Haley
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posted
Thanks Lookingforhope. I'm sure that my brain is getting better, there are subtle improvements.
Glad to hear that you still have maintained the cognitive improvements.
CD57- I was trying to elude to the fact, that even if (hypothetically) the chamber caused other bugs to thrive (which I don't think it does), the oxygen kills A LOT of bugs while it's boosting the immune system. This puts the body in a position to take down what it once was not able to take down. That's just my opinion.
I am extremely excited about this therapy, but I'm trying to refrain from saying anything and make sure the results are lasting. It's just so difficult to not say anything when I have had days where I actually felt alive!!!! It's been 7 years since I felt that way. The "good days" are sporadic and few, but wow are they good!!!
I do have to add that I am taking Erythromycin, this was prescribed by my doc for some bug that I have. So currently, I believe it is a combination of the antibiotics and the oxygen. I also use a PEMF mat one hour a day.
I know that Phoiph is not big on abx, so I hope that this doesn't disappoint her. After all, she may have saved my life; I will be forever indebted to her.
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Phoiph
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Thanks to everyone for the kind words...
Haley...I am "not big" on antibiotics only when they don't work or cause harm for people (like me)...but if they are working for you for whatever reason, of course you have to go with what you and your doctor feel is best for you...
I am very happy to hear about your positive responses (and I know that you are aware that there will likely be ups and downs to come...it can be a rocky road...). The "good" days will eventually outnumber the "bad" ones...:)
Of course you are not indebted to me!!! I am grateful to be well enough to get the message out to others...and as I have said before, it makes my 8 years in hell seem like it had a purpose.
Remember, someone did it for me...and you will do it for the next person...
Posts: 1977 | From Earth | Registered: Jul 2013
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Phioph, you said earlier that in studies with autistic children they found that mhbot increased natural antioxidant activity. Do you have the link to that study? Would like to read it thanks Posts: 79 | From Maine | Registered: Sep 2011
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Phoiph
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BBinme:
Here are links to a few articles indicating that mHBOT raises glutathione (the master antioxidant):
How Mild Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Works and Why it is Good for Our Children, by Julie A. Buckley, MD, FAAP :
posted
I just got back from urgent care. I now have an "Ulcer of the Pharynox or Hypopharnx" and "Dysuria".
My immune system just can't catch a break. I feel like I'm back in this "Tunnel", with no connection whatsoever with my surroundings etc)-:
I have no energy, feel physically sick, and was told by someone I know that "I Just Need To Simply Use My Survival Skills"
I worked so hard to get to where I was...this is all just seems like a bad dream right now. My head feels so full, my legs feel week, I have bouts of intense nausea, hot cold, sweating, frequent urination, dehydrated.
I wish none of this was true....however unfortunately it is)-:
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posted
Thank you Posts: 79 | From Maine | Registered: Sep 2011
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Phoiph
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posted
Great article by an MD (with her own health challenges) who ran a hyperbaric practice and continues to use supplemental oxygen as a therapy with her patients:
The Most Overlooked, Effective, Prescription Drug, by Dr. Jamie Deckoff-Jones:
It's time for an update on my journey. I have reached 288 hours of mild HBOT. I still feel it is a very helpful modality to treat lyme, support the immune system, detox, etc.
In July and August, I felt I was stalled out with the HBOT, like my body was adapted to it and instead of getting little steps forward, I was just treading water. I went back to my LLMD and he suggested I go back on abx (I had been off them since Nov 2013) to move forward and really try to kick this.
I didn't feel completely comfortable going back on abx, so I went for a second opinion with an Integrative Medicine practice that a friend recommended. With that practice, I was able to get a lot of new blood work done, including tests with the BCA clinic in Germany. At that lab, they do a T-cell test that is better to determine active infection and has a very high sensitivity. It also tests for 5-6 strains of Borrelia versus typical western blot that tests for 1 or Igenex that tests for 2.
