Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy

[Sheebz]

Has anyone had or waiting to have Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy for Radiation Damage ? Is it available on NHS ?

[Sarah_PRDA Partner]

Hi Sheebz ,

I just wanted to leave a bit of information that you may find helpful.

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) isn't always available on the NHS, though we know some of our service users have received HBOT through the NHS. We also know of service users who have received funding help from the Diving Chamber Treatment Trust where NHS trusts have not been able to fund HBOT divingchambertreatmenttrust...

Macmillan has information on what HBOT is, how it works and what it is used for: macmillan.org.uk/cancer-inf...

HBOT can be a big time commitment due to traveling to the chamber, the time spent in the chamber and the length of treatment (usually every week-day for several weeks).

[Sheebz in reply to Sarah_PRDA]

Thanks Sarah . I’ve just learned that MS Therapy groups offer Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy and would you believe there is a centre only 7 mls from my home and they have put me on their waiting list. It is being used at present by someone with Radiation damage and many with Long Covid ! I would really like to speak with anyone who has had the treatment to find out what the outcome was .

[SpaghettiBetty]

Hi Sheebz

I had HBOT a few years ago for PRD.

I had problems with abdominal, rectal and bladder pain as well as extreme fatigue. I had 8 weeks at a multi-person chamber in Hull.

My understanding is that the optimal treatment for PRD is at 2.5 atmospheres (some of the MS chambers only reach 1 atmosphere of pressure). This was what I was told by the doctor who assessed me at the Spire. Although a private hospital I did have treatment on the NHS. I had to have a referral from 2 consultants and even then I was assessed by a specialist at the clinic to make sure I was a suitable candidate.

It was quite a gruelling treatment (long days and it was very tiring) but in my opinion was well worth it. I had been on a max dose of fentanyl patches for pain relief and I was able to come off these completely (I hadn’t built up a dependancy to these either as I was desperate to come off opiates).

I also had a insufficiency fracture which very much improved due to the treatment.

If you have any questions I’d be happy to answer if I can ☺️

[AlfredSaxon]

Hi Sheebz

I will be starting a course of HBOT therapy on 31st Jan. My treatment will be at a Centre in North Bristol, it is run by a charity. I'm not aware of any facility in my locality that is provided by the NHS. A search on the internet will reveal such (charities) centres, and my search showed that there are not many. I am trying this treatment because I suffer from Radiation Cystitis as a result of having radiotherapy about 7 years after removal of my cancerous prostate--this was a bad mistake--I should have opted for medication. R Cystitis has caused the bladder to bleed resulting in 3 visits to A &E, I also have moderate bladder incontinence. The bleeding has been checked by self administering a product call CYSTISTAT, however this medication is not a permanent cure. I am hoping that HBOT will provide a better treatment.

HBOT is usually given as an initial 4 week protocol, Monday to Friday inc. being 20 treatments; thereafter maintenance sessions may be advised. The obvious logistical problems are travel to the facility and having treatments on consecutive days; fortunately I am retired so can devote the time. I will be happy to relate how I get on with HBOT

[Sheebz in reply to AlfredSaxon]

Thanks for sharing . I’m now linked in to a local MS Centre who have me on their waiting list however I have macular degeneration so I’m awaiting confirmation from my eye consultant that the treatment won’t be harmful . Let’s hope this is the answer to some of our problems . Good luck and I look forward to hearing how it goes .

[AlfredSaxon]

Hi Sheebz I started H Oxygen Therapy yesterday-31st Jan. It took a while before I got used to the sound of the chamber being pressurised, also one is aware of the sound of each patient's breathing as you have to make an effort to breath in the oxygen. The centre that I use in Bristol is part of a Multiple Sclerosis society, there are a small number of these in the UK. The Bristol centre is staffed by very friendly people, most of which are volunteers. I hope that you soon get clearance from your eye consultant.

[Sheebz in reply to AlfredSaxon]

Oh that’s very interesting Alfred . How long did you stay in the chamber and how many sessions are advised . Did you feel save Covid wise ?

[AlfredSaxon in reply to Sheebz]

I was in the chamber for about 1hr 15 minutes. The procedure was, oxygen mask fitted, enter the chamber, mask connected to oxygen supply, chamber closed. Chamber pressure increased, this takes about 15 minutes and is noisy --some popping of the ears. about 45 minutes later pressure reduced to atmospheric pressure, the reduction takes about 15 minutes. I believe that chambers can vary in size from a single occupant capacity to take 8 people-I was in an 8 size chamber and 6 people were being treated. I am booked for 20 sessions, this is scheduled over 4 weeks , Monday to Friday, I believe that there can be some variation to this protocol. After concentrated treatment it appears to be usual for "maintenance" treatment every week or 10 days. Once in the building the wearing of masks Covid masks was required and users of toilets were was to wipe down all surfaces that they had touched. It might be possible for you to visit your nearest centre for to see the set up, centres run by MS societies are quite accommodating. I hope this helps

[Sheebz in reply to AlfredSaxon]

Thank you. Very helpful

[Mariecapp]

Hello. I had hyperbaric oxygen therapy 3 yrs ago . I had 40 treatments that lasted approximately 2 hours. On my first treatment the pressure in my ears was unbearable but I had tubes inserted in my ears and I was fine after that. Before the therapy I had terrible rectal bleeding. After the treatments my bleeding was so much better. I really don't bleed anymore. Best to you. I live in the USA

[Sheebz]

Thank you Marie . I’m a bit worried about my ears as I suffer from vertigo. So glad it helped