Phoiph
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posted
quote:Originally posted by Jolley: Phoiph I just ran my O2 concentrator without the external filter for an entire dive. Do I need to worry about anything?
Hi Jolley~
Not ideal, of course, but you should be OK for the short time you ran your concentrator without the filter.
It is easy to forget to put the filter back in after washing and letting dry overnight. I put a sticky note on the front of the concentrator as a reminder.
Posts: 1984 | From Earth | Registered: Jul 2013
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posted
Phoiph thank you! I'm feeling symptom free mostly and have for quite awhile. My doctor suggested cutting back to diving 2-3 days a week. I feel torn as part of me wants to dive two full years and another part of me is so ready to be done with the time commitment of daily dives. How do you start cutting back?
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Phoiph
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Jolley~
When you say you have been "symptom-free mostly" for "quite awhile", can you be more specific?
I personally didn't want to take any chances in this area. I continued to dive daily for another full year after I was fully functional and symptom-free. I was amazed at how much I improved during that time.
So...I dove for a total of 2-1/2 years daily before cutting back. I then went to 4 consecutive days on, 3 off. The decision to cut back was easy; my body told me it was time. I didn't have to second guess it; I just knew.
The fact that you are "torn" about cutting back suggests to me that you may not be at that point yet. Your mind may be "done" with the time commitment, but your body knows the truth and it will let you know.
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Phoiph
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Jesse2233~
I had all of the symptoms that you mentioned and many more, all of which resolved with long term commitment to mHBOT, diet, and graded exercise/activity.
I just replied to your PM so we can discuss further...
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Phoiph
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Hominahomina~
You can contact Dr. Ken Stoller in San Francisco for information:
Since you are new to the thread, I just want to be sure you are aware that for Lyme and many chronic illnesses, results from mHBOT are seen after many sessions over time.
It is unlikely that you would have lasting results from just a few sessions, although it may familiarize you and increase your comfort level with the process.
Also, if you do your first sessions at a facility, you may want to request to go more slowly than the usual protocol; as people with Lyme and chronic illness can be more sensitive than others they may be used to treating.
Posts: 1984 | From Earth | Registered: Jul 2013
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posted
Thanks Phoip How many sessions would you suggest until I know it will benefit me? I would prefer to spend the least amount on trying it out and save that for my own unit.
Posts: 261 | From California | Registered: Sep 2017
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Phoiph
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I don't know your health situation, but for someone with chronic Lyme, It can (and usually does) take months of daily sessions to begin to see changes and lasting results.
It is a very gradual, 2 step forward, 1 step back process that takes time to traverse the many layers involved and to rebuild/restore.
In other words, although you might experience an initial "honeymoon period", you will likely not realize the deep lasting results for some time.
Since it is cost prohibitive for most people to do long term treatment in a clinical setting, some people will opt to do just a few sessions to become comfortable with the process before buying or renting their own chamber.
Posts: 1984 | From Earth | Registered: Jul 2013
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posted
Thanks again Phoip I don't think I have Lyme but instead CFS maybe they are the same thing I don't know
I wonder if there is anyone in the San Francisco Bay Area that would want to split the cost of a rental maybe 3 or 4 people or more Thanks
Posts: 261 | From California | Registered: Sep 2017
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posted
Hello All Exiting news I found an affordable HBOT company in Albany California Bay Area They are significantly cheaper than the other places I've called They are called Holistic Hyperbarics They use soft shelled chambers http://www.hh-bayarea.com/ 510-648-9496 Talk to Alex If you use them please mention my name Steve from Lymenet this gives me free sessions I am not invested in the company in any way just wanted to pass along this information for people that want to try but can't afford it
Posts: 261 | From California | Registered: Sep 2017
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posted
I'm about a week into using my chamber, so I thought I'd share my experience.
My symptoms have almost always been Bartonella related, and they're mostly neurological.
My anxiety has ticked up, which is normal when I herx. When I'm in the chamber it also feels like my bones ache, this is true mostly in my arms and hands. Feels a bit strange.
I'm not sure when it happened, but sometime in the last few days I've developed a bartonella rash on my back. I have long purple looking scratches that run almost parallel to my spine. They look fairly dramatic.
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posted
Charles12 Have you experienced a herx at all? Thanks
Posts: 261 | From California | Registered: Sep 2017
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kgg
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posted
Welcome, Charles12! Thanks for sharing your experience. It certainly sounds like your immune system woke up.
When I initially used mHBO, I started right off with an hour dive. That was too much for me. Then I read Phioph's and another member's (can't remember her name! sorry) recommendation to start low and go slow, I found it much more tolerable.
So I started at 10 minutes of diving plus inflating and deflating 10 minutes each. That was without wearing my oxygen mask. I just had it laying beside me. After I was up to an hour then I added wearing the oxygen mask for 10 minutes at the end of my dive and ramped up from there to wearing it for the whole dive.
