Hyperbaric Oxygen Treatment for CRPS type II
 

Deb's HBOT for CRPS type II Diary

My Husband and I arrived Saturday (07Sep13) exhausted in Ontario after 8 hours travel. Weary, we checked into the hotel. We were both eager for a nap. For me, the many hours in airports and planes had my CRPS roaring. Both feet and my left shin were aglow bright red. The burning was excruciating, and I don't need to explain all the various pain sensations. I was at 9.9 on the pain scale. I was done for the day. I took my meds and settled in bed for the rest of the day/night.

Today, we met with Dr Underwood. He looked over my records and gave me a quick look over. He told us not to be too optimistic about my legs and feet since it has been so long since the onset of CRPS, but if the tissue is repairable the oxygen can help to accelerate healing. He explained the basics of the treatment is to help oxygen get into the smaller blood vessels that are difficult to reach. HBOT squeezes the oxygen much like the pressure in a hose. The more one squeezes the more water is pushed through the the hose. I continue to be optimistic even though being 'hosed' isn't a good thing. We were able to look at the HBOT units. The two person tank looks pretty small around. I am skeptical about getting two in there comfortably. It reminds me of when Darrell and I shared a pup tent many years ago. We were much younger and a whole lot slimmer. I think it is going to be more like squeezing two full size pumpkin pies into a tin can. Yeah.

Pic is upside down.

Thank you so much for the update, and glad to see you're trying to keep a sense of humor after a night at, well I'll call it a level 10, but if you insist.. okay, 9.9 lol. :wink: I feel for you as I know travel can be tough for sure. I wish you all in the luck in the world Djhasty. I pray this works for you hon!

I look forward to your next update! :)

Good luck Deb, I have everything crossed for you :) This is going to be such an interesting thread, thanks so much.

Bram.

10Sep13 Pain levels are still running high after travel with overall ratings of 9 in am. 8 in midday and 8 in the evening. Today I got stuffed into a metal tank with a clear vinyl hood (for oxygen) stuck over my head. I looked a lot like a spacewoman. In my mind the tank could have been a rocket ship. I did take an Ativan for anxiety thinking I would sleep for the hour. I didn't sleep. Susan told me she plans to focus on my feet first, then my brain. Susan gave me an oxygen concentrator to use at night while we are here. It needs some parts to hook up the hoses.

I had considerable leg and hip pain at full depth in the tank. In addition to standard meds breakthrough medications were necessary. Other than the HBOT treatment I stayed in bed all day. There has been no improvement after this first treatment, but I really did not expect it this early. In the back of my mind was a silent hope that I would see some improvement, even if it was insignificant. I just wanted something to hold on to to carry me through the 40 treatments. There is a long way to go. I am feeling anxious about the treatments. HBOT is really expensive. It isn't covered by my insurance because it is considered off-label for CRPS/RSD. What if it doesn't work? Was HBOT the right choice to put all our money on when some other treatment may have worked better? And, if so, the money will be gone.

We decided to stay at the Comfort Suites in Ontario; they gave us a pretty good rate for staying the 6 weeks with them. We were able to move to a different larger accessible 2 bed room with a bigger coffee station with sink. This seems silly but with it being my home for 6 weeks the coffee area will act as my kitchen: a microwave, refrigerator, toaster, sink, extra cabinet and counter space, and a jar of peanut butter. The weather here is beautiful. Today's high was 90 degrees with a nice dry breeze. I received a fruit arrangement from my NPS lady friends. I've also received a few texts from the ladies. Their support means a lot to me.

11Sep13 86 degrees sunny and beautiful, but I felt bad this a.m. My pain level was at 7. My hip and leg ached. Felt like my left leg hip foot was being squeezed so tight that my bones were crumbling. I used the oxygen concentrator for the first time since leaving Nebraska. Today's movie choice was 'Lincoln,' but I missed most of it because I slept. I took pain anti-anxiety and antispasmodic meds before getting in the tank. I wore the oxygen bubble over my head again. Susan gave me a XL pair of men's 100 percent cotton pants to wear because I failed to wear my own. My sinuses started closing up later in the treatment so I couldn't breath through my nose; I was concerned about clearing my ears, but I had no problem at all. I spent 90 minutes in the tank. I felt better in the afternoon, but we couldn't tell if it was the tank plus oxygen or the meds that made a difference. My pain level at bedtime was at 7.

12Sep13 93 degrees today, sunny beautiful. Again, I felt horrible this morning with my pain at 9. I felt bad all over, but the pain was more pronounced in my left leg and hip. It was the deep bone crushing pain again. My appointment was at 1:00 p.m. I forgot to take the Ativan so i was worried about how anxious I would get. I was in the tank for 90 minutes. I wore the bubble head. Movie was ' Pilot.' Afterwards, I slept all afternoon. My pain was better in the afternoon down to a 7. I had trouble sleeping in the evening due to increased pain in the leg/hip to an 8.5. I am wondering if the HBOT has picked out a trouble spot for my condition. I see no improvement in the sores on my legs and arms. The number and ooziness continues. Susan would like to dive deeper but can't due to the baclofen pump. So she would like to keep me in longer tomorrow for as much as 2 hours. Better take my Ativan for sure.

Silly pic.

Thanks so much for the update! I also enjoyed your picture!

I understand your concern about the treatments working, but perhaps it will take a few to get some kind of positive result, or at least that is what I am hoping for. I am hoping it will work for you as quickly as possible! I really don't know anything about it and I so appreciate your posts. Hang in there girl! :hug:

I know you're having a tough time of things Deb, both physically and emotionally, but you really have to try not to kick yourself about choosing to try this. Given your pain levels you had to try something, and HBOT does have some good evidence and testimonies. I think it was a good option to try. Yes it is off-lake for CRPS, and expensive, but so many new possible treatments are, and the recommended ones haven't been able to manage your symptoms. Given the scary nature of your symptoms, I totally understand your wish to try.

Anxiety and worry about whether this was the right thing to do will just add to your load of suffering. You've made the choice and you are getting everything you can out of it - we all have our fingers crossed that this makes a difference for you :) And, when you think about it, you could have spent the money on a few Chanel handbags and a handwoven Persian rug. Much less useful :winky:

I would think it would take the sores quite a while to show any difference. The skin there is damaged and slow to heal, and although increased oxygen will help, it's not going to be a quick thing, so I wouldn't worry that nothing has changed yet. I suspect that it takes all these separate treatments because your body has to kind of get used to the extra oxygen, and has to learn how to use it all over again.

I admire you so much. This is hard, painful, expensive and you are in a strange place. But you are persevering and you are giving all of us a really valuable record of your experience. I wish we had a diary like this for all treatments!

Keep at it girl, and give yourself a break. If you can find it amidst the pain, some cheerful optimism will help both you and your wonderful supportive husband. We're right behind you :grouphug:

Bram.

