posted
I came to the conclusion my air must not hiss out at my feet. It must be near my head where I deflate. I think I am good. Thanks all, you input helped though!
Posts: 477 | From Pennsylvania | Registered: Nov 2015
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Phoiph
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Foxy loxy...
Do you have a pressure gauge on your chamber? If so, what does it read when you are diving?
If you are hearing hissing near your head (not at the foot where the automatic release valves are), chances are you're losing air for some reason...and so may not be reaching or maintaining full pressure...
Posts: 2072 | From Earth | Registered: Jul 2013
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posted
The summit to sea chambers have a release valve at your head that hisses once it's up to pressure. This is what holds the pressure at 1.3ATA. There is also a second backup release valve at your feet as a safety backup.
Posts: 120 | From Maine | Registered: May 2015
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Phoiph
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Good to know, Monti!
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posted
Phoiph, my dad looked at the gauge last night and he thought it read 4 and two marks in the red which would be 4.2 psi, I assume? It doesn't quite reach the second mark, but close...
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Phoiph
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susank
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I am following this thread. Is it just me - or is the print off kilter to the right? And slow to scroll down? This only happens to me on this thread - the text off to the right. Other threads seem to take too long to scroll down. Hard to follow/read. I am very interested in this conversation - just frustrating to try to read it.
-------------------- Pos.Bb culture 2012 Labcorp - no bands ever Igenex - Neg. 4 times With overall bands: IGM 18,28,41,66 IND: 23-25,34,39 IGG 41,58 IND: 39 Bart H IGG 40 Posts: 1613 | From Texas | Registered: Aug 2009
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You checked in on me up the page and I did respond, just wanted to make sure you knew. You have been such a great help to me. There has been a lot of posts lately so just making sure.
Best to everyone.
Posts: 219 | From pacific nw | Registered: Jun 2009
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Phoiph
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Hi joahsark...
Thanks for following up. Are you over your cold/virus? Have you been able to start diving again?
You'll have to be very careful of your ears when starting up again, in case you have residual congestion...
Posts: 2072 | From Earth | Registered: Jul 2013
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Yes, my head, with the constant pressure, and even more severe with a cold, takes weeks to a month to fully recover from the congestion. Still have not been back in.
Think I'm throwing in the towel. Just too expensive to sit empty far more than I've been able to use it. If only my head would cooperate but it just will not. I've tried--hard.
Thank you for all your support, I truly believe in this therapy for those not battling this severe constant head pressure, or for those who can purchase outright. The rental option with only a portion going towards purchase isn't panning out the way I'd hoped, we simply cannot afford to "waste" the money on the chamber sitting empty. Maybe one day we will hit the lottery and I be able to purchase.
Best to everyone on this amazing thread!!
Posts: 219 | From pacific nw | Registered: Jun 2009
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Phoiph
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Joahsark...
I am so sorry to hear this, but I do respect your decision.
Before you completely "throw in the towel", however, please consider speaking to the chamber owner about your circumstances...he has been known to adjust the rental fees in times of hardship...
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posted
Phoiph, do you have to be out of the chamber for the duration of a cold, or is a little congestion ok as long as you aren't coughing and can safely clear your ears?
Posts: 64 | From Washington | Registered: Aug 2015
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Phoiph
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It is really about your ears and sinuses...if you can safely and easily clear them, and your sinuses aren't clogged, then you should be OK...
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I dived when I was congested in the sinuses and it HUUUURT while going up to full pressure... than once the pressure leveled off, I was fine.
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Phoiph
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Very important...
If you ever feel pain in your ears or sinuses, you should immediately release pressure via the valve...
Stay at a lower pressure where you're not experiencing pain or discomfort, and/or wait to dive until less congested...
Posts: 2072 | From Earth | Registered: Jul 2013
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posted
Wanted to give an update. I am on dive 114! I experience fog / moodiness and sometimes anxiety shortly after I'm out of the chamber. I started taking 5 mg of Lithium Orotate, which seems to help most of the time. Also trying to take fish oil again in the mornings.
I am also seeing a hematologist for low platelets & low iron. I told her all about my Lyme / Babesia and she said they don't know much about it and could certainly be the cause of my issues. I am on week 3 of weekly IV iron. This is my second round. I did 5 weeks back in May and slowly my anemia returned. If it isn't one thing, it's another.
Also trying to exercise a few times a week. Mostly doing yoga as that doesn't completely wipe me out.
