posted
Thanks, toyswalk -- that's a great idea!
Posts: 118 | From Northern Virginia | Registered: Apr 2012
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susank
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posted
Preparing for my first dive tomorrow. I will believe it when/if I am actually in the chamber. (that my transportation works out - ears OK etc).
I am feeling congested from allergies. Normally I would do a saline nasal rinse after getting home from the barn - being around animals/barn dirt/dust.
Wondering if I should do a rinse tonight? Or could liquid get in my E. tubes? And stay there? (sorry my dumb questions).
I also have made a mix of peppermint and eucalyptus essential oils to inhale throughout the night.
I am worried my right ear - or E. tube - might not clear. TIA any thoughts.
-------------------- 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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susank
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I can do the "Toynbee" technique. Just tried it a few times. Pinch nostrils and swallow.
By being able to do so - does that mean anything?
-------------------- 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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susank
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I did it. My first dive. Long day. More later. ------ To summarize: I think it went fairly well. I think I was in the chamber for about 45 minutes total. Time to pressurize - stay at a pressure - then depressurize - (?). I got uncomfortable with my right ear going from 1 to 2 - so we stayed for a few minutes at 1. Not sure what the numbers mean - not sure what's with my ear. The goal is to reach and hold at 4? The most difficult part (ear-wise) is getting past 2? I'm upset with myself for wimping out/staying right around 1. My right ear kinda hurt for a few hours after - is getting better. So dunno. Maybe to be safe I will try to see an ENT. Anyway, since I only did half a dive - I will go back to finish and do another half dive. I felt completely comfortable with the facility - loved the ND and her staff. I have been given some hope.
-------------------- 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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posted
Susank...
You did the right thing by staying at 1 PSI if you had ear discomfort when you went beyond that point.
The fact that your ear hurt afterward emphasizes that point and the need to go slowly. Don't push to reach 4 PSI quickly...take your time over multiple sessions to let your ears adjust gradually.
The ears have to do the most adjustment from 0 to 2 PSI; it actually gets easier from 2 to 4 PSI.
susank
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posted
Thanks P. Curious - the "1" level - does that do anything? Still some benefit?
I think I have a "deal" with my ears. Or maybe its "just" Lyme and Co's. Or allergies.
Many years ago I did have an eardrum rupture - don't remember which ear - but assume it has totally healed.
But again today - walking in - I felt like a kid in a candy store. I don't get out much - only read about things.
Opened the clinic door - and smelled peppermint essential oil. There were diffusers in most rooms. I could hear the chamber - someone was in it. FWIW also saw an infrared sauna.
Had an hour consult with the ND - and really really liked her. Out of all the doctors I have seen the past 20 years - I rank her in the top five of those who really care - and want to help.
Anyway, she treats Autism mostly (I think) but has Lyme patients.
I told her that I had mostly given up on any treatment - and she said - no - don't think that way at all.
-------------------- 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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Good to hear...
Did they have an oxygen concentrator/mask hooked up to the chamber with you, or were they using it with pressure only?
Any increase in 02/pressure can be beneficial, but your goal would be to gradually work up to full pressure...
Posts: 1984 | From Earth | Registered: Jul 2013
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susank
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Pressure only. No mask. Thanks so much all your help. I'll need more of it - so thanks in advance.
To add: I don't think O concentration - we did not discuss it. So I don't think so.
Concentration is only with a mask, right?
-------------------- 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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posted
They could have been flowing 02 from the concentrator into the chamber without having you wear a mask, which is OK to start...
It sounds like they were careful to take it slowly with you... :)
Posts: 1984 | From Earth | Registered: Jul 2013
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posted
Oh my Goodness, I just received the best news after one year of treating with mild hyperbaric oxygen therapy (mHBOT). My lab tests are back from 2 February 2016
Ehrlichiosis is now negative Ca4 52,000 down from 64,000 May 2015 CD57 26 up from 23
I am over the moon about my progress and my labs confirm my improvement in my Lyme journey.💚
Phoiph I'm requesting copies of my lab tests and will email them to you when they arrive😊
Posts: 233 | From AZ | Registered: Jan 2015
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posted
I've never tested for that top thing but Negative sounds AWESOME!! Great report!!
Posts: 42 | From beautiful Texas Hill Country | Registered: Jun 2015
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I used to get very tired after my dives. It would last hours or longer. Now I may be tired for a few minutes but that's it. Sometimes I don't get tired at all. I think it's a very good sign Posts: 120 | From Maine | Registered: May 2015
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My update: I'm diving for 20 months now in my Summit to sea shallow dive.
Before I started mhbot I was getting sicker and sicker for over 15 years. Not any of the hundreds kinds of therapy I did and doctors I consulted helped to stop this ongoing deterioration. I got diagnosed with lyme and co a few years ago.
