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.

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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 - at the end you'll be able to write a paper on 'Films NOT to see while undergoing HBOT" lol

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!!


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!