We were informed
that Leigh's condition should have been treated with Hyperbaric in
the early stages of her injury. Dr Hooper was very clear over the
issue of chronic brain ischemia and conveyed both the 'conservative'
opinion and the 'potential outcomes' based on the mechanisms that
have been achieved with Hyperbaric. Dr Hooper introduced me to a
number of other patients who were all attending with conditions that
were thought to be hopeless and were using HBOT as a last resort. I
was very encouraged at the results these other patients were getting
and felt compelled that Hyperbaric would benefit Leigh's condition.
Dr Hooper initial recommendation was that Leigh's treatment should
commence on a daily basis receiving 2 60-minute chamber sessions.
Unfortunately the facility is extremely heavily booked and getting
available chamber times has proven to be very difficult.
Leigh started Hyperbaric treatment initially 2 days per week
spending usually 2-hours in the chamber. After 8-hours of treatment
we have noticed that Leigh was having a lot less spasms requiring
less medication (clonazepam). She has a more relaxed appearance on
her face and appears to be interacting more with visual stimulation.
Over the past 10-years on different occasions we have attempted to
reduce Leih's medication. Clonazepam is highly addictive and on each
attempt to reduce this medication, Leih has suffered terrible
reactions with markedly increased spasms and suffering. Since
starting Hyperbaric we have been able to reduce Leih's medication on
three separate occasions. This has been remarkable. I have never
been able to reduce her medication to this level.
For the past 3-months prior to commencing HBOT, Leih had lost
control of voluntary bowel action requiring assistance. After
20-hours of treatment she has had her first full bowel action
without assistance. In addition her circulation has improved a lot,
her hands and feet are nowhere as cold as before. Leigh is also
coughing much stronger than before treatments, which is important
because she has an enormous amount of mucous accumulation which can
easily be swallowed back into the lungs. Leigh also does not
'startle' as much as before and her face continues to appear more
relaxed with a less spasm appearance.
After 25-hours of chamber sessions Leigh's bowels have improved
dramatically, she is having multiple bowels actions herself without
requiring assistance. She is very relaxed and her arms and hands
which are usually very contracted are noticeably more relaxed. Leigh
is now getting 'fluttering' in both her left and right hand since
starting treatment.
On one of the days scheduled for HBOT Leigh had opportunity to have
4-hours of treatment that day, 2-hours with a break followed by
another 2-hours. That afternoon it was very obvious that Leigh was
noticeably straighter with her spine, more relaxed and no spasms.
Her bowel continuing to work independently 2-3 times each day.
After 40-hours of treatments Leigh continues to make progress.
Bowels continues to improve. Leigh is now having less 'fits', we
have noticed a marked reduction in her spasms and limb contractures
(clonus deformity), her fingers are beginning to open and her and
wrists are more supple. Leigh's spine is also more supple and she is
now in a lot less pain. Leigh also continues to have visual changes.
She is more responsive to both sound and visual stimulation. I
believe that the Hyperbaric treatment is assisting this process and
I am hopeful that with further treatments she may be able to see
more normally.
The most impressive change has been the fact that Leigh has started
to develop 'breasts'. I have been overwhelmed by the fact that
breasts have started developing because normally I lift Leigh by
wrapping my arms around her back and chest and now I have to be
careful!
Dr Hooper informed me that this development was very significant
because it reflects the fact that Leigh's endocrine system is being
stimulated. He said that if Leigh's menstrual cycle commences then
this would have to be a Hyperbaric first in Australia!
Dr Hooper was right. After another several weeks Leigh had her first
period which lasted 7-days!
I am simply amazed at the changes that we have noticed in such a
short time period. Unfortunately we do not have the available funds
to get treatment every day, however the changes that are taking
place have given us enormous encouragement to continue and hopefully
Leigh will continue to get better.
Because Leih and I are so closely linked I also have experienced the
benefits from the improvements I see in Leih. I am no longer
frustrated and feeling useless like I have felt for so many years.
Life has become a lot easier for both of us. I am also like Leih
feeling more energetic, probably because I am getting the benefits
of HBOT when I go into the chamber with Leih.
I would like to thank Dr Hooper and his team for their support and
continue care", regards Pat Diver
Croatia, Zagreb
Libya, Tripoli
Townsville, Queensland
Austria, Vienna
Lebanon, Beirut
Detroit, Michigan
Launceston, Tasmania
Palau, Koror
Montenegro, Podgorcia
Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, Abu Dhabi, UAE