I’m still 80% bedridden, in wheelchair and very sick. But my daily mhbot is the first treatment that has made my situation more stable and is giving me improvements! I love it!
Symptoms such as migraines and severe pain-attacks have disappeared. Symptoms such as vomiting, trembling/shaking, exhaustion and digestive problems have improved. My energy-level and overall tolerance is a little bit better.
I feel no improvement in brainfog nor in my daily nerve, muscle and joint pain (yet). Although I still have severe mcs, abx and herxing are no problem anymore to tolerate. Cholestyramine does also help me with that. I’m on IV ceftriaxone with azithromycin and pulsing tinidazole and I feel this helps too.
I’m so happy I’m feeling a little bit better and my body is getting stronger!!
@Phoiph or someone else who might know, if I may ask, can you help me find an article about tinnitus and mhbot? It’s Lyme-induced without hearing loss. I’m asking for a friend who’s considering mhbot.
Thanks for sharing your experiences on mhbot! Wish you all the best and hold on!
Survivorgirl1
Posts: 16 | From Europe | Registered: Jun 2014
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posted
Has anyone had an increase in allergies after treating? I began having anaphylaxis in response to foods this summer which was why I discontinued antibiotics to take time to restore my gut and consider other treatment options.I have experienced anaphylactic reactions from food (twice in the last two weeks) and am wondering if it has something to do with treating and my body being overloaded. The first month I felt really great and now I am feeling more fatigued in general. Probably need to detox more, but am just disheartened because I don't want to cut more and more foods out of my diet. I drink bone broth everyday and am avoiding all foods I know I am allergic or sensitive to, which feels like a long list.
Posts: 64 | From Washington | Registered: Aug 2015
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susank
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posted
Researching - hoping my ears "vet" to be OK for mHBOT.
Questions about the Oxyhealth Solace. There is one about an hour from me - listed on eBay. Great price. Bolsters included as well an Invacare LPM concentrator. One year old.
I think the Solace is considered too small for most adults? I was not giving the Solace or eBay any thought until I stumbled upon the ad.
I am 5'2" 100 lbs. Not claustrophic at all.
I just measured my couch - where I spend a lot of my time.....If the Solace inflated is 21" - that is a few inches more height and width than my couch/cushion area.
I've heard a few people say the Solace (even the Respiro?) is so tight that one's face would be right up against the ceiling. ???
Does the Solace face window protrude out a bit - maybe giving an inch or two more face area?
-------------------- 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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Survivorgirl1...
Great to hear of your improvements...!!!
Here is one article on tinnitus and mHBOT. It would seem that the outlook would be even more favorable without hearing loss...
Phoiph
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posted
SusanK...
There are definitely some crucial questions to ask the seller if you are thinking of buying a chamber and concentrator from a private party.
There are also more than a few scams going on out there, so beware! You can email me with the link and I can help you check it out if you like.
Some people are just fine with a Solace...and it is more affordable, but others find it much too tight, particularly for long term use. You would definitely need to see it.
Posts: 1984 | From Earth | Registered: Jul 2013
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posted
Thanks very much Phoiph! I can't find the pressure that they used in the cited study. What does 2.5 times normal mean? Is it 2.5 ATA?
Would 1.3 ATA show similar results? Maybe even better if it's chronic tinnitus instead of acute tinnitus?
SusanK, cheapest new one from Summit to sea is 4000 dollars (excl. concentrator) and 24" diameter. It's a bit less luxury and less quality then Oxyhealth's. But to me it works perfect, it's nice and bright from the inside.
Survivorgirl1
[ 02-28-2016, 02:35 AM: Message edited by: Survivorgirl1 ]
Posts: 16 | From Europe | Registered: Jun 2014
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Phoiph
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I know. At the beginning of the article, it seems they were just describing how HBOT is used in general (i.e., 2.5 ATA), and not in relation to the specific studies.
I would wager that lower pressure over time would be safer and more effective, especially if it is chronic-Lyme induced.
I had screaming tinnitus when I was very ill, which has resolved to pre-Lyme levels. Torturous "brain static", auditory hallucinations (always music I hated) and severe hyperacusis also resolved, thanks to mHBOT.
Posts: 1984 | From Earth | Registered: Jul 2013
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susank
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P - thanks again. I'll try to send you the link.
I was looking at Oxyhealth's website and tried to click on "see chambers near you" or something like that. Link wouldn't work - so I googled my city and Oxyhealth and ended up seeing a Hyper-Oxy on Craigslist (cheap) and the Solace on eBay.
I had never heard of the Hyper-Oxy before - wonder what year they were last made?
Anyway - interesting - on FB there was an article posted past days about HBOT and fibro. Photo of a gal in a large clear chamber. My friends "shared" that info - there is lots of interest. Folks don't know the treatment is available - where to get it - or that they could even get a home chamber.
