quote:Originally posted by Phoiph: I promise I have not forgotten your original question! The background info is really helpful.
At what altitude are you living in Colorado?
According to google, my city elevation range is between 7,352 feet to roughly 7,900 feet. I am not sure specifically where my house sits...probably closer to 7400 ft. Thank you for the care you are taking with my question! Its much appreciated
Posts: 6 | From Colorado | Registered: Dec 2025
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Phoiph
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posted
Lexi~
That altitude is quite high.
Theoretically, it shouldn't make a difference at what altitude you treat with mHBOT, because it is the RELATIVE change in pressure that your body recognizes and is what triggers the thousands of healing responses.
That said, I don't think we completely understand the complex mechanisms at play within the body at high altitudes where chronic illness and mHBOT is concerned.
I believe it may make be worthwhile to tweak your mHBOT protocol a bit.
I will PM you so we can go over some ideas if you are open to that.
Posts: 2083 | From Earth | Registered: Jul 2013
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Theoretically, it shouldn't make a difference at what altitude you treat with mHBOT, because it is the RELATIVE change in pressure that your body recognizes and is what triggers the thousands of healing responses.
That said, I don't think we completely understand the complex mechanisms at play within the body at high altitudes where chronic illness and mHBOT is concerned.
I believe it may make be worthwhile to tweak your mHBOT protocol a bit.
I will PM you so we can go over some ideas if you are open to that.
Hi Phoiph
That is very kind of you! Sorry to message you here, but your DM mail box was full.
I normally don't like to talk on the phone because it really makes me feel ill. Do you think there is a way to be able to talk here? If not, I understand.
I am fully amenable to making "tweaks" to the protocol. I never herx (no matter how difficult the protocol) and handle mhbot really well. I never needed an adjustment period and I never experience signs where I've felt like I've done too much. Its been really easy (almost too easy... ). If you think I should increase the time, even to 2 hours, that'd be fine. Let me know what you think - I am game for changes! Thank you!
Posts: 6 | From Colorado | Registered: Dec 2025
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Phoiph
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posted
Lexi,
I totally understand about the phone. I had a similar reaction.
I cleared some messages so will respond to you there.
Posts: 2083 | From Earth | Registered: Jul 2013
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posted
Hi mHBOTers, Thank you for this conversation that you keep going. I hope I am posting in the correct place. I am considering mHBOT. I got Lyme in '15 and have been sick for about the past ten years despite many Lyme treatments, including antibiotics almost immediately when I contracted it. I don't see a Lyme doctor anymore but I now see a neurologist who is treating me for Small Fiber Neuropathy with IVIG. Slowly, it seems to be helping though it is a bit soon to say, and I don't know how much it will help ultimately- but I am encouraged because it's the first time anything has helped at all. But for several reasons I hope to not have to do IVIG forever or even for very long, hence my interest in mHBOT. I gather that for different reasons it doesn't make much sense to go spend money on sessions (e.g. at the chiropractic office nearby that has a chamber). But before I spend money on a chamber and time on diving, I'd like to feel more confident in the results of the therapy. Can anybody point me to a resource that would help me decide how helpful this is? I wonder how often a person follows the recommended protocol but does not see significant results? The expense of it and my burnout level for trying things that don't work make me hesitate, naturally. Thank you kindly and happy new year.
Posts: 4 | From MA | Registered: Dec 2025
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posted
idowonder, this is a very long thread but there is a wealth of information within, making it worth a speed read.
Keep in mind that most of the money you spend on a chamber (especially a used on) can be recovered by selling it if you decide it's not for you. That is unlike most of the treatments I've done over the years.
Finally, speaking for myself, mMBOT was clearly the most beneficial therapy I've ever used.
Posts: 566 | From NW Arkansas | Registered: May 2003
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kgg
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posted
I completely agree with Digby. "mHBOT was clearly the most beneficial therapy I've ever used".
And I continue to use it for maintenance and anti aging. My whole family uses our chamber.
Posts: 1856 | From Maine | Registered: Jun 2004
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posted
Hi hiker, digby and kgg, thanks so much for the input. Much appreciated. Yes digby, it's a good point about being able to resell the chamber. In addition to alleviating fatigue and cognitive issues, I'd love to find something to help with pain. Most of my pain issues are related to various tendon/ligament injuries. Have any of you seen that the mhbot helps with pain? I will do some more digging through the thread as well.
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Phoiph
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posted
Thank you, Hiker!
idowonder~
Welcome!
I understand your hesitancy and "burn out" in trying new therapies...we've all been there.
As Digby suggested, I believe if you read this entire mHBOT thread, you will gain the knowledge and confidence to make an informed decision.
