Hyperbaric Oxygen Chamber Therapy

[DoriC]

Hi Friends, I need your prayers again. To summarize for those who don't know the history, Mike's last surgical wound has not healed since January because of the shrapnel still imbedded in his hip(iliac) bone and cannot be removed as per 2 orthopedic surgeons. This is the 5th abscess and surgery in less than 10 years but usually healed in 3-4months but not this time. This therapy was suggested before but it would have meant going to NY or Phil and living in a hotel for a month or longer and the surgeon didn't want Mike to be that far away. A new unit has finally opened in our local hospital in June but our Drs wanted to wait until the kinks were all worked out and they wanted to see some results which have proven to be pretty successful in other patients. They're now satisfied that Mike would be a good candidate and he's been undergoing testing for the past 2wks and late last night we were notified that he's been accepted into the program which consists of 2hr sessions in the oxygen chamber, 5 days/week for at least 30 days. It will be a grueling schedule for us but if at the end his wound finally heals and maybe won't recur again, it will be worth it. I've been grateful for all your good wishes in the past and ask for them now. Thanks.

NOT MUFFY, If you happen to read this post, I'd sure appreciate any thoughts you have. If you remember, we discussed this subject awhile ago and you were in favor of this treatment at the time.

[jamiswolf]

Hi DoriC,
I was not aware of your Husband's condition. I am familiar with hyperbaric treatment though. Done under medical supervision, it has many benefits. It encourages wound healing and effectively helps to resolve anaerobic infections. (that's an infection for which O2 is toxic)

It involves putting the patient in a high pressure environment (up to three atmospheres) and breathing 100% oxygen. The oxygen is then encouraged to penetrate into the deepest tissues.

I hope this resolves his infection. I've seen it do wonders with very serious conditions.

Best wishes to you and your husband...
Jamis

[DoriC]

Thanks Jamis, that's what I've been wanting to hear! We took a tour of the unit and truthfully, it left us both a little frightened seeing the equipment, although each chamber has it's own TV and music is piped in if preferred. The 2 people we saw in separate tanks looked very comfortable. So we're hoping for the best. Thanks for your encouraging input.

[Slinky]

Prayers, (((hugs))) and best wishes, DoriC. I sure hope it works for Mike!!

[jamiswolf]

DoricC,
One thought. It is a little like a decompression chamber used for Diver's with the bends...and in fact is sometimes used for that.

But as pressures rise, there is the potential for Eustachian tube blockage to cause a little difficulty. Chewing gum is one common solution to help the tubes clear...and many frequent flyers do that for similar reasons.

Point being if your husband has chronic nasal stuffiness, he probably should take a decongestant first. I'm sure they will cover all that and of course, this is something to discuss first with the Doctor. It can be an important issue that prevents achieving full pressure in the tank.
Jamis

[KatieW]

Sending my best wishes for success with this therapy, Dori.

[DoriC]

We were given a whole list of side effects that may occur but most are temporary,ie: blurry vision, blocked ear canals, numbness of fingers,toes, headaches, and several others which usually resolve after a few days. Mike doesn't have any nasal allergies or sinus problems so that's a plus but he does have some urgency problems which the RN said can be solved. He's a pretty tough guy and has come through many adversities in his life so hopefully this will be another he comes through with flying colors.

[SleepingUgly]

Thinking of you guys and sending good thoughts your way! Hopefully this will do the trick!

[rosacer]

Dori, I will keep you and Mike in my prayers. Let us know when the treatment starts and how it goes.

Rosacer

[Gerald?]

DoriC

My father had some intensive hyperbaric treatments after cancer surgery.

The results were excellent and he had no problems. In fact one of the neat side effects for him was that he got to do away with his reading glasses for quite a while. He only discovered it when he forgot to take his glassses inside the chamber to read his book. He was so bored he thought he would try to read anyway and voila!

Hope it all goes well.

[bdp522]

I think this is indeed good news! Prayers being sent to you both!

Brenda

[ozij]

Hi Dori,
I hope this time the wound will heal perfectly.
O.

[RandyJ]

Best of luck to you both!

[Pad A Cheek]

Dori,

You and Mike are in our prayers as you take on another challenge. I feel that you are on the right track to help him get completely healed. I am thankful that you got a unit nearby so you can be close to the doctors you know and trust. You have been through a lot, I do hope that the schedule is workable.

Remember Dori, take care of yourself as you deal with these issues with Mike. As I have followed your saga, I am reminded how dedicated and loving you are to devote your energies to Mike's issues. Please remember to keep a close eye on your own health. Caring for another person so completely can wear you down and make you vulnerable.

Prayers and healing thoughts are surrounding you both.

Karen

[Madalot]

Dori,

Think of you and Mike often and will increase those thoughts and prayers for you.

Please keep us posted, k?