I'll try to send you that link as well.
-------------------- 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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quote:Originally posted by Phoiph: I would wager that lower pressure over time would be safer and more effective, especially if it is chronic-Lyme induced.
Yes thanks I totally agree. Also in Harch's book The Oxygen Revolution mild hbot for chronic problems seems to be the best in multiple ways.
quote:Originally posted by Phoiph: I had screaming tinnitus when I was very ill, which has resolved to pre-Lyme levels. Torturous "brain static", auditory hallucinations (always music I hated) and severe hyperacusis also resolved, thanks to mHBOT.
I'm sorry that you've gone through all that. And it's always good to hear how mhbot helped you tremendously. I'm also so glad I've started it. Thanks for helping out.
quote:Originally posted by Susank: Folks don't know the treatment is available - where to get it - or that they could even get a home chamber.
Yes good point susan, we have to change that...
Survivorgirl1
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Phoiph
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Thanks, Survivorgirl...
I'm so sorry you have gone through so much as well...but it is so encouraging to hear that mHBOT is helping you... :)
As I've said many times, it helps me to believe that my 8 years in hell had some purpose...and life is definitely sweeter on the other side...
Looking forward to seeing everyone get there!
Posts: 1984 | From Earth | Registered: Jul 2013
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susank
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Hope this URL works re: HBOT and Fibro:
Feb 2016: (scroll way down to see the clear chamber - which looks rather comfortable - and probably very expensive to use).
Realistically - what size person would not fit in a Solace? I would fit - but I am thinking of others that might want to use it. Ugh - am tempting providence/whatever to discuss getting one. I should stop thinking about it until I get info about my ears. (what if its fluid?)
The FB article took me out of "just wait a few more days" mode.
-------------------- 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
Please help me understand the relationship between mHBOT, oxidative stress and taking antioxidants.
Posts: 42 | From beautiful Texas Hill Country | Registered: Jun 2015
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susank
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Curious about something. My one dive - I made it to just past "1" - went back to "1" and stayed there a few minutes.
The levels are 1-4, right? Level 4 =~10 ft deep/under water?
-------------------- 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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toyswalk...
It is really a matter of balance.
Free radicals are a natural part of our metabolism and play a crucial role in health. Too many, and we have "oxidative stress". Too few, and we have less defenses against pathogens, for example.
mHBOT creates free radicals, and also stimulates the body to produce more of its natural antioxidants to compensate.
Taking too many "artificial" antioxidants (i.e., in isolation; not from food) is now being shown to be detrimental for a number of reasons. In theory, taking too many antioxidants while doing mHBOT could thwart the beneficial action of free radicals.
On the flip side, doing TOO much mHBOT (i.e., multiple times per day...just like too much of any good thing) could surpass the body's ability to keep up with antioxidant production, creating oxidative stress.
For comparison, full pressure (in a home chamber) is 4.2 PSI:
4.2 PSI = 0.28579304838 ATM, rounded to .3 ATM Add 1 ATM for existing pressure at sea level = 1.3 ATA (atmospheres absolute) 4.2 PSI = 1.3 ATA = ~10' depth
Posts: 1984 | From Earth | Registered: Jul 2013
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susank
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Good news from ENT today. My ears are normal acc. to the tests they did. The very nice doctor said that some folks experience pain with HBOT and get tubes put in their ears. Glad to know that would be an option.
I saw my eye doctor right after the ENT - right across the hall.
My eyes are a wreck (Meibomian glands)and I asked him about eyes and mHBOT. (eyes and pressure..).
Get this: he said he had just gotten off the phone - right before he walked in to see me - with a charitable group he is associated with. They are in the process of buying a chamber. It would be too far away for me to use - but still........!!!
Anyway, he said he thought mHBOT would be good for my eyes.
I am seriously considering purchasing a Solace i/o of a Respiro.
posted
I am considering purchasing a Hyperbaric chamber for home use in treating chronic Lyme. Is there any sugestions on which company is best to use, also which machine and what is the correct pressure should it go to? Thank you
Posts: 1 | From Albuquerque | Registered: Mar 2016
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Phoiph
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Hi MoniLuv...
I just sent you some information via PM...
Posts: 1984 | From Earth | Registered: Jul 2013
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posted
You are working so hard and being so proactive with all this, I wish you luck (my Texas neighbor!).
Phoiph, thank you for info and links on subject of antioxidants and oxidative stress
Posts: 42 | From beautiful Texas Hill Country | Registered: Jun 2015
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susank
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I am now the proud owner of a chamber. The purchase took a few interesting twists and turns........but I got one. It's sitting just a few feet from me - as I type. I still don't believe it.
In fact I'm going to have a peek and make sure it's really there...
