Okay, so today I noticed that I have the slightest little (new) bump on my ear (the ear that I favor mashing into my opponent when I'm afraid of them doing *something* to me if I raise my head). So, any new bumps, and the dreaded cauliflower ear is not an option for me. I'll be picking up some headgear this weekend. Maybe it's a girl thing, but I don't think it's cool at all.
I've got a pretty small head (hat size 6.75) so I thought I'd ask for some comments about brands and fit from you guys. I think the Adidas ones look cool with their graphite look, but ultimately I need to get what fits best and does the job. So, if you have experience with what brands runs large or small and/or falls apart quickly, etc, etc, please share.
I love having a space to get some ideas/answers from fellow BJJ sufferers, I mean enthusiasts.
;)
9 comments:
I'm with you; I don't want cauliflower, either. (Most of my guys don't either, actually). But, I'm stubborn/dumb enough to not wear headgear. Thankfully, I haven't had any bumps so far even though I've been knocked in the ear a few times. So I have no advice on that front.
Leslie, I had to laugh because I suspected that was gonna be your answer; because I *seriously* don't want to wear the headgear either. Thanks for the input; again I'm not alone.
It is a very small bump and I can tend toward hypochondria (pretty sure it's a side effect of being so Type A). So, here's me just wanting to get that piece of gear into my gearbag, ready to go. I like to be prepared. I may just order the Adidas one since it looks the least ugly.
My blog lately has been questions about ailments (groan) and I'm sure there will be more. ;)
Just had my ear drained today; had it (in a different place) drained about six months ago too. I still don't want to wear headgear, nor do I want veggie ears. So far I'm OK. However, I am researching the same topic, so I will post on that in a few days. :)
G,
How was the draining? Is everything back to normal now? Did your Dr. drain it?
I seriously don't want to wear the headgear all the time so I am considering going this route:
1. Researching ear draining technique (I have seen a few different methods used on youtube both by medical staff and by self-treaters).
2. Keeping the needles on hand
3. Draining my own ear as necessary (luckily I got completely over my fear of needles in the military)
4. Wear headgear for a week to protect the recently drained ear.
I'm not positive yet that this method will lead to total prevention of CE, but I'm just not ready to go headgear 100% of the time yet. I'm still in the research phase before I make a decision. Interested in what information you found and in how your ear heals up.
When I wear headgear, I use the Brute Shockwave (my review here). Comfy, easy to adjust and relatively cheap.
Normally I don't bother with the headgear, just when one or both of my ears get sore, but probably a good idea to get into the habit.
IIRC, Robson Moura said in an interview that he was entirely cauliflower ear free for years, then after one session and a hard knock, they blew right up. So, can happen fast, worryingly.
More info on cauliflower ear in my FAQ, with a bunch of links as usual. ;)
Thanks, Slidey, lots of good info. I read all your links and I'm gonna listen to the podcast tonight. The Brute Shockwave is getting good reviews all around, but I'm still in the "Size research" stage. I've been looking into the options out there and it's possible that I may be a Youth size so I'm still checking around. Adidas makes a Youth and an Adult in the same style that I'm interested in.
I think I'll definitely have to find out where to get some needles to keep on hand.
Thanks for all the good info.
No probs: there's a youth Brute Shockwave too, but I have heard at least one positive review for the Adidas (though that is of course second hand info rather than personal experience).
Well, the first time I had it drained, it was my instructor. I can't begin to tell you how good that felt-- the release of the pressure was awesome. It didn't hurt at all, and it healed fast and beautifully. (There was a tiny lump but only feel-able, not visible.)
This time, I did have a doctor drain it, but only because he was at the school taking our striking class (ironically, he's my OB/GYN) and no one else there seemed trustworthy with a needle. Unfortunately, though my ear felt HUGE, he said hardly anything was coming out. Now the ear feels like there's a pocket of creamy peanut butter in the flat part of the flap. It doesn't hurt as much, and I think it's healing without too much visible change, but I'm looking at headgear still.
mmm,creamy peanut butter.
Well, I guess I'm probably where you're at; gonna keep rollin' and treat it as it comes up.
So far I've found that youth headgear is up to about 18 inches and that my head is 21 (measured just above the brow). So, I'm still flirting around with the idea of buying the Adistrike (link in earlier post).
If you try on or find something you like in the meantime, let me know.
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