Well I finally got around to doing my first session yesterday. The people at the clinic were very easy to deal with. I did a 90 minute dive and watched the movie Hitch during it. Im not claustrophobic at all so that wasnt an issue but even if you were, id say the style of tank I was in is like a test tube, all glass and should give you no issues....

After my first session I felt lighter on my feet, my tinnitus subsided a bit but came back later in the day once I was exposed to some louder sounds, I played hockey that night and got a shutout so I would say so far so good! LOL

Im going an additional 3 times next week, mon, wed, and fri so I will post an update then.

Coming up on 3 years with pcs and id say these last 6 months have really been great. After seeing my chiropractor, then taking the neuroscience test and taking the supplements they suggested I started to really come out of it. I feel this could be my last factor.. I hope

The only real symptoms I have are my vision doesnt seem to be 100%, and by that I mean that awful cloudyness, as well as the tinnitus.. other than that I really feel like my brain processing and ability to think is coming back... its really making me feel confident once again!

http://www.baromedical.ca/ - this is the place im going to for the hyperbarics if you're in the vancouver area, id suggest it thus far anyways, but I guess I really dont have anything to base it against...

Ironically enough, my chiropractor is literally 2 blocks away lol

Mikeyy,

The study I've read that supports HBOT for head injuries says that it takes many sessions, up to 80 to get the full benefit from HBOT. Even then, the results come very slowly.

They report that after the many sessions, they can SPECT image better blood perfusion in the brain. They did not do any neuropsych assessments before and after the HBOT. That would be the gold standard for charting improvement.

I can imagine the high from the HBOT. As for the light on your feet, did they use oxygen or helium? LOL.

What kind of supplements did you take after the Neuroscience tests? What did the tests report you were deficient in?

My physician has put me on bio-identical hormone therapy. I was low in testosterone and DHEA. He also added 5000 IU's of Vit D3 and I added B-2. I have had much better sleep the past few weeks. None of the body twitches, restlessness and nightmares.

And, did the Canadian health system pay for the HBOT or is it a cash expense?

I am interested in how you do after your next head to the ice event. If you get another concussion, you might ask your physician if you can get some progesterone within the first few hours. It has been shown to protect the brain cells from the cascading injury after brain cell injury.

Google brain injury and progesterone and see what comes up. Impressive.

Hey Mark!
I am aware that Im going to need several sessions, im gonna start with 20 and see how things go.. Im going to be going 3 times a week until new years.

My neuroscience test showed I lacked a few things, I posted the results in another thread. I was on Balance D, Adrecor and Travacor for probably 3-6 months in total. My adrenals were really messed up and the Adrecor definately resolved that.

This is a personal expense. Its going to cost $5000ish im sure, but quite frankly if its showing results then its worth it. I really feel like im on the final stretch as far as my symptoms are concerned and this could be the thing that finally kicks it.

As for on ice injuries, Ive had a few pucks to the head and everything it happens I get scared. I went ot the chiropractor the next day (I know what ure thinking but im telling you hes more than just a chiropractor) and had him make some adjustments... I actually did not have any relapses as a result of the puck...

thx for the advice, ill keep everyone posted, this week im going monday, wed and friday

Mikeyy,

I understand the value of the chiropractor. The neck issues can cause symptoms that may mimic PCS symptoms.

A hockey puck to the face mask is minor compared to a head to the ice. At 6 ounces, a hockey puck impact is overcome by the much greater weight (8 to 10 pounds) of the head. But, when your head hits the ice, the sudden stop can be devastating.

I wish you luck with the head to the ice risk.

While banging one's head on the ice comes with the extra motion of the brain bouncing back and forth against the skull, I'm still not so sure we should underestimate the impact of a puck to the head. With today's flexible sticks, even amateur players can get off pretty hard shots. I once blocked a shot that cracked my shin pad. I don't like to think what it might have done to my head/face.

Anyway you look at it, hockey is a great, but dangerous, sport.

Ouch!

off to my second HBOT session

Mikeyy, why on earth would you want to risk another bang on the head??? Obviously you are younger than I am which in a way gives you more to lose. One of my first head injuries was being knocked out playing ordinary hockey when I was 16 - some idiot lifted their stick to high and I got it smack onto the side of my forehead.

Then hitting my head on the bottom of a swimming pool, then a bad car accident at 21. Believe me the risk from ice hockey now for you is not worth it. In a way I was lucky and was 45 before significant PCS caught upn with me, I am now 53 and not recovered fully. Any little bump or jarrinng of my body can cause concussion to those who are sensitive to concussion.

THE RISK AND SHORT ENJOYMENT OF THE GAME IS NOT WORTH IT.

Every further concussion brings you that much closer to the time when you may not recover as it is cumulative.

I'm sorry I just get angry and upset when I hear of anybody taking a risk to end up as I am now.

Lynlee

Hockey,

I agree that a puck to the head is not a simple matter. But, I believe Mikeyy plays goalie so his head gear is much better than the other players. It still is a hit to the head, though.

As Lynlee said, the cumulative effects are the issue.

What needs to be considered seriously is that the real cumulative problems do not show up until after 40 years old. There may be a sense of recovery at earlier ages but after 40, the recoveries become less, even if the impact was very minor.

Even the younger people showed long term deficits according to Dr Gronwall. The NFL is finally beginning to accept the long term cumulative problems from helmeted heads of linemen and running backs getting non-concussive impacts.

When will the younger people learn.

I would rather be a paraplegic than have my PCS cognitive impairments.

A mind is a terrible thing to waste, especially for the short enjoyment of a hockey game or such.

I understand too what you are saying lucy
I am sorry that I am frustrating you with my constant play.
For some reason hockey relaxes me. I dont play dirty, the leagues I play in I am respected and most of the players I play with and against are well aware of my situation so they definately avoid head shots etc. Its not a dirty league with hitting, we're basically older young men (27-32) and playing to maintain a skill, and stay somewhat in shape. I played all through my rougher times and found hockey was one of the few things that relaxed me and got my mind off the pcs. But i understand too what you are saying.
I never want to go through the beginning phases as I did the last time.. although it does seem like a very easy decision I feel the flight I took was more the result of the PCS than the actual concussion itself...

Im a stubborn canadian. I need my hockey I guess.. I'm sorry

also wanted to say, I finished my second session today. Its amazing to see what kind of effects its having on my body! everytime I finish my knee feels 100x better! weird