dbpei
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posted
Thanks so much for this info kgg and Hominahomina! It is so very helpful! I am so grateful for this support!
The oxygen concentrator arrived today, so we ended up re-positioning the chamber so that the zipper is directly on top and that seemed to make it a lot easier to work with the zippers, but a bit more awkward to get in and out like you said, kgg - I don't mind though!
I really appreciate hearing the order you do things too as it gives me confidence that I am doing things correctly. I have a remote for the compressor and I think I will get one for the concentrator too.
Posts: 2386 | From New England | Registered: Aug 2011
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I wanted to clarify something about what I do when starting a dive When I say I wait a few minutes before I turn on the oxygen concentrator I start the concentrator well before the chamber gets to full pressure maybe 3/4 full so the pressure from the chamber won't backup into the concentrator and do damage
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Phoiph
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It is best to turn your concentrator on before you get into the chamber, and turn it off after you get out.
This way, there is no risk of backpressure from the chamber damaging it, as the zipper is open and there is zero backpressure in both instances.
If you use a remote once you are inside, you run the risk of forgetting, waiting too long, or even falling asleep before you turn it on. (It is ok to use a remote for the compressor, just make sure you attach it somewhere so you don't fall asleep and roll over on it and turn it off accidentally.)
Plus, concentrators have a warm up period while they reach optimum oxygen purity. You want to monitor this by waiting for the yellow light to turn off (on the AirSep) before you get in your chamber.
Posts: 1984 | From Earth | Registered: Jul 2013
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If you use a remote once you are inside, you run the risk of forgetting, waiting too long, or even falling asleep before you turn it on. (It is ok to use a remote for the compressor, just make sure you attach it somewhere so you don't fall asleep and roll over on it and turn it off accidentally.)
Plus, concentrators have a warm up period while they reach optimum oxygen purity. You want to monitor this by waiting for the yellow light to turn off (on the AirSep) before you get in your chamber. [/QB]
I have not had any of these problems using a remote with my concentrator I start my concentrator before full pressure giving it enough time to warm up I have had no problems with the concentrator succesfully completing the oxygen purity check so far so I don't worry about that while using the remote but you make a good point phoiph that it is good to check it from time to time
dbpei
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posted
Thank you both! Yesterday was the first day we attached and used the concentrator. I did not know you should warm it up first! I think the yellow light was on for a while when I was in there yesterday.
So it sounds like I should first turn on the concentrator, then get inside the chamber, zip it up, and once it is zipped up, turn on the compressor?
I think I have read in numerous posts when first getting started with mHBOT, to leave the mask by my side when the chamber is being filled and my ears are adjusting, but to keep the mask on at the end of my dive while it is decompressing. Is there any danger in wearing the mask right away? Or not using it while decompressing?
It is interesting that my first 3 dives, which were in a doctor's office, I was instructed to wear the mask for the entire 45 minutes. I was okay with this, but don't want to run into any issues now that I am doing this on my own from home.
Either way, I do understand about opening the valve to slow down the speed of the compression if my ears or sinuses are becoming painful.
My concentrator is a DevilBiss unit. I am not sure if there is a difference between that and the AirSep, as far as the yellow light and the way they both work. We did have it set at 8.
If anyone here has been using the DevilBiss concentrator, it would be great if you could chime in. Thank you so much!
Posts: 2386 | From New England | Registered: Aug 2011
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Phoiph
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posted
dbpei,
You can turn on both the concentrator and compressor before you get in the chamber. That way, you will always have good air flow as you are taking your time to zip in.
There is no problem with wearing the mask as you are compressing, but it may be difficult to clear your ears while wearing it, as sometimes you need to open your mouth wide, wiggle your jaw, etc.
Keep the mask on while decompressing.
As we discussed on phone/email, it may be a good idea to start slowly in the beginning, and ramp up to wearing the mask the entire hour.
Even though you were fine wearing the mask the entire time during your 3 sessions, many people will hit a wall and crash after 2 weeks or so of overdoing it in the beginning. There is no way of knowing how you will react, so better safe than sorry.
