Thanks for responding. I would like to know how often it is done if its daily or weekly. What it feels like. I already read about the side effects, but to me it sounds like the benefits far outweigh the temporary side effects.

Christine,
I think Minnie had HBO. I haven't had it, but it is done daily, 5 days a week, for usually 30 treatments. It can effect the eyesight, usually only temporarily. If you do a serch on it, you should find some old posts from people that had it.

Take care,
Eileen

yes to the above.
Also, this is not something that is over in a couple of minutes. Typically this takes 2h+ in the chamber (depending on the pressure). Add to this travel time and preparation and half your day is gone for the next 6 weeks or so. If they do HBO in prep for surgery you might get HBO before and after surgery.
I cannot tell you what is feels like. The chamber I have seen is transparent (plexiglass) and looked quite roomy, but if you are claustrophobic you should address that beforehand. You can listen to music watch TV, you will not be able to read a book. I plan to sleep if my HBO is approved.....

M

Thanks for the info Eileen and Markus. Markus, please keep me posted on your progress with this. I wish you the best of luck with it. It doesnt sound as bad as the radiation. Being pinned to the table under the mask sure got old really fast. A clear chamber is much better than what I call "the tube" (pet/cat scan or mri). Im sure glad Im not claustrophobic.

Christine,
now I have done 3 of these things. The novelty has worn off. It takes about 3h (2.5h in the tube) and then there is the travel time. So half your day is shot.
It is however not a big deal at all. It feels like diving actually. (minus the water an all the interesting stuff). Basically what you have to do is equalize your ears until the pressure is stable. I find myself doing that a lot more than when you actually dive. Once you are at pressure you just wait and watch TV or sleep. (no books allowed, they are flammable). I have started to catch up on my sleep, although a bed is a lot more comfortable it can be done. They WILL wake you up 2 times for an "air" break. During this break you breath regular air as opposed to pure oxygen. So far I have not detected any vision changes.
There really is nothing to this... if anything you are more rested afterwards.

Markus

Markus:

Thank you very much for the info. It sounds like its a peice of cake compared to the other treatments we both have gone thru. From the info I have read, most people overall heal up much quicker with these treatments. Im all for getting rest, I dont sleep well at night. Thank you very much for the update.

Well
I am now on dive 12 or so. I had problem once with pressure equalizing going down, other than that no issues at all. At this point I am sleeping in the chamber, and, yes they wake you up for air breaks. Is it working? The one thing I have noticed is that my gums do not bleed anymore and I can use the toothbrush more vigorously. Also, I have a lot more energy these days. It is not clear whether this is due to the treatment, the sleep I get in the mornings or the other stuff that I am doing now (supplements).

Markus

Markus:

Thank you for the updates. Im glad to hear its going very well for you. It sounds like its working for you, which is good news. Having more energy must be great!!! Do you have any vision side effects, or any problems with hearing? Do you notice any difference with eating or how far your jaw can open? I will be putting my dives off til fall. I got shocked today with the estimate for my dental work. Even with insurance its several thousand. I sure cant afford that working only part time.

Christine,
So far no problems with hearing or vision at all. Generally after O2 treatments the diastolic pressure is increased.... not for me, probably because I am sleeping and am not freaked out by it (the chamber). Eating.... there has not really been a change. I can do pizza but still have problems with spicy stuff. No wine, but I can handle an occasional guinness. Jaw opening/trismus: I had full range motion before already..... not that I was told to watch out for this by my RO. I paid attention to it because of this board. I am starting to gain weight, so sooner or later, I will probably have to reconsider my whip cream "supplements".
I have not gone to the dentist... but I expect some work too, after the O2 treatment is over..

PS after spending mornings in the "can" I gave classes (lectures) today from 1-3 and 5:30 to 6:45. I still have some issues with pronunciation of sharp s' and rolling r's. Right now I pretty much feel like: I am back!!

Markus

Yes, I did have Hyperbaric treatment, three times to be exact. Each time I did 30 "dives". I would do 20, go have my procedure done, and then go back and do 10 more after the procedure. I got so I'd sleep in the tank, no worries at all. My eyesight did change each time but returned to normal quickly. The treatments are relatively easy and worth it, in my opinion.

Minnie