posted
Phoiph, Thank you for all of that detailed information. I can see this is something that can overall help the body from what you write. I have sent you a pm and would love to get your input on trying out mhbot and costs/etc.
Homina Homina, Thank you for your treatment information. It sounds like you are getting benefit from adding in herbs.
Carbokitty, Thank you for sharing how it has helped you as well.
I am very intrigued to see if I could tolerate it but I think there is a chance I might if I start slow at 20mins as suggested.
Posts: 114 | From North East | Registered: Mar 2011
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posted
Has anyone used mHBOT to recover from open heart surgery or do you know of anyone who has? One of my customers is getting a single bypass Thanks
Posts: 261 | From California | Registered: Sep 2017
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Phoiph
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mHBOT was recommended to my neighbor who had heart ablation surgery. She had a faster recovery than her previous ablations, and was eventually able to reduce her medications. Her cardiologist was impressed, and told her to "keep doing what you're doing".
That said, of course every case is different, and mHBOT should be approved by the individual's specialist.
Posts: 2083 | From Earth | Registered: Jul 2013
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Phoiph
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Does anyone know the rules about mild hyperbaric and flying? Should there be a certain amount of time before and after flying that you shouldn't dive? Thank you!
Posts: 35 | From CO | Registered: Dec 2020
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Phoiph
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As I mentioned before, it may not be an issue since we are only "diving" at 10-11ft (which is considered a "shallow" dive), but here is what DAN (Diver's Alert Network) recommends for scuba divers:
posted
Hi everyone! Well, I wrote a lengthy post about my vaccine experience and it disappeared into cyberspace!
The cliff notes version: I had Pfizer. I got the usual flu-like symptoms in the first 24 hours. But the fatigue was WORSE 1 week after. It was my anti-thyroid antibodies! I had to ask to get them tested, as the exhaustion was just like when they were high many years ago. Normal is less than 60. Mine were 1630. A tweak in my thyroid meds helped but I still felt off. Believe it or not, my primary dr suggested I get auricular ozone. It's a 10 min treatment with ozone in the ears. In 5 minutes, I felt fantastic! My energy has come back and my mood was great.
I just had my thyroid retested this week (all but the antibodies) and all the numbers were good. I feel good.
I have to say, though, that about 6 weeks after the vaccine, I developed a torn meniscus in my right knee. I've never had a problem like that. They said it was degenerative i.e. I'm old-lol. I had a lot of pain! I'm not sure what I would have been like without the chamber. I'm not sure I'm making any sort of miraculous recovery-just a normal recovery with lots of PT and PT exercises and for a while icing, elevating, resting and compression. Not sure if it was related to the vaccine or not. Just seemed sort of coincidental.
I just took a 3 week trip, mostly driving, visiting 5 different friends along the east coast. I have to say, being able to do that with other vaccinated friends made it worth it. I believe we all have to make our own decisions about the vaccine and I really second guessed my decision for a while but I am hoping that any negative side effects are now behind me. I feel really good these days.
Carbokitty
Posts: 118 | From WI | Registered: Apr 2013
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posted
And the above being said, after 2 years of diving, and very consistently every day this past year during covid, I just took 3 weeks off to travel. I felt good even without diving. I think my sleep was better. So now that I'm getting back to diving what should that look like? I know I should do back to back dives. Do I dive 4 days on, 3 days off or what's the best way to start to cut back?
Thanks! Carbokitty
Posts: 118 | From WI | Registered: Apr 2013
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Phoiph
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Hi Carbokitty~
At 2.5 years, when I started to cut back from daily dives, I went to 3-4 days in a row per week for several years after.
I currently do 2 days per week, but try to get a 3rd day in when I can.
At this point in your therapy, I think your body will guide you and you will know.
Posts: 2083 | From Earth | Registered: Jul 2013
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kgg
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I really appreciate Dr. Sonners. Especially his emphasis on research. So I listened to this again and tried to think back on my 2 plus years of daily diving. There were times I think I could have handled twice a day dives but most the time not. What I was doing was enough to handle.
What are you finding? Are you diving twice a day? Are you seeing benefits?
