My aching head...

[tarnis]

I'm somewhat new to diving, where's 5 dives since finishing my cert put me

Anyways after each and every dive I wind up with a splitting headache about the time I get home. I think they're sinus headaches but I guess they could be CO2...how do I tell? I do usually wind up pretty dehydrated after the dives, and I do know this much...went swimming awhile after diving a few weeks ago and it cleared up while I was holding my breath and sitting at the bottom of the deep end of the pool by my apartment(6-7' or so). The headaches feel like someone's someones put a vice arround my head and keeps turning the handle while shoving something way up my nose that well no matter how gross it sounds I'm unable to get by any means I've tried to get up there to get it

Anyways they're driving me nuts. Between that and getting tired as all hell it wipes out the rest of my day after I get back.

[ppo2_diver]

I'm no doctor, this is just my experience.

I had the same problem when I was first certified. I found out that it was a mild sinus squeeze that was causing my headaches. Now I take 12 hour Sudafed the day before and the day of diving. No more headaches. I'm recommeding you take Sudafed, you should talk to your doctor about it. If it gets worse, see a ENT specialist.

Just my 2 cents.

[tarnis]

Thanks...I had been trying just regular sudafed when I woke up in the morning. 12 hour works better?

I just went to the Dr. actually...says I have sinusitus, probably have had it a few months and have antibiotics for it. If it isn't that though, the 12 hour sudafed is the way to go over the regular stuff?

Thanks,
Matt

[6474286]

Just a little note about Sudafed, I agree it works wonders with regards to clearing the sinus congestion, but remember not to use Sudafed if you are diving or intend to dive with Nitrox.

Sudafed conatains Pseudoephedrine HCI, which could possibly increase the chances of O2 toxicity.

Hope that helps

Paul

[ppo2_diver]

I meant to say that I'm not recommending you take Sudafed (left out the important word NOT in my previous message).

I prefer the 12 hour stuff it reduces the chances of getting a reverse block. That is if you take it an hour or so before diving.

I've never had any problems with taking Sudafed when diving with Nitrox. Actually, this is the first time I've heard of this. Do you have any more information about this Paul?

[tarnis]

Do a search, I can't find the thread but there are a few... It's doesn't happen to everyone though, just a few very special people.

Matt

[DandyDon]

I read about this when I took my Padi Nitrox course a year and a half ago, then spoke with DAN about it. I don't have the documenmtation with me, but it's easy to acquire: Ask Padi and DAN. Won't kill you every time, but they advise against it.

DAN said they could not give me medical advice, but I could get my physician to call. I did, he did, and they gave him a precription med for me to try. Expensive and worthless on me.

Now I just take antimistimines when I'm diving Nitrox - which is most dives for me - and blow my nose when my allergies act up. Fortunately, I have never had problems with equalizing.

[Arnaud]

Tarnis,

The headaches and the fact that you feel tired after diving clearly show that something and probably several things are wrong.

A few advices:

1. Get a referral from DAN and see an ENT
1. Ascend much slower
2. Don't free dive after scubadiving
3. Wear a warmer suit
4. Make sure your reg is well-tuned
5. Drink plenty of water before and after the dive

Hope this will get you better.