I'd dive with you even if you did wear a speedo (although I do not).
Would you buddy with me?
- Thread starter Euroboy_DC
- Start date
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dive pro
Contributor
Hello Board!
I'm a pretty new diver - I was certified in May of 2009 (OW), did my checkout dives at Bainbridge, PA (quarry), did my first two real dives on the Pacific side of Costa Rica, and just completed a couple of Nitrox dives in Bainbridge again this past weekend.
The problem is that I have some chronic sinus issues that require me to de-/ascend extra slowly to equalize. Once I'm down there I'm fine.
The problem is that I'm always hesitant to ask anyone to buddy up with me and going into this whole long spiel about my sinuses. I figure people just want to dive and not wait around for me to come down the line.
So this an informal poll (answers hidden except from me) - am I too "high maintenance"/a nuisance, or does this happen often enough that it's no big deal, etc.
Your input is very much appreciated.
Cheers!
If you have these problems, first of all I recommend a Doctor who is a Diver and understand diving issues, if you are a member of DAN they will direct you to a good one. Equalization issues are a fact and you are not the only one that has experienced them, this can happen to ALL of us on certain dives that we have a cold, congestion etc.
Try this, chew gum, move your jaw around prior to diving, the only use of anything I would recommend if you have not tried is a nasal spray, hours before and right before diving. When you can practice in a deep pool, when you feel a little discomfort before it becomes pain (pressure) attempt equalization, if it does not work go up and massage the area beneath the ears, a muscle right behind your jaw. Move your head up and down.
If this is a condition you have to live with, accept it and prevent, by Dive shops that provide a divemaster or Instructor and be their dive buddy, and yes I would certainly dive with you anytime, next time you come to Cancun, let me know!!!
Wishing you great diving.
a22shady
Contributor
We usually dive up at DutchSprings and Would not mind another joining in. I would make sure 100% it's your sinus's and not your form. As most newer divers can ahve a lot trouble with equalizing as Did I and My G/F only to find out there was nothing wrong with us but it was our form actually. If you have not watched this video It is worth while and very informative. I actually watched and sent Dr. Kay an email he responded and we spoke. After the video and talk we both can Descend with ease.
I had a lot of trouble getting down and very painful only to describe it was like being stabbed in the ear. I managed to get down after about 15min. once we were finished my ear was sore i visited my Doctor who checked my ear said I had some swelling but nothing seriuos. Said to take sudafed or Claritan D 12hour to help with equalizing.
Not giving up I posted here on the board and found the video and for me my problem was I was not actually pushing with enough pressure to make my ears equalize. "Dr. Kay mentioned also other big thing he said was to "pressurize: your ears just before descending as it makes it easier to equalize as you descend Listening to his advice next dive and ones there after for me have been great.
Doc's Diving Medicine Home Page
I had a lot of trouble getting down and very painful only to describe it was like being stabbed in the ear. I managed to get down after about 15min. once we were finished my ear was sore i visited my Doctor who checked my ear said I had some swelling but nothing seriuos. Said to take sudafed or Claritan D 12hour to help with equalizing.
Not giving up I posted here on the board and found the video and for me my problem was I was not actually pushing with enough pressure to make my ears equalize. "Dr. Kay mentioned also other big thing he said was to "pressurize: your ears just before descending as it makes it easier to equalize as you descend Listening to his advice next dive and ones there after for me have been great.
Doc's Diving Medicine Home Page
Can't swim
Contributor
Sure, I'd dive with ya. Anytime you want to do the Shenandoah River, once the water warms up a little, let me know!! It's not that far from the D.C. area.
OP
Euroboy_DC
Registered
Thank you again, everyone, for your great input and - more importantly - support!! Makes a world of difference to know I'm most likely not putting anyone out with my issues. That being said, though, I will definitely be having a chat with a diver/ENT ASAP.
As another point of clarification - while things change depending on season and other variables, I usually don't have much of a problem with equalizing my ears. It's the sinuses that give me the problem. After reading a lot more it sounds like those are subject to "passive equalization", so there's not much of a technique I can use for those. But it's good to know that people have had success with Claritin-D and Sudafed. I'd definitely make sure I'd time it correctly so I don't end up with a reverse squeeze.
What I also have at home but haven't used much (which will change now) is something similar to a neti pot. It's the same concept, but it's a small plastic bottle with a bent neck that gets filled with a warm salt solution, so you can actually squeeze it into one nostril, washing everything out (avoid the visual, if possible). Repeat in the other side.
So before my next dive in JAX in a couple of weeks I'll start some preventive therapy with sudafed or Claritin-D and daily saline rinses. Then we'll see what happens!
Thanks again for all your great replies!
As another point of clarification - while things change depending on season and other variables, I usually don't have much of a problem with equalizing my ears. It's the sinuses that give me the problem. After reading a lot more it sounds like those are subject to "passive equalization", so there's not much of a technique I can use for those. But it's good to know that people have had success with Claritin-D and Sudafed. I'd definitely make sure I'd time it correctly so I don't end up with a reverse squeeze.
What I also have at home but haven't used much (which will change now) is something similar to a neti pot. It's the same concept, but it's a small plastic bottle with a bent neck that gets filled with a warm salt solution, so you can actually squeeze it into one nostril, washing everything out (avoid the visual, if possible). Repeat in the other side.
So before my next dive in JAX in a couple of weeks I'll start some preventive therapy with sudafed or Claritin-D and daily saline rinses. Then we'll see what happens!
Thanks again for all your great replies!
Don't be afraid to let dive buddies know about your need to do slow ascents/descents. If they have a problem with it you probably don't want them as a buddy. My so descends very slowly because of sinus problems so when we dive together I descend very slowly with him.
MinisterDblue
Guest
I agree with communication. I'm learning as well and the best dive buddy I have had so far were my first instructor and a dive master that was showing a small group around in Costa Maya... I like things nice and slow and why in the world you would want to rush diving, leaves me dumbfounded but believe it or not, there's a lot of people that rush and it's like a race. It's supposed to be a relaxing sport, isn't it? That's my two cents... I'd dive with ya, if all we did was just hang on the rope...
LeadTurn_SD
Contributor
I'd dive with you.... Speedo is fine..... but a Borat Thong I'd need to think about..... 
Seriously, just tell potential dive buddies, and everything should be just fine.... if not, then they are probably not someone you'd want to dive with anyway.
Best wishes.
Seriously, just tell potential dive buddies, and everything should be just fine.... if not, then they are probably not someone you'd want to dive with anyway.
Best wishes.
crosing
Contributor
Euroboy, I dive Bainbridge every week, if you need a buddy shoot me a message!
I have the same issue, and would dive with you without hesitation. What's not good? We're underwater. Sometimes neat things appear during slow descents.
Take heart, you can improve your circumstance. Practice different equalizing techniques. I find none of them works all the time, but my most consistent winners are passive techniques like jaw thrusts and yawning. ymmv Equalize early and often.
Take heart, you can improve your circumstance. Practice different equalizing techniques. I find none of them works all the time, but my most consistent winners are passive techniques like jaw thrusts and yawning. ymmv Equalize early and often.
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