I'm doing my Open Water classes in Rochester (arriving in Bonaire in just a week!!!), and last night had the first session in a deep pool (13ft).

I thought I'd equalized OK, had no pain or problems in the pool, but after I got home, I started to realize my ears were VERY uncomfortable. Not pain, just really stuffy --- felt as if they were full of water (gurgly-sounding), or I was going up and down in a plane.

Bothered me all night (not much sleep!!). I swallowed, yawned, held my nose and blew, and nothing seemed to really help. It's somewhat better now (1 pm), but still feels really stuffy and "gurgly". I took some Sudafed, but don't know if that helped.

Is this something I should be concerned about?

I was wondering about "reverse block", but my PADI manual says how not to get it, but not what to do if you do get it (or how it might feel afterwards). I suppose I could have not equalized on the last way up, but, as I said, I experienced no pain at the time.

Would appreciate any insight. I'm scheduled for the open water dives in the lake this weekend, and now I'm even more nervous than I was before. Thanks for any info/suggestions

i had more trouble equalizing in the pool than i did once i was in the open water. i really concerned my that i may not be able to equalize when i went to open water. the pool sessions at first were difficult for me. but once in the open water, it went fine. now i never have trouble equalizing so long and i take my time and do it often. i just have to remember not to rush.

sounds perhaps more like a problem with the chorinated water than with equalization. perhaps you can try to remove water from your ear after your pool sessions...

thanks bob, but after my first sessions, i never have had trouble when i did my advanced or rescue dive training or any other dives in the pool. i now am dive master. it was really exciting to get that certification this spring.

i suspect the more one is in the water, the more tolerant one's systems become...josie comments made it sound more like a reaction to the water rather than a problem with equalization.

congrats on your certification...

Josie,

From what you described you had water remaining in the external ear canal. Pick up an over the counter ear dryer "Auri Dry" or similiar product and the gurgling should go away. Avoid any home brews, there is a balance in the fluids that breaks up the water and flushes the ear. Sudafed will not help in this instance. I have found I do not need the ear dry when in salt water, but use it anyway after a days diving just to disinfect the canal.

Josie, agreed with what Kelly said. I have that problem after pretty much every dive, it's disconcerting but not a problem. It's just water trapped behind your eye drums, sometimes it will clear by laying on your side, it will always go away after a few days. Using a q-tip after the dive will probably not help. The only possible issue is getting an ear infection, that has not happened to me but I guess is a possiblity.

Thanks, everyone. I love this board, I can always rely upon good information. I'll pick up some Auri-dry on my way home.

Josie, I had a reverse squeeze on my last trip to Bonaire. Unfortunately, my sinuses becamed a little clogged on one of my dives and on the way up there was no room for the air to expand. Didn't really feel any pain, just a little blood in my mask when I reached the surface. The air ruptured some small blood vessels and pushed more water into the ear canal. All I heard for two days was echos and swooshing water. Also, the doctor thought that the massive sinus infection that developed afterwards was a bacterial infection that took advantage of the rupture sites. I suspect that there was some nasty little bacteria in the water at the time since everyone was reporting a little brown tinge to the water and visibility was not as good as usual. Anyone else out there have problems similar to this? I know that Captain Don is very concerned about the use of septic systems all over the island and the potential harm of the contents on the coral. We need to also think about the potential exposure of Divers to the nasty little bugs that can grow in those sorts of systems. Similar problems can also be caused by cleaning/flushing out the heads on boats.

I had trouble with reverse blocks toward the end of my Belize vacation in March. During ascents one ear would delay clearing, this would kick me into instant motion sickness, not fun. I would stop my ascent and wait for the two ears to even out. Since then I've heard that you squeeze your nose and suck gently to clear. I've not tried this so really don't know how it works.

Just caught this but conversation, I am with Cecil in that after every dive, I feel like I am in a tunnel. Water seems to just want to stay in the cannal. It really bothered me at first, but then I did what Kelly suggested with the OTC ear drops. Mostly just alcohol, it doens't clear up right away, but it definetly helps. Since I discovered this secret over a year ago, I now have a bottle in my dive bag and never leave home without it! Josie, I suggest you give it a try...good luck on your dives this weekend!

Just picked-up on this too. I have just recently finished reading the Scuba Magazine. It has some very useful tips about ears and diving.. off the top of my head points mentioned were:

Test for the "pop" by pinching your nose and blowing hard until you hear your ears pop before you dive.

Equalize at the surface before you descend to inflate your eustachian tubes.. continue to do this often..

Never continue to descend if you have pain in your ears.. ascend a few feet and try to equalize again.. should you not be successful, abort your dive.