I also worry about the fragile Lyme patients who can't even handle getting up to full pressure never mind twice a day. But this is good info for those who can tolerate twice daily dives, imo.
Thanks for posting.
Posts: 1856 | From Maine | Registered: Jun 2004
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Phoiph
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Agreed kgg.
I appreciate Dr. Sonners also. I just get the impression that the population he works with is not predominantly severe chronic Lyme patients (clue: he pronounces it "Lyme's").
In the 10 years that I have been diving, I have not run across one person with severe, chronic Lyme that could tolerate 2 full sessions in the first 6 to 8 weeks, as he suggests. Those that have tried have crashed and experienced setbacks a few weeks later, only to delay their overall progress.
Hopefully this will warn the newcomers to this site to be careful and start up slowly.
Posts: 2083 | From Earth | Registered: Jul 2013
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posted
Maybe not two full sessions but there may be advantage to splitting one session in two, I tried two one hour sessions and it was too much but two 30 sessions was fine. If this accelerates recovery from lyme I can't say, but according to the admin Christie Wygant admin on Facebook mHBOT group and an associate of Dr Sonners there is benefit based on her experience. If I take up the practice of double dives I can report back here
Posts: 261 | From California | Registered: Sep 2017
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Phoiph
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Just an FYI to keep in mind...the typical 60 minute protocol is not arbitrary. It is thought that it takes at least 40 minutes to absorb the full benefit of a session.
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posted
It's the going up to pressure and going down two times in a day that Dr Sonners believes produces the benefit.
Posts: 261 | From California | Registered: Sep 2017
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dbpei
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That is interesting about Dr. Sonners believing that the changes in pressure produce the biggest benefit. I would be willing to try this, but one of my biggest concerns is that my eustachian tubes would have a hard time adjusting to so many changes in pressure in a short period of time. I only have one good ear, so want to protect that ear in every way possible.
Posts: 2387 | From New England | Registered: Aug 2011
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Phoiph
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I understand that the pressure changes is what he believes may have additional benefit, but I would be careful of sacrificing the length of the session to achieve this.
That said, two, one-hour sessions daily is likely too much for someone with chronic Lyme who is very ill/toxic, especially in the first 6-8 weeks, as he suggests.
Pressure changes are also challenging on the body, especially in when in a fragile state.
IMO, this sounds like an experiment best tried once someone has done mHBOT for awhile and has made significant and stable gains...but to each his own.
Posts: 2083 | From Earth | Registered: Jul 2013
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posted
I am not sure it's true that length of dive is more important than frequency in a day for these infections For example one hour a day is better than two 30 min sessions or one 90 min dive is better than two 45 min dives.
That is why I posted Dr Sonners interview with Christie to give the folks here some food for thought
Each person must decide him or herself what gives them the best result
Posts: 261 | From California | Registered: Sep 2017
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kgg
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Lol. Yes, I noticed he said "Lymes". I believe he works with a lot of Autism, CP and head injury patients. In another video of his, he also emphasizes really cleaning up the diet. I believe he promotes keto.
Christie is a sweetheart. And as I said, I really appreciate that Dr. Sonners is big into research, especially in mild hyperbaric that is woefully lacking.
Posts: 1856 | From Maine | Registered: Jun 2004
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I would love for some suggestions. I have been doing mHBOT 2 hours daily for over 8 months now, and have seen no difference (better or worse). I have had lyme + co-infections for 29 years. I eat right, and seem to do all the right things, but I have not had any changes. Is that typical? Any reasons why I am not improving? Thank you - any help is very much appreciated! Even when I leave the chamber after a session I don't feel anything.
Posts: 35 | From CO | Registered: Dec 2020
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posted
LadyT...The protocol that seems to work is one hour a day at pressure, a low carb or keto diet and reducing or eliminating antioxidants. Also, progressive, low and slow exercise depending on your condition. I started off with 5 minutes of gentle stretching and really had to struggle to even get that in every day.
There are no studies that I know of that show the best frequency and duration of the dives for Lyme, so I am just going off of what I have seen work for most PWL. Perhaps Phoiph can chime in here.
