I am posting this update because folks on this site have been helpful, especially, Dr. Mike. Memorial Day weekend, over 13 weeks ago, I pushed too hard to descend through congestion while teaching OW class and gave myself a nice ear barotrauma. Yes, very dumb on my part. Barotrauma led to infection (maybe), antibiotics did not resolve problem and the ear drum ruptured 15 days later. No diving since.
Status: Ear drum has completely healed but fluid remains in the middle ear. I flunked the Tympanogram, but I am able to get air into the middle ear by jaw movement, swallowing and valsalva method. The ENT thinks that the middle ear has fluid but not totally full. Her prescription: "At this point your ear drum is well healed and you can equalize by getting air into the middle ear. I hereby clear you to TRY diving. Descend slowly and stop at any discomfort".
Though I appreciate the clearance, she is not a diver. However, why would I seek a second opinion to tell me NOT to dive? I went to the pool last night, slowly descended to 10 feet, put my head down on the pool floor and had no problem. Next, Cocos Island in 3 weeks...a huge difference. ENT has prescribed antibiotics if rupture happens again, and a few other things to keep me clear as can be. Fingers crossed and I will abort at the first sign of discomfort. Undersea Hunter boat has a kayak, so that might be my trip...and hiking on the island.
Thanks to all for your help. Lesson, as you age (over 60 now) or any age, pushing your ear drums is just not worth it...even for students. Also, DAN docs have been helpful and repeated the same theme...if your ear drum is healed and you can equalize, go ahead and try. Nobody is thrilled that fluid remains this long, but...*&it happens.
Rob
Status: Ear drum has completely healed but fluid remains in the middle ear. I flunked the Tympanogram, but I am able to get air into the middle ear by jaw movement, swallowing and valsalva method. The ENT thinks that the middle ear has fluid but not totally full. Her prescription: "At this point your ear drum is well healed and you can equalize by getting air into the middle ear. I hereby clear you to TRY diving. Descend slowly and stop at any discomfort".
Though I appreciate the clearance, she is not a diver. However, why would I seek a second opinion to tell me NOT to dive? I went to the pool last night, slowly descended to 10 feet, put my head down on the pool floor and had no problem. Next, Cocos Island in 3 weeks...a huge difference. ENT has prescribed antibiotics if rupture happens again, and a few other things to keep me clear as can be. Fingers crossed and I will abort at the first sign of discomfort. Undersea Hunter boat has a kayak, so that might be my trip...and hiking on the island.
Thanks to all for your help. Lesson, as you age (over 60 now) or any age, pushing your ear drums is just not worth it...even for students. Also, DAN docs have been helpful and repeated the same theme...if your ear drum is healed and you can equalize, go ahead and try. Nobody is thrilled that fluid remains this long, but...*&it happens.
Rob