An important thing to know is mHBOT is not a therapy that you "try", it is a therapy you must "commit" to.
Those who commit to consistent mHBOT, diet and graded movement (like Digby, kgg, myself and others on and off of this site have done) reap results. It does take time, but true healing is not a quick fix.
I truly do not know of any other therapy that has benefited so many. If I did, I certainly wouldn't have continued to post here for over 10 years after becoming well!
I will PM you so you can contact me in case you have more detailed questions and/or need guidance with chamber options.
(FYI, the market is becoming flooded with overseas-made home chambers advertised as US-made, so knowing what you're buying is very important!)
Posts: 2083 | From Earth | Registered: Jul 2013
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kgg
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posted
idowonder, the beauty of mHBO is that oxygen gets to areas where typically red blood cells carrying oxygen can't reach. The pressure causes our plasma to become the carrier for oxygen. Plasma reaches areas such as ligaments and tendons. Which is where borrelia like to do damage because it is a low oxygen area.
This whole process decreases inflammation. Any time that happens pain is reduced.
So yes, I have seen pain helped by mHBO. My husband uses it. He always reports his pain (from aging) is better after he has been diving.
I'm sure Phoiph will answer your questions. She has been an incredible source of information, encouragement and support during my journey.
Posts: 1856 | From Maine | Registered: Jun 2004
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posted
Thank you so much, Phoiph. I'll check my messages. And thanks again kgg for the helpful feedback. I'm so glad for everyone's responses. I can think of more and more questions, especially when I start thinking of family member's health issues and how it might help them, but I'll leave it at that for now anyway and check in with Phoiph Posts: 4 | From MA | Registered: Dec 2025
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posted
idowonder, It did help with musculoskeletal pain, it did not help in any way with my headaches, which I still have to this day. The amazing benefit for me was getting me out of a wheelchair and back to hiking!
Posts: 566 | From NW Arkansas | Registered: May 2003
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posted
Ah digby, that is fantastic! I'm so glad for you. Though I'm sorry about the headaches. I hope you find the key to relieving them. I have started reading through the thread again (I had looked at much of it last winter) as you suggested. Alot of good info here. I didn't think I could dig back in but I ripped the band aid and did it.
Posts: 4 | From MA | Registered: Dec 2025
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posted
For those of you that are interested as to why the full protocol suggested here works, here's one piece of the science...
Borrelia burgdorferi is an obligate glycolytic.
Here is a Gemini explanation:
"Obligate glycolytic organisms or pathways are those that rely entirely or primarily on glycolysis (the breakdown of glucose into pyruvate) for energy production (ATP), typically in the absence of oxygen, or in specialized high-glucose environments. This process is highly conserved across all life forms and is crucial for survival in environments that lack oxygen."
So, by adding O2 with mHBOT, while severely limiting glucose with the Keto diet (True Keto with a blood level of 1 or more on a keto meter) and movement to increase fluid (blood, lymph and interstitial fluids) movement throughout the body, you essentially starve the little bastards. Add to that all the inflammatory pathways that are inhibited by this protocol and you may have massive healing.
I don't know why I felt compelled to share this as it is nothing new but hopefully it will help someone struggling with a reason to use the protocol. And if you are just using the chamber, perhaps take another look at the full protocol. It is hard to do, there is no doubt of that, but the rewards might make it worth it.
Posts: 566 | From NW Arkansas | Registered: May 2003
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Phoiph
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Thank you, Digby!
It is great to have science backing what we have discovered works through experience.
Also supports why diet is such a critical factor.
Posts: 2083 | From Earth | Registered: Jul 2013
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posted
MHBot Update: Nearly One Year I have confirmed that MHBot is effective for my symptoms. It is likely the only successful method I have tried in the last five years. While certain symptoms remain prominent—such as pain from clothing contact and muscle twitching—my most severe symptom has significantly improved. The intense nerve pain in the back of my legs, previously caused by pressure-induced hypoxia or sensitivity while sitting, now fluctuates between a score of 1 and 3. My functional capacity continues to expand. This time last year, I spent weekends confined to bed, using my phone to distract myself from the pain. Now, I can sit at my computer for an entire day playing games or listening to music. Progress has been non-linear, with symptoms fluctuating before showing sudden improvement. During the Chinese New Year holiday in February, I returned home and paused MHBot for approximately one week. Although my symptoms worsened slightly, there was no total regression.
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kgg
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posted
Peter, I loved reading your report. Yay!!
I have found in my years of diving that the body decides what it will heal and when. You describe the process well.
I am so happy for you! I believe you will continue to see improvements in the next year. It is wonderful that your week long break did not set you back much.