Do you know how deep in feet or ATA (atmosphere's) you are diving to?

I know the Medtronic pumps usually limit scuba diving to 33 ft because they say as pressure increases, pump flow decreases. Have you felt like your pump delivery has changed? I have talked to a few doctors who say Medtronic is being very safe with that depth and actually think you could dive to recreational limits in scuba but I never got a clarification on that.

I have a pump in me so that is why I put HBOT on hold until I learn more. I do know from other friends with severe CRPS that you must dive much deeper than the HBOT systems you see athletes using before UFC fights or NFL games. Those systems are usually 1.3 ATA max. My friends reported that they were treated in 2-3ATA and sometimes much deeper like 6 ATA. did they start you between 1.4-1.6 ATA?

I doubt you would feel different this early on because most of my friends did not feel a difference until after 20 dives and then some of them repeated 6 months later at 40 dives because they did not feel much different from the first 20 dives. They did feel better after the second set for some reason. none of them no why but are glad they tried a 2nd time.

I hope you get some relief from this and thanks for reporting to us about how you feel each day.

Mike

13Sep13 Wow. 93 degrees Sunny. Palms and mountains. Sigh. Another rough morning but I do feel a little better. Overall pain level this morning was at 7. Again it was my left leg, hip, and pelvis that hurt the most. No left eye pain, though my vision is still affected. Wondering why my work sheet asks how depressed I feel, but then turns around with the very next question asking, "How happy am I?" :0/ Today's movie was 'Mudd.' I couldn't really hear it, so it drug on for me. I was in the tank for 90 minutes. Plans for 120 minutes were kiboshed after about an hour when I was pulled out of the tank crying. I had to get out of there. Darrell thought I should try the treatment without the Ativan. I agreed. It didn't go so well. At about an hour the tank closed in and pain in my legs (about an 8 on the pain scale) became too much. Thus far Darrell has been in the HBOT tank with me ... just in case I flip my lid due to claustrophobia. He leaves next Saturday, so I need to learn to tackle the tank on my own. I was able to get the oxygen hood on by my self. No small feat because my hands are week. The rest is history. A dark chocolate Snickers cheered me up. I'll try again tomorrow.

14Sep13 98 degrees Sunny. This morning my pain level was at about a 7. I don't wear shoes because my feet are tortured in them. My feet swell, turn bright red, and burn like they are on fire. I am in a wheelchair. I don't need shoes. Today the parking lots were on fire too. I needed shoes. Today's movie was 'Flight of the Phoenix.' I didn't see it; I slept for the 90 minutes. Today's treatment went well except it was extremely hot. Well, 77 degrees. That is too hot when you are locked in a metal tank with a vinyl oxygen hood over your head. I was drenched in sweat. The rubber ring around my neck was soaked as were my clothes. Upon exiting my pain level was a 6. By time I got back to the hotel it was more like 6.5. I am hoping this is the first day of a long trend. I continue to have pain and weakness in my left arm and thumb. The pain in my thumb is similar to an electrical shock. Zzzzzzzip. I notice it most when I am sketching.

15Sep13 101! Damn it's HOT! Sunny. I felt much better this morning. My pain level was a 6. Six is the lowest number I've had in quite awhile. It felt good. Redness was still present in my left leg and both feet, but the color was even reduced from the hot red it usually is. I am starting to see some promise. I had 2 treatments today. I went for my first treatment at 9:00 am. Darrell still went in the tank with me. I took all my morning meds just before entering the tank. I did not take Ativan. The movie was the second half of 'Seabiscuit.' I read the book and saw the movie before. It is a good movie, but I napped. I was down at 33 feet for 90 minutes. My pain level upon leaving was 6.5. Still a good number. I returned to the clinic at 2:30 pm for my second treatment. This time I was on my own. Darrell was on standby just outside the tank. The movie was 'The Time Traveler's Wife.' Again I was down 2 atmospheres or 33 feet for 90 minutes. Clarification: 90 minutes total; 60 minutes at depth and 30 minutes going up and going down. I had no trouble getting the oxygen hood on by myself. Exiting the tank my pain level was at about 6. Feeling better for the first time in a long time, Darrell and I decided to head west to the beach and have dinner out. The pier at Hunnington Beach was nice. The temperature in the evening had cooled considerably from the 101 degrees that it was in afternoon. Darrell fixed my scooter (bad battery) a couple days ago, so I was able to use my wheels to stroll along the paved path to Sandy's. I was even able to put my feet in the sand. I couldn't feel it, but I did it. That was good for my psyche. We took our time and watched the sunset from the restaurant. About a quarter of the way home the pain hit. By the time I got back to the hotel my pain level was an 8. Occasional cramps continue in my chin, neck, right arm, back right side, stomach, and rib areas. These areas are not covered by the baclofen pump, which is installed at the lumbar area for severe spasticity in my legs and feet. I continue to have some cramps in my legs that can be severe at times. With the pump, Botox injections, and tizanidine their severity is reduced. I have the day off tomorrow. I need to get my pump filled. It must be filled every 2 weeks while being treated with HBOT. Last fill date was Wednesday August 28. Cutting it close.

It takes at a minimum 40 dives to start andreogenesis. My treatment plan has been extended to 50 dives with the possibility that I may need 60. I am up to 7 dives now. I have a long way to go. Andreogenesis is when the body forms the smallest capillaries in areas that need oxygen and repair, such as my legs and feet. HBOT also increases oxygen at the cellular level, helping to create or increase production of Glia cells in the brain. Glia are known as the glue of the nervous system. Glia hold neurons in place, supply nutrients and oxygen to neurons, insulate neurons and destroy pathogens.

Alaska Mike, thanks for your reply. Medtronic recommended 2 atmospheres or 33 feet. The Doctor and technician both wanted to go to 2.5 atmospheres in order to treat the CRPS better, but Medtronic recommended against it. We are doing 40 dives, well ... that was just today increased to 50 with a possibility of 60. We are supposed to get the pump filled every 2 weeks while in HBOT treatment.

Brilliant post Deb, thank you :)

I am so glad you are starting to see a little improvement already - it bodes well for the full plan. I also think its a good sign that you have been able to doze/sleep during some sessions in the tank! It must be daunting to consider all the rest of the upcoming treatments, but just take it one day at a time and enjoy every little positive experience you have. I think it (and you) are amazing.

Everything crossed for you here still. Keep up the good work :winky: - at the end you'll be able to write a paper on 'Films NOT to see while undergoing HBOT" lol :D

Bram.

Way to go Djhasty!! Whoo hoo! You're doing it!! I admire your will to keep forging ahead! This is no easy thing for you, and I’m so glad that it sounds like you have a loving spouse who is trying to make sure his gal’s okay before he has to leave. You’re doing SO GREAT! Go you!! :hug:


I am glad that it’s showing some promise and that you even got your toes in the sand. Good for you! I hate that the pain spiked afterwards, but perhaps good for you nonetheless.