My results came back that I have not 1, not 2, but 3 strains of Borrelia plus Ehrlichia/Anaplasma and very high Epstein-Barr titers. My Epstein-Barr has always been high, but this is the first time I tested positive for Anaplasma. Now, this might seem like bad news (and having 3 strains of lyme certainly is!) but I also recognize that the test said that my t-cells (needed to fight lyme infection) were reactive to the lyme antigens. This to me is a good sign. It means my immune system recognizes Lyme and wants to take care of it.
So, this new practice convinced me that I really need to be treating more than just with HBOT (especially with 3 active strains)and suggested some simple treatment with doxy and malarone. I am also loaded up with multiple types of probiotics.
I've been doing the abx/hbot combo for 3 weeks now and I've really been herxing this past week (During week 2 I couldn't do HBOT due to travel). With this herxing, at least I feel I am not stuck and something is "happening" and I am hoping for an uplifting of the herxing stuff soon. The good thing is the herxing is not too bad. Certainly not as strong as when I started HBOT over a year ago. It also seems to be coming in waves that then the worst passes in a few hours, especially after I do the chamber. This is better than my old pattern which was just herxing forever with little noticeable improvement.
My husband also has Lyme, is on antibiotic therapy and has recently been using the chamber as well. It makes him herx pretty hard, and then he feels better in 2-3 days. He is using it as a supplement to his treatment to make the antibiotics more effective and detox. He thinks it's very helpful.
So that's the update for now! I will let you know how things progress for both of us.
Take care.
Posts: 233 | From Hudson Valley | Registered: Jun 2010
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CD57
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Wow, MBDQ thanks for the update. How interesting!
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CD57
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I am super interested in these tests. Do you know how I would get more info?
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Haley
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Thank you mbdq.
I'm also am interested in those tests.
Are you doing supplemental oxygen? I notice that this really helps a lot when I suck down the extra oxygen.
I agree that a low dose of medicine along with the oxygen seem to work well (for me anyway). I am concerned about yeast.
What do you take for probiotics? How many billion units? I have increased my probiotics to 200,000 billion and 5 billion sacromyces boulardi.
[ 10-21-2014, 10:07 PM: Message edited by: Haley ]
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Haley
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Does anyone here get clogged ears that don't unclog? What do you do to remedy that?
I have tried Afrin, Nettie pot, all sorts of things for sinus.
Any suggestions would be helpful.
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posted
Haley- I have really sensitive ears that don't always clear very well. At times they have gotten clogged. The best thing that helped me was hot showers/steam.
Also the Neti Pot, but the hot shower was better, I think because I was standing up and they could drain.
Also, to help my ears clear in the chamber it is much easier for me if I pressurize while laying on my stomach in the chamber, with my upper body propped up on my elbows in a modified "cobra" position.
It seems to stretch my eustacian tubes and help them clear more easily. After reaching full pressure, I flop over very ungracefully.
For the inquiries about the probiotics, here is what I am taking:
1) VSL #3- 112.5 Billion CFU/cap. 2 per day
2) Enterogenic Intensive 100, Mfg by Integrative Therapeutics- 100 Billion CFU/cap. 1 per day
3) Saccharomyces boulardii, Mfg by OrthoMolecular Products- 5 Billion CFU/cap. 2 per day
4)OrthoBiotic, Mfg by OrthoMolecular Products- 20 Billion CFU/cap. 2 per day
Also, for those of you going through the first couple of months of HBOT and are having huge scary flares and other things going on, I remember what this was like. It's very scary.
I herxed so strongly I thought I had oxygen toxicity. I was feeling like I would pass out at any moment and I got some horrible colds/flus/sinus stuff that was very disconcerting.
I needed to back off and take the hbot slowly. A few times/week instead of every day. Try to listen to your body. Don't be too much of a warrior to your own detriment.
Oxygen and pressure are a strong modality. I do combine breathing oxygen with the chamber. I still herx in the chamber on a regular basis.
It increases my twitching and my head pain, shooting nerve pains in my head.