It would be a good idea to consult NewTowne regarding your concentrator and how it should be used with a chamber (i.e., PSI settings, care, etc.) since that is where it was purchased. My understanding is that Marie at NewTowne has had training by the manufacturer.
Posts: 1984 | From Earth | Registered: Jul 2013
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dbpei
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Thanks, as always, Phoiph. I agree with you that it would be wise to take it slow. I am so grateful for your guidance. (and so many here, sharing their knowledge and experiences...) Posts: 2386 | From New England | Registered: Aug 2011
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posted
Hi everyone! Just reading this last thread here. We had a major car accident on our way to CA. The car is totaled. The concentrator May have sustained damage-it’s likely although we are not at our destination yet and I haven’t had a chance to asses. But my husband said it traveled like a bullet between us and hit the dash at the time of impact. So I just want to clarify that I can dive w/o extra oxygen, once we are able to get the chamber set up-right? I’ve always had access to oxygen. We’re ok-in relative terms. I have a broken foot and am very sore in general. Looking forward to diving again as I expect it to be healing. Carbokitty
Posts: 118 | From WI | Registered: Apr 2013
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Phoiph
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Wow, Carbokitty, I am so sorry to hear that, and glad you are relatively OK.
If you find an authorized repair shop for your concentrator in CA, they might be able to provide a loaner (or rental) for you if yours needs repairs or servicing.
Yes, it is OK to dive with just room air/pressure (it still raises the ambient oxygen level), but I would get the oxygen back in as soon as you can.
Wishing you a speedy recovery.
Posts: 1984 | From Earth | Registered: Jul 2013
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posted
Oh Carbokitty, I’m so sorry to hear this! I’m glad y’all weren’t hurt worse. I had fears of a wreck when we traveled with my hbot during Christmas. I hate it actually happened to you. Prayers you heal quickly!
-------------------- KB Posts: 176 | From Northern VA | Registered: Apr 2015
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posted
Thanks so much for the kind words, KB. We had a wonderful 8 days of travel before that-not much traffic, no bad weather. A dream actually. I’m going to need some help (hypnosis, EMDR, etc) to get over the PTSD and anxiety as a passenger. But we are very fortunate. Happy to be alive! Happy diving everyone! Carbokitty
Posts: 118 | From WI | Registered: Apr 2013
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dbpei
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carbokitty, glad you are okay! Posts: 2386 | From New England | Registered: Aug 2011
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posted
I’m sure you will need a lot of TLC and other forms of help after such an experience, CK. Have you ever heard of tapping? I used it after a close friend committed suicide and it helped some until I could go for counseling. There’s an easy video on thetappingsolution dot com if you’d like to give it a try. Take it easy hon!
-------------------- KB Posts: 176 | From Northern VA | Registered: Apr 2015
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posted
I have a 34" Newtowne. The paint stick is very helpful in negotiating the zipper follies. I also found an oven mitt to be indispensable. The oven mitt holds the zippers open, so you don't tear up the zipper cords. The paint stick gives the outer zipper that last little umph at the end. And as kgg noted, zipping up halfway before fully getting in and lying down is helpful also. The zipper follies are quite distressing. I think it could be a new sport at the X-games.
Posts: 15 | From Tennessee USA | Registered: Apr 2019
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posted
Thank you everyone! I’ve now been advised not to discuss. Thanks for the tapping suggestion, KB. I have an EMDR appointment for next Friday. Tomorrow I will have surgery on my foot. Hope to get back in the chamber by Monday. (Fingers crossed)
You guys are so creative with the zippers! Yes, I had almost wished I’d spent the extra money for the other zipper set-up, but now it’s all routine and am grateful to have what I have.
My best, Carbokitty
Posts: 118 | From WI | Registered: Apr 2013
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posted
Dbpei- I went to the hardware store and bought some bendable plastic coated wire and replaced the fabric pull on the middle zipper on my 34" Newtowne. The fabric one kept getting caught in the zipper teeth.
