Light-headed on Nitrox

[Seawitch2]

Snowbear,

I can see your concerns. Let me add a few details to the course of events.

First, the bell is fed with air from the outside. The air is pumped into the bell and their is some kind of system to remove the CO2. Otherwise I would not have gotten near it. I would have done a controled ascend, which was plan B if I did not felt better. I have been in bells fill with CO2 and is not a pleasant experience.

Second, I did not immediately proceed to 88' after I felt better. I stayed at 35' ft. for a long time after the dizziness disappeared. I (gradually) resumed the dive after I was sure I was OK. My buddy, who is also an instructor, was fully aware of what happened, so he kept an eye open just in case.

In addition, I switched to air for the subsequent dives. I did not want to push it on the Nitrox.

You thought you had a problem with your breathing gas - you ascended to the bell - breathed whatever was in that - felt better - and continued your dive to 88'?

 

[Snowbear]

...Second, I did not immediately proceed to 88' after I felt better. I stayed at 35' ft. for a long time after the dizziness disappeared. I (gradually) resumed the dive after I was sure I was OK. My buddy, who is also an instructor, was fully aware of what happened, so he kept an eye open just in case.

Thanks for the clarification. I'm glad you're OK.

I agree that it was probably not the nitrox that caused your dizziness. Ascending to the bell probably gave whatever the blockage was time to clear. Your buddy/instructor most likely didn't think it was a gas problem either.

My concern was that at the time YOU thought the problem was your gas. Yet you continued the dive on the same gas - to a greater depth than you had problems in the first place. I'm not at all criticizing you, Seawitch - just pointing out a potential problem.

 

[Seawitch2]

I agree that it was probably not the nitrox that caused your dizziness. Ascending to the bell probably gave whatever the blockage was time to clear. Your buddy/instructor most likely didn't think it was a gas problem either.

You are right. My buddy did not think it was a gas problem. He did not point out the possibility of an ear problem either, so I still had questions about what happened and how I could have prevent it. The inner ear problems make sense to me.

My concern was that at the time YOU thought the problem was your gas. Yet you continued the dive on the same gas - to a greater depth than you had problems in the first place. I'm not at all criticizing you, Seawitch - just pointing out a potential problem.

Your point was well taken, Snowbear. Food for thought. I appreciate your perspective and the input. Thanks!!

Seawitch2

 

[DEEPLOU]

rmediver2002,

I was diving EAN32.

I had not considered alternobaric or caloric vertigo. Good point. I did not mentionthat I was having problems equilizing my right ear. I did not consider it relevant but that now you brought up these possibilities, you may have something there.

BTW, thanks for the compliments,

PROBLEM EQUILIZING ONE EAR?? BINGO!!!

 

[Seawitch2]

Thank you all very much for your comments and input. I new I could count on my SB buddies for help and answers.

Thanks!!!

Dive Safe!!

Seawitch2