I will have to go back and re-read. I don’t know why but I thought you traveled to Canada for this treatment, but palm trees sounds more like CA or FL? Hum…


Continue to get the rest you need. The body does a lot of healing while we sleep.


I know you must be nervous about being on your own soon, but you’ve got this! My mother when she was alive drilled into my head my entire life, you can do anything you set your mind to. I think there’s truth in that. I’ll be looking for your next post. Keep up the great work! My thoughts and prayers are with you!

I have not heard of anyone getting their pump refilled every 2weeks while diving HBOT. Do you mind me asking why they have you do that? Did you have to fight with insurance to do that?

Mike

The pump has to be filled to max to protect it at the lower depths. Both my husband and the HBOT treatment center contacted Medtronic, with the same response of refill every 2 weeks. It is also noted in my user guide. BTW There is an 8, 000 ft limit on the upper atmosphere too. There is not an issue when in a pressurized cabin (most commercial flights travel at 20,000-30,000 feet). I did have an issue when my daughter lived in the Colorado mountains (still does) above 8,000 and 10,000 ft. We worked it out. I stayed in her cabin at 8,7??. and drove into Telluride for visits.

Darrell is paying out of pocket for my treatments at this point. The HBOT treatments are off-label (not approved by the FDA). So, the pump refills every two weeks are also out of pocket. The cost is outrageous. Well, we will see .... I do believe my sores are starting to heal. They look better. I also feel better with my average pain level running 6.5 to 7. I did have one bad 9 day in there (still updating my diary), but the HBOT brought it right back down to a 7 the next day.

Is your pump a synchromed 2 infusion pump by Medtronic? What size reservoir?
Thanks for answering my questions and I really hope this works for you.

I had a feeling you were doing this out of pocket.
Mike

So pleased for you Deb! :p It'll be fantastic if your sores improve and hopefully heal, and the pain lessening must be a relief for your whole body. Todd bad day is bound to happen, it's the overall change that we like! I'm just glad you could afford to do this, makes you feel for the folk who just can't and so will never know if it could help them or not.... Try not to think about the cost too much - at the end, you can decide whether you would have done it if you had known the outcome - and if it has brought you significant pain relief and helped your sores, I suspect you wouldn't change a thing ;)

Bram.

16Sep13 off-day. Down day. 9 on the pain scale. Slept entire day. :0( with tears.

17Sep13 100 degrees and sunny. Still supper sore and grumpy after the day before being so torturous. In the morning I fell while getting in the car and landed with my left hip hitting the edge of the seat. I was in an awkward position getting off my scooter. A truck was hogging space so the space between cars was skinny. My right foot slipped. Two treatments today. First movie was 'Secretariat.' Good movie. Saw most of it but I woke up a few times so I know I slept through parts. Same treatment protocol: 2 atmospheres/33 feet; total time 90 minutes with 60 minutes at full depth. Pain level going in was a solid 9 but improved to an 8 after treatment. I kept an Ativan in my pocket. I didn't need it. Second treatment was same protocol. Will most likely remain so here on out. Movie was 'Life of Pi.' Excellent. Pain level dropped to a 7.

I met a young woman today, Caitlin, who had RSD when she was just 16. She is currently 22 and in remission. She is in college in the LA area. She is getting followup treatments at Rapid Recovery to keep her RSD at bay. She brought me hope that these treatments will work and be worth the cost.

Darrell and I saw a coyote this morning. It was very thin and tattered, one ear down the other piqued to hear. Its tongue was hanging out with lather dripping off. It swaggered as it crossed a field in town headed towards a nearby neighborhood. We were on a busy street with lots of busy cars with people headed to work. I am guessing the yote was desperately looking for food. There was an officer stopped in the middle of the road. Watching. We drove past. I want to know what happened. Good or bad.

18Sep13 92 degrees for the high but the morning was cool, breezy and beautiful. I am up to 18 hours after today's treatments. I was at about a 7 before getting in the tank for the first time. The color of my leg and foot was almost normal, and my walking was much improved (in my opinion). I am still using the scooter and a wheelchair because we don't want to push to hard too fast. The first movie was 'The Prince and Me,' (2004). I didn't even see the opening credits. Darrell and Susan had to holler a few times to wake me to pull my oxygen hood off as I was coming back up from the deep. My pain level was a 6. The pain did increase slightly when I was in route back for my second treatment. The second movie was 'The Prince and Me.' This time I watched most of it. Ugh. It's a teenybopper movie with poor acting and predictable script. This time I was in the middle white chamber (tank). I guess I graduated from the blue one. This tank was the same except for a few minor details. I located the emergency exit knob before being locked in. It had an extra port hole, which I liked a lot.

I had an awesome party ,,, in my head. In my dream I was following from house to house by foot. It was a block party. Each house had a different band: Breaking Benjamin, Foo Fighters, REM, Metallica, etc. !t rocked! I danced. I met the band members. I danced. I had a blast. I danced. Is it too early to celebrate? I am still dancing ... in my head.

By bedtime the pain and bright red and purple had returned.

Yes.my pump is a Medtronic Synchromed II Intrathecal Baclofen Therapy pump for the treatment of spasticity. I do not know the reservoir size but I believe it is standard. It is about the size of a hockey puck.

http://www.medtronic.com/patients/se...s-it/index.htm

Thank you Mike. I too hope it works. So far I am seeing some bits of relief. Whether or not I can attribute them to the hyperbaric chamber have yet to be seen. Weather is cooling here to the 80's. How about in your area? Are you seeing some relief? Hopping for pain free days ahead for you.

Thanks for the update Deb, sorry you had that awful day, but it sounds like things are going well overall. You are sounding a bit brighter on the whole, hope you know what I mean! :winky:

I know what you mean about the coyote. Stuff like that gets into my head too, and then I find myself thinking of it at odd times. You can't help every creature you see, but some just get to you. Maybe it too was just having a tough few days...:rolleyes: I wish you both luck with the next week.

Excellent on the party experience, sounds like a great way to spend a few hours! I'd say that dream was a positive overall, especially as REM were there lol. Fantastic band!

Take care, and keep up the good work.

Bram.

Djhasty,

Thank you so much for sharing your experience with this treatment! I have been considering it as well and look forward to learning how much it helps you.

Wanted to also share a netflix documentary that I enjoyed recently : Wild West & a The River of No Return both fantastic in my opinion.

Take good care,
Tessa

Thank you all for your support. I think we might be starting to get somewhere! Woot! I have been struggling to keep up with my diary. Please stick with me.

