# Hyperbaric oxygen therapy **URL:** \ **Category:** Recovery journey\ **Created:** [30 January 2024 16:05 UTC](https://onlinecommunity.stroke.org.uk/t/hyperbaric-oxygen-therapy/38170 "2024-01-30T16:05:25Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![clibbers1](https://onlinecommunity.stroke.org.uk/user_avatar/onlinecommunity.stroke.org.uk/clibbers1/32/7919_2.png) [@clibbers1](https://onlinecommunity.stroke.org.uk/u/clibbers1)\ **Post date:** [30 January 2024 16:05 UTC](https://onlinecommunity.stroke.org.uk/t/hyperbaric-oxygen-therapy/38170/1 "2024-01-30T16:05:25Z")
In my never ending search to become my pre stroke me I’ve had this recommended to me by my naturopathic doctor. I read about it and my local MS treatment centre is 10 minutes away from me. The MS treatment centre is fantastic, so many therapies available which would help with stroke recovery as well. Why aren’t we made aware, almost like we are the forgotten sufferers. I’m going to give it a whirl so will keep you posted IDC ---
**Author:** ![Susan\_Jane](https://onlinecommunity.stroke.org.uk/letter_avatar_proxy/v4/letter/s/bc8723/32.png) [@Susan\_Jane](https://onlinecommunity.stroke.org.uk/u/Susan_Jane)\ **Post date:** [30 January 2024 17:01 UTC](https://onlinecommunity.stroke.org.uk/t/hyperbaric-oxygen-therapy/38170/2 "2024-01-30T17:01:29Z")
Hi, I am very interested in finding out about this. I’m nearly 7 years post stroke and about 5 years ago someone mentioned to my husband about oxygen therapy and suggested that we look into it. Unfortunately we have never been able to find anyone who knows anything about it. Even my private Neuro Physiotherapist at the time made some enquiries on my behalf but couldn’t get any further information. Thank you for sharing and I look forward to hearing how you get on. Regards Sue ---
**Author:** ![clibbers1](https://onlinecommunity.stroke.org.uk/user_avatar/onlinecommunity.stroke.org.uk/clibbers1/32/7919_2.png) [@clibbers1](https://onlinecommunity.stroke.org.uk/u/clibbers1)\ **Post date:** [30 January 2024 17:26 UTC](https://onlinecommunity.stroke.org.uk/t/hyperbaric-oxygen-therapy/38170/3 "2024-01-30T17:26:02Z")
I’ve been looking for places that offer it, without success, for months. It transpires that the MS clinic is in the same business park where I used to work, Milton Park, Abingdon Oxfordshire. Small world 😀 ---
**Author:** ![Strings](https://onlinecommunity.stroke.org.uk/user_avatar/onlinecommunity.stroke.org.uk/strings/32/7175_2.png) [@Strings](https://onlinecommunity.stroke.org.uk/u/Strings)\ **Post date:** [30 January 2024 18:16 UTC](https://onlinecommunity.stroke.org.uk/t/hyperbaric-oxygen-therapy/38170/5 "2024-01-30T18:16:08Z")
@clibbers1 This sounds wonderful if it works. What can you expect to pay for a course of treatment? ---
**Author:** ![Mrs5K](https://onlinecommunity.stroke.org.uk/user_avatar/onlinecommunity.stroke.org.uk/mrs5k/32/396_2.png) [@Mrs5K](https://onlinecommunity.stroke.org.uk/u/Mrs5K)\ **Post date:** [30 January 2024 18:36 UTC](https://onlinecommunity.stroke.org.uk/t/hyperbaric-oxygen-therapy/38170/6 "2024-01-30T18:36:35Z")
Please keep us posted. Would be jnterested to hear how you get on. There are some similarities between stroke & MS so sort of makes sense. It’s a shame we’re not informed about it even if we did have to pay. Good luck. ---
**Author:** ![clibbers1](https://onlinecommunity.stroke.org.uk/user_avatar/onlinecommunity.stroke.org.uk/clibbers1/32/7919_2.png) [@clibbers1](https://onlinecommunity.stroke.org.uk/u/clibbers1)\ **Post date:** [30 January 2024 19:45 UTC](https://onlinecommunity.stroke.org.uk/t/hyperbaric-oxygen-therapy/38170/8 "2024-01-30T19:45:17Z")
I don’t know, awaiting details from the clinic. It will make quite a hole into the money I got from my critical illness cover no doubt, but if it helps then I don’t care really. Can’t see my BUPA cover stumping up for this !! ---
