cclark, there is another HBO benefit not mentioned. This is an incredible improvement in vision. If he wears glasses, he will find he does not need them. In case he wonders, this is why he will be given an eye test a couple of times. After wearing reading glasses for years and years, I suddenly realized I was reading a paperback book unassisted. For most people, this fades back to pre-tx status in a few weeks. I, however am a lucky one who kept the change. I do not see any downside to HBO. Yes, it is a lot of time, but the benefits are many. I was one of the few H&N patients where I was treated; most were wounds that were not healing. Business is good. Where I went, they have just doubled their capacity.

Thanks for the feedback. The more we hear about this, the more we like it. Oh, they did tell him today that books aren't allowed (nothing flammable is allowed in the chamber) - but he can watch TV or video as well. They also had a library of 500 videos. I like your idea of bringing in a DVD with a favorite TV series though. We'll have to ask about the vitamin supplementation. The HBOT doctor started to talk about that and also about eating a high protein nutritional diet (to aid tissue healing) but we forgot to remind him about the informational sheet he was going to give us. Kind of hard to eat a good diet when one is mainly sipping shakes, but he did start eating soups last night, so maybe he can upgrade his nutrition a little.

Joanna, What a win to get a permanent improvement in vision! And without laser surgery. The HBOT doctor did tell him about this but he said his vision would return back to normal within 3-6 weeks after treatment. Interesting about the doubling of capacity where you went; they seemed pretty busy where we went too. I get the impression from the doctors we've spoken to that this is becoming a much more utilized treatment than it has been in the past. Connie.