Sunday, February 15, 2009

CRPS Update - February 15th

Wow, what an interesting bunch of weeks it has been. 

I have been dealing with some medical issues, not related to CRPS, and one of them led to my having surgery. The surgery went well but I developed a problem following the surgery due to the placement of the IV and the amount of time I had cold fluids going into the area of the IV. It caused a lot of swelling and pain. I was extremely concerned about bringing back the CRPS in an area that the HBOT had sent it into remission. 

After two days of using pain patches, increased meds, etc. to no avail, I contacted Dr Spiegel. He is the Dr who did my HBOT. He suggested I come in right away and do a couple of dives to reduce the inflammation, thereby reducing the pain.

WOW!

Even though I have experienced the benefits of HBOT before I wasn't prepared for the immediate relief it gave me. After the first of the two treatments the pain was cut by 75%, after the second and last, it was cut by about 90%. Thanks Dr Spiegel!

People have posted here and emailed me asking how the HBOT relief has held out. It is holding out very well. I am very impressed with the relief I got and how long it has helped. The main areas of my CRPS pain now are pretty much what they were at the end of the treatment. 

Remember, I had it full body. That means from head to toe, all four limbs, face, top of head, neck, shoulders, back, chest, eyes, ears, etc. 

Following my treatments it was reduced to the eyes (original site from 1974), ears, feet, lower left leg, and hands. That is pretty much where it is now. 

Cost? I saw a report that said HBOT was extremely expensive. My question, which they never asked, was "Compared to what?" Plus, it is non-invasive, unlike so many of these other treatments and implants that require surgery or surgeries. But I digress :)

Off I go.

Take care folks. It is rough out there right now. 

Keith