-------------------- Hi all, I was diagnosed with Lyme in 2008. Co-infections: Babesia & Bartonella. Currently treating Babs with Infuserve Cryptolepis and Lyme with mHBOT. Posts: 16 | From VA | Registered: Aug 2013
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posted
Can people give me suggestions about how to get the oxygen tubing connected to the mask? What size oxygen tubing seems to work? The oxygen tubing that is in the chamber now is too small for the hudson mask and any connectors we have tried?
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Phoiph
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soccermama...
The mask should have come with tubing attached to it that has a female end on it...
The tubing from the concentrator is usually just a raw end cut off at an angle...that fits snugly into the female end (if you push it).
You don't want to add any unnecessary connectors that can restrict flow...
Can you take a picture of the ends you are working with and email them to me?
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posted
Phoiph, do you have a reason for your warning about diving congested other than the fact it hurts?
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Phoiph
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Yes...it is called sinus or ear "barotrauma"...
When you can't equalize the pressure in your ears and/or sinuses due to congestion, but continue to increase pressure, it can cause injury/trauma to the eardrum and/or sinus tissues...
Posts: 2072 | From Earth | Registered: Jul 2013
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posted
Phoiph- There was a recent blog article I read about babesia, in which the author mentioned oxidative therapies and some people having more difficulty with them due to not producing SOD which clears free radicals from your system, or not having sufficient catalase to break down by products of oxidative stress. It was a little unsettling to read, but I figure it is just one person's opinion; do you have any information on this?
Posts: 64 | From Washington | Registered: Aug 2015
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Phoiph
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Hi Jolley...
I'd like to read the blog article...do you have a reference or link?
A certain level of oxidative stress is desirable, as it is a natural mechanism by which pathogens are kept in check. There is a balance that must be struck, however, between oxidation and the amount of natural antioxidants that can be produced. This balance us less likely to be upset with mild hyperbaric than high pressure hyperbaric, which is another reason that it is preferable for many chronic illnesses.
The subject of mHBOT and oxidative stress has been of concern regarding children with autism, for example, as it is known that many have low levels of natural glutathione/SOD/antioxidants.
Results of studies have indicated no adverse effects in antioxidant status, and some studies show an increase in natural antioxidant production related to mHBOT.
Below are 3 articles/studies on the subject of oxidative stress and mHBOT:
posted
Here is another weird point to consider for anyone interested in research.
Stephen Buhner mentions L-Arginine as being helpful for Babesia. If you research this, it does a lot the same as mHBOT as it increases oxidation.
If you look into this online, taking L-Arginine with hyperbaric was actually found to be beneficial...for example they thought it would provoke seizures in mice and here it helped!
Some scientific web pages went on to say that people who respond to hyperbarics are those who are naturally higher in oxidative species.
I don't have any links but it is definitely on the web. I personally am taking Arginine and feel like it gave me a small boost... and I do NOT respond to supplements or herbs.
My question is why would higher body oxidation increase protection from MORE oxidation?
I mentioned this to my Dr. and he said oxidation does so many things in the body...he said he was going to research it but never heard if he did. Maybe I will ask him today, as I have an appointment.
interesting stuff...
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Phoiph
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foxy loxy...
Hyperbaric stimulates more natural antioxidant production in the body, which may mitigate the effects of excessive free radicals...
(Remember, though that free radicals are an important part of keeping pathogens in check, and even stimulate healing in some ways...)
L-Arginine and mHBOT both increase nitric oxide (NO) levels which is linked with stem cell release and other beneficial effects.
(However, a diet high in L-Arginine,and low in Lysine, is contraindicated for people who have issues with Herpes viruses...)
Posts: 2072 | From Earth | Registered: Jul 2013
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posted
Thanks Phoiph... I really, really hope this works. I can tell my Dr. doesn't know what to do with me anymore, and today he was suggesting IVIG which kinda scares the socks off me as it seems like is carries a lot of side effects.
So far 104 dives in 22 of those being full one hour dives. My Dr. really wants me to go an hour and a half. He says other patients are doing this and getting good results!! He said one patient dives THREE hours... gracious!
Sigh... he also insists I use the nonrebreather mask. I told him what you said Phoiph, and he seemed stubborn about it. Now I don't know WHO to believe. If you care to expound more on this Phoiph, I would appreciate it!
I still have teeny times when my head feels "good." This is definitely from mHBOT as I never felt this way since being sick. It is only little bits and certainly not everyday.
I still feel worse mentally though, not sure why. Dr. is quite confident hyperbarics isn't making it worse so I guess I tarry on...So glad your here Phoiph. This is really one of my last hopes..