For inquiries about testing, my doctor sent the blood to a lab in Germany called Infectolab. The website is www.infectolab.de
It is part of the BCA clinic in Germany run by Armin Schwarzbach, MD, PhD. There is a youtube videos about his testing procedures if you search his name/lyme from a talk he gave in Florida.
Also, feel free to PM me.
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Haley
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JCarl - I have those I will try them.
Thank you so much mdbq. That is some great information. I probably will send you a PM at some point.
I tried the Cobra position, and I think that helped. My ears will stayed clogged for days, but I never take a day off of the chamber. My guess is they would unclog if I took a couple of days off.
Also interesting about the tests and the probiotics. I will take a look at those probiotics, I never know how much to take.
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I am up to 306 hours of mild HBOT with O2. That's quite a committment! I am still diving every day I reasonably can. Basically, if I am in the same state, I am in the chamber.
I went to my LLMD last week after being back on ABX for 5-6 weeks. I was back to my usual pattern- initial herxing from abx, then a "stalemate" between the herbs/abx where I basically have low level flares/herxs with no real improvement. They wanted me on an additional antibiotic- I said no. Better yet, my being/body said NO!
I explained how I've been down this road before for YEARS. It apparently doesn't work for me. I asked- What else can we do to support my healing? And their answer was to try some herbs (I've been down that road too, but it fit better with my vision) So I have discontinued the abx and I am back on some herbal formulas. Also trying some Manuka honey.
I realized when I was driving home from the Doctor that I really feel it's pretty much up to me at this point to get well. I've been to the best. I've spent 10s of thousands of dollars. I've taken all the drugs.
It's not as scary a place as I thought it would be...at least it is something different.
I will continue with hyperbaric and work with some supportive therapies as I feel fit with my healing journey. I may get fully well. I might not.
I am working on being OK with that. I am not giving up, but I am accepting and surrendering to my situation, which I know will help on many levels.
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Phoiph
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mdbq...
Just so you know...I was NOT fully well at 306 hours (10 months for me) of mHBOT either!
At that point, I was much, much better than when I had started, but it still took several more months before I could go back to work part time, etc., and resume a semblance of a normal life.
I truly believe you are still healing and will get all the way there. There were many times where I felt that things were probably going to stay as they were, then I would take a step forward again. It wasn't predictable, and I never knew if I would become fully well...or just stop making progress at some point.
And, although I felt recovered after 1-1/2 years, I waited another 6 months to post my story to be confident I would hold on to gains. In retrospect, I have continued to improve in many ways since then (now 3+ years since beginning mHBOT).
So...it is a process...and I'm glad you aren't giving up on it!!!
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CD57
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MBDQ thats a huge achievement and you are to be commended! I hope that it is as Phoiph says and there is more healing to come.
You have come a looong way though.
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I'm returning after a long absence. Knee and hip replacements done and recovered, and a couple meds dropped as well. I am recommitting to HBOT and my Respiro.
I have done 3 dives so far,= 8 hours so far. I figure that while I'm in there I may as well stay a while, and my die off hasn't been really noticeable until today.
This morning I started shivering. I wasn't cold. I began to be aware that the die off was in my brain, maybe via the Central Nervous System? So I just snuggled back into bed to ride the wave. It went on for 5+ hours!
So that's my first herx, after 3 dives equalling 8 hours. As a result my mind seems clearer, less processing thru cotton balls.
Beloved
-------------------- Lyme: 1991 DXed: 2008
'Do not go where the path may lead; go where there is no path and leave a trail.' Emerson Posts: 47 | From Georgia | Registered: May 2012
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I'm returning after a long absence. Knee and hip replacements done and recovered, and a couple meds dropped as well. I am recommitting to HBOT and my Respiro.
I have done 3 dives so far,= 8 hours so far. I figure that while I'm in there I may as well stay a while, and my die off hasn't been really noticeable until today.
This morning I started shivering. I wasn't cold. I began to be aware that the die off was in my brain, maybe via the Central Nervous System? So I just snuggled back into bed to ride the wave. It went on for 5+ hours!