19Sep13 91 degrees Sunny. My overall pain for the day was a 6.5. By bedtime it was a 8. My feet are on fire. I did not sleep last night, but I had slept all the day before except when I was in route to RRH. I miss my daily FaceTime visits with my Granddaughter Riley. I miss Frank (dachshund). Darrell leaves Saturday and I can feel panic starting to set in. I am feeling weak/exhausted after each dive. I am even having trouble pulling myself out of the car. I am disappointed that the firie redness purple swelling in my leg and feet has returned. Susan tells me that I will go backwards before getting better. Today was a backwards day. Today's movies: Morning, 'License to Wed.' Didn't see any of it; I slept. Afternoon, 'Legend of the Guardians.' Animated artwork of the owls was great, but I didn't like the movie.

20Sep13 71degrees. Sunny. Weather still continues to affect me, because it is beautiful here even if there is a fall spell. Sure makes me happy. I woke this morning feeling pretty good, about a 6 on the pain scale. My pain level was a 7 by the by the afternoon even after my dive. $#=+! My left foot and leg were back to an 8 by bedtime with burning pain shooting from the foot up the leg into my hip.This morning I slept late to about 4:00 am. I have been feeling very weak and fatigued. It is all I can do to get myself out of the car and back to bed. I fell asleep on my scooter before I could get in the elevator. Susan says it could be too much oxygen. We need to space the dives out more. I had only one dive today due to the extreme weakness. The movie was ''Shrek.' It has always been one of my favorites.

I had my baclofen pump refilled in the afternoon. It was a close call. Eeeeek! I had the pump filled 2 week 2 days ago. According to Medtronic, I have to get it filled every 2 weeks while in HBOT. Since we arrived Darrell has been running by nearby hospitals looking for pain medicine doctors that would be willing to fill my pump. One of the hospitals recommended a Dr Cho. We didn't know if he would even agree to fill the pump but made an appointment anyway. I didn't see him. I saw a Dr Hasseltine instead. He is fantastic! I wish he or someone with his rapport and knowledge were in Omaha. He knew all about RSD and the latest treatments. He is a Medtonic specialist. He asked why Prialt was not mixed in with the baclofen. Dr Follett did not want to mix meds in the pump. Hasseltine uses Ketamine to treat some of his RSD patients. We talked about my CRPS II. He recommended a web site tamethepain.com to find Medtronic specialists in my area. He referred to my neurosurgeon Dr Follett an excellent Doctor. I agree. He loaded up my pump with liquid baclofen. I'll see him again in 2 weeks.

21Sep13. 74 degrees and sunny. I started out the day at an 8 on the 10 point pain scale. By bedtime it was a 7. I had one dive today. Movie was 'Rango.' Cute except a couple of the characters were too gnarly. I am still feeling weak. I was anxious about the close call with my pump, but now I have to get my pain medicines refilled before I go into withdrawal. I brought hand written and signed prescriptions from my neurologist, but I always get an uneasy feeling when I have to have them filled in another state. There is usually a glitch. Darrell tried to pick them up from Walgreens but was told that the scrips couldn't be filled because they were not written on 'special' paper. What!?! Now what!?! Option A: find a Doctor who would be willing to reissue them on the special paper; Option B: send the scripts home with Darrell, get them filled, and overnight them to me here in California. We called Susan right away. Um, Dr Underwood ... ? I have one 100 mcg/h and one 50 mcg/h patches left. I use 150 mcg/h total each dose. I'm due to change them today (Saturday). That gives me 3 days to figure it out. I couldn't have them filled early in Omaha because they are narcotics. Boy am I in a tight spot. Chewing my nails.

My friend Kelly arrived in Ontario California this afternoon. Yay! She will be relieving Darrell as my caretaker for the week. He is leaving 5:00 am Saturday morning to go back to Omaha for a couple weeks. We had dinner out at a nearby Italian restaurant. Really nearby. It shares a parking lot with the hotel. I walked to and from the restaurant on foot with the handy aid of my good ol' cane. Woot!

We got a call that our old dachshund Frank is sick. My heart sank. He has been staying with Darrell's parents while I am in California. He is 16, nearly blind, short on teeth, can't hear, and has liver cancer. He is fragile, special, and requires tender care. We phoned the Vet in Omaha Nebraska; they have a branch in Edwardsville Illinois. Don rushed him in to the office. Frank was given some pain meds and sent back to Grandma and Grampa's house. He is truly a sweet boy. I hope he can hang in till I get back home.

As a leisurely reading project I decided to peruse my medical records. Looking way back, waaaaaay back, I checked out my psych evaluation on behalf of my neurologist way before she even gave me a diagnosis. It was standard procedure. The report notes pre-dementia. Again, WHAT!?! I guess that was just conveniently left out of any of our conversations. Damn this has been a bad day!

22Sep13 76 degrees; always sunny. Even though my pain was a 7 most the day, it did drop to a 6 1/2 after my morning treatment. The movie was 'Toy Story.' Excellent! I woke this morning at 2:00 am. I walked with my cane most of the day. I used my scooter on my way back up to the room later in the day. The red color on my left leg and feet seems to be fading some. I am very anxious because I am worried about Darrell who kinked his back lugging me and my stuff to sunny Southern California, Frank, and whether or not I will be able to fill my Fentanyl and Oxycodone. I am still fatigued but feeling better. Tomorrow is a day off. I'll hit two-a-days again on Tuesday.

I was finally able to pick up my meds. Yay! Dr Underwood was kind enough to rewrite my prescriptions on the special paper. I took the scripts straight to Walgreens incase they would need to talk with DrU. Sure enough. They called him to confirm that it was his writing and signature on the special paper. Then they checked my prescription history to make sure I have been on the stuff. I gave them my DNA, my first born Grandbaby, drivers license, and signed my life away to the state of California. Did I mention my credit card. But, I got my meds. Whew! That was too close for comfort. Thought of taking an Ativan. I was trying to figure out the logistics of plan B or even C if we had one. Well, now I am good for 30 days. I should be home by then.

23Sep13 87 degrees. Sunny. Sat at the pool today but stayed in the shade. Got a little overheated. Went inside and cooled off. No problem. Yep; I love this weather outside of the smog that rolls up the hill from LA. Today was a day off from HBOT. No movies. Still walking with my cane. I'm at a pain level 6. I have been all day. Of course the only thing I've done is venture out to the pool. Nice. Tomorrow I am shooting for a 5.

FrankFurter Hasty

I know what a pain in the rump it is to deal with the tamper-resistant Rx paper for fentanyl patches. I had to go thru extra stress while I waited for my doctors to sort this out with the pharmacy on a few occasions. It's such a pain because these scripts cannot be called in, they have to be hand delivered. I think there is more technology in this paper than there is in US paper currency. That paper will say void on it if someone tries to photocopy the scripts plus many other guards are built into it. It's the best way the DEA can track these hardcore meds is what I was told. I'm glad it worked out for you but I bet your anxiety was amped up in the meantime while you were waiting for those patches.