**Author:** ![Strings](https://onlinecommunity.stroke.org.uk/user_avatar/onlinecommunity.stroke.org.uk/strings/32/7175_2.png) [@Strings](https://onlinecommunity.stroke.org.uk/u/Strings)\ **Post date:** [30 January 2024 20:52 UTC](https://onlinecommunity.stroke.org.uk/t/hyperbaric-oxygen-therapy/38170/9 "2024-01-30T20:52:00Z")
@clibbers1 Good luck, I suppose insurance payments would only be forthcoming if you were referred by a doctor or consultant. ---
**Author:** ![Bobbi](https://onlinecommunity.stroke.org.uk/user_avatar/onlinecommunity.stroke.org.uk/bobbi/32/7611_2.png) [@Bobbi](https://onlinecommunity.stroke.org.uk/u/Bobbi)\ **Post date:** [31 January 2024 00:09 UTC](https://onlinecommunity.stroke.org.uk/t/hyperbaric-oxygen-therapy/38170/11 "2024-01-31T00:09:46Z")
# Simply breathing oxygen at ordinary pressure through a mask is an arguably safer and more readily available therapy requiring only mask and cylinder and a certain amount of training. It would best be administered with supervision. **Hyperbaric oxygen** implies the use of a type of decompression chamber. It is used by divers to adjust to normal pressure after the extremes endured during a prolonged dive. The gases can be adjusted and everything in the chamber has to be fireproof because of the risk oxygen under pressure can create. Incidentally oxygen concentrated and under pressure is extremely poisonous and can cause convulsions and death. This process has to be very carefully monitored by a skilled expert. Although I have been inside such a chamber it was only to look around and I did not get to use one. > **Oxygen toxicity** is a condition resulting from the harmful effects of breathing molecular [oxygen](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oxygen) (O2) at increased [partial pressures](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Partial_pressure). Severe cases can result in [cell damage](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cell_damage) and death, with effects most often seen in the central nervous system, [lungs](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lung), and eyes. Historically, the [central nervous system](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Central_nervous_system) condition was called the [Paul Bert](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paul_Bert) effect, and the pulmonary condition the [Lorrain Smith](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James_Lorrain_Smith) effect, after the researchers who pioneered the discoveries and descriptions in the late 19th century. Oxygen toxicity is a concern for [underwater divers](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Underwater_diving), those on high concentrations of supplemental oxygen, and those undergoing [hyperbaric oxygen therapy](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hyperbaric_oxygen_therapy). ---
**Author:** ![Bobbi](https://onlinecommunity.stroke.org.uk/user_avatar/onlinecommunity.stroke.org.uk/bobbi/32/7611_2.png) [@Bobbi](https://onlinecommunity.stroke.org.uk/u/Bobbi)\ **Post date:** [31 January 2024 12:13 UTC](https://onlinecommunity.stroke.org.uk/t/hyperbaric-oxygen-therapy/38170/13 "2024-01-31T12:13:14Z")
Hyperbaric chambers are available at short notice around the country. They are the sort of facility that a diver accesses by being flown in by helicopter when suffering severe decompression sickness. Air bubbles in the blood and nerve system cause blockages which urgently need to be relived before irretrievable damage occurs. This treatment needs to be administered speedily within hours. Putting the diver back under pressure in a chamber squashes these bubbles down which allows blood flow to resume. After a period of hours the bubbles clear and the pressure can be released allowing the diver to emerge from the chamber. Although oxygen is administered the main object of the exercise is to open up areas blocked by bubbles. The whole process is difficult and there is a real risk of misadventure. Oxygen is administered regularly by medics and hospitals, also is self administered in some cases. As this does not involve pressure the risks are greatly reduced but it is good to realise that oxygen although necessary for life can, like many things taken in excess, be harmful. ---