So that's my first herx, after 3 dives equalling 8 hours. As a result my mind seems clearer, less processing thru cotton balls.
Beloved
-------------------- Lyme: 1991 DXed: 2008
'Do not go where the path may lead; go where there is no path and leave a trail.' Emerson Posts: 47 | From Georgia | Registered: May 2012
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Phoiph
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Hi Beloved...
Welcome back to mHBOT
I think we may have connected before you had your knee replacement(?)
I am very happy to hear you are using your Respiro again.
Are you using supplemental oxygen from an oxygen concentrator with your chamber? If so, I am concerned about how long your sessions are...1 hour sessions are recommended so you don't overdo and produce more free radicals or release more toxins than your body can handle...
Oxygen really is a drug, and can be "overdosed" on.
Hope you don't mind my unsolicited advice...but I know it wasn't good for me when I occasionally fell asleep in my chamber for a few hours...
Posts: 1977 | From Earth | Registered: Jul 2013
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Yes, Phoiph, we did PM to touch base just before the surgeries. I don't know yr email any more; perhaps you can't find mine...
I did email with our friend L* about my # of dives vs hours in the chamber. I'm waiting to hear back from him again.
I Can say his friend that sells the compressors said that the dive loses it's efficacy after 1+1/2 hours in the Chamber. But my LLMD Dr says to try to stay as long as one can, to try to stay in overnight.
I couldn't get comfy enough for overnight; the best I can do is lay on my back, rest, maybe pray. I can't sleep on my back.
-------------------- Lyme: 1991 DXed: 2008
'Do not go where the path may lead; go where there is no path and leave a trail.' Emerson Posts: 47 | From Georgia | Registered: May 2012
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Phoiph
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Some people stay in the chamber longer if they're not using supplemental oxygen...does your LLMD know you are using the chamber with 02 (if, in fact you are)?
posted
Yes, I am using both compressor And concentrator. I'm keeping track via journaling. After 3 dives this is my first herx. Also I had prayed that my brain might get some recovery in the beginning. It certainly gives me encouragement for this journey.
-------------------- Lyme: 1991 DXed: 2008
'Do not go where the path may lead; go where there is no path and leave a trail.' Emerson Posts: 47 | From Georgia | Registered: May 2012
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Yes, Phoiph, my LLMDs clinic has 2 Chambers, and we both interact with the people at Genox.
-------------------- Lyme: 1991 DXed: 2008
'Do not go where the path may lead; go where there is no path and leave a trail.' Emerson Posts: 47 | From Georgia | Registered: May 2012
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I read, 'It's not the goal, but the direction you choose.' In our cases I think it's both. It is a direction that gives me hope.
I have had this demmed disease for 23 years, October in it's first week of 1991. I spent my 30s thru my 40s, now going into my 50s with this cruelty straight from the pit of hell. But on some level I have to hold onto my sanity by thinking that this circumstance protected me from something much worse, and/ or what have I learned through this.
I'm at 13 hours/ 5 Dives so far. I welched on my dives last week; the Chamber is in the unheated glassed in porch and we had a cold snap. A dear friend says "Then be sure to dress warm!"
I concede that I can't do such long dives as I started. I was in the 'Pod' for 3 hours Saturday plus 1 hour for depressurizing. As a result: yesterday I was pretty immobile as well as slept longer than usual. Mostly from feeling crappy. I do feel better today.
So I am going to aim for 90 minutes, as per my MHbot selling friend of 20 years says the Hbot dive has 'a max rate of return, probably around 90 minutes.'
After 13 hours I think my mind is a bit clearer and I think less pain. Positives are Feeling more upbeat, and singing more throughout the day. (I have/ had a degree in music. But who wants to sing- using one's whole body- when one feels like crap?!!!) I hate the part about 1 step backwards after 2 steps forward. The progress is so subtle! But still I'm just starting. I must hold on to the cumulative steps forward.
I'll check in again when I notice another landmark.
