Hello Emerald - I rather suspect the 4500 figure is monetary, probably GBP (Pound Sterling), but it may be EUR (Euro) or even USD (US Dollar).
I think what Roland and SmellyPup are talking about is one of those alternative therapies not available on the NHS. If I have researched correctly and I haven’t been spoofed, this is a little like the oxygen coffin that Michael Jackson used to sleep in - he was trying to prolong his life and thought he would live for ever.
The chambers are very expensive, though for someone like Jackson it would be not so, possibly even pocket money.
It seems if you can’t afford it, you can rent some time in a chamber, if you can find one near you as I suspect there aren’t that many for rent (economic viability and all that). Renting does not come cheap, but that is of course relative. Just as a ballpark figure you can get an hour (60 min) to an hour and a half (90 min ) for between 150 and 200 GBP. I expect prices will vary and discounts may vary.
SmellyPup mentions 30 hours at ATA2 (this is some sort of pressure - 2 x atmospheric pressure) in an HBOT (Hyperbaric Oxygen Chamber Therapy) chamber and a cost of 4500 (cost = money = GBP). It seems it took 17 hours to register first signs of success, so that is roughly GBP 2500.
Clearly for SmellyPup (and indeed Roland) this is money well spent as they are both enjoying success with these outside the box therapies. Alas, I suspect this type of therapy whilst appealing may be out of the budgets for most stroke survivors or carers on this forum (or indeed anywhere). Perhaps private medical insurance may cover such costs, but that really is beyond my knowledge boundaries.
So I have stepped into an area I know nothing about just to attempt to answer your question which as I recall was
I would suggest my answer might not be that far off the mark, and may well be comparable to some that an AI bot might offer - AI (or is that A1) is here to stay.
I have found ATA 1.3 very near me, and elsewhere, further afield 2.0
Tonight I ask my Chinese Dr what he thinks
All I can say so far is that I have found 2 reliable, professional sources that assure me the principle is sound.
R
And HBOT does work extremely well for some stroke patients, there is plenty of anecdotal experiences shared out there. Unfortunately the cost and time (>20 hours) keeps most people away, any of us who had a stroke, or many other issues should have received HBOT while in hospital… if only for the cost and knowledge we didn’t.
Pretty much this. Everyone just needs to look at the studies done on HBOT. It’s pretty cutting edge for many illnesses but we do know it decreases “body age” as in reverses some DNA damage, improves anything to do with skin, improves blood flow (some have saved limbs after diabettic damage) etc. The effects on the brain are still being studied in 2025.
It is one day going to a normal part of stroke recovery, like acupuncture should be in the west (in parts of asia its normal treatment).
Yes, I confirm, my Chinese Dr. tells me a Chinese lady who had a super serious stroke here, 6 months ago, has been shipped back to China, and they are giving her HBOT sessions as standard treatment.
R
@clibbers1 seems to have done a comprehensive research/test of this and documented it in 15 posts in the above thread over a period four months (January - April 2024).
And if I have understood correctly, the sessions were carried out at:
“Neuro Wellbeing Centres” previously known as MS Treatment Centres
Attended mostly by Stroke Survivors
Possibly available on the NHS via a GP referral (at least @clibbers1 's treatment was made available by GP referral)
As at February 2024, the cost for 20 sessions (1 hour each) was £10 (10 GBP) which sounds affordable even if you can’t get a GP referral.
Disclaimer:
This post is based on my understanding of what I read in the original post found on this forum. I neither claim any expertise on the subject, nor do I make any recommendations, but I do feel that for anyone considering this, it may be a more affordable alternative to the ATA2 therapies that cost another poster AUD 4500.
I think the reason many don’t see benefits is because they don’t do it long enough I had 29 sessions at ATA2 , 90 mins each, 3 hours each day I did it over about 5 weeks. The video I linked talks about 60 x 90 min over 3 months. That is a lot of HBOT over a short time period.
You can’t just do a few hours here and there it’s not how it works for neuroplasticity gains. I think of it more like a multiplier - the more you have the more gains you will get doing anything else. And the effects if done long enough last for months at least.
Unless you are one of the lucky ones where features get unlocked < 20 hours much like acupuncture.
I spoke to my Chinese Dr and he confirmed the benefits of HBOT ; there would be benefits for anyone, he said, including a 60 year old ( since I am 60 ) with out stroke. Basically it’s just good for our brain. I think he’s just toning down my expectations of just how much can be recovered after 2.5 years.
I wonder if you’d have time for a chat on zoom ?
Maybe PM me if so,
I had acupuncture on Wednesday, first time in 4 weeks. Wake on thursday to lower back pain (more sensitivity is good), better lip sensitivity and more feeling in my legs. She was new to me, which brings it to like 5 different people.
I’ve got a feeling that you see more improvement if you get new people and different spots needled.
Great news, Jace. I stick to my Chinese Dr. who does acupuncture on me every week. It used to be twice a week after my stroke (for 1½ years). Pain is the first thing to register when a nerve starts to come online. Lip & legs great ; I have weekly improvements there even after 2½ years post stroke. Different meridians address different parts of the body. My Chinese Dr. is going to send me details of a neuro surgeon who has an HBOT chamber ; should be close to home. I’m doing Bowen & Craniosacral therapy at the moment.
I’ve made tremendous progress through grounding, and reduced my blood pressure (including the pressure in my affected eye). I have perfect BP even without my evening meds, now.
Keep the news & updates coming in ; bravo !
Roland
- AI (or is that A1) is here to stay.