**Author:** ![clibbers1](https://onlinecommunity.stroke.org.uk/user_avatar/onlinecommunity.stroke.org.uk/clibbers1/32/7919_2.png) [@clibbers1](https://onlinecommunity.stroke.org.uk/u/clibbers1)\ **Post date:** [1 February 2024 16:28 UTC](https://onlinecommunity.stroke.org.uk/t/hyperbaric-oxygen-therapy/38170/14 "2024-02-01T16:28:33Z")
5 month waiting list for this treatment, hopefully a sign that it works. There is a bigger treatment centre in Swindon but not sure if I can cope with the roundabouts 🤣 ---
**Author:** ![Mrs5K](https://onlinecommunity.stroke.org.uk/user_avatar/onlinecommunity.stroke.org.uk/mrs5k/32/396_2.png) [@Mrs5K](https://onlinecommunity.stroke.org.uk/u/Mrs5K)\ **Post date:** [1 February 2024 16:34 UTC](https://onlinecommunity.stroke.org.uk/t/hyperbaric-oxygen-therapy/38170/15 "2024-02-01T16:34:26Z")
Oh no. I couldn’t cope with those roundabouts pre stroke…no hope now 🤣🤣 ---
**Author:** ![clibbers1](https://onlinecommunity.stroke.org.uk/user_avatar/onlinecommunity.stroke.org.uk/clibbers1/32/7919_2.png) [@clibbers1](https://onlinecommunity.stroke.org.uk/u/clibbers1)\ **Post date:** [1 February 2024 20:47 UTC](https://onlinecommunity.stroke.org.uk/t/hyperbaric-oxygen-therapy/38170/18 "2024-02-01T20:47:23Z")
Thank you, that’s really helpful. These centres seem just what would be helpful to us. I’m surprised it’s not been flagged up to stroke survivors. Actually, I’m not surprised, if ever a group of people have been left with little to no support, it is us ---
**Author:** ![clibbers1](https://onlinecommunity.stroke.org.uk/user_avatar/onlinecommunity.stroke.org.uk/clibbers1/32/7919_2.png) [@clibbers1](https://onlinecommunity.stroke.org.uk/u/clibbers1)\ **Post date:** [5 February 2024 19:34 UTC](https://onlinecommunity.stroke.org.uk/t/hyperbaric-oxygen-therapy/38170/19 "2024-02-05T19:34:48Z")
Heard from the Swindon MS centre and have made arrangements to go and have a look around next week. I was pleasantly surprised by the costs, £20 membership to use the neuro gym and £18 per session for the hyperbaric therapy. It is supposed to help with fatigue and brain fog which would be brilliant if it works. ---
**Author:** ![Mrs5K](https://onlinecommunity.stroke.org.uk/user_avatar/onlinecommunity.stroke.org.uk/mrs5k/32/396_2.png) [@Mrs5K](https://onlinecommunity.stroke.org.uk/u/Mrs5K)\ **Post date:** [5 February 2024 20:01 UTC](https://onlinecommunity.stroke.org.uk/t/hyperbaric-oxygen-therapy/38170/20 "2024-02-05T20:01:57Z")
That sounds great. Hope it goes well & be interested to hear how you get on x ---
**Author:** ![clibbers1](https://onlinecommunity.stroke.org.uk/user_avatar/onlinecommunity.stroke.org.uk/clibbers1/32/7919_2.png) [@clibbers1](https://onlinecommunity.stroke.org.uk/u/clibbers1)\ **Post date:** [19 February 2024 13:25 UTC](https://onlinecommunity.stroke.org.uk/t/hyperbaric-oxygen-therapy/38170/21 "2024-02-19T13:25:18Z")
Well I had a look around today and I was very impressed. Had 2 chambers with a chap who supervises each session to make sure that the mask doesn’t slip off ,you are breathing properly and more importantly that you don’t die. Each session lasts an hour and you can read or use your phone, one lady was knitting today. After your session, you can then have a neuro physio workout in a very smart gym. Ideally you go once or twice a week for 20 sessions which, if you pay up front, reduces the cost to about £10 a go, It is supposed to be beneficial for fatigue and brain fog and she did briefly mention spasticity but I will ask her more about that when my head isn’t so fried after all the forms I had to fill in. Once I get my GP’s sign off for the treatment I will proceed. Keep you updated IDC. ---
