Tuesday, February 26, 2008

What did you say?

A few weeks ago I vacationed to beautiful St. Lucia. Ah..... it was like heaven. The sun was warm, the sand beneath my toes was smooth, and wearing short and swimming suites all day reminded me of my childhood days. Plus, I got to take along my favorite person, Niel!
One of our adventures was scuba diving. If anyone knows me well, you would probably be shocked that I actually considered jumping into the ocean. Yes, I am proud to say I actually took part in the underwater adventure. It was pretty cool to be in the ocean. The only problem I had while I was in the deep blue was the fact I couldn't equalize my ears. And might I say..... IT REALLY HURT! We dove about 30 feet. I tried with all my might to pop my ears, but it just didn't happen. I was so determined to make the dive fun for me and Niel that I chose to deal with the pain and just do it. I hate to say it, but that was a stupid thing to do. It has been 2 weeks since the dive and my ears are still feeling the pain. I went to the doctor. His response was, "Why in the world did you not get out of the water with your ears hurting the way they were?" I know, stupid. I was informed at my visit that I have ruptured my ear drums and I even tore one. The tare has caused some bleeding!!! YICKS!! The good thing was, there is no hearing defects. There was also no infection, which mean no medicine. The result.... it will probably take a month to clear my ears up and have them functioning well again (it amazes me how incredibly fast the body can heal itselt). I get to be part deaf. So, if you are around me, make sure you talk so I can see your lips. Make sure you talk in a higher pitch or loud voice.... I can't hear low pitches. Please don't mumble around me, it actually hurts my brain to try to figure out what you may be saying (primary was horrible on Sunday, it was a constant mumble). My poor family has to deal with me saying, "What?" all the time.

Moral of this story.... if ever you go diving, when your ears start hurting, don't keep going down.

6 comments:

melanie said...

Ahhh. That would be hard.. I hope they heal.

Silver Back said...

You were the best sport about the whole thing too. Brave and willing to give it a try. I had a great time in the water with you. Now I just feel bad every time you cup your hand on your ear and say 'What?'

Maybe I'll get you a hearing aid for our anniversary.

Lori Buhr said...

That was a big part of our scuba lessons and I still have to go down so slow and up and down sometimes. By the time I get my ears equalized everyone else has already used up the air in thier tanks and they are coming up. Not really, but almost!

Rick...the meek and mild said...

This is why I have ear defects, not from scuba diving, but from infected ears as a child that caused the rupturing of my ear drums. Several times, both ears. My tone limitation is permanent and many times it helps to be looking at lips to know what is being said. Sometimes it turns out comical though in what I THINK I have heard people say. Welcome to the huh? club.

Everyday Adventuress said...

Oh you poor girl! They still haven't cleared up yet? It just goes to show how brave you are, though...not only did you go into the deep water, you pushed through all that pain! Seriously, girl, you are tough. A little crazy, but tough. :)

Sara said...

Oh no! That sounds really painful! I hope your ears heal quickly!