I can tell you that too much HBO will halt any progress and could potentially make one sicker. What I can't tell you is, how much is too much. :^(
I wish I could be of more help.
Posts: 566 | From NW Arkansas | Registered: May 2003
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Phoiph
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posted
Lady T,
I agree with Digby.
More is not always better with mHBOT (although consistency is key). 2 hours per day (even if it is divided) for someone with Lyme is likely too much, and can create more oxidation/free radicals than your body can handle, and stalemate your progress at best.
There are other factors that may be at play. More background information, including other therapies you may be doing, daily diet, medications, supplements, exercise, functioning level, and general history/state of your illness would be helpful.
Posts: 2083 | From Earth | Registered: Jul 2013
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posted
Thank you Phoiph and Digby for your replies! Most appreciated. The reason I was doing 2 hours was I have endometriosis and there was a study showing the reduction of the lesions with 2 hours for each dive. Also, many docs online suggest 2 hours for the lyme/co-infections. Functioning is non-existent I'm afraid, and has been for years. I do have my mom help me walk across the house because I know I need to move my lymph, etc. Diet is high in healthy fats and always all organic foods (veggies, meat, berries). I do wave1 by fremedica (its a form of light therapy) and because of the lack of progress, I am now doing pulsed IV antibiotics. Supplements include multi-vit, organ supplements by Ancestral, cod liver oil, probiotics. I used to do a lot of cultured foods but realized that it was negatively affecting me as I have to watch my histamine. I have had lyme for 29 years, so don't know what the typical recovery rate with mHBOT is for that length of illness. My doc is recommending 3000 mg of vit C spread out through the day to help with adrenal function, although I don't know if I should because I don't want that to impede the HBOT. I also take cytomel (for hypothyroid), low dose of hydrocortisone for adrenals (trying to help with POTS-like symptoms), and trazodone for insomnia. To support the liver, I also take milk thistle and NAC (small doses as I know they are antioxidants).
Posts: 35 | From CO | Registered: Dec 2020
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posted
One more thing. My mom wants me to get off all antibiotics and do bee venom therapy. Does anyone know if you can do bvt with hyyperbaric? I have asked 3 different practitioners and they all gave different replies.
Posts: 35 | From CO | Registered: Dec 2020
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kgg
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Welcome LadyT. Phoiph and Digby have given you wonderful advise. I am a beekeeper and don't do BVT. With histamine issues I would be concerned, but I don't know a lot about it.
If I were you, I would do as they suggested and drop down to 60 minutes of dives a day for a long while and see how you feel before trying something different.
Don't give up!!
Posts: 1856 | From Maine | Registered: Jun 2004
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Phoiph
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kgg, How awesome that you are a beekeeper. Bees rock!
Lady T, Thanks for the additional information. Just so you know, 8 months is not a long time to have been doing mHBOT in the scheme of things. At 8 months, I was just starting to notice "shifts", but these shifts didn't necessarily feel like improvement.
Some people take longer to realizes differences, but if they keep at it, they eventually do (Digby is a good example).
My opinion is that a simple protocol is best. 1 hour/day of mHBOT (not counting pressurization and depressurization time), consistently.
For diet, I would also consider meat broth (less in histamines than bone broth) to help heal your gut. You didn't mention eating gluten, but I would eliminate that if you do. Continue with lots of good fats and a paleo-type diet. The vitamin C dosage suggested is not that high, but I suspect that it may be too much for your gut at this point. You will have to be the judge.
I know your mobility is limited, but consider a very gentle yoga class which can be done in bed or a chair (many offered on Zoom). Focus strongly on your breath. The gentle movement will greatly help your circulation and ability to move lymph/detox.
Finally, unless the antibiotics are somehow helping, I suggest revisiting the antibiotic choice with your doctor. The state of your gut microbiome is crucial to becoming well, and it is severely disrupted by antibiotics.
Usually, someone who does mHBOT while antibiotics will need to gradually reduce and eliminate them once they have become more stable on mHBOT in order to become well. This process inevitably takes longer than it does for someone who is not on antibiotics.
I hope this helps...feel free to PM me anytime.
Posts: 2083 | From Earth | Registered: Jul 2013
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posted
Hi. I am going to jump into the hyperbaric world soon I was wanting some feedback on what chamber to get.