All Good Things
-------------------- Lyme: 1991 DXed: 2008
'Do not go where the path may lead; go where there is no path and leave a trail.' Emerson Posts: 47 | From Georgia | Registered: May 2012
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posted
I almost forgot: I am noticing some relief in my left shoulder. Since my left hip & right knee replacements I have gone from 1 cane to 2 canes, using them more for support than balance. Getting old stinks! . Using the canes more for support has really aggravated my left shoulder. I also seem to be walking a bit more strongly.
Also itching more. Agitating the buggers? I would like to think so.
-------------------- Lyme: 1991 DXed: 2008
'Do not go where the path may lead; go where there is no path and leave a trail.' Emerson Posts: 47 | From Georgia | Registered: May 2012
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Thank you for sharing your updates Beloved! Some of us are definitely still interested to hear how others are doing with this.
-------------------- Sick since 10/2001. Tested CDC positive for Lyme 10/2008 through Quest and Igenex. Started treatment 1/2009 with LLMD. Lyme, Erichilosis, Chlamydophila Pneumoniae, Q Fever, Strep Syndrome and probably a few others I am forgetting. Posts: 451 | From Virginia | Registered: Feb 2009
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Phoiph
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I wanted to share this testimonial video I just received featuring people with Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) who participated in hyperbaric oxygen treatment as part of a study in Pocatello, Idaho.
Note that many of the mental challenges and symptoms are similar to those experienced with Lyme Disease:
Thanks so much for sharing this! It's been awhile, things are continually getting worse for me and I have every intention of getting a chamber in my home after the holiday.
Wondering, and I hope I'm writing this clearly, is there any info on brain injury that is continuing to take place? Meaning, these people that have been in accidents etc., the injury is severe but complete, with my case (as in most of us with Lyme, bart etc)the infection still lives and continues.
Wondering how that affects success. Hoping this finds you still doing amazingly well!! Wishing you a very Merry Christmas!!
Joahsark (Penny)
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Haley
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Thanks for the video Phoiph.
I have been doing MHBOT since September 3rd and I am doing fairly well.
I still have some issues, also I believe I had some oxygen toxicity so I now will take off a day or 2 a week.
My brain problems have definitely gotten better, which was my biggest concern. I still have some problems with weakness and fatigue, but my doctor an I are always finding pieces to the puzzle.
I want to ask people here (if anyone is still following this) what type of diet so you follow? I know that Phoiph eats mostly Palio.
Also, does anyone think about the "free radical" effect of oxygen, do you take any supplementation to address this?
Any feedback is appreciated. In fact if anyone knows an article or book on the subject that would be great.
Overall, I am doing quite well, I have come a long way in many regards.
[ 12-13-2014, 08:21 PM: Message edited by: Haley ]
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Phoiph
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Hi Joashark...
I have helped several people who have traumatic brain injuries (without Lyme) get started with mHBOT, and find that in general, there are differences in their reaction/response to mHBOT compared to those who have had toxic exposures or infectious conditions (like Lyme & coinfections, mold exposure, etc.).
What I have observed, is that in general, people without infections or toxic conditions (i.e., traumatic brain injury only) don't seem to need to work up to the protocol as slowly, as they are not as toxic and don't have "herx"-like detox reactions.
Also, they may not require treatment over as extended of a period of time as those with Lyme, although each case is individual.
People with Lyme not only have multiple infections and toxicity to deal with, but often have been ill for a long time, and require healing of multiple body systems. There may be many "layers" of illness to address, and this takes time.
That said, it is possible that people with Lyme may have an advantage in the brain department over a traumatic brain injury, since their brain dysfunction, although ongoing, may be of a functional nature (i.e., cells are idling "offline", but not "damaged"), as opposed to an actual traumatic injury that may involve physical insult.
One of the great things about mHBOT, is that it not only increases the efficiency of the immune system (so it can better fight the infections), but releases stem cells and helps to grow new nerve cells...so it can be very effective in both situations.
