Just Diagnosed with Chronic Sinusitis and Diving in 5 Days

[occrider]

I just got a sinus cat scan at an ENT and the doc said I was suffering from chronic sinusitis . I'm supposed to be in Belize in 4 days and diving in 5. He put me on Methylprednisolone (medrol), Biaxin, gave me some Nasonex, and told me to take Sudafed before diving. Should I withhold taking the Nasonex until the day of the dive (so as not to build up a resistance)? Does anyone else have sinusitis and had success with any of these treatments? My sinusitis is such that I only feel it at random times flying. But when I did my pool test, I immediately felt pressure at 10ft depth. Is this a severe case such that my hopes of diving without corrective surgery are slim to none? It'll be a real bummer if I end up only snorkeling in Belize ....

 

[akscubainst]

I'm not a DR But I use nasonex and I know it takes a few days to kick in. If you wait then it won't kick in until the trip is about over.

Dave

 

[Lightning Fish]

Nasonex is a steroidal spray, correct? If so, from what I've been told by doctors, it takes several days of use before its effects become noticeable. Based on this, waiting until the day of the dive will make it useless. I was also told that you can't build up a resistance to the steroidal sprays, but they can result in a dryness in your nose with prolonged use. The steroidal sprays are great for draining your sinuses without any rebound affect.

Bill.

 

[occrider]

Ok thanks for the info guys. I'll keep taking it and hope for the best on the day of the dive.

 

[atrossen]

My advice would be to enjoy the sun and the beach!

I too have just been diagnosed with chronic sinusitis. Dove in Cozumel over New Year's 2005 pushing the envelope, had some problems with clearing because of a cold. Now I have hearing loss in my right ear (tube put in for drainage) and am on my second round of prednisone. This after 3 Z-paks in 2 months. Questionable if I will get my hearing back as it is too soon to tell.

I now understand how sensitive our 5 senses are and to listen to what your body is telling you. We also need to listen to what our OW training tells us, when in doubt about your health condition for a dive, don't dive! It's not worth the permanent damage risk to future diving.

On a more positive note, I am hoping my ear heals rapidly and I will be able to dive in the next few years! Unforuntately, it's looking like the hearing loss may be permanent.

Good Luck and work on your tan on the boat!