**Author:** ![Mrs5K](https://onlinecommunity.stroke.org.uk/user_avatar/onlinecommunity.stroke.org.uk/mrs5k/32/396_2.png) [@Mrs5K](https://onlinecommunity.stroke.org.uk/u/Mrs5K)\ **Post date:** [19 February 2024 13:27 UTC](https://onlinecommunity.stroke.org.uk/t/hyperbaric-oxygen-therapy/38170/22 "2024-02-19T13:27:56Z")
Thanks for the update. That sounds promising. Why are there always do many forms to fill in 🥴 ---
**Author:** ![clibbers1](https://onlinecommunity.stroke.org.uk/user_avatar/onlinecommunity.stroke.org.uk/clibbers1/32/7919_2.png) [@clibbers1](https://onlinecommunity.stroke.org.uk/u/clibbers1)\ **Post date:** [17 March 2024 19:41 UTC](https://onlinecommunity.stroke.org.uk/t/hyperbaric-oxygen-therapy/38170/24 "2024-03-17T19:41:13Z")
I’m starting this treatment tomorrow, I’m not great in confined spaces but I will have to put my brave pants on. They say it takes about 20 sessions before any difference can be felt so I’ll go as often as I can get there. Wish me luck ---
**Author:** ![clibbers1](https://onlinecommunity.stroke.org.uk/user_avatar/onlinecommunity.stroke.org.uk/clibbers1/32/7919_2.png) [@clibbers1](https://onlinecommunity.stroke.org.uk/u/clibbers1)\ **Post date:** [18 March 2024 19:43 UTC](https://onlinecommunity.stroke.org.uk/t/hyperbaric-oxygen-therapy/38170/27 "2024-03-18T19:43:46Z")
Well that was an experience. You go into a little submarine type capsule with 8 seats, it is quite small and there was someone else in there who wanted to chat. I didn’t want to chat, I was really quite nervous by then. You have a mask fitted and you are told what is going to happen. They warned about the noise that would start when the chamber compressed/decompressed and how to breath regularly. The most important thing is to equalise the pressure in your ears to avoid deafness and your head exploding (they didn’t say that obviously but I was getting more worried by the moment). Door was shut and we were off. It was noisy but the ear business was fine. After about 10 minutes we were at the correct levels and the noise stopped and then 50 minutes just breathing and chilling, You could read or use your mobile but I just concentrated on breathing. Then decompression took about 5 minutes and we were free. If you are in anyway claustrophobic this is not for you, you cannot ask to come out when you feel like it or you’ll end up with the bends ! On the plus side, I have gone 12 hours without needing a nap (a first since the stroke(. In that time, I have ridden my horse out on the roads with no wingman, done a bit of shopping and managed to answer quite a few questions when watching Tipping Point. That’s after one session so all in all I am well chuffed. Just waiting for Only Connect and Uni Challenge now, I knew my real brain was in there somewhere. ---
**Author:** ![Mrs5K](https://onlinecommunity.stroke.org.uk/user_avatar/onlinecommunity.stroke.org.uk/mrs5k/32/396_2.png) [@Mrs5K](https://onlinecommunity.stroke.org.uk/u/Mrs5K)\ **Post date:** [18 March 2024 20:25 UTC](https://onlinecommunity.stroke.org.uk/t/hyperbaric-oxygen-therapy/38170/28 "2024-03-18T20:25:05Z")
@clibbers1 sounds like it went ok for you. Really hope the benefits work long term for you. ---
**Author:** ![EmeraldEyes](https://onlinecommunity.stroke.org.uk/user_avatar/onlinecommunity.stroke.org.uk/emeraldeyes/32/17831_2.png) [@EmeraldEyes](https://onlinecommunity.stroke.org.uk/u/EmeraldEyes)\ **Post date:** [19 March 2024 17:22 UTC](https://onlinecommunity.stroke.org.uk/t/hyperbaric-oxygen-therapy/38170/29 "2024-03-19T17:22:45Z")
You’re gathering a following as we all want hear the outcome of your sessions. So glad you have reaped some reward just from this first session and hope you experience more from your future sessions 😁 [Next page](https://onlinecommunity.stroke.org.uk/t/hyperbaric-oxygen-therapy/38170.md?page=2)