Thank you for the update. It is very encouraging. Long may it continue!
Posts: 1856 | From Maine | Registered: Jun 2004
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posted
thank you for sharing with us Peter, that is very promising indeed
Posts: 80 | From UK | Registered: Mar 2024
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Phoiph
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posted
Peter,
Thank you for updating us. These reports always make my day and are very encouraging to others!
You've made stellar progress in just under a year.
As kgg mentioned, you didn't regress much in that week you stopped, indicating your gains are generally sticking at this point.
If you continue mHBOT as you have been, I believe the rest of your symptoms will diminish or subside, your health will continue to improve, and your gains will become lasting.
Please keep us posted. I'm so happy for you!
Posts: 2083 | From Earth | Registered: Jul 2013
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posted
Hi everyone, I wanted to give another update on my situation.
My symptoms are still fluctuating, but overall I’m continuing to improve. There are times when my symptoms stay relatively mild for an entire day, but there are also times when they still make me feel very uncomfortable.
Right now, I have an opportunity: my insurance may be able to cover part of the cost of IVIG, so I’m seriously considering whether I should try it. What makes me hesitant is that, on one hand, Mhbot has indeed been helping me make steady progress, but I’m still far from being close to fully recovered. On the other hand, I don’t want to miss this opportunity, because if I don’t try it now, my insurance may not offer this coverage again in the future.
At the same time, I’m also worried about the possible side effects of IVIG. I understand that it may help some people, but I’m also afraid of the worst-case scenario, such as it potentially making my SFN worse.
I will discuss this carefully with my doctor, and I understand that the final decision is mine to make, with the consequences—good or bad—being mine to bear. I’m mainly posting this because I’d like to hear everyone’s thoughts and advice, especially from people who have had similar experiences. How would you think about this decision?
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kgg
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posted
Peter, please keep us posted on what you decide. I don't know if the lack of responses is from few people on this board now or no one has done IVIG?
I did a quick search. It said that if it was idiopathic SFN then it is not as helpful as a diagnosed autoimmune SFN. I assume the SFN you are dealing with is autoimmune. Since many of use with chronic Lyme end up with autoimmune conditions.
I certainly understand the motivation to try it. Especially if your insurance will cover it.
Posts: 1856 | From Maine | Registered: Jun 2004
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posted
I think Bartenderbonnie does some IVIG but am not sure. Maybe message her.
-------------------- Hiker53
"God is light. In Him there is no darkness." 1John 1:5 Posts: 10217 | From Illinois | Registered: Aug 2004
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Phoiph
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posted
Hi Peter,
I will preface this by saying that I don't want to try to influence you but encourage you to "listen to your gut".
You continue to make significant gains in a relatively short time, so I understand and agree with your concerns about shifting course.
Like you, at that stage I was making steady progress as a whole, but I still had many unresolved and/or fluctuating symptoms,and was definitely not over the finish line.
That said, there is NOTHING I would have done to "rock the boat" while I was making progress with mHBOT.
At the time I didn't know if continuing as I was doing would get me totally well, but I did know that mHBOT was the first and only thing that had ever moved the needle in a positive direction, and my gut instinct was not to risk messing with that.
I kept the variables as steady as possible, didn't add any therapies or supplements, and continued the regular mHBOT, gut-healing diet and graded movement routine. (I did begin to add in more foods slowly as my gut began to heal.)
In hindsight, it was the right decision for me.
Best of luck with your decision, and please keep us posted!
Posts: 2083 | From Earth | Registered: Jul 2013
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posted
Thank you, everyone. Yes, because the response rate of IVIG for SFN is not very high, and even if it works, it may require lifelong use to maintain the effect.
However, I need to wait until the end of this year, when the results of a new round of comprehensive testing come out, before discussing with my doctor whether to proceed with IVIG. By then, perhaps my health condition will have improved enough that I won’t need to take the risk of trying IVIG.
Yes, Phoiph, I am gradually increasing my exercise and movement routine. As for diet, I have been following a one-meal-a-day, gluten-free, low-carb diet for about two years. Because my symptoms have improved recently, I have relaxed my dietary restrictions a little. Occasionally, I have even started eating some less healthy sweets again.
Posts: 8 | From SOUTH | Registered: Aug 2025
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posted
Phoiph, there is one more thing I would like to ask you about.
Recently, I noticed that there may be black mold around the seams of my hyperbaric chamber, and it is very difficult to wipe off. I also suspect that mold may be growing inside the tubing as well.