Here is the schedule that I followed:
"mHBOT Diving Schedule (for those just starting out)
·MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2016
Week 1
Days 1-3: 20 minute dive at full pressure (not counting compression and decompression time). Do not wear the mask, but set it down inside the chamber so the oxygen is flowing in, mixing with compressed air.
Days 4-7: If no major reactions are happening, increase full pressure time to 40 minutes. If having previous reaction, stay at 20 minutes (still no mask; just let oxygen flow in and mix with compressed air).
Week 2
Days 1-3: If no major reactions, increase full pressure time to 60 minutes. If having a previous reaction, stay at 40 minutes (still no mask).
Days 4-7: If no major reaction, continue with full pressure 60 minute dive, wearing mask for 20 minutes, and laying it down in the chamber for the rest of the dive. (If having reaction, don't move forward; stay at last step!)
Week 3
Days 1-3: Continue 60 minute dive, wearing mask for 40 minutes, and laying it down in the chamber for the rest of the dive.
Days 4-7: Continue 60 minute dive, wearing mask for entire 60 minutes.
Again...don't move forward to the next step until you're not having major reactions. It is best to move up slowly so your body has time to detoxify and adjust.
You don't need to wear the mask while you compress (so you can clear your ears freely), but do wear it when you decompress."
Hope this helps.
Posts: 1770 | From Maine | Registered: Jun 2004
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posted
Phoiph, I have symptoms (low energy/ cold) from anemia/ low iron which improve with supplementation and return when I stop supplementing. Have been symptom free from Lyme for six months or more, not including the anemia issues, which were difficult to separate out at the time. I also continue to have asthma and aches in response to certain foods but I know what not to eat for the most part and am symptom free if I stay lower histamine. My concern with continued dives are my periods are much worse over the past year and I wonder if mHbot could have contributed; I'm in a low iron rut. I sort of feel "done" at least with Lyme; the rest is management. With that said, a few months ago I missed 3 days in a row to visit my parents and felt the urge to get back in the chamber ASAP.
Posts: 64 | From Washington | Registered: Aug 2015
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Phoiph
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Jolley~
Did your doctor determine a cause for the anemia?
I'm assuming you been checked for hormonal imbalances (that could contribute to your heavy periods and cause anemia)?
Are you including plenty of iron-containing foods in your diet?
HBOT is actually used to provide oxygen to tissues in cases of anemia due to large blood loss, or when transfusions aren't possible.
IMO, if you are already oxygen deprived due to anemia, I personally would not consider cutting back on daily mHBOT at this point.
The urge to get back in the chamber asap after missing 3 days is a good indicator.
Posts: 1984 | From Earth | Registered: Jul 2013
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posted
Phoiph, Don't really know. When I take iron my levels go up so probably not an absorption issue. I think it is from bad periods; I've tried balancing hormones in the past but am really sensitive to progesterone; may try TCM/ acupuncture for it.. I'll hold off on cutting back until my iron levels are higher. Thanks for your help.
Posts: 64 | From Washington | Registered: Aug 2015
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Wondering if you have some great breakfast suggestions?
I think my diet is the biggest piece I need to work on right now. I couldn't eat hardly ANYTHING for so long. Now that my stomach is doing better, I'm having a hard time having a strict diet. So, I figured I would change one meal at a time.
SOO.... taking all breakfast suggestions!!!
Yeah hbot team. Still progressing in my up down fashion. So thankful for mhbot.
Posts: 798 | From Cincinnati, OH | Registered: Jul 2016
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kgg
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I used to eat eggs for breakfast. But my stomach does not like them now. So I have peanut butter on a brown rice cake. And coffee of course. So I guess, I am not much help to you. Sorry.
Posts: 1770 | From Maine | Registered: Jun 2004
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posted
Haha.. kgg, I can do eggs occasionally. I don't think everyday, but it's a good rotation!
Posts: 798 | From Cincinnati, OH | Registered: Jul 2016
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Phoiph
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HW88~
I eat spinach (or other vegetable) sautéed in coconut oil, 2 eggs, and 1/2 avocado for breakfast.
Try to think of protein and vegetable for breakfast instead of the usual starchy breakfast foods. If you can digest them at this point, you can stir fry vegetables and add a protein (e.g., grass fed beef, salmon, etc.) to it.
If you are not at that stage of digestive health yet (or even if you are), breakfast is a great time to have bone or meat broth.
Fermented foods are crucial to gut health/healing and would go well here.
For better digestion, food combining is important, too. As a general rule, try not to mix starches with protein. Avocados are a nutritious neutral food and combine with anything. Fruits should be eaten on an empty stomach at least a half hour before a meal to avoid fermentation.
