before you puke, while I sat calmly enjoying my trip and the benefits of dramamine. It was validation for me. He was sick. This person who flies for a living, has made great claims of never being sick while lecturing about the psychology of seasickness.

My point is...it happens to everyone. I go ahead and pop my tablet, then I know I'm safe. No big deal. I will let you know however, just in case you need this information...and I hope you don't. You can vomit thru the regulator. I know this unfortunately because I've had to do it on several occasions. To keep myself comfortable, I try and keep my wetsuit off until dive time, and pull it off directly after the dive, I try to get into the water as quickly as possible (but if the queasy feeling is already there..sometimes it doesn't go away), and I try to sit away from the engine fumes and not move around too much. Even if I get sick I still enjoy diving so much that I don't mind the cost. But, it's not a 'man test'.....Nothing wrong with a little tablet for comforts sake....

Dramamine has never made me drowsy..I take the Non-drowsy kind, but I know others have had problems with it...test it out on land before you go if you are unsure.

Good luck.

 

[Sue H]

Hi. I never had any problems until around the 80 odd dive mark when one day I got crook and aborted a dive. I had booked a double dive off an inflatable. I always ,always take Kwells, and this was the first time I'd used Dramamine. Second dive I aborted, laying on the boat whilst my partner and everyone else dived. Mind you , 2 others joined me on the side after their dive, very choppy and rough sea. I believe Dramamine was the culprit, as on Kwells I never get sick. I have spoken to many divers about seasickness medication that dos'nt agree with them, while particular ones do. strange, but i guess it's individual. Though I do not believe anybody is immune all the time to seasickness.....

 

[hgroberts]

Belive it or not, the sea sickness will stop once you hit the water.

 

[rookers]

The only time I have ever hurled is after getting back in the boat in the rough. I had been hovering shallow over a venturi getting swept to and fro for quite a while waiting for the DM to motion me to the ladder. About a minute after re-mounting the boat... boom... chunder.

 

[ParamedicDiver1]

I have never had a problem with motion sicknes / sea sickness. Spending the better part of the last 14 years in the back of an ambulance has probably helped with that. That being said, last month I went on a boat trip and for the first time in my life was nauseous. I never vomited, but I sure was miserable. Next time I will do some prophylactic medication...I do not want to be miserable again on a trip!

 

[Damselfish]

The person in the shop is likely saying this either because they've known people to insist they don't get sick, but get sick anyway on their trips. (Maybe they have to clean up. ) Or, they get seasick themselves and someone who does just can't believe that some people don't. You pay your money, you take your chances I suppose.

But some people really don't get seasick. If you think you're one of them, I wouldn't take stuff you don't think you need. Maybe you are taking a chance but you'll probably do other similar trips, do you always want to be taking something just in case because others are worried about it, something that may as mentioned cause you a problem instead?

Do compare like conditions though. Boats of different sizes in different water conditions, cars or other vehicles, planes, roller coasters, addition of fumes, food, whatever - different things may bother different people. The only thing that gets me is fake motion like those movie simulator rides or IMAX theaters - put me on a boat in big waves and stuff and it's great fun, I love the ride. (Most boat trips in tropical waters aren't a good comparison to stuff off the east coast, but some are - I've been on tropical boats in some pretty wild water.)

 

[calscubagirl]

I don't think I am even susceptible to, and am inclined to just assume that I'll be OK.

The word "assumption" is the mother of all screw ups.

If you don't want to take a pill....Sea Bands (for pressure points) are an alternative and are inexpensive. I think I paid $10.00 for mine. Another thing that works for me is ginger. They come in pill formation and are a natural herb. I've also heard that ginger snaps can settle a sour stomach.