Hey all,

I just got back from my visit with a team of doctors at UPMC Presbyterian Hospital in Pittsburgh. I may start HBO therapy as soon as Monday.

The doctors feel that this therapy will heal the fistula that I developed. I asked about the success rate. I was told that it falls somewhere between 75% to 80%. If it works I can avoid surgery to correct the problem.

I was allowed to take a test run in one of the tubes. I may have to be under a mild sedative for the therapy sessions, as I discovered that I'm a bit claustrophobic. The sessions will last for 2 hours, 5 days a week for 6 weeks.

This really goes a long way in relieving my fears of ORN.

I'll keep posting throughout this process.

I'd love to hear from anyone else who may have gone through this.

John

Good luck with the treatment John, I would need more than a "mild sedative" to get in one of those contraptions. We have a friend who is getting ready to start a course and are really hopeful it will help him.
Take care
Marica

Marica,

I was hoping that the tube would be somewhat larger. I know when the opening is shut and locked behind me that it will be a problem. I first notice the claustrophobia when I had my mask made for the radiation.

I'll make it through. I'll have to be sedated and someone else will have to drive me home.

Let me know how things turn out for your friend.

John

Hi John,
I did 30 "dives" of HBO treatment and did well with it. I was also fearful and claustrophobic of the mask for radiation but soon adapted to it. You'll find yourself doing the same with this chamber. Bring a movie to watch and that will help keep your mind off the closeness of the tube. I did find that I was tired after the treatments, which I think was simply from being still for so long, not from the treatment itself. The biggest change I had from the treatment was a change in my eyesight. I could see better! The improvement only lasted approx. 6 weeks though.
Good luck with it.
Minnie

Minnie,

The doctor did tell me that one of the side effects would be a change in my vision. He told me not to get a prescription changed if I had one.

I know I'll have to have something to calm my nerves. I just don't do well in tight, confined spaces.

The treatments sound promising and I'm looking forward to it.

John

John, it really does get to be familiar and non-scary after the first or second dive. If I was not watching movies, I slept. Here is a tip. Take an antihistamine pill 30 min. before each treatment. This will help with pressure in your ears. Also, my vision improved dramatically and three years later is STILL good. Wore glasses to read and use compute for years and do not need them now. So you may get a big bonus if you wear glasses. I know you will do fine. It does feel strange in the beginning, but the speaker system lets you talk to the attendants at any time. They will never, ever leave you alone. Just concentrate on the good it is doing for you.

Thanks for the support guys. I just don't want to get in the tube and have a panic attack. I know I was told that I could be out in as little as 45 seconds. But with that being said, I'd rather have something in me to calm the nerves before I start.

John

John
They had discussed doing that treatment with my dad. He is so claustraphobic, let me put it this way, he can barley wash his hair under the shower claustraphobic. Imagine when he had to do Pet scans as well. That was his only fear. Not cancer, not radiation. I think if you just discovered it you'll be fine. Ask for Adavant. Works really good. The day I took him for his PET he thought we were in my car the entire trip instead of his. Breathe deeply, relax, and good luck.

Zanax or Valium work well also. I saw a picture of a new model HBO unit in the paper the other day which was clear plexiglass. They also have big HBO chambers that hold 6 people.

The unit that I'll be in is clear acrylic. I can see all around the room. It's just the confinement that has me nervous. I have no problem with the PET scans or Ct scans. This is different. I'm hoping to hear something today, so that I can start this on Monday.

Thanks for the support guys!

John