For those who have Newtowne, wondering about the zipper issue. Has it been hard to use with no one else there? Any feedback about your experience with this chamber would be great...good and bad.
Also, if anyone has the Solace by Oxyhealth Im wondering how you like this chamber? I am a small person 5'3 95lbs. I know its not as roomy but just curious if anyone has or is using this and your experience. Good and bad.
THANK YOU SO MUCH!
Posts: 137 | From ATX | Registered: Nov 2011
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dbpei
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posted
I love my Newtowne, but it does take a little while to figure out the zippers. My husband usually zips up the outside zippers for me and I do the inside, but if he is not home, I am able to do all 3 zippers myself.
Sometimes I need to unzip and start again if I don't get it right the first time, but I have never felt unable to manage things myself. I have the 34", which I find to be very comfortable and I do not feel anxious or claustrophobic in it. Customer service has been excellent as well.
If you are on FB, there is a wonderful group called MHBOT Mild Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy that has been a huge help to me. I remember searcing and finding some videos with instructions when I was a beginner. Good luck with your decision!
Posts: 2387 | From New England | Registered: Aug 2011
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kgg
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posted
I have a Newtowne as well. Marie at Newtowne suggested to me to use a wooden paint stick to finish closing the zippers into the small pocket area that is at the end of both the outside and inside zipper. I find it works well.
For the middle zipper, I make sure I pull up with my arms over my head to seat it well.
I know everyone talks about the zippers for the Newtowne chamber, but I find it no different than the OxyHealth chambers. I had a Vitaeris chamber. I have had more false starts on the OxyHealth chamber where I did not zip up the outside zipper far enough than using the Newtowne.
As far as size, I am 5 ft tall but weigh more than you. I would not like the Solace size. Even though I may fit in it, I like the ability to sit up and move around in a roomier chamber. I have the 34" chamber.
Posts: 1856 | From Maine | Registered: Jun 2004
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posted
I have a Summit To Sea chamber "the Dive" and it has been working flawless since 2013.
Getting in and out is pretty easy, though you need a bit of flexibility. I use a wireless remote to switch the pump on and off while im in the chamber, so im in full control. To the roof ive attached 3M velcro, so i can hang my tablet from the roof and look at netflix/youtube while im laying on the mattress.
I use it approx 70% of the days, so that is about 2000 dives. Come to think of it, that makes the cost per dive only a couple of euros! Over the years ive probably spend more on certain supplements
The chamber hasnt needed any servicing or maintenance, other than me keeping it clean and sometimes lubing the air hose rubber with vaseline (i travel a lot now, and the chamber travels with me, so the air hose gets disconnected every day)
I dont know how long it will last, because traveling does take its toll on the material, but for now it seems to be going just fine. I never use it up to 1.5ATA any more, 1.4 is the max these days and only when im at higher elevation (above 500 - 1000m in the mountains).
Back then the Summit to sea chambers were a bit more affordable and easier to get in the EU. Dont know if that situation has changed since.
Posts: 387 | From The Netherlands | Registered: Nov 2013
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posted
Hi keikko! Welcome. I also have the Newtowne. Yes, a bit of a learning curve on the zippers but I don’t even think about it any more. I’ve been diving 6 days a week (7 during most of last year) for 2 1/2 years. I do it myself. Great customer service!
Posts: 118 | From WI | Registered: Apr 2013
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I appreciate it so much. With my poor brain function it is hard to make a decision on what is best.
Dbpei, good to know about the Facebook group and you were able to navigate the zippers. I'm not on FB but maybe I should give it a try.
Kgg, thank you for the info. Interesting the was no difference for you with the Vitaris, Ya, I have heard the Solace is small. I guess Im not sure what to except so I didn't know if the was a big deal or not.
S13, I have not heard of that brand but I will check it out. Sounds like it has worked out really well. Thats a lot of dives!
Thank you carbokitty. Good to get your feedback and that you can do it yourself. Im afraid of getting in there and not being able to get out.