I can do it all myself now but I always welcome my husband's help when he is around. I turn on both the compressor and concentrator then climb I'm and put the mask on. He zips the outer two zippers and I do the inside one (he doesn't always zip the middle one all the way but I can do that. Since its happened quite a few ti,es, I try to check it before I zip the inside one fully. I also can hear air leaking and I have a pressure gauge on my phone and can see that the pressure is not going up.)
I bought a remote but never figured out how to set it up. LOL.
It does get easier. Hang in there. I like the idea of the gloves! Great idea!
Carbokitty
Posts: 118 | From WI | Registered: Apr 2013
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dbpei
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
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posted
Thanks for the good tips, carbokitty. It is getting a little easier, but I am still feeling very dependent on my husband to help me.
I will have to look into that pressure gauge app! I hope your foot surgery goes well and the mHBOT helps you to heal faster!
Posts: 2386 | From New England | Registered: Aug 2011
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posted
Elsworth, what is the oven mitt used for? I dont quite understand
Posts: 68 | From Germany | Registered: Nov 2019
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kgg
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 5867
posted
In the Newtowne chambers the zippers are pulled on hard plastic loops. The kind of are rough on your hands. So the oven mitts protect your hands.
Posts: 1770 | From Maine | Registered: Jun 2004
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Marnie
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
Member # 773
posted
Another GREAT benefit of HBOT is this:
Mechanism of Hypoglycemia in HBOT
The complex changes in glucose metabolism during HBOT have not been fully elucidated. However, studies have shown an increase in activity of insulin-receptor sites and changes in insulin sensitivity due to
***upregulation of PPAR-γ*** signaling associated with hyperbaric oxygen.
The oven mitt is used to help get the outer zipper closed without tearing up the pull cord of the outer zipper on the middle zipper. As you close the outer zipper, you slide the oven mitt along the middle zipper to hold it open so the outer pull cord does not snag in it. You could do it with your hand, in theory. But the middle zipper would gnaw on your hand something fierce.
Posts: 15 | From Tennessee USA | Registered: Apr 2019
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posted
Hi all~ Post accident, I started to dive again at a nearby clinic. They have a side entry chamber and were able to assist me getting in. It felt sooo good to be back in.
I missed 18 days diving. Do I start counting over again? Or where I left off? (I had done 205 dives prior to the break) Because of their schedule and my driver's (husband , I'll be able to dive 4 times a week, one hour each time, with oxygen.
Carbokitty
Posts: 118 | From WI | Registered: Apr 2013
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kgg
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posted
If this was me, I would just keep counting from 205.
Posts: 1770 | From Maine | Registered: Jun 2004
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posted
Has anyone developed a plan to fight the coronavirus in case it spreads to our area? Thanks
Posts: 261 | From California | Registered: Sep 2017
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kgg
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posted
I basically will treat it just like I do the flu season here in Maine. I have stocked up on food items and other daily items. I shop at low people times, typically first thing in the morning. I use the wipes for shopping cart handles. Then use the hand gel when I get in the car. Then wash my hands at the sink once I am home. I wipe down common surfaces of the house with Lysol wipes. And lastly, keep my fingers away from my face. And no, I am not OCD about germs. But this has become my flu season approach, especially since I do not get the vaccine.
Posts: 1770 | From Maine | Registered: Jun 2004
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posted
I do much like kgg only using the DoTerra On Guard products as well. They have tiny beads you can pop in your mouth as well as a spray you can use on your hands. I don’t get the flu shot either.
-------------------- KB Posts: 176 | From Northern VA | Registered: Apr 2015
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posted
I have the generator from the silver edge, the link I posted above. He has a lot of great info.
Posts: 233 | From AZ | Registered: Jan 2015
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kgg
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
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posted
Peimomma, ILADS has done conferences over in the UK. I bet they have names of docs as well.
Posts: 1770 | From Maine | Registered: Jun 2004
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posted
To all the people diving with hyperbaric oxygen:
DO NOT COMBINE DISULFIRAM WITH HYPERBARIC OXYGEN!!!
I started diving with no symptoms and 1 hour later my feet were burning like hell. I could barely walk when i got out of the chamber because of that instant neuropathic pain.