If you've had past infections in your middle ear or drainage, (in the past 3 years) you may have partially blocked eustachian tubes and may be at greater risk of middle ear barotrauma.. go see an ENT Surgeon for a check-up before you leave for your diving holiday..

There's also an article on the buddy system by Paul Humann... He talks about "solo diving". Very interesting...

Good advise, I think...

Thanks, Cynde, I did get the OTC stuff, and it definitely helps. Also, Sarah thanks for those hints. I had a little trouble on my first open water dive today (I think I was so nervous I didn't actually realize we were going down a couple of times, and didn't equalize).

All told, it was a rough day. On my very first dive I got spooked, and told the instructor I had to go up, and was getting pretty panicky. I had exhausted myself breathing so fast and hard, and he had to tow me back to the boat. I did go in for the second dive, but I was so nervous! I did a couple of the skills, then started to feel I might start to panic again. So, I just went out.

Didn't help that it was very silty in the lake and viz was 10-15 feet. Because I'm not a very strong swimmer, I think I was afraid he'd move faster than I could keep up and then I'd lose sight of him (and then, of course, I knew I'd die!!!) Who says I'm rational.

Anyway, going back tomorrow... Pray for me, guys!

When I'm on Bonaire (arriving Thursday --- Yeah!!!), it's my plan to either repeat the whole open water dive series, or get some private instructor time for "hand-held" dives. I'm also thinking seriously about trying to get a woman instructor. I think I need some more compassion and nurturing than I'm getting so far. This is my second Open Water course and both times the instructor was a man. May be I need achange? The first time I did the course, I was too afraid to even try the open water dives, so I've gone farther this time. I want to do whatever is necessary to succeed this time, even at the risk of sounding sexist!!!

Josie, first of all, I have to say "WELL DONE YOU". It takes a lot of courage to do what you did today.. I can relate to you completely.. though I never did reach certification, as I had a lousy instructor here in the UK that lost his patience with me, I will try again, when I'm ready to.. I love to snorkel, and am always happy doing that on vacation. I hold my breath quite well, and so get close to the fishes anyway.. All that aside, I also feel that if I go ahead and try again, I will most certainly want to have "one-on-one" training. I want the instructor to concentrate on me, and only me. And if it means holding my hand, so be it!!!!!.. I'm a good swimmer, but didn't feel very comfortable with the equipment. All those hoses and things!!!!! I am fortunate in that Hugh is a Divemaster and I know that he will always be my buddy.. I'm sure that once you get to Bonaire, they'll sort you out.. I know that the instruction at Plaza Resort is 1st class!!!!
I wish you all the very best Josie, and good luck. One thing though, if you're not comfortable with it even after the nurturing an' all, perhaps you should stick with the mask and snorkel!!! I say that in the nicest possible text..

Sarah

JOSIE: I'll second the WELL DONE! I don't know that either gender is necessarily more sympathetic as a group...never had a lot of luck with woman doctors, either. It doesn't sound so much like diving per se is a problem, as it is your underlying concern about your swimming skills. Maybe that's the area to concentrate on for a bit. You have mentioned it before, so I'm wondering if it bothers you at surface,or is more bothersome when you think of diving? Do you think you might relax a bit if you spent some time just improving whatever you feel is weak, such as power or distance. Just a thought...

Kerri, you're right about my concern about my swimming skills, and it is something I intend to concentrate on also. I only learned to swim about 10 years ago, after being so afraid of water all my life, and went with the one-on-one instruction for that, because regular lessons had never worked for me. I wanted to be able to snorkel, so I actually did most of the lessons with the snorkel and fins, so I've never really "swum". Mainly, I learned to float, kick my legs and breathe through the snorkel. I still don't particularly like being in the water, except I have to to snorkel...and to dive.

Josie, here's a little something for you...

Mr Puffer says "come on Josie" you can do it...

FAILED THE OPEN WATER DIVES today!!

I just got scared. Bad mental attitude that I couldn't get out of. I was afraid of being afraid, and guess what??? I was afraid.

Aborted the whole thing. I'll go to Bonaire with a referral, do a couple of private lessons to see if I can relax, then decide about trying the open water dives again. Gotta give it that try...

Now, I'm going to work on my attitude between now and Friday. Thanks for all your support. What will be will be. If I do the best I can, but can't beat this fear, then I'll just decide the big guy/gal made me to snorkel, not dive.

Josie,

Everybody gets scared on the first dives. You are working to overcome a natural instinct that says you cannot breath underwater, and experiencing a huge amount of task loading.