Have you ever tried breathing exercises for your anxiety? One simple exercise is putting your thumb or finger on one nostril and breathing and then switch to the other side. I don't know if its the distraction from whatever stress attack is going on or if its something else but I find it to help when I don't want to pop an anti-anxiety pill. If you ever tried yoga, it's very similar to that type of breathing.

I had my Pom for 15yrs then one day her kidneys started going bad and she passed. Those lap dogs might be small but she gave back more love than my large dogs combined. I hope your dog feels better soon.

Prialt is very expensive. The cash price is between $3000 and $5000 per pump refill. So hopefully insurance can cover some of this. It's really hard to get the right mixture especially if you already have other meds in your pump but I finally said that I will give it a try in 2014. Hallucinations used to be a major side affect but if they give you just the right amount of prialt then i was told its not as bad.

do you remember when i asked about what size reservoir? My guess is you have the smaller reservoir and I only say that because you have to be refilled every 2 weeks. I chose the larger reservoir because I wanted fewer trips to the doctors office but it does stick out. They both look like a hockey puck but mine is twice as thick. I tend to bump it once in awhile and man does that hurt but the pain goes away in 15 min or so.

Can you have dilauded or something similar put into your pump instead of putting those fentanyl patches on? You wouldn't have to deal with monthly scripts or withdrawal, you would gain back memory and clarity and the ability to drive plus so much more.

Thanks again for keeping your diary up. I really hope this HBOT works for you.

Hopefully this reply makes some sense as I can barely keep my eyes open now so it's off to bed for me.

Mike

Hi Deb :)

Another great installment - thank you so much!

I'm sorry your old pal is so poorly, it's such a distressing time, I had two cats that had been with me 17 and 21 years, and I lost them both in about 2 months - heartbreaking but at least they sleep in peace. I hope Franky is doing well now and will give you a wag on your return :winky:

Ah meds meds meds. A constant source of worry and hassle to many I suspect. I'm glad you got them sorted out, yet another cause to be so glad of our loved ones who go the extra mile for us (quite literally sometimes).

Yay on Toy Story and Shrek! Quality films....I love them :D Hope you get some more decent ones in the next week or so of dives.

I look forward to hearing your next post - and reading that you made it to a 5. That'll be a good day...:p

Bram.

Hi Djhasty! Still pulling for you hon! Just wanted you to know that I have been reading your posts, and that you should be SO PROUD of yourself!! :hug: Hang in there!

I think the tamper resistant paper is brilliant. The problem was that I was in another state far from home with scripts written on regular paper. It was a selfish complaint on my part. My anxiety was through the roof. So far though the Ativan I brought remains in the bottle. I have only taken one for the first dive. It is like a security blanket. As long as I know I have it handy I'm good. Thank you for the breathing tip AlaskaMike. I most certainly will give that a try, and when I am a little less off balance I might try yoga. The pain meds have caused me to have respiratory depression, which has made it necessary for me to be on oxygen. For that and other reasons, I'd be thrilled to get off the stuff.

We had another dachshund named Oscar Meyer (get it? Oscar Meyer FrankFurter). My girls named them. Oscar died two years ago October. We still miss him. We love these little guys. I had one growing up too. Frank is doing so much better after getting some meds from the Vet. Grandma Hasty reports that he is, "acting like a puppy."

The movies are a fun addition to the HBOT treatments. I love animation. In another life that would have been my chosen field. It amazes me. Monsters incorporated is another one of my favorites.

Back to two-a-days this past Tuesday. Still feeling okay. I think we might have the kinks worked out now.

Thank you all for your support. Means a lot to me.

I love the names. I had daschunds while growing up. My brother named one Adolf. That goofy boy was a little hitler too lol. They are amazing dogs. Each had their own personalities lol. I hope this treatment works and your boy gets better. All our 4 legged brat children are just that. Our children and it sucks if you can't be with them when they don't feel good. I will keep praying for everyone and add Frank to my prayers.

The critters can be quite comical. The two dachshunds actually belong to my girls. When the girls left for college, my husband and I were awarded the dogs. It would have been outrageous to try to separate Oscar Mayer from FrankFurter. They grew up together and had been living together for years.

Thank you for the well wishes. I hope for you some pain free days ahead.

24Sep13 Sunny 83 degrees. Rough pain day. During first treatment my pain went from a 6 to a 7 to a 10 to a 7. Then after my morning nap the excruciating pain hit me again,WHAM!, peeking at a 10. So I upped the pain meds. After the second HBOT treatment my pain went back down to a 7. Relief. I became emotional and weeped during the afternoon. I think it was the combination of the higher dose of pain meds coupled with the pain its self being through the roof. Treatment one movie: 'Bridesmaids.' Very funny. Treatment two movie: the rest of 'Bridesmaids' then 'Ice Age.' Love it.

25Sep13 Sunny 75 degrees. During the first treatment my pain went from an 8 to a 7.5 at 1.5 atm. During the second treatment I had an excruciating shocking pain that shot through my left foot up my leg into my knee and on up into my hip and pelvis. It was short lived though, and my overall pain rating by the afternoon was a 6. I've have had 3 days of 2-a-day treatments. I'm still feeling pretty good as far as the weakness goes. I am walking more upright than before as aposed to being hunched over. The first movie was the rest of 'Ice Age,' and the second movie was 'Puss in Boots.' I am really really missing Darrell and Frank. I am used to snuggling with Frank during the day. I miss that furry closeness. He is a tiny little guy, but as far as a therapy dog he is a giant. He is great for my psyche. Same for Darrell too.

26Sep13 Sunny 76 degrees. The treatments continue on. Neck ring; tank; oxygen hood; dive; movie; nap; resurface. My soars on my arms and legs are all but healed. The cramping from my Dystonia/spasticity is confined to my right calf and left buttocks. My feet look more pink than red except in the morning they are bright red. My balance is better. I am more upright. My walking continues to improve, but the left leg and foot point west when my body points north. When I am tired and have my lead boots on, I tend to drag my left foot behind me. I am staying awake more over the last couple days, and I am not as weak as I had been last week. I am always hungry. I'm feeling insecure; I need My support system (aka Darrell). The first movie was 'The Adjustment Bureau.' The second movie ditto.

27Sep13 83 degrees and sunny. Fireworks! Woot! Woot! I reached a 5 on the 10 point pain scale, finally. Five was my goal. It only gets better from here, right? I am ready to do what I have to get my life back. Well, I have always been except now it looks like I might actually get there. My feet were poker red in the morning. Pain was only about a 6 overall, with my feet being about a 7. After the first treatment, the red turned to pink in my left foot. The right looked normal. The pain went to a 5. A FIVE! After the HBOT, I get faint when I first stand up for a few minutes. My walking is still improving though I am shaky. I still walk hunched over with my butt sticking out. I try to force myself to walk upright, but it only makes me more shaky. The cramping continues from the Dystonia/spasticity. I need to drink more water. My mouth is super dry. I must remember to use the NutraSal!

