Sinus Problem - Unable to Dive!

[stewartdiver]

I hope someone can help, as I am at my wits end!!

I have been diving for 15 years, with over 1000 dives at depths up to 70m and used Air/Nitrox/Trimix , and have never had a problem with sinuses or ears in all that time.

One day last July in the middle of a weeks liveaboard in the English Channel I found I couldn't descend past 3m!! I get a very severe pain below the eye on the left side of the face only and the pain then shots round to the top of the eye, it is only alleviated by ascending. It still feels tight but not painful on the surface.

I went to my GP, who put me on strong antibiotics for 2 weeks, followed by steriod nasal drops and using inhalations, none of which worked.
I have since had a CT scan which realed nothing and the consultant said to give up diving

The CT scan revealed no problems with teeth on that side either.

I know there is something that is causing a problem, but drugs and scans don't help! I currently have a written request in with the consultant for him to change his opinion and let me have surgery to enlarge the drain holes on that side!

I don't think they understand how important diving is to me. To them it is just a hobby!!! It's more important than that.

Any help would be appreciated!!

S.

[Finless]

Sorry to hear of the problem. Have you tried to do a dive since the antibiotics etc?

Can you pressurize your ears/tubes whilst only at atmospheric pressure?

Have you tried any of the other methods of equalizing the pressure in your ears.

Prevention of Middle Ear Barotrauma

In short, are you positive it is not a physical problem (as opposed to an infection causing swelling etc etc)?

[David Tombs]

As a Consultant myself ask him how he would feel giving up Golf!

[stewartdiver]

It's strange, but my ears are fine, I can clear them perfectly!

I have tried to dive on a number of occasions, but when I get to 3m the pain gets so unbearable it brings tears to my ears and it is physically impossible to go deeper. It starts off as if a red hot poker is being slowly inserted below the left eye in the cheekbone and then like someone has my part of the left side of my face in a vice an d is turning the handle!

I am even having problems clearing my mask in the pool demonstrating it to students as water is now shooting up the left nostril as due to a deviated septum no air is coming down the left side. Ah ha you might think, but I have always had this and it has never been a problem previously.

I like the idea about the Golf, but if I am lucky and do get the op they think won't work, I don't want an irate consultant with a drill up my nose when I am knocked out, otherwise I might be a bit more ventilated than I want to be and whistle when i talk!

[David Tombs]

just dont say the term ''nose picker'' to him,they are so sensitive.

[MixedUp]

Not sure if it is of any help but a friend of mine had sinus probs a couple of years back. Not sure if it was exactly the same as your problem though.

He solved the problem by having an operation which in crude terms meant that he had a Black & Decker drill shoved up his nose to bore out the sinuses etc.

He is fine now and means that he can still dive.

Steve

[stewartdiver]

The operation I'm trying to get, but I think that as it only really hurts when diving they aren't prepared to do anything.

There is obviously a problem, there are no blockages like polyps and growths, they must know the best solution is the operation. But again because it is a leisure activity it isn't a good enough reason to do anything.

I think I might have to break the rule of a lifetime and start lying to the consultant in order to get something done and say I am in constant pain. It's a shame but I can't afford a private op!

[Simon A]

you can clear your ears normaly at the surface? I assume you have tried the eaqualise every breath trick?
And your not lying to him, you are just forgetting to tell him the constant pain is mental anguish.........

Simon A

[MixedUp]

Originally Posted by stewartdiver

The operation I'm trying to get, but I think that as it only really hurts when diving they aren't prepared to do anything.

The friend that I referred to ended up paying private.

Steve

[divebunnie]

eeewww nothing worse than a sinus squeeze, feels like a frying pan has been smacked into your face! Ouch.

Sadly I am no doctor so can't advise, however have you tried any of the nasal rinses available? I know my husband had to syringe his nasal cavity (head upside down) with a warm saline solution (not just salt, there are special sachets you can buy of this stuff) and then sloosh the liquid around his sinuses before allowing it and all the gunk, snot n stuff to flow out of his nose into the sink.. hmmm great fun and a bizarre sensation, but it did work.