The hyperbaric oxygen causes oxygen radicals which in combination with disulfiram cause nerve damage.
It's now a couple weeks later and i largely recovered from it though. But don't make the same mistake!
Posts: 6 | From Belgium | Registered: May 2015
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dbpei
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That is awful! I am glad you are mostly recovered! I had read something about this. Thank you!
Posts: 2386 | From New England | Registered: Aug 2011
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dbpei
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posted
Have any of you that have been diving long term had problems with cataracts? My eye doc thinks I would benefit by cataract surgery, but I don't know if they have worsened because of mHBOT (I've only done about 30 dives so far) or if it is just the natural progression of these cataracts. I already had them before I started mHBOT, but they seen to be bigger now.
I want to be able to continue diving for many months, but am afraid if I have cataract surgery, there might be a period of time that I cannot do mHBOT dives (before or after the surgery). My eye doc is going to try to research this and let me know at my next visit in the spring.
Anyone have experience with this?
Posts: 2386 | From New England | Registered: Aug 2011
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Phoiph
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dbpei~
There is some concern that high pressure hyperbaric (HBOT) can "ripen" already existing, mature cataracts, but my understanding is that it does not cause them over the short term.
That said, the lens of the eye is very sensitive to free radical damage. (This is why wearing UV blocking sunglasses outdoors is thought to help prevent cataracts.)
To my knowledge, there is no literature on cataracts with mild hyperbaric. It may help to know I have been doing mHBOT for about 9 years now without issue.
Many people with chronic illness have genetics that cause them to be more susceptible to free radical damage in general, as their detox/antioxidant mechanisms are not functioning properly. Although mHBOT causes necessary free radical production, it also helps to open these detox/antioxidant pathways to compensate. It is all about balance.
I am very doubtful that 30 mHBOT sessions would have worsened your cataracts. That said, in your situation, I would suggest preventing any 02 that escapes the mask from directly blowing into your eyes over the long term. You can purchase inexpensive goggles (without side vents) from any home improvement store. These will fit over reading glasses and are adjustable with an elastic strap.
(FYI, this is a non-scientific suggestion, and is not intended to reduce free radicals which are internally produced, just to reduce the direct exposure of the permeable cornea/lens to the O2).
Judging from others' experiences, there will be a waiting period before resuming mHBOT after cataract removal. Just let your ophthalmologist know that the pressure is 4.2 PSI, and roughly equivalent to 10-12 ft. underwater.
Posts: 1984 | From Earth | Registered: Jul 2013
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Hello Folks It has been a while since I read over the all the posts here I was wondering if any of you have treated Bartonella with mHBOT and have you used anything else for Bart? Thanks
Posts: 261 | From California | Registered: Sep 2017
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Phoiph
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posted
Homina,
Yes, I recovered from severe Bartonella with mHBOT; it is the only thing that worked.
Posts: 1984 | From Earth | Registered: Jul 2013
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Yes, I recovered from severe Bartonella with mHBOT; it is the only thing that worked.
Thanks Phoiph Can you tell me What were your symptoms with Bart? What other things did you try for Bart? What other (co) infections did you have before you started mHBOT?
I am reasonably sure you have already told the group all this I just don't remember
Posts: 261 | From California | Registered: Sep 2017
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dbpei
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Member # 33574
posted
Phoiph, thank you for your thoughtful response. I will give those goggles a try and hope for the best. It is good to hear that after all of the time you have spent diving there was no damage to your eyes. I have read that people actually have better vision after using mHBOT, so that is my hope.
Posts: 2386 | From New England | Registered: Aug 2011
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posted
dbpei...Another option is using N-acetylcarnosine eye drops like Can-C. The active ingredient is an antioxidant that works locally to protect the eye.
Posts: 550 | From NW Arkansas | Registered: May 2003
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posted
dbpei...Another option is using N-acetylcarnosine eye drops like Can-C. The active ingredient is an antioxidant that works locally to protect the eye.
Posts: 550 | From NW Arkansas | Registered: May 2003
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, I'll be able to dive 4 times a week, one hour each time, with oxygen.
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