Your plan to go with a referral, maybe a couple of practice dives (which are allowed), and then go for your certification is very sound. I have found one advantage women have is that they are willing to express their "fears." I forgot who/where you are diving, but I highly recommend Manunita with Buddy Dive. She is among the most skilled Instructors and has the patience of Job. If you really want to dive (sometime people dive for the wrong, joining their partners, etc.) talk it over with the Instructor of your choice, it may cost you more, but in the long run you will be a better diver for the extra experience.

Josie, I'm sorry to hear that you aborted.. but your decision to do a couple of private lessons on Bonaire is a very good one. Perhaps the atmosphere (nice clear water, friendly folks etc..) will make you feel more relaxed.. I certainly hope so.. I too have decided to "get on with it" as it were... and get certified soon. I'll do a weekend intensive here in the UK (again) and perhaps the rest on Bonaire.. I will most certainly finish-up with Toucan Diving though.. I should have done it on the Caymans, but I was too busy sunbathing/snorkeling and drinking!!!!!whoever you choose, is up to you.. I hope you find an excellent Instructor that will give you the nurturing you need.. When will you be on Bonaire? All the best, Sarah

Thanks, Ladies.

Kelly, several other people have mentioned Manunita (who, unless there's another one, is with BonBini). That will probably be my route now.

Sarah, I'll be arriving on Bonaire about 6 pm on Thursday!!!! Whatever happens with the diving, I know I'll have a wonderful time. And, I really do want to dive just for me. My husband isn't interested, after trying with me the first time around about 8 years ago, but Bonaire has made me lust to see more than I can snorkeling. And I planned this trip for diving (going there alone, because he didn't want to leave the best weather we have all year here --- he'll only go south in the winter. We'll see what happens, and I'll keep you posted.

Sorry to Buddy Dive/BonBini...Manunita does indeed work with BonBini. The water off the dock at BonBini is wonderfully warm and clear with a perfect sandy bottom and teeming with friendly critters. Just enjoy the experience and worry about the other stuff later.

Josie, I hope you have a wonderful trip, and everything goes well for you.. Frankly, I'm perfectly happy not diving, even though my partner does.. I have to try and get to grips with it for the sake of my studies.. If I don't, then I'll be reverting to Oceanography!!!!! Look forward to your report when you return..

Josie....that's too bad, but your attitude sounds okay to me - you won't quit!!!

Linda and Kitty at Caribe Inn are 'mature' women who are excellent instructors with patience of saints. (I used mature, cuz I wouldn't insult them by saying they are old - Kitty is my age and I'm certainly not old. Well, I may get older - but, I refuse to grow up!

Good luck and I think with the clear waters of Bonaire, you will see a whole world of difference and feel much more comfortable.

Josie - good luck in Bonaire - one thing that strikes me that will happen - you'll get under the surface and the amazing sea life will make you forget your nervousness. You will be so busy taking in all the beauty that surrounds you that you'll do just fine.

Gail,

Linda said exactly the same thing when I passed along that Josie would retry her open water dives on Bonaire. My thought is that without gloves, a thick wet suit, and all the other stuff, never mind warm water, you'll be a lot more comfortable too, Josie. See you in a week or so!

Jake

It will be much better in Bonaire. We did our open water in Lake Powell (wonderful place above water) and it was muddy and icky on the bottom. I thought - why am I doing this??

But, our first dive in Bonaire was wonderful. Once we were in the water, seeing all there is to see in the water was great. And, the water was warm. It made it worth it to go thro the certification process.

Josie: You go girl! Be easy on yourself. Kelly's right. We all get some combination of excitement/tension early on.And Jake and Linda have it right,too. The wanting to, and the scenery gets some of us over the hump. If it doesn't..so be it. You've come a long way. I'm probably gonna be a snorkeller from now on so maybe you'll show me the best places.......

I agree with others. Doing your open water dives in clear water with all of the beautiful creatures to see will really help. I certified one year ago in a muddy quarry, visability limited, with a very thick suit, had to walk a considerable distance fully geared - not a particularly great experience for your first open water dives. Since then I have done several dives in Carib. and have loved it!! I certified alone (husband did not have interest- my son wants to scuba when he is older- he's 10 now). I'm headed to Bonaire Aug. 16th and can't wait to dive!!! Good luck with your dives Josie.

Josie, I think Kelly said it best, find someone who can work with you one on one and that has a lot of patience. I taught swimming for years, and when you are dealing with fear in the water, a little hand holding can accomplish miracles!

As I am mainly a cold water diver, I can see how all the gear and elements could definetly make it more difficult when learning. Without all the extra gear and warm water as Jake and Gail said, will be much more relaxing. Plus are facing your fear which is the first step, and I am sure you are not the first person to have felt this way when learning to dive. So hang in there, and think of all of the wonderful folks on this board who are behind you 100%! In the end, if you decide to hang up the tank, and go with the mask and snorkel, that's ok too. You go girl and have a wonderful time! If I were down there the same time as you I would love to dive with you!

