Oopsie - MEBT

[DandyDon]

It was Sudafed-D - where I had to show my photo ID. The doctor in Cozumel told me it was counterproductive to take it if I wasn't congested and said it was a waste of time and money? I've always taken it in the past and never had issues.

I did not know that particular Sudafed-D name was being used, I can't find it on the net, neither of which means that it's not for sale these days but there has been a lot of confusion since the manufacturer slapped the well recognized and popular Sudafed name on boxes that contained a different med. You might double check the box to see if it does indeed contain Pseudoephedrine 60 mg per pill, but if you had to show your photo ID and sign, then I guess we are talking about the same med. Sudafed PE is phenylephrine and considered worthless by some.

I am baffled about the Cozumel doctor telling you that taking Pseudoephedrine was counterproductive. I'd suggest taking one the night before and one the morning of any diving. I have no credentials, just decades of experience with that med.

 

[scrane]

Yes, you must differentiate an outer ear/ ear canal issue from a inner ear/escutcheon tube/ equalization problem. From your description it does seem like an outer ear problem and any discussion on equalization will confuse the issue. Decongestants will have no effect on an outer ear problem.
The first thing to check with an outer ear problem is whether the ear canal is free of wax. I keep my ear canals clear by running warm water into my ears periodically in the shower. But if I were you I'd check with an ear specialist.

 

[Snoweman]

Yes, you must differentiate an outer ear/ ear canal issue from a inner ear/escutcheon tube/ equalization problem.

Later, the doctor confirmed a middle ear barotrauma.

 

[scrane]

Missed that. Thanks. I got stuck on the fact that no difficulty equalizing was mentioned in the first post.

 

[Snoweman]

Missed that. Thanks.

I do it all the time.

I'm surprised that meclizine wasn't given for the nausea.

 

[kelemvor]

You might try these. Another diver (in Coz, I think) was raving about them. I've had a DM explain to me that they are voodoo, but didn't elaborate on it.

Doc's ProPlugs Vented Ear Plugs, Clear, With Leash

This!

My wife had a great deal of trouble equalizing until she got the doc's proplugs. They're super cheap - $20 at most dive shops or you can order them online. Once you get over this current problem, try the proplugs on your next dive.

 

[Snoweman]

This!

My wife had a great deal of trouble equalizing until she got the doc's proplugs. They're super cheap - $20 at most dive shops or you can order them online. Once you get over this current problem, try the proplugs on your next dive.

I would try a dive shop, as they will size the customer for the proper plug size.

 

[JPham73]

I do it all the time.

I'm surprised that meclizine wasn't given for the nausea.

My husband had meclizine in his bag because he gets motion sickness. We are a hot mess.

 

[Snoweman]

My husband had meclizine in his bag because he gets motion sickness. We are a hot mess.

My dive buddies get motion sickness. One pulled out his reg during a safety stop to feed the fish during 15' seas. You could see out the side of the waves. Never been burdened that way myself.

 

[DandyDon]

I really wanted to check the details so asked JPham73 to send me a photo of the Sudafed box, which she sol kindly did, and it was not Sudafed-D. It's 24 hour 240 mg Phenylephrine, which the company sells as Sudafed and causes a lot of confusion, but it doesn't help much.

Real, original Sudafed contains Pseudoephedrine from which it got its name. It's a pain at times to differentiate the two P-chemicals, but so important as only one works well. It's a little difficult to find but Walgreens carries it in the Wal-Act D label. It's also illegal in Mexico so don't get caught with it. So far I've smuggled it in on every trip with no problem, but it's a risk.

The other decongestant the doctors gave her Loratadina fenilefrina, essentially Claritin antihistamine plus Phenylephrine.