Gram Miller arrived in Ontario this evening to take over as my caretaker for the next 2 weeks. We picked Gram up from the airport and headed back to the hotel for another delicious crockpot dinner: Cheesy chicken picante on tortillas with Spanish rice.

28Sep13 Sunny and 89 degrees. I would have sworn the temperature was in the upper 90s. Both feet were bright red this morning and about a 7 on the pain scale. Before this mornings HBOT my overall pain was a 6 with a few spikes. After, my left foot was pink and my pain was a 5 again. Susan recommended I wear different shoes that would be less painful. I'll try Gram's slippers tomorrow. She also recommended I keep my feet up for the evening. Today's movie was 'Words.' My overall pain is down considerably from when I started the HBOT treatments. I have to contribute it to the HBOT therapy. Incredible. Darrell is excited too.

The itching has started in my ankles again. It is deep like my bones itch. I scratch but there is no relief. I am getting cramps again, both upper and lower body. The cramping in my legs comes with walking. I've upped the Tizanidine to try and combat the cramps. That and my Baclofen pump and the Botox injections should be helping, but the Dystonia/spasticity plagues me. I'm still trying to stand up tall. I'm weak after the treatments, but I do feel like I am getting stronger. My mouth is supper dry. So dry that it is difficult to talk, the skin in my mouth sticks to my teeth, and I can't swallow. I get desperate for water. I have soars all over my dry mouth. It is very tender. I woke this morning at 2:00 a.m. I've had no naps today, morning or afternoon. It has been a long day. No; really.

Gram had her introductory lesson into HBOT and CRPS/RSD this morning. She did good driving a foreign car (meaning not hers) in a foreign land. She helped get me into the tank with my required number of pillows and Jane Jetson bubble hat. We missed lunch for the second day in a row. We took the long way to Denny's for dinner. We got lost going down the block. I tried to use my phone to get us back on tack except I picked the wrong Denny's, which headed us in the wrong direction again. It put us on the highway that we've been avoiding because of cars, lots of them, speed, and anxiety (Gram's not mine). I really need to learn to use my phone on the fly. We found Denny's, eventually.

There was a woman in the booth next to us. She turned to us and started talking about herself, her husband, and their 2014 Kenworth 18 wheeler truck. The truck was broke down again and in the shop for the second time; they've only had it for 9 months. They were stranded in Ontario California after a long haul that brought them here from Georgia. She needed to get home to get her high blood pressure medication. She also suffered from diabetes. Turns out she used to live in Granite. My hometown. She asked us a lot of prying questions that we tried to avoid answering, but it seemed she knew the answers already. I think she was psychic. The whole circumstance made Gram on edge. I have to admit it was kind of strange. It had us looking over our shoulder on the way back to the hotel.

Wow Deb - you did it!!! A five!!!! :eek::p:D

I'm so pleased for you. Sounds like a really tough week though, reading between the lines of positives and worries.... Considering you have lost your support system, you have done amazingly.

Things are obviously improving. If nothing else were happening, the fact that your sores have nearly healed points to the HBOT alone, because that's been a long-term problem that wasn't being treated successfully by any other method. So that's a massive plus. And the fact that you can even TRY to stand more upright, walk more certainly, is testament to how much lower your pain is. Definite whoop!!

You need to give yourself time with this treatment. I know it's been weeks already, and truthfully I am so touched by your sheer fortitude in coping wit the whole situation. It takes incredible resolve and strength to keep facing day after day of this. The fact that it is starting to pay off is no more than you deserve! But to turn back the physical problems you've been dealing with for years will take a long time - your muscles will be used to doing things a particular way (hence the shaking when you try :rolleyes:) and changing that will be a long job. You can do it though, I have no doubt.

Brilliant updates Deb :) Keep 'em coming....

Good luck for the coming week. I'm glad you got to see Ice Age, they are such amazing films and always make me feel good! Hope you get to give Darrell and Frank a hug very soon, I'm sure they will be looking forward to it too, and seeing you improving will be the best bonus for them....

Bram.

"Yippee Yahoo" I am so happy that met your pain goal. I hope and pray that it continues to improve over the next few to an even lower pain scale #.

Gotta admit I am a wee bit jealous :)

Thank you so much for sharing openly about your experience with this form of therapy, it is very helpful.

Have a terrific day.. watch out for psychic strangers ;)

Tessa

I'm back after being away for a while due to a death in the family, and then my daughter came out of remission and we had to go through a couple of cycles of Calmare treatments to get her back in remission. I'm so glad to see a detailed thread on H-BOT! I know of a really nice lady whose daughter did really well with this treatment. I'm glad to hear more details about it, and REALLY REALLY glad to hear it's working well for you!!!

Please keep up the posts as you are able - it's really helpful for us!

29Sep13 Sunny 90 degrees. Movie: 'Silver Linings.' Didn't even see the opening credits. I woke up on the wrong side of the bed. My appointment was an hour later this morning. I had one treatment. My feet were red and painful before HBOT. The dive did the trick. I headed back to the hotel at a level 6. I rested the rest of the day. When we left this morning there was a Kenworth truck parked in front of the hotel. It was still there when we got back. :0/

30Sep13 Sunny and 89 degrees. No HBOT today. Mondays are off days. Gram and I had dinner at Denny's then went on down to Target for soft shoes. I used their motorized cart. By time we were done my left foot was pretty swollen. My left leg is pink and both feet are still red much of the time. My hip and ankle feel like the tissues are tearing. My knees are sore too. These pain sensations are different than the normal CRPS pain I usually feel. I have that too. My overall pain level was a 6 most of the day; at bedtime it was a 7. I don't feel as weak as I did coming out of the HBOT yesterday, but I do black out when I stand up too quickly. Water, water, water! I must start drinking more water. Even so, my walking is getting better. I'm not going to be walking any distances for a long time yet, if ever.

Frank is still sick. He had a few good days after his Vet visit. He was given pain meds and sent home to Grandma/pa Hasty's house. Now, the meds don't seem to be working as well. For one thing he can't keep them down. He has been vomiting and is lethargic.

01Oct13 Sunny and 82 degrees. Overall pain is a 6 with a few spikes into the 7s. The tearing pain in my right ankle and left hip remains. The itching remains too. My soars continue to heal but I do have a few new ones popping up on my left arm and right leg. I woke at 12:00 am, but slept most of the day. Only one dive. Today's movie was 'Silver Linings.' It was limited to one hour because I was nauseous. On the way home we got a little confused and had to make a few Uies. I missed calls from Darrell (2), Ri, Kelly and the concierge yesterday. I didn't even check my phone till today. I don't know what planet I was on but it wasn't earth. I'm still trying to push the water.