Josie,
As everyone else has said,, you are being a dad TOO hard on your self...you didn't FAIL your check out dives.. you just proved you are highly capable of making the toughest decision facing ANY diver... the decision not to dive on a given day..

Manuita is a very nice lady who makes diving fun and has helped several of my divers IMMENSELY.. Bon Bini is a shop that specializes in giving the little bit of personal attention... what ever you do (and I know.. this is hard).. Don't worry about it!!! You will do FINE.. Bonaire is just like the worlds nicest swimming pool...

Just remember dive your OWN comfort zone..

Jason, I knew there was something I wanted to say. And you said it perfectly. JOSIE.....Like Jason sez!

You guys are so good. Thanks for all the comments, and the direct emails. I am feeling much better today, and I just sent an email to Susan at BonBini to set up a time to go down and visit with them on Friday.

Bea & Marvin, your post took me back to our houseboat rental on Lake Powell about 4 years ago -- a truly wonderful experience. I'm still dying to get back. The night sleeping on the roof under the stars... I love that area. On that trip, we also visited Zion, Bryce and the N. Rim of the GC, then 5 days on Lake Powell. It was all such a memorable trip.

I'll start a new thread once I'm on Bonaire; "Josie's Diving Adventures". Keep watching...

Josie, I'll look forward to that.. You take care...

Josie, best of luck, we are all pulling for you. I have trouble explaining my thoughts on this subject. I naturally want you to be sucessful and futhermore be comfortable diving, it should be a fun relaxing interesting experence. But on the other hand as Jason explained, if it does not work out, I for one will not think the less of you. You have to overcome some very real fears. I hopefully will be going down this road with Sue in the near future.

Regardless have a great vacation.

Josie....I echo what everyone is saying. You go for it lady!!!!!

I certified in murky, cold water and when I found warm Caribbean water, I sold my wetsuit, booties, hood and glove because I told myself there's nothing better in life - warm, clear water. It takes a special person to dive in that kind of water and I say - God Bless them, I'm glad it's not me!

The best desciption I read above was about the world's nicest and largest swimming pool you can imagine. Even claustraphobics can dive in Bonaire waters cuz it's sooooo clear and roomy. It's the best encouragement a new diver would ever need.

Good luck, have fun and take your great attitude to the completion of your cert.

Hello, sorry to come late into this conversation, but I'm just back from Bonaire and would like to add my own experiences regarding the ear/sinus problem...

I have dust and hayfever-type allergies and take Allegra D, which offers a little relief, but pretty much I just go through life with a bit of a stuffy nose and post nasal drip and always have.

I was certified last summer in Hawaii, and the first certification dive was no problem. On the second one, however, I had some trouble equalizing and was left feeling like some water was trapped in my ear. And so it remained. It was still like that a week after returning home, so I went to the doctor, who informed me that it was actually sinus fluid trapped in my ear. The pressure had caused it to drain there. Some prescription decongestants dried it up in a few days.

In January we went to Belize and I started taking prescription decongestants in advance. Once again the first dive was fine, but after that I was left with my ears stopped up after every dive. Some dives would actually seem to clear the congestion a bit, but the next dive would stop them up all the worse. We did 7 dives on the Belize trip, including the Blue Hole (very deep). Kept taking the decongestants after I returned home, but unfortunately the sinus fluid drained from my ears to my chest and I ended up with a mild upper resperitory infection.

I was still undeterred from diving, but obviously this was on my mind as we headed to Bonaire at the beginning of this month. Deciding the prescription decongestants had been too much (I'd rather have the Hawaii experience than the Belize one), I took Allergra D and regular Sudafed. Much to my happy surprise, I had practically no problem in Bonaire, and we did 22 dives over 6 days! Occasionally, on the third or fourth dive of the day, I would have a little trouble equalizing and would emerge with my ears a little plugged, but they always cleared within a few hours. I'm sure my doctor is expecting my call, but not this time!

I speculate two reasons why my ears cooperated so well in Bonaire. First, the island is pretty much a desert and has little flora. In this dry environment my allergies and congestion were minimized. Second, all my previous dives had been boat dives where we went down to about 60 feet or more as quickly as possible. In Bonaire we started shallow and gradually worked our way into deeper water. The dives were much more gentle.

I've read from other people on the site that they still suffer from allergies, congestion, and sinus block, even in Bonaire, but for my condition this environment appears to have been really ideal.

If you've actually read all the way through this lenthy monologue I thank you and would be happy to hear others' opinions. Cheers!