It is! It looks like a blue canoe - deflated.
I don't have the foggiest idea what to do with it. I need to let this whole thing sink in - then study - and of course ask questions.
I can think of one right now: once inside the chamber one cannot see the gauge? (that's kinda strange..). Thats why I've seen photos of chambers with mirrors?
How does one afix a mirror on the outside?
-------------------- 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
Susan, my husband found an app for my phone. While it doesn't correspond with the psi on the gauge on the outside, it does tell me how many pounds it goes up and I know when I hit 4.2.
The sad thing is I had to factory reset my phone and I lost the app so I have to wait until my husband comes back from out of town work so I can get back on my phone.
When I do, I'll post the link so you can use it. Other people get a gauge extender so they can see it.
Right now, I just wait til the hisses and then start counting my time then.
Posts: 538 | From kentucky | Registered: Nov 2011
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bluelyme
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Would i be able to dive if i got a chest port put in? Do people do abx and dive ?
-------------------- Blue Posts: 1539 | From southwest | Registered: Dec 2015
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posted
bluelyme, I had a Groshong catheter in my chest when I started diving (in hard chambers) but had stopped doing IV abx by then and was only doing orals. Anyway, I would think that it is definitely ok to dive in a soft chamber with a chest port in.
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susank
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My plan to put the chamber on twin bed mattresses on the floor will not work. Right now the chamber (with bolsters) is on the floor. Will be too hard on my back.
I don't think I want to put anything inside the chamber with me. (like a foam mattress).
Wondering - what could I use to put under the chamber- between it and the floor.
Pillows - end to end - the length of the chamber?
Today I had help moving furniture/dusting etc.
Eventually (soon I hope) I'll study how to set everything up - and might actually do a dive.
Still don't believe this.........
-------------------- 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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kgg
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susank, did your chamber not come with a mattress pad? Or is that not enough?
Posts: 1770 | From Maine | Registered: Jun 2004
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susank, my chamber came with a mattress pad. I believe I've even seen them for sale on eBay (I know I've seen the covers, believe I've seen the pads also).
Posts: 42 | From beautiful Texas Hill Country | Registered: Jun 2015
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susank
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posted
The chamber did not come with a mattress pad.
The seller said he used something different - not something from Oxyhealth.
What are other ideas?
I am very chemical sensitive and need things to be off-gassed already.
Can one put something between the chamber and the floor?
Or is it really better to have a pad in the chamber? That would obviously make more sense - especially in the larger chambers.
For the Solace - dunno - how much space a pad would take up - and if that would even matter.
FWIW - I sleep on a "Shepherd's Dream" wool mattress on a slat frame. Most folks that buy those also buy the latex strips to go between the slats and the mattress. Whatever latex that is - has not bothered me. Will research that.
-------------------- 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
Hi susank I use a different brand chamber then you so my understanding may be off a little but I would think you would want to put something inside since these chambers harden up once under full pressure. If the pad is outside I'm not sure you would be benefit much from it.
Posts: 120 | From Maine | Registered: May 2015
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Phoiph
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Susank...
You could use a comfortable cotton blanket folded to fit inside.
Once I was able to, I built a padded platform on locking casters for my chamber. It adds a little extra cushion, and allows it to be moved easily, even if someone is inside.
It is not difficult to make, if anyone is interested. Have a home store cut MDF or thick plywood to size (a couple of inches wider and longer than the chamber on bolsters). Cut (to span width) and attach three 2x4 cross braces underneath the platform with wood screws, spaced evenly. Attach a caster to the ends of each 2x4 (6 casters total). Cut padding slightly larger than platform (so it will pad edges) and attach lightly. Cover padding with fabric, stretch and wrap underneath platform, and staple gun in place...
Posts: 1984 | From Earth | Registered: Jul 2013
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posted
Hey everyone. I want to thank you all for keeping this thread alive. It convinced me to try a low pressure Hyperbaric Chamber for 5 dives. I then bought my own, assembled it and had my first dive with it last night.
I was diagnosed with Babesia Duncani (WA1)and Lyme Disease almost 3 years ago. I have had the disease since July 2010. My main issue is Babesia. I realize this is a slow process to see results from the Hyperbaric Chamber, but I will post any updates to this thread.
Posts: 2 | From United States | Registered: Feb 2016
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posted
I'm still diving using just pressure (about 90 dives). Regarding material for your cushioning, any material you do not react to seems reasonable to me. Also, something substantial because whatever you use will shift around as you get in and out and get settled.
Posts: 42 | From beautiful Texas Hill Country | Registered: Jun 2015
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Phoiph
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SusanK...
You can purchase a gauge extender so you can see your gauge through the window.
Let's talk soon via phone, so we can go over all these questions/concerns in more detail and get you started...
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