I am a good example of how mHBOT heals brain dysfunction from Lyme and coinfections...at my worst, I couldn't figure on out which corner of an envelope to place a stamp, nor could I remember what I was doing long enough to complete a simple task. This went on for years, and I was certain my brain was permanently damaged...but full function eventually returned via mHBOT.
I'm currently working on gathering video documenting the progress of people with Lyme using mHBOT...but in the meantime, you may be interested in this mother's video testimonial of her 9 year old daughter's recovery from viral encephalitis with HBOT:
Phoiph
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Hi Haley...
So glad to hear you're doing so much better overall. That's great progress, especially considering the relatively short time you've been doing mHBOT!
To respond to your question about free radicals, I was at an office Christmas party last night given by my neurologist friend who runs an HBOT clinic. We were all standing around the 6-person chamber, and someone asked the very same question regarding oxygen and free radicals.
I wish I had recorded my neuro friend's explanation, but the upshot of it is that the free radicals created via oxygen under (hyperbaric) pressure react very differently in the body, and are actually a beneficial part of the healing process, and not harmful. She said this is a common myth/misperception, that unfortunately deters people (including doctors) from pursuing HBO.
I have asked her for a more in-depth explanation, and will post it when I receive it from her...
Although she doesn't recommend antioxidant supplements (which are best obtained through diet), she does recommend 2 supplements to her neuro patients:
Haley
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posted
Thank you Phoiph. Very helpful.
Am I the only one on Lymenet that is still doing this protocol?
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Phoiph
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Haley...
Here is the response to your question regarding concerns about mHBOT and free radicals from my neurologist/HBOT friend:
"...Free radicals are a necessary part of the healing activation that takes place with HBOT. Oxygen radicals interact at a DNA level to modify gene expression: upregulating healing processes and downregulating inflammatory and destructive processes. In a hyperoxic condition, the physiology is different. Oxygen radicals are broken down by enzymes after they have been effective. In hypoxic circumstances oxygen radicals linger and are destructive. There is a research article that I can give you as a reference. [Oxidative stress is fundamental to hyperbaric oxygen therapy. Stephen R. Thom. Journal of Applied Physi9ology 106:988-995, 2009.]..."
posted
Wow Phoiph, thanks for that great explanation!
Haley, you're not the only left on Lymenet doing this protocol ;-) I'm guessing most are rather quiet in this thread since results with this treatment don't happen overnight, and sometimes there isn't much to report.
I am 295 dives in now (1 hr daily). I stopped all antibiotic treatment on July 13th, not because I was symptom-free, but because I felt that the drugs had taken me as far as they could. So I've been doing just mHBOT for 5 months now and have not experience any rapid decline after stopping the drugs.
As far as symptoms go, I believe mHBOT has kept my muscle, bone, and most nerve pain in check. I only experience intermittent burning spinal pain at the base of my neck where it meets the upper back. I believe my brain is clearer now and I experience windows where I feel like "the real me" is peeking out (if that makes any sense?) In fact, I've starting contemplating going back to finish school sometime in the near-ish (not too near!) future, whereas half a year ago I couldn't even think about doing such a thing. And lately, I've starting feeling the desire to take up my oil painting again...a passion I had lost many years ago when the illness completely took over my mind/body. And I'm grateful to even be able to feel that desire again. Also, severe fatigue comes and goes, but overall, I am able to stay out of that darn bed most of the day now :-)
The past couple of months, though, I have been experiencing many upper respiratory symptoms? My lungs feel kind of full, like I need to hack up something, a kind of wheezing feeling. And I have a constant sore throat, tender lymph nodes behind the ear, congested head and running nose that gets stuffed especially when I am lying down. And burning tired eyes, puffy swollen face, which I generally have all the time.
I have a question for Phoiph or anyone else using the oxygen generator... How do you clean the filter in the back and how often? I wash mine out with hot water every month or so and let it completely dry before putting it back in, but I wonder how well I am cleaning it, and how well it is at filtering the air I am breathing through the mask... I do have a dog in the house, and I assume, the general amount of dust and mold in the air... I guess what I am saying is, I hope breathing that air through the mask is not contributing to my allergy/lung issues? I was so concerned that I even bought a super expensive air purifier with 6 different filters to run in my room all day.