You can also make nut butters and nut milks, but be sure to prepare your nuts properly in advance to remove the anti-digestive enzymes and make them more absorbable.
posted
uggh, I was doing so well... making progress, living life... then SMACK, I feel like someone put me in a time machine and transported me to 6 months ago. Someone please remind me this is normal..... And it will get better again!
Hope everyone else is doing well and making progress!!
Posts: 798 | From Cincinnati, OH | Registered: Jul 2016
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kgg
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So sorry. It gets discouraging when we do the two step back thing. But it will pass. And you will get better. Hang in there!
Posts: 1770 | From Maine | Registered: Jun 2004
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Phoiph
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HW88~
This sounds like a "speed bump".
Moving is very stressful. It likely took a lot of reserves, and your body is now wanting you to slow down so it can recover.
Have you made any other major changes (e.g., stopping/starting meds, supplements, travel, stress level, foods, etc.)?
Even changing diet (for the better) can have an effect.
My best advice would be to keep things as stable as possible, rest, do your chamber, eat well, and don't overdo. Give your body the time and resources it needs to restore its reserves.
Posts: 1984 | From Earth | Registered: Jul 2013
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kgg
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I forgot and totally agree with Phioph. Moving is very stressful. True but almost sounds like an understatement (no criticism intended). I am going to our closing today. People tell me that this process was fast. It felt never ending. And I am still looking at boxes that are not unpacked. Where is my coffee maker??!!
I have hit a level of fatigue that I have not felt in years. Hang in there, HW88. We will bounce back from this and be the better for it!
Posts: 1770 | From Maine | Registered: Jun 2004
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I agree!!! Luckily I felt my best during the actual move part.
I have to confess despite phoiph's suggestion of waiting to decrease my klonopin, I did decrease it by . 12. It's been about 5 weeks and I haven't bounced back yet... I just want off it SO BAD! I don't know why, but I feel like my brain will heal better without it.
I'm really not sure how long a withdrawal 'speed bump' could last, but from what I've read it can be a while. I'm down to .5 mg.
Good news: before I dropped I had felt the best I had in YEARS!!! Bad news: withdrawal STINKS!
Thanks for the encouragement.... I'm hanging in here. It's so hard to go backwards (mentally).
Posts: 798 | From Cincinnati, OH | Registered: Jul 2016
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posted
Thanks jolley. How are you?
Posts: 798 | From Cincinnati, OH | Registered: Jul 2016
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kgg
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HW88, if you are trying to wean off of Klonopin then consider yourself very strong even though you feel weak. From what I have read that is a very difficult thing to do.
Willbeatthis, where are you? Haven't heard from you for a while. I hope that you are doing OK
Posts: 1770 | From Maine | Registered: Jun 2004
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HW88 I'm doing well these days. Thank you for asking Excited more and more people are starting their mHbot journey. Glad we're here for each other too; it's a tough road.
Posts: 64 | From Washington | Registered: Aug 2015
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posted
Aww... KGG and Phoiph... Thanks for asking and I must apologize as I really must check in time to time no matter what. We are in this together.
I have been dealing with thyroid meds being adjusted and truthfully, it has been a roller coaster of the last 8-9 weeks. My temp is finally at 98 in the morning- up from 96.2. That is a big deal for me. On top of this, I have never been so busy as a college consultant. So balls in the air- yes and MHBOT helping to make it possible - WITHOUT A DOUBT!
I have been doing the chamber every day no matter what. I will tell you that I have had days better than I have ever had which is terrific but there are also days where I am still going through so to speak. My husband may take a job out of town, I don't think I will move; however, it has been VERY stressful. He is my rock.
HW88- I a sorry to hear that you have had the back stepping of late and I have no doubt it was probably the stress of the move too. I am not sure other than a death of a loved one that there is anything much more stressful. I am remembering the charts I used to look at when studying counseling but it has been sometime. So... there are likely others.... but goodness, I am glad that is over for you.
Klonopin is something. They had me on it years ago prior to lyme when I was trying to get my sleeping habits back to normal after all nighters in grad school-- well, that stuff, geesh, I was on a very minimal dose and literally could sleep until 3 in the afternoon - so they got me off it and put me on Ambien and then I had to get off of that. My cousin was on Klonopin for anxiety all through the day and until the doctor got her off of it-- the poor girl was honestly, not doing well-- which of course, I understood with my brief experience.
I think listening to your doctor and weaning off if you can is very smart. Inherently, I think we know what we need to do as you said you didn't think your brain would heal without getting off it. Trust your inner wisdom and it seems you are being prudent and doing this the right way. I know you will get back.
I've had speed bumps too and now into my 9th month of daily dives. I am so grateful to this thread and to Phoiph, Digby, KGG and all...
I will catch up with the thread soon!! Thanks for thinking of me...
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kgg
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Thanks for checking in, Willbeatthis!