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Thanks for passing along the articles Phoiph.
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susank
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Today I made an appt. for Monday the 22nd to try mHBOT for the first time. I will see the naturopath doctor there for an hour - then hopefully do a dive.
This place has a mild chamber and also an infrared sauna - the latter I probably won't ever do. At least I might get to see one!
After the doctor's name (not an MD) are the letters: CNC, CNHP and MH.
Also this doctor has a Bio-Set for allergy testing. Not sure what this is.
I am so excited to do this - but so tired - I hope I can make it to the appointment.
I hope my ears will be OK. My right one always feels "stuffy" with a bit of pressure.
-------------------- Pos.Bb culture 2012 Labcorp - no bands ever Igenex - Neg. 4 times With overall bands: IGM 18,28,41,66 IND: 23-25,34,39 IGG 41,58 IND: 39 Bart H IGG 40 Posts: 1613 | From Texas | Registered: Aug 2009
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posted
I had 23 dives then got a cold and was out of my chamber for 5 days. The past three days I haven't been able to work up to full pressure and have had to camp out at 2.5-3. How long does it take for your ears to recover from a cold? Is it better to take a break from the chamber to let your ears totally heal or get it at a lower pressure? I was feeling really great the first three weeks of diving and seeing results but quickly wilted when I couldn't dive. I'm so ready to be back in at full pressure.
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susank
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I need to know about ears and mHBOT as well.
Is a doctor supposed to look in your ears?
Really - how does one know the ears are "good to go"?
-------------------- Pos.Bb culture 2012 Labcorp - no bands ever Igenex - Neg. 4 times With overall bands: IGM 18,28,41,66 IND: 23-25,34,39 IGG 41,58 IND: 39 Bart H IGG 40 Posts: 1613 | From Texas | Registered: Aug 2009
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Phoiph
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foxy loxy...
I understand in theory why he wants to use the non-rebreather mask, because with high enough flow, it can deliver more 02. The problem is, the flow we use is not high enough to keep the bag consistently inflated (I and others have tried), and this is not a safe situation.
If he is insisting you use a non-rebreather mask, I would ask him these questions:
1. My oxygen concentrator is set to 8-1/2 LPM (recommended optimal AirSep setting for use with chamber). I understand that the LPM flow is further reduced due to the backpressure of the chamber.
If the recommended flow to prevent a non-rebreather bag from collapsing (resulting in my breathing my own carbon dioxide) is 10-15 LPM, how can this be safe?
2. If I fall asleep in my chamber without supervision, and the bag collapses due to less than sufficient flow, what happens then?
My opinion is that the risks don't outweigh the benefits in this situation...(I became fully well using a simple Hudson mask...)
As you know, I also believe in "low and slow"...you are only 22 (full) dives in...and already getting some positive "glimpses"...why risk overdoing it with longer dives? More is not always better!
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Phoiph
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Jolley...
Thanks for the article.
SNPs are complex and I don't think we fully understand the implications (there are so many variables, combinations, and external influences)in terms of how, when (or if) they will be expressed in an individual.
I have to go back to the empirical evidence that so many children with Autism have SOD SNPs...yet... this population also does remarkably well with mHBOT.
Phoiph
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Jolley & susanK...
Regarding ears...
It is best to wait until a cold with congestion is over before you dive...if your Eustachian tube is blocked, you could cause trauma to the tissues/structures and this would prevent you from diving even longer...
If you don't have a cold and are just starting mHBOT, the practitioner will look in your ears for obvious blockage before you dive...
If they look clear (from what they can see), you will have to increase pressure slowly and continue to pop your ears (they will show you how via yawning, moving your jaw, etc.).
If you have any pain while pressurizing, you will need to tell the practitioner, and reduce the pressure in the chamber immediately...then stay at a lower pressure (below the pain level) for that dive. Some people have naturally narrow Eustachian tubes, or "hidden" congestion.
This doesn't necessarily preclude you from diving, it usually just means you will have to be patient, go slowly, and work up to full pressure over a number of dives.
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susank
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Thanks. (asking self: where is the E. tube anyway?).
I have been researching and practicing. I just can't tell about my ears.
I've lived with everything wrong with me for so long I can't tell what is normal anymore.
I can do the turn head left then right and swallow.
The Valsava method - don't think I can do that. Have tried gently. If doing that correctly one should hear air moving - out of the ears?
I won't force this one - but gotta wonder....am I stopped up somewhere?
Phoiph- thanks again all your help.