Hominahomina, I have had a similar experience with CBD oil Some gives me more energy and some helps me sleep. I take it 4 times a day and love it but I take two different ones. one to give me more energy and one for calming. The one I take before bedtime is from One Farm and it works great for me.
Thank you!
Posts: 137 | From ATX | Registered: Nov 2011
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posted
I get the unflavored just because I dont like flavor too much and I get the 30mg bottle and only have to take 8-10 drops. That way the bottle lasts longer so it cheaper. Im pretty sensitive to supplements and medications so less is always better for me.
I started out with the 10mg strength and have moved up to the 30mg and just use the less of the stronger one if that makes sense. Its organic too:)
Posts: 137 | From ATX | Registered: Nov 2011
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I take CBD mostly for anxiety and sleep but it is the one thing in my supplement cabinet that I would hold on to.
It was a process of trying what worked but I was lucky I lived by a pharmacy that carried several brands so I returned them when they weren't helpful.
CBD is so helpful once you get the one that works for you.
I have heard the Charlottes's Web brand has a good one for sleep too but I haven't tried it.
Posts: 137 | From ATX | Registered: Nov 2011
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I am trying to find out why some works and some does not some companies give a lot of detail so that helps I can check out Charlottes web I have heard it recommended before
Posts: 261 | From California | Registered: Sep 2017
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posted
Airsep intensity and "pulse" mode- Wouldn't be true that if the unit was in this mode and under use - the glass lpm indicator would be pulsing/fluctuating instead of a steady reading?
I want to turn it to as close to 10 lpm as possible.
Posts: 16 | From Michigan | Registered: Dec 2017
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Phoiph
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posted
Hi Tom,
When used with a chamber, oxygen concentrators have to work harder in general to compensate for the backpressure from the chamber (this is why 20psi units, like the Airsep New Life Intensity 10, are recommended).
The reason you need to keep the AirSep at 8-9LPM (max) when using with a home chamber, is that you will retain about 3% more oxygen purity than if you set it at 10LPM.
In other words, the higher the LPM is set, the greater the flow, but the percentage of 02 will drop.
For the Airsep, it has been determined that 8LPM is the "sweet spot", as it provides good flow without sacrificing 02 purity. Other brands will differ.
Posts: 2083 | From Earth | Registered: Jul 2013
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posted
Out of curiosity Have any of you been diving specifically to prevent a Covid infection and if so what have been your results ?
Posts: 261 | From California | Registered: Sep 2017
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I was able to do my first mHBOT treatment yesterday in a Newtowne Chamber. I only did 30 minutes and overall it went well.
Less body pain throughout the day but my brain felt worse and things seemed more surreal afterwards.
I am on a waiting list for a Newtowne Chamber but its going to a while and a concentrator.
I am wondering what was the off gassing like for Newtowne Chmabers. I am very sensitive to chemicals and I am wondering once I get the chamber will it need to sit out for several months to even use it?
Posts: 137 | From ATX | Registered: Nov 2011
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kgg
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posted
Congratulations for your first dive! I too am chemically sensitive. There is a slight smell when I first got it but I did not react to it. There was a time that they would send you a sample of the material but that was just going to delay the arrival of my chamber so I did not request it.
I don't remember how long the smell lasted. Maybe a couple of weeks? But again, I did not react to it. I usually get nauseated and increased fatigue when I am exposed to chemicals. That did not happen.
Posts: 1856 | From Maine | Registered: Jun 2004
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posted
Hi. My chamber will be here next week and I finally have a concentrator.
Im trying to find the link to the oxygen mask some have purchased off amazon. Does anyone have it?
Anything else I will need to get started? I have read this thread twice and it all leaves my brain in seconds. I should have written more down. Im going to have to read it again
Hoping I will be able to successfully do this with such poor brain function.
Thank you
Posts: 137 | From ATX | Registered: Nov 2011
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Phoiph
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Hi keikko,
If you purchased your concentrator from the resource we talked about, it will come with masks.
(I strongly recommend NOT using a non-rebreather mask [with the attached bag]. Those are designed for more oxygen flow than our concentrators provide when hooked up to a chamber, and could be counterproductive at the very least.)
Posts: 2083 | From Earth | Registered: Jul 2013
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