I have a friend who contracted Lyme disease and recently underwent a series of hyperbaric oxygen therapy sessions. The treatment has completely transformed him and he is now his old self.
I have read that this therapy helps Fibromyalgia and other autoimmune diseases and was wondering if anyone knew how effective it is in treating PMR ?
Many thanks
Written by
Lassie2
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There is another post from tangocharlie asking the same question - listed under the Related Posts. Even if it did help I suspect as this is a chronic disorder you would be looking at an ongoing course and it is very expensive. Lyme disease is also treated with abx and provided that is done it shouldn't be chronic.
As a diver who is now 1yr+ pmr free, I can tell you I felt my best 60 to 79 feet down in the ocean.I've mentioned many times pmr never took away my diving and I knew about these studies including the benefits if you had cancer.
I was always greatful I dove and hoped I got some of those benefits.
By way of guidance, the article below lists the conditions for which US Medicare, Medicaid, and many insurance companies, will pay for HBOT. The list includes "acute or traumatic reduced blood flow in the arteries", but no autoimmune conditions. It works for Lyme disease, actinomycosis, and similar infections because the specific bacteria involved prefer low-oxygen environments.
The list specifically advises that HBOT "is not considered safe and effective for treating certain conditions. These include HIV/AIDs, brain injury, heart disease, stroke, asthma, depression, spinal cord injury, and sports injuries." This may affect those with such comorbidities.
"Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is not for everyone. It shouldn't be used by people who have had a recent ear surgery or injury, a cold or fever, or certain types of lung disease. The most common complication after HBOT is trauma to the middle ear. Other possible complications are eye damage, lung collapse, low blood sugar, and sinus problems. In rare, severe cases, a person can get oxygen poisoning. This can lead to seizures, fluid in the lungs, lung failure, or other problems. Considering the possible risks and benefits, the decision to use hyperbaric oxygen therapy must be carefully made after a discussion with your healthcare provider."
I decided not to try it as having spoken briefly to the people who run the Leeds HBO centre it would probbly take years of regular sessions to see if it worked or not, though he was optimistic it works for loads of things and neither encouraged or discouraged me. Most attendees have MS or cancer and there is research to support its use for those things.
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