Anyway, HAPPY HOLIDAYS to everyone :-)
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CD57
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Wow Spinning that is amaaaaazing. You have come a long way from when you first started, remember!?
Haley, I don't post because I can't consider myself as doing the protocol as of yet. I'm not in it for an hour.
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Lol CD57, now that you mention it.. yes, in my earlier emails to you I was in pretty awful shape, huh? It's hard to realize when you're making progress with this because it's so gradual. I really hope that you can eventually work up to the protocol and make some solid improvements as well CD57! Sending you my best!!
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Phoiph
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Hi Spinning...
Thanks for the update...I especially like the part about your renewed interest in oil painting (you must post one of your pieces for us)!
You are doing fine with cleaning the filter...you can do it more frequently if you like. You can use mild dish soap and warm water, rinse well, and let dry thoroughly before putting it back on the concentrator.
It is very dry and dusty where I live, and sometimes in between washings I take it outside and clap it between my hands.
There are also filters on the compressor...they are the 2 black metal spherical things on the side. You can unscrew them from the compressor, then twist them open (but they are sometimes difficult to open). There's a paper filter inside that you can dust off. The compressor also has a long glass filter, which you don't need to maintain.
The air you're breathing in the chamber, which is filtered via both units, is cleaner than what you're normally breathing in your home, so no worries there...
I am wondering if some of your discomfort has come from the dryness, either with heat in the house, or from the drying effects of the oxygen on your airways(?). There is a humidifier attachment for the concentrator, but I hesitate to suggest it, because it requires meticulous maintenance for health reasons, and there is no real evidence I have seen that it is of great help...but something to consider if you think this may be the problem. We could contact the vendor for more thorough information if you're interested, and should also run it by your doctor if you decide to try it...
Posts: 1977 | From Earth | Registered: Jul 2013
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Phoiph
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
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posted
CD57...Yes...you are always so supportive of others...we are sending you lots of encouragement and know you will get there!
Posts: 1977 | From Earth | Registered: Jul 2013
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posted
Hehe, I said that I've recently been feeling the desire to paint again..didn't say I actually started or that I'm any good at it
Thanks for the info Phoiph. The discomfort is definitely not from dryness in the house (I kinda wish that were the case!) so I don't think I would need the humidifier attachment. Where I live, it's almost always moist and foggy (side note: the possibility that mold might be hindering my recovery process terrifies me )
Haley, I just realized that you asked earlier about our diets. Yes, I am also following a Paleo-like diet as much as I can. Anything to nourish the body and keep inflammation down to a minimum. http://perfecthealthdiet.com/the-diet/Posts: 96 | From USA | Registered: Sep 2013
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posted
Thank you so much for explaining Phoiph, that makes perfect sense. I will watch the link and be encouraged.
Best, Penny
Posts: 219 | From pacific nw | Registered: Jun 2009
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Haley
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 22008
posted
Thank you beloved and spinning. I know that it takes time and effort to come by the thread an update, but it really helps me.
Even if it's just to know that I am not alone in this journey. I find that we can learn about this therapy as we continue to get feedback from everyone.
Phoiph - Thank you so much for the article. I've printed it out an will sit down and read it. My simplistic way of looking at it is, yes the free radicals help in this therapy as they can destroy bacteria, but maybe in some small way it is like antibiotics as it can also affect the good cells. With antibiotics we make sure we take probiotics and eat well. With Oxygen maybe we need to supplement antioxidants. I'll read the article first before trying to comment on such a technical subject.
That is so funny about the stamp. I had the same experience. I remember thinking to myself, "wow, this is an all time low, I can't figure out where to put this stamp".
I am finding that the oxygen exasperates issues with my skin (an infection on my skin) and it also exasperates issues in my gums and teeth. I'm also having some heart issues, which is most likely unrelated to my illness or to the oxygen.