02Oct13 Overcast in am. Partly cloudy in Afternoon. 76 degrees. I didn't know they had clouds in sunny Southern California. We could not see the mountains all day. Their presence was missed. I felt nauseous again this am when I woke up. It improved with breakfast. Only one treatment today. Movie: 'The Water Horse.' I slept through entire movie. My overall pain level in the morning was a 6. After the dive it improved to a 5. I'm really feeling good. Better than I have felt in a long time. I still have the pins and needles in my feet coupled with the numbness. I had splotchy redness on my feet before this morning's dive that practically went away afterwards. The burning and aching still nibbles at my pelvis, leg and left foot. I have shooting pain that runs up and down my leg into my pelvis. Again it nibbles at me from the background. I could almost ignore it. Almost. The tearing sensation in my right knee and ankle stops when I sit down. It is from use. It is my body complaining about me walking again after taking years off from the sport. It was suggested that I use a wheelchair for a few days to let the knee and ankle rest. I am thinking about it. I borrowed a walker to improve my stability. I don't know if it is the weather or constant sunshine, but it seems I am always hungry unless I am nauseous. We are hoping to fix my bladder problem too. I've been cathing for 5 years because the nerve damage makes it difficult for me to urinate. I have a neurogenic bladder with hematuria. I have frequent bladder infections. The problem has been tied to my CRPS. Hopefully my bladder will wake up too with these treatments. That would be fantastic.

Gram is doing great. She has the trip between the hotel and clinic down already. She is still a bit nervous driving, especially at night. That would be me too if it were me driving. We went to Walgreens to pick up several of my prescriptions after my morning treatment. I did take a rest while at the pharmacy but otherwise walked while shopping. It felt good to walk for a change. I expected cramping as a result, however it was confined to my right calf and improved with medication and sleep. The spasticity has been much worse in the past; my Dystonia takes over my forearms, hands, legs, and feet leaving me in a painful contorted posture.

03Oct13 Partly cloudy and 73 degrees. No mountains again. I woke at 2:30 am.
Two treatments today. Movie: 'The Hunger Games.' Watched the movie plus all the documentary after. Awesome movie. Managed to stay awake during both dives. 4! That's a FOUR! Yep. A four. I still have CRPS pain that gnaws at me, but it is so much improved. I am ready to go dancing or cycling, but I remain cautious. Not today. My overall morning pain was a 5, it was brought down to a 4 with the magical HBOT machine. My afternoon and evening pain levels fluctuated between a 4 to a 5 to a 6 and back to a 4. I call the pain in my feet 'the three sizes too small lead boots' pain. Too small because my feet feel like they are being squeezed very tightly. Lead boots because they become heavier and heavier the longer I am on my feet. Sometimes I can barely lift them. Today the pain is 'one size too small lead boots' pain. I returned the walker; it made walking even more exhausting for me.

I'm told I need to separate the RSD pain from the original nerve injury pain. The pain that runs up and down my leg was initially caused by the accident when I fell. Having that pain now is good because it indicates that the nerves are waking up. It typically shoots through the bottom of my left foot up my leg and lands in my left hip and buttocks. After today's second treatment it is stopped at my knee some of the time rather than my hip. The pinkish redness in my leg and feet is all but gone. My sores are still improving. I have new sores though on my right leg and both upper arms, and I can feel others just below the skin. I'm told they are caused by high doses of opiates. I am still convinced they are from my skin breaking down due to the CRPS. Either way, I am ready for them to be over. I have scars that will likely be with me for life, but they tell a story about a disease and an incredible ride back to health.

My family stress level is high because I am here and Darrell is back home. This makes me feel as though life is rumbling just beneath the surface ready to explode. I understand the necessity but it brings me no comfort. Money talks; especially now. Darrell has to work. Frank. What can I say. I miss the furry little boy. He is sick again. I am unsure how much life he has left. Does he feel abandoned and alone at the Hasty house as he nears the end? My Mom is here; she eases my anxiety.

Tomorrow after my dive, I have another Medtronic baclofen refill. Hopefully I can find the place. It is a right and then another right. The Doctor's office is on the right. Sounds simple enough. We will see. It doesn't take much to make it a challenge. Then, to the airport to extend the car rental for two more weeks. Oh, and the hotel too. Busy, busy, busy.

Hi Deb :)

A 4!!!!!!!! OMG I am so happy for you! I want to try this HBOT myself....:winky:

So glad you are doing so well, and coping with the separation from Darrell and Frank. I hope Frank improves soon, you must be very worried about him being so far away from you, but at least you know he is in good hands with people who love him too. Darrell must be so excited about the magical 4. I hope you can see a time coming where you might get down even lower....

Keep it up and well done for persevering with this through all the stress and anxiety. It's incredibly inspiring to read your diary about this treatment, thank you so much for all the information, as well as your thoughts and feelings on each day.

I'm rooting for you here, and hoping to see a 3 perhaps?! :p

Bram.

Catching up the HBOT diary postings
 

04Oct13 Overcast and 86 degrees. Santa Ana Winds. Winds whipping around at 20-25 mph. I woke at 1:00 am. One dive today. Movie: 'True Grit.' The day started out at about a 6 on the pain scale with pain shooting up to the 7-8 range. The burning and aching were back in my feet and left leg/hip. After the morning dive my pain remained at about a 6 but the shooting pain improved considerably. My red feet turned to almost a flesh color. They were not as tender to the touch either. I was so tired after the dive that we had to return to the hotel for a quick nap before going on to the pain clinic. Recalculating. We had planed to go out for lunch but those plans were squashed; Gram had to fend for herself. After, we headed to the pain clinic for my pump refill. The directions were simple enough. Make a right onto Holt and a right onto Euclid, and the pain clinic was on the right about 2 miles down. We found it but there was no parking lot, only a residence. Recalculating. Parking and access was from the rear. After the Doctor filled my pump we headed to the airport. Again, it should have been simple enough. Get back on Euclid, make a left onto Holt, make a right on Vineyard. Vineyard becomes Airport Drive. Follow the signs to the rental car 'pick ups.' I insisted not the returns. Recalculating. A few turn-arounds later we found Enterprise Rental Car. I tried to help Gram pull the scooter from trunk. We assembled it and headed in except we were told to go to the returns instead. Recalculating. We headed back to the car, took apart the scooter, and shoved it back into trunk. Frustrated, I carelessly spilled the contents of my wallet onto the pavement behind the car. Remember the Santa Ana Winds? Yeah. My stuff went flying and Gram went chasing. Convinced we found all my cards: credit, insurance, license, etc. we headed to the car returns and took care of extending the rental contract. Exhausted we headed back to the hotel for dinner and rest after a very busy day. My pain levels while at the airport escalated to an 8 with pains shooting to 9 even 10. I had cramping in my legs too. I took my afternoon pain meds and a nap, but the pain continued at an 8. Because my numbers were so high, I was told to come in for another dive in the afternoon, but I was too tired to leave the hotel again. I chose not to go but stayed in bed instead. My pain continued all evening and night at an 8 even 9 now and again. Rethinking it, I probably should have gone back in for another dive.