I am now considering either replacing just the chamber, or replacing the entire system. My current setup is rated at 1.5 ATA, with an oxygen flow rate of 6 L/min at normal atmospheric pressure. When the oxygen concentration diffused inside the chamber reaches about 49%, the system automatically adds air to dilute it back down to around 45%. I usually use a nasal cannula inside the chamber for two hours every day.
Replacing only the chamber would be relatively inexpensive. However, I am wondering whether, instead of just replacing the chamber, it might make more sense to buy a full upgraded system rated at 2.0 ATA with 15 L/min or 20 L/min oxygen flow. That way, I could use a mask inside the chamber. The higher pressure might help me recover better.
Do you think upgrading the equipment would be more beneficial for my recovery?
Thank you very much for your advice.
Posts: 8 | From SOUTH | Registered: Aug 2025
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posted
Hi Peter, FWIW, I did 20 sessions in a hard chamber at ~ 2.0 ATA and it made me worse, whereas 6 months of a soft chamber at 1.4 and I was much better (wheelchair to walking).
If it is mold in your chamber, you have a serious problem that will probably require replacing the entire system, including the O2 concentrator. I think I would get a mold test kit to make sure you have mold first. If it is not mold or a non toxic mold, you could probably replace all the tubing and clean everything with hydrogen peroxide.
Let us know what you decide.
Posts: 566 | From NW Arkansas | Registered: May 2003
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posted
Hi Peter, FWIW, I did 20 sessions in a hard chamber at ~ 2.0 ATA and it made me worse, whereas 6 months of a soft chamber at 1.4 and I was much better (wheelchair to walking).
If it is mold in your chamber, you have a serious problem that will probably require replacing the entire system, including the O2 concentrator. I think I would get a mold test kit to make sure you have mold first. If it is not mold or a non toxic mold, you could probably replace all the tubing and clean everything with hydrogen peroxide.
Let us know what you decide.
Posts: 566 | From NW Arkansas | Registered: May 2003
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Phoiph
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posted
Hi Peter,
First of all, I agree with Digby that you could try cleaning your chamber with a 1:1 solution of hydrogen peroxide and water, and replace the tubing.
Are you using an O2 humidifier attachment on your concentrator by chance? These are usually unnecessary and can contribute to mold inside tubing.
2.0 ATA is considered HBOT, not mHBOT (mild). 2.0 ATA definitely has its place in medicine but would be way above a recommended dosage for our purposes (e.g. Lyme, neurological, autoimmune brain injury, etc.),and has shown to be counterproductive and/or detrimental for these conditions in some cases. Dr. Paul Harch discusses this in his research.
I am actually concerned that you may be overdoing it with 2 hours a day at 1.5 ATA, especially long term.
I also have some questions and concerns about your hyperbaric set-up. If your home/soft chamber goes to 1.5 ATA, then it is likely one that was manufactured overseas? As I have not heard of an oxygen concentrator system that measures the O2% inside the chamber and turns off/on to keep the O2 level at 45%.
My concern is that 45%-49% is likely a higher level of concentration inside the chamber than would be typical using a 1.3 ATA home chamber using a 10 LPM concentrator set at 8 LPM flow.
Did the manufacturer recommend any specific safety precautions for use?
I can help you with chamber options if you decide to make a change or just have questions about systems; feel free to PM me.
Posts: 2083 | From Earth | Registered: Jul 2013
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posted
Thank you, Digby and Phoiph. I have decided to first try cleaning my chamber with hydrogen peroxide. I have not been using a humidifier, so I suspect the issue may have been caused by the recent hot weather. My air conditioner broke down not long ago, and after sweating inside the chamber, I probably did not allow it to dry thoroughly enough. Regarding increasing the chamber pressure, I think I may have been a bit too eager. Since my current protocol is working, it may be wiser to stay with it for now. Recently, I went back and read the diary entries I wrote when my symptoms were at their worst. At that time, I kept reminding myself that “slow is fast” and that I needed to overcome impetuosity and exercise patience. So perhaps it is better for me to slow down and continue with the protocol that my body has already adapted to. Yes, my chamber was indeed manufactured overseas; it is essentially a rebranded unit. I do not stay in the chamber for a long time at an oxygen concentration of 45–49%. Usually, once it reaches 49% for the second time, I stop the session. Based on my rough calculation, the average oxygen concentration inside the chamber over a two-hour session is probably around 35%. With a nasal cannula in that environment, the overall oxygen exposure may be just around the lower end of what one might get from a 10 L/min mask. I think my body has already adapted to this protocol. On weekends, I occasionally do one session in the morning and one in the evening, and I seem to tolerate that reasonably well. Thank you both again for your advice and for helping me think this through.
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). If you think I should increase the time, even to 2 hours, that'd be fine. Let me know what you think - I am game for changes! Thank you!
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