In my humble opinion this makes sense, certain pathogens that manifest on the skin "like" oxygen. So, I will treat the bugs that are not being "helped" by the oxygen (after I identify them, that's the tricky part). It' like a Rubik's cube, but thanks to the oxygen and to Phoiph that puzzle is slowly being solved.
Please, all mHBOT users, continue to come back every few months and post.
Also thanks for the diet tips, I am eating a good percentage of raw foods, but I do eat meat too.
Posts: 2232 | From USA | Registered: Aug 2009
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CD57
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Member # 11749
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Haley did you find a way to get around your ear problems in the chamber? I experience pain on one side of ear but have had this always. I get stabbing ear pain sometimes but think that may be unrelated to chamber as it's been there along.all
Posts: 3528 | From US | Registered: Apr 2007
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Phoiph
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Member # 41238
posted
I wanted to share an encounter I had a couple of days ago.
I was listening to some musician friends perform in a very small, out of the way town 25 miles from where I live. It was crowded, and someone I had never met sat next to me. He happened to mention that he used to be a sports medicine doctor years ago, so I asked him if he had ever heard of or used hyperbaric.
Turns out, he not only had used hyperbaric for himself and his patients, but in the 80's was the researcher and co-developer of the original Gamow Bag...the first soft chamber (developed originally for altitude sickness), and predecessor of the home chamber, the company which was eventually bought by DuPont, then Oxyhealth. He still owns a few of the original bags.
The conversation was very interesting...I learned a lot from him, and he reiterated what I already knew...the amazing powers of oxygen under pressure.
What are the chances? Probably pretty good in my world...things like this seem to happen to me all the time these days. It was a gift to have had the chance to let him know that his knowledge and research had given me my life back, and was helping a lot of other people...there are no coincidences!
Posts: 1977 | From Earth | Registered: Jul 2013
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Haley
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 22008
posted
Wow, Phoiph, what a great story... and yes I need to remember more often that there are no coincidences... I would love to talk to that guy.
CD57 I still have problems with my right ear, but I am now able to go in the oxygen chamber. The first time in the chamber it was so painful, I thought my eardrum had ruptured.
Posts: 2232 | From USA | Registered: Aug 2009
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posted
That is a fantastic story Phoiph- thank you for sharing! We are all connected.
For those with ear issues, my ears remain a bit "sticky" at times but overall I am tolerating the pressure changes very well by pressurizing while on my stomach in the cobra position. Don't forget this position if you haven't tried it!
My husband is now using the chamber every day for an hour. We have to plan our schedules so we can both get in. He is no longer on antibiotics (not that there aren't plenty of docs who would prescribe them, but we felt they weren't really helping him progress and he needed a break). He feels the HBOT is helping, but he is also very frustrated that he is not 100% better yet- he isn't a very patient man and we worry that he will end up like I did- sick and in pain for years on end. We are grateful that we have this modality to treat.
I still use the chamber every day and I am seeing some nice time periods where I am PAIN FREE! It's a few hours here and there, but wow it's like being on some type of high! Energy is also good. I am at 338 hours.
As for diet, we are basically doing a combination of the Wahl's protocol and the GAPS diet. I am really focusing on helping both of us heal our guts. All the antibiotics have taken a toll. I am sure I have had gut dysbiosis since I was a child. It's time to address that piece of the puzzle. Lots of broth soups, cooked veggies, etc. I am gearing up to do the full intro diet for GAPS after Christmas. I will let you know how it goes.
Happy Holidays to all! Keep diving!
Posts: 233 | From Hudson Valley | Registered: Jun 2010
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CD57
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 11749
posted
Spectacular MB ! I've admired your dedication to the plan. You make time for it and its paying off.
Phoiph amazing story! Just in time for Xmas.
Posts: 3528 | From US | Registered: Apr 2007
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. Using the canes more for support has really aggravated my left shoulder. I also seem to be walking a bit more strongly.![[Razz]](tongue.gif)
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