Would you buddy with me?

[Euroboy_DC]

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!

 

[devilkitty]

I suppose it would depend on what "extra slowly" means. How many feet (or metres, if you like) per minute?

 

[lavachickie]

You're smart to consider the issue and bring it up with people -- frankly, I think it'll be a good exercise that will flush out some potentially crappy buddies that are more interested in just getting themselves wet than actually having a good team experience with another diver.

I mean, yeah, if we went out three times and you had to call it each time because of lack of ability to equilize I'd probably say, "Dude, go to an ENT and call me when you get it fixed," but if your only need is to ascend slowly -- pffft, who cares?

I'm not a doctor, but as someone who also has chronic sinus issues (I'm allergic to SOMETHING every season), I swear by my rx for Sudafed. My doc is a diver and he set me up with a refillable rx and I take them an hour before I dive, and if it's a long day of multiple dives I take it again six hours later (it's actually 12 hour meds). It's perfect.

 

[dkktsunami]

Most of us are happy to help and enjoy watching new divers light up when the various parts of scuba begin to gel.

 

[seaducer]

Sure, I would dive with you. You would need to be honest about your difficulty upfront. As the more experienced diver it is my job to be patient, offer helpful advice should you solicit it, and remember what it was like for me when I had an issue.

Since you are very new and having sinus issues I would also take the responsibilty to call the dive should I think you are having too many problems.

FWIW I do think you should consult an ENT about your sinuses, if your trouble is only descending you can always abort without issue, but problems on the ascent can be extremely painful and unavoidable.

Keep in mind many people have sinus issues at first that fade away as well as they continue to dive. Good luck!

 

[MXGratefulDiver]

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!

Goodness gracious yes ... I would dive with you. Two of my favorite dive buddies have the same issue. I've been diving with one of them for almost a decade now. The other one lives a couple hundred miles east of here, and I don't dive with him nearly as often as I'd like to ... although we did get the opportunity to dive together just a few days ago.

Just make sure that your dive buddy knows about the issue ahead of time, so they know it's normal and that you're not having a problem they should be concerned about ... and go enjoy your dive.

... Bob (Grateful Diver)

 

[cmaha76]

I suppose for me it would depend... if it takes a few minutes each way, no problem, if we're talking 30 minutes of the dive spent descending and ascending it might be a problem. Even then, if there's good viz and the dive isn't that deep I'd be willing to hang with you there, I've seen some cool stuff on safety stops or ascents/descents.

As far as equalization issues, they happen all the time, but I've never buddied with someone that had constant problems equalizing. Personally, I have a much easier time equalizing now than I did when I was a new diver, and I really don't have that much experience at all, so maybe it will become easier for you as you progress in your experience.

 

[vladimir]

The sinus issues are no problem, but if being a "EuroBoy" involves wearing a speedo, you're on your own.

 

[wrybosome]

Euroboy,

I'd dive with you as well, and we're near some of the same quarries. PM sent.

Tim

 

[Euroboy_DC]

First of all, thank you all who have responded so far! I really appreciate it, and I really hope that as time goes on I get a chance to dive with you.

For clarification, the problem is not extreme - this past weekend at Bainbridge I got down to about 15 feet along with the rest of the group I attached myself to and had to stop for about a minute. I'd say I got to the 30' platform 3-5 minutes after the main contingent (and at the same time as another diver with similar issues). Going back up takes about the same amount of time.

I just got some good info from DAN about ENTs in my area. Of course, I can find an ENT here myself, but wanted their feedback about any ENTs who are divers or have experience with divers near my zip code (20009). So I'll be making an appointment very soon. (Especially since I'll be logging a couple of dives over the June 4 weekend near JAX).

Oh, and NO SPEEDOS!!! I think I wore my last pair when I was 14 or so. But in the words of Homer Simpson, from the episode when they all went to Brazil and his speedos kept riding up bis rear end: "Oh...I hope they're going somewhere good..."

Thanks again!