Posts: 1770 | From Maine | Registered: Jun 2004
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posted
Good to hear how you are doing. Thanks for the encouragement. I was given Klonopin for sleep also--due to lyme. I think it helped for a few months and after that, I don't think so.
I'm weaning slowly. I think it really will take me another year.
I 'think' I'm starting to come out of my backward steps. I say that cautiously, but the last 2 days have been better than the last month...
Thanks for the encouragement. Hope everyone else is moving in the right direction. Posts: 798 | From Cincinnati, OH | Registered: Jul 2016
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posted
Phoiph - I tried to reply with my contact info but it says your mailbox is full. I would like to speak you regarding a chamber. Is there another way to contact you? Terrie
-------------------- TK Posts: 1 | From Oklahoma | Registered: Oct 2017
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Phoiph
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Sorry, shoelover...I will empty the mailbox. Please try again.
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kgg
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HW88, so glad to hear that you are starting to turn the corner!
Posts: 1770 | From Maine | Registered: Jun 2004
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posted
Hello All I have a question I just had my fifth dive in one of the smaller chambers (This is the first time in this smaller chamber) After the dive I had die off but this time I have experienced pressure in the head and a ringing in the ears ( kind of a buzz) The only two things I did different was the smaller chamber and I took a cilantro capsule in the morning
Any ideas? Thanks
Posts: 261 | From California | Registered: Sep 2017
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posted
Hominahomina...The size of the chamber won't make any difference unless you are claustrophobic.
The cilantro however, can redistribute mercury into the central nervous system which could cause your symptoms.
Posts: 550 | From NW Arkansas | Registered: May 2003
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Phoiph
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Hi Homina~
I assume you were taking the cilantro to assist with detox?
My understanding is that cilantro helps mobilize toxins from cells, but does not help remove them from the body.
My concern is that with the combination of cilantro and mHBOT, you released toxins faster than your body could remove them, causing reactions.
I personally would not take cilantro supplements with mHBOT. It already does a great job of moving toxins out of cells, and assisting your organs of detoxification to remove them in a timeframe which your body can handle (if you start out slowly and carefully enough).
IMO, the best way to assist detox when doing mHBOT is through a clean, gut healing/nerve rebuilding diet and carefully graded exercise (e.g., starting with yoga) to move lymph. Also, don't forget how important it is to stay hydrated.
Posts: 1984 | From Earth | Registered: Jul 2013
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posted
Yes I think you are right What about cilantro between dives? Thanks
Posts: 261 | From California | Registered: Sep 2017
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Phoiph
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I vote no, unless used as a spice in food.
Posts: 1984 | From Earth | Registered: Jul 2013
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Phoiph
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posted
Are you breathing supplemental oxygen, or just using pressure during your soft chamber sessions?
Posts: 1984 | From Earth | Registered: Jul 2013
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posted
This is an oxygen concentrator question While diving the concentrator automatically shut off
The owner said it was something about the level of oxygen or something they shut it off and turned it back on again
Is this typical behavior from a Oxygen concentrator ? Here is the brand Airsep Newlife Intensity Thanks
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Phoiph
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No, it is not typical, but it does happen for the following reasons. Did you hear an alarm?
It could have alarmed/shut down due to:
1. Power outage or interruption 2. Kinked tubing or other blockage 3. Lower than 85% oxygen purity 4. High/Low Pressure output 5. High temperature
It could have been incidental, but if it continues to happen, I would ask them if they can explain why it is happening, and when it was last serviced.
Posts: 1984 | From Earth | Registered: Jul 2013
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posted
I asked the owner of the machine She said it started beeping because the oxygen concentration was at max or above which would be a 10 or above setting She said when they adjusted it to about 8 there was no longer a beep
Phoiph
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posted
The higher the LPM (liter per minute) flow setting, the greater the drop in oxygen purity.
If you add the backpressure of the chamber to that formula, the unit has to work harder to produce LPM flow, and so purity may drop at a lower LPM threshold. The age and hours on the unit may also affect performance. Other factors like temperature and humidity play a role too.
So what likely happened was.... the LPM (liter per minute) setting was set high enough that, due to the backpressure of the chamber, the unit was pushed beyond its capacity to maintain 85% oxygen purity, and the oxygen monitor alarm sounded/the unit shut down. When they dialed the LPM down to 8, it reduced the flow demand on the unit, allowing it to raise oxygen purity back up somewhere above 85%.
Other brands of concentrators work differently, but AirSep New Life Intensity 10 concentrators should never be set above 8 - 8-1/2 LPM when used with a home chamber.
That said, I have not known one to alarm if accidentally set higher when used with a home chamber (actually, it should go into an "on demand" mode to conserve purity).
In this case, although you can't be sure how efficiently the unit is functioning, at least you know it is equipped with a oxygen purity monitor alarm, which will alert you if the purity drops below 85%.
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