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(sudafed is part of my save-a-dive kit).
I doubt it will stay there the first time you get a reverse squeeze and suffer for a couple days till it opens. That is no fun at all.
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(sudafed is part of my save-a-dive kit).
I doubt it will stay there the first time you get a reverse squeeze and suffer for a couple days till it opens. That is no fun at all.
So I take it your instructor never mentioned not to take a decongestant before diving. The allergic reaction should be bad enough, but try getting a reverse block on ascent after the meds wear off. Not fun at all and somewhat painful.
So I take it your instructor never mentioned not to take a decongestant before diving. (...) try getting a reverse block on ascent after the meds wear off. Not fun at all and somewhat painful.
Maybe, but used properly I think the odds are about the same as an unearned DCS hit. As was said above, taking it pre-dive when things are marginal is one thing, taking it when you have full on cold is something else. I won't try to convince anyone they should be taking them, but I also haven't seen anything to change my mind. I see it as an additional safety margin when things are iffy.
You don't need to see anything. You need to get hit with a reverse squeeze and feel it. I have had the pleasant experience of having a reverse squeeze, and let me tell you (so you can see it) - if there is even the tiniest chance of increasing the risk that that happens again, its a no go for me.