My first dive, some serious sinus pains!

[fmerkel]

Unfortunately on land you may not be able to tell how you are doing. If you notice a BIG difference in breathing ability after Afrin or pseudofed use then you may have some chronic congestion that you are so accustomed to that you don't notice it. A couple weeks on nasal steroids will also show you the difference. They are relatively safe so may be worth a try but require a prescription. Psueodfed and Afrin should NOT be used for prolonged periods of time, especially Afrin. Read the labels.

Consider using the Afrin on the next dive. Be sure to tell your buddy/instructor you've had reverse block problems and have seen a Dr. (Don't tell an instructor you are using Afrin unless you want a lot of grief. Chances are they use it also occasionally but can't say so in class). Make sure you descend SLOWLY and in good control. Go down a line or follow the bottom contour. Pay close attention to ear clearing (review those same references I sent about your girlfriend), AND watch for mild pin-prick sensations above, below, or behind the eyes. You can kind of imitate it by pressing with your fingernails just above the eyebrows. Also watch for low grade tooth sensations. All these mean that the sinus is not clearing. If it happens---STOP!! Go no farther. Wait a bit. If it goes away, you can try and descend cautiously some more with the same awareness. If you have a small opening into the sinus it can clear but only if you descend slowly. If you move too fast you create trauma, it closes up, and you create the reverse block again.

There are lots of references on line. Read them all while you heal up. Good luck.

Fritz

 

[TinoD'Voe]

Thanks to everyone, great info! i'll try those suggestions.

 

[TinoD'Voe]

Update:

I went back and finished the course last sunday. It all went well with no sinus pains. I tried Nasonex for a week before and took some Afrin with me in case the first dive was causing trouble. I jumped in without any nasal spray or decongestant help just to see if the problem was fixed or it was something that needed more attention. I did notice some pressure as I was descending and ascending but I took it slow and equalized constantly. I'm hoping that it was some sort of infection and nothing that will show up too often (hopefully never again in my life). I signed up for the advanced class that starts next week and i'm looking forward to trying the next step. If I wasn't so utterly broke right now i'd buy a drysuit and some gear but I may have to rent for a while. Thanks again for your advice!

 

[fmerkel]

Good result. Paying attention is a big part of keeping this problem under control. You need to be in touch with how your sinuses and ears feel before the dive and take correction as needed. I've found that I can often do a single dive satisfactorily but if I'm in a situation that needs several ascents/descents (new diver, gear issue, etc.) I'll start to have increasing difficulty.

Fritz