05Oct13 Sunny and 90 degrees. Two dives today. Movies: 'True Grit' again and 'Iron Man 3.' My overall pain level was a 7 with shooting pains in to the 8-9 range. I felt as though I might spontaneously combust, feet first. My feet were not red but more pinkish instead. Regardless, they burned and were painful to the touch. After the first dive my pain remained at 7 but the burning pain in/on my feet had eased considerably. My left arm pain was back, and both hands ached. My left hand and arm cramped and curled in the afternoon. By bedtime my pain level remained a 7 but the shooting pain and cramping was back to 8-9. I heard and felt a loud snap in my left hip as I was getting ready for bed. I am worried that the RSD pain has come back in a vengeance. The increased inflammation was caused from the stressful trip to the airport. I need to keep my stress levels down. Gram reminds me that the day, especially the time at the airport, was really not all that stressful. The next time my pain dramatically increases like that, I need to head to the HBOT clinic for a dive to take care of the inflammation right away.

Waiting room factoids: Gram learned today that in winter there is snow on the tops of the mountains here in sunny Southern California, and the lows can reach into the 30s.

Surprise! Darrell showed up here this afternoon. When he spoke to me on Friday he thought that I sounded down. He rushed to buy a ticket and flew out to Cali on Saturday morning. :0) Gram and I had just arrived at the hotel. We didn't even have time to set down our Frosties when the bell rang. Cool! The man was here and I had to admit I felt a whole lot better. We three had a nice dinner out.

06Oct13 Sunny and 91 degrees. 2 dives. I woke at 12:00 am. Movies: end of 'Iron Man 3' and 'Juno,' with some 'Hunger Games' thrown into the mix. My pain level was a 7 going in. With the first dive it was brought down to a 6, but it went right back to a 7 by time we got to the hotel. I had shooting pain and cramping in my hands and stabbing pains in my left eye. My left foot felt like it was broken. I was wobbly when I walked and pretty hard for Gram to handle. Darrell purchased a transport chair that was lighter and easier to pick up and put in the trunk. My scooter was too heavy for Gram so I started using the chair to get around due to the increased pain.

We took Darrell to the airport at about 3:30 pm. for his flight back to Omaha. Then it was back to the clinic for my second dive. Gram and I were back on our own. I rested for the rest of the evening.

07Oct13 Overcast in morning/mostly cloudy rest of day. High of 86 degrees. I woke at 1:00 am. Being Monday, it was an off day for HBOT. I started the day with an overall pain level of 7. I had pink feet, but they still burned and were sensitive to the touch. There was some swelling of my left foot. I was able to get it in my shoe anyway. I had periodic pain stabbing me in my left eye too. The pain and cramping was back in my forearms, hands, and back. Gram wheeled me in the transport chair any time we left the hotel room. I've been in sunny Southern California for a full month. I have 2-3 weeks left to go. The diving is going well. I no longer need to have the Ativan in my pocket to keep me in the tank.

Gram and I made a quick trip to the Stater's market after having dinner out. I used the motorized shopping cart. Getting into the car after the market, I had a loud pop in my left foot. In the evening I had fierce cramping in my calves. I took 2 magnesium (combo mag, cal, d3, zinc) to help ease the cramps along with my evening meds, which include 2 tizanidine. Of course, the baclofen pump runs constantly into my spine, but sometimes the spasticity is too much for it to handle.

08Oct13 Overcast and 75 degrees. Two dives. Movies: 1) 'Iron Man 3,' 2) 'The Time Traveler's Wife.' I woke with a pain level of 6 at 1:30 am. My morning was fairly good. I did have a couple loud pops in my left foot. My pain level rose to a 7 in the afternoon. By evening I was at 9 with severe cramping taking me up into the 10 range. I had cramps in both legs, arms, back, pelvis, ribs, and chin. I had a raging bladder infection that peeked at about 8:00 pm in the evening, coupled with constipation that only made it worse. I was in misery. I took a ciprofloxacine, phenazopyridine, and 2 magnesium multi in addition to my regular meds and tried to rest.

09Oct13 Rainy and 63 degrees. Yes; it does rain in the high dessert after all. Two dives. Movies: 'Ironman 3,' and 'Mrs Doubtfire.' I woke at 4:00 am with a pain level of 8 after a night of broken sleep. My first dive helped bring me down to a 7 on the pain scale. Other than the dives I spent the day trying to rest. I was back in the transport chair with Gram pushing. My bladder infection raged on. I had cramps nagging me in my calves and left arm. My muscles and left wrist were sore after the night of severe cramping. I had a couple loud pops in my left foot and hip again. I continued with the mag multi, cipro and phenazo on top of my daily meds.

10Oct13 Sunny and 77 degrees. One dive. Movie: 'The King's Speech.' Susan gave me some magnesium/potassium powder to help with the cramping. I'm still using cipro and phenazo too. Feeling adventuresome, Gram and I opted for Marie Callender's for lunch. This is normally not a big deal, but we were in a foreign place and our pallets were starting to grow bored of the Denny's menu. I used my handy map app and we ventured out. Satisfied after lunch we fueled the car and headed back to the hotel for rest.

11Oct13 Sunny and 67 degrees. One dive. Movie: 'Life of Pi' again. I was at a 7 all day. Exhausted after the previous few days of cramping and infection, I slept in missing my morning dive. Day 3 of cipro, phenazo, along with the mag/potassium powder. I decided I will head home after next week. The dives have helped to bring my overall pain level down but also seemed to have topped-out pain wise. What treatments left will be once a day at a shallower depth to treat the remaining brain miscommunication.

Waiting room factoid: Gram read that Indonesians still throw sacrifices to their gods into the flaming volcanic calderas. Because the islands are made up entirely of volcanos, the residents depend on the volcano gods to protect them from explosions and fiery lava flows.

There used to be a member here that has passed on now, but he did in depth research on HBOT, and he recommended that the dives should go no deeper then 1.5 atmospheres. He said that deeper then that wouldnt be good for CRPS II. He also was spurring me to try this, but I could never get approval. He always told me that 80 dives at 1.5 would be the perfect way to battle the RSD, and said if I went deeper it actually would do more harm then good. He does have old posts in here, his name was Vicc.

Quite the ornery old guy, but I believe he did do his research, and have always wanted to give it a go.

Thanks Deb :)

Sorry you've had a rough week there, sounds like that bladder infection didn't help things at all...:rolleyes:

I bet you'll be glad to get home next week - being away from all you know and love adds stress anyway, and as time goes on the pull just gets too much.

Overall I think it sounds like a success. It'll be interesting to see how next week goes and how you feel once you are home and settled again.

Bram.

Djhasty, I just wanted to wish you well and hope you feel better soon. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Take care.