Trouble equalizing

[slowdescent]

I have been examined by a Physician's Assistant due to allergy-like symptoms, and he said I have a deviated septum, which an ear-nose-throat doctor can fix during out-patient surgery. So far, the pills I take have not helped my difficulty in equalizing as I descend. The question is, are there any ENT doctors reading this forum who think getting the deviated septum fixed would help with equalizing?

 

[BrianS]

Try here

http://www.scubaboard.com/forumdisplay.php?f=4

 

[FOUNDATIONER]

I'm not an ENT, but I just had surgery for deviated septum and all the
other stuff that goes along with it. (4 procedures at the same time)
I was out the same day, down for about a week.
I thought I had allergies, I was always extremely slow to equalize.
Did it help? Absolutely yes. And not just diving. My entire quality of
life is greatly improved! And I dont snore nearly as much which has saved
my ribs a whole lotta beating
If youve already been through the whole nasal steroid thing, the shots thing and
none of that works, go to a good ENT. First thing he will probably do is a CT scan
of your head, then take it from there.
By the way, I don't really have allergies, it was my deformed sinus all along.
Hope this helps. Happy diving!

 

[RocketMan]

I have been examined by a Physician's Assistant due to allergy-like symptoms, and he said I have a deviated septum, which an ear-nose-throat doctor can fix during out-patient surgery. So far, the pills I take have not helped my difficulty in equalizing as I descend. The question is, are there any ENT doctors reading this forum who think getting the deviated septum fixed would help with equalizing?

I have a problem clearing my left ear but it is from blocked estuation tube due to sinus problems (although I have a deviated septum too). My ENT (who is a diver) gave me a prescription for RHINOCORT AQUA nasal spray. He recommended I use it at least 30 minutes before a dive. Last all day. Works great.

 

[Scottri]

I had a deviated septum fixed several years ago and it made a huge difference in my comfort level with diving. I can now equalize with no problems. The surgery was worth it.

 

[RiverRat]

I had a deviated septum fixed several years ago and it made a huge difference in my comfort level with diving. I can now equalize with no problems. The surgery was worth it.

I just had mine fixed today! I'm sitting here looking like Hannibal the Cannibal with my guaze "moustache" :11: I've had "allergies" and snoring/apnea and mouth breathing all my life. Just had a bad ear infection (2 within 2 years of diving actually) not too long ago and I contribute that to the poor sinus drainage on the right side. I did it for the improved quality of life and if it helps my equalizing so be it!

 

[scubamickey]

What does the surgery involve? Was it painful?

 

[rockjock3]

I'm not an ENT, but I just had surgery for deviated septum and all the
other stuff that goes along with it. (4 procedures at the same time)
I was out the same day, down for about a week.
I thought I had allergies, I was always extremely slow to equalize.
Did it help? Absolutely yes. And not just diving. My entire quality of
life is greatly improved! And I dont snore nearly as much which has saved
my ribs a whole lotta beating
If youve already been through the whole nasal steroid thing, the shots thing and
none of that works, go to a good ENT. First thing he will probably do is a CT scan
of your head, then take it from there.
By the way, I don't really have allergies, it was my deformed sinus all along.
Hope this helps. Happy diving!

I second that. I had a severe deviated septum and things such as normal breathing were just horrible. If I had even a little hayfever then my whole head would shutdown due to it. I got it fixed with a couple of hours at the hospital and a week of recovery. I breath and do everything that involves breathing soooooo much better now. My wife also says that I don't snore anymore. I used to wake her up it was so bad but she says the only time I snore now is if I am congested from seasonal allergies or I am really, really tired. Probably only every couple of months on average.

Get checked and if you have one then get that bad boy fixed.

 

[RiverRat]

What does the surgery involve? Was it painful?

It all depends on one's particular situation and the condition of the septum. Mine was a substancial deviation causing me to go ahead with surgery. When I was in the recovery room I would say on a pain scale of 1-10 it was a 2 maybe? More like a stinging sensation. Of course I was coming off of general anesthesia. My doc gave me a scrip for Percoset but said I could just use Tylenol if the discomfort was not that bad. I elected to get the meds anyway just in case tonight while trying to sleep the discomfort level rises. Didn't want to be scrambling for meds while in pain. My symptoms are just as the doc described. He said I'd hear horror stories about black eyes, swollen face etc. but that it was not that bad. So far he's right on the money. I have a guaze strip under my nose to catch the drainage and blood. If I lay back reclined and take it easy there is minimal drainage but if I "run around" then I get more substancial bleeding. I have no splints and no packing just as he said. He stated he would only use them if needed. All surgery was done through the nostrils, no incisions. Don't quote me, but from what I understand he goes in, striped off the membranes, took out a piece of septum to shorten it, then re-attached it and the membranes. By shortening it up it pulls straight. He said they've come along way with the procedure these days. I'm not sure how I'd feel right now without the Percoset. I'll know for sure when I get up in the morning. I'm sure they'll be a week of nasty drainage. You can't blow your nose and have to sneeze with your mouth open to avoid over pressurization causing bleeding. Post here or PM in several days or weeks and I'll let ya know how the recovery goes. Good luck and base any decisions on what your Doctor tells you about YOUR particular situation and whether or not the surgery is worth the risk to improve quality of life.

I'm not a doctor so take this with a grain of salt

 

[veggiedog]

I had a deviated septum repaired due to an injury (knee collided with nose tucking for gainer off the high dive). Doctor packed both sinuses so full of gauze I thought my head was going to explode when the anesthesia wore off. He gave me major pain pills (Darvon I think), and he opened his office the next day (Saturday) just for me without any feedback from me about my suffering so that he could remove the gauze packing rather than leave me that way over the weekend.

The removal of the gauze and the ensuing release of all pain is a memory I will never forget. After the removal of that gauze, everything was great.

I have broken many things, so pain is no stranger to me. The release of pain is altogether a different story.