Jim -

I've been looking at abstracts for a couple of days, and all I can say is that it's complicated. See, e.g., Analysis of risk factors associated with complications of hyperbaric oxygen therapy, Ambiru S, Furuyama N, Aono M, Otsuka H, Suzuki T, Miyazaki M, J Crit Care 2008 Sep;23(3):295-300. Epub 2007 Dec 11.

Surgical Center and Division of Hyperbaric Medicine, Chiba University Hospital, Chiba 260-8677, Japan.

Abstract
PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to verify independent risk factors of pressure equalization problems associated with hyperbaric oxygen (HBO(2)) therapy.

METHODS: We reviewed a single-institutional study of 1609 patients with 17604 treatments who had HBO(2) therapy in a multiplace chamber, in which the factors examined and their relationship to complications were assessed, using multivariate analyses, to determine the significantly independent risk factors of complications related to HBO(2) therapy.

RESULTS: The compression rate was 0.067 atmospheres absolute/min (6.8 kPa/min). Pressure equalization problems of the middle ear, expressed as pain or discomfort, such as cranial sinus pain, and teeth pain were observed in 156 patients (9.7%). Sixty-six of them could not continue HBO(2) therapy because of these problems. Peripheral circulatory disorders with refractory ulcers or nonhealing wounds and the interval between clinical symptoms and the first day of HBO(2) therapy were independent risk factors of pressure equalization problems. Independent risk factors of cessation due to pressure equalization problems were identified as age more than 61 years, female sex, and interval between symptoms and the first day of HBO(2) therapy.

CONCLUSION: It is suggested that chamber compression must be performed with particular care when patients have peripheral circulatory disorders and have short interval between clinical symptoms and the first day of HBO(2) therapy.[Emphasis added.]

PMID: 18725032 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18725032

Clearly, the highlighted language refers to diabetes, but would the same risks be present in light of the known issues of micro-profusion/endothelial dysfunction associated with CRPS? Dunno.

Mike

Looks like it also says old women were most likely to not continue. I guess I can mark HBOT off my list.

Now exactly how do I get barometric pressure off my stinkin' list?
It's really pushin' all my buttons today!

Thanks,
pat e

Hello Kathy,

Isn't that strange? It seems to me, (that for me, anyway) the dropping pressure (storm front / low pressure approaching) causes me pain.
Then, as higher pressure approaches, (storm going to leave), I start to feel better.
It seems to me, although more folks would hafto take part in a poll, that the 'movement' of the barometer is where the pain is the worst. It's another thing that activates the sympathetic system, and that messes with us.

It looks like another nasty week here in the mud atlantic, everyone take care.
And, give a thought/prayer for those in NC who just lost everything due to the tornadoes.

Pete

Kathy,
Mine gets worse whether it's up or down...it just seems like I am always making excuses for my RSD

Spring is always a nightmare in RI. The weather totally sucks. Today it is freezing and the wind is hooting. I am glad I am working because it takes my mind off my pain, except for the fact that my fingers ache and I need to type...and I have Voltaren plastered EVERYWHERE. Ugh... in my next life I am marrying a man from Southern California or Arizona!!

There was a line of violent storms that went through here in the middle of the night. 100 mph wind, tornadoes, hail. I was so bad this morning when I had an appointment at the neuro, I didn't even take my service dog because I couldn't stand the thought of the slight tension she has been taught to have on her harness to help me keep me moving forward and help my balance. I had tears rolling down my cheeks. I think it was a good thing he saw me like this. He asked me a lot of questions about the effect of the weather. Was very interested. Didn't have a lot of suggestions for help though.

SandyRI - I live in AZ. It is HOT in the summer. Right now it is about 90. We have started using our ceiling fans all the time...what nightmare for me. My feet are so sensitive to the movement of the air. I am constantly telling my kids...turn it on, turn it off, etc. When the A/C kicks on or someone's a/c is set too cold (common in the stores, etc) my feet just ache. I know probably not as bad as the weather you deal with, but not fun.

I am sorry all of you are having issues with your weather. This is NOT fun.

Ok guys and girls, the Barometric pressue in my area is 30.37 and rising and I feel better than I have in days. So I'm probably gonna do too much and feel like crap later. Balance, balance, balance. Does that have anything to do with being a waitress? Maybe that is my problem I could never carry one of those trays full of food around, so maybe my brain doesn't understand that word at all.

Have a wonderful, blessed day
gram E

Ps I did use my new gel again yesterday, and I think it helps. I don't know how, but I think it does. Voltaren 1% gel. Sticky, but that passes after an hour or 2.