-------------------- Pos.Bb culture 2012 Labcorp - no bands ever Igenex - Neg. 4 times With overall bands: IGM 18,28,41,66 IND: 23-25,34,39 IGG 41,58 IND: 39 Bart H IGG 40 Posts: 1613 | From Texas | Registered: Aug 2009
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Phoiph
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Susank...
Just remember to pressurize very slowly (make sure they show you how to work the pressure valve yourself) and continue to pop your ears as needed as you feel the pressure building. Also, don't stay at pressure for long on your first dive...maybe 10 minutes or so...
Then see how you do in the next day or two before increasing your time...
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posted
Phoiph, does a partial nonrebreather mask have the same problem?
And I am understanding that as long as the bag is inflated it would work right, but 8.5. isn't enough to keep the bag inflated?
Yeah, I am scared of overdoing it... I am going to keep it at an hour at least for now...
Thanks angel friend! Posts: 477 | From Pennsylvania | Registered: Nov 2015
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Phoiph
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A partial rebreather mask allows some of the expired air to be retained in the bag, and likely doesn't raise the 02 much more than the simple Hudson mask.
It still requires a higher flow to keep the bag inflated, so again, in my opinion, not worth the risk...
This article explains how a non-rebreather mask works, and mentions the difference between this and a partial rebreather:
posted
Does the amount of clothing matter when diving? Does it inhibit the oxygen from being absorbed into the skin?
I seem to be the oddball because I actually get cold in the chamber so I usually wear thermal pants and long sleeve shirt. Sometimes, I use a blanket to stay warm.
Is that bad? I don't want to minimize the effects with a blanket and clothing.
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susank
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I am wondering some things also - preparing for my - hopefully - first dive on Monday. What to wear. No wool? Not even wool socks?
-------------------- Pos.Bb culture 2012 Labcorp - no bands ever Igenex - Neg. 4 times With overall bands: IGM 18,28,41,66 IND: 23-25,34,39 IGG 41,58 IND: 39 Bart H IGG 40 Posts: 1613 | From Texas | Registered: Aug 2009
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Phoiph
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With mild hyperbaric using a soft/home chamber that is pressurized with room air, and 02 is breathed through a mask, the majority of the oxygen delivery is via the lungs.
In this case, you can wear whatever you're comfortable in, or use blankets...there are no restrictions.
In commercial chambers where 100% medical grade oxygen is used, the majority of the oxygen delivery is still via the lungs, but you are not allowed to wear synthetics (100% cotton only), jewelry, cosmetics, perfumes, or take electronics or newsprint inside due to fire risk.
Susank...you will be using a Vitaeris (soft/home chamber) at your clinic, so unless they tell you otherwise, you can wear whatever.
Soccermama...my theory is that although the temperature in the chamber rises due to the pressure, some people get cool because mHBOT causes temporary constriction of the blood vessels. This is one way that it reduces inflammation, while the pressure allows for greater oxygenation of the tissues.
Posts: 2072 | From Earth | Registered: Jul 2013
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I just wanted to thank everyone for your detailed, honest experiences. I am inspired to rent a mHbot, and tried out a session at my doctor's office to see if I could tolerate it.
I have a silly question: How do you pass the time while you are diving?
I have pain in my neck and arms which would prevent me from holding anything up (like a book or phone) for a long stretch of time.
Thanks!
Posts: 118 | From Northern Virginia | Registered: Apr 2012
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Phoiph
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How about audio books, guided meditation, or music?
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Phoiph
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You can also use a wedge to prop up your head and shoulders so you can view a lap top without holding it up...
Posts: 2072 | From Earth | Registered: Jul 2013
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posted
foxy loxy: What brand of L-Arginine do you take? Supplements rarely help for me either.
FYI: Sounds like we have the same LLMD.
Posts: 118 | From Northern Virginia | Registered: Apr 2012
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Phoiph
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LaniMo...
If you're using an oxygen concentrator, you wouldn't need to purchase oxygen.
I did some rough calculations on the electricity...using both the concentrator and compressor for 1-1/2 hours a day would come to around $5.00/month.
You would have to base it on the kilowatt charge in your area. Here's the formula:
For each machine, calculate:
Listed Voltage X Listed Amps divided by .001 (kilowatt) X number of hours used per month X local kilowatt hour charge = cost per month
Posts: 2072 | From Earth | Registered: Jul 2013
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posted
LaniMo, someone on Facebook posted a photo of how they use a lightweight board straddled across the wire supports, they set their iPad on the board so they didn't have to hold it in their hands.
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If you care to expound more on this Phoiph, I would appreciate it!
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