1/3 of test sessions

Hello readers Shawna has completed 13 of the proposed 40 HBOT treatments with very promising results. We are managing to increase the pressure successfully without incidents of discomfort or seizures. While everyone at surface level experiences 1.0 ATA (atmospheres), we started the treatments initially at 2.0 ATA and the first session was extremely uneventful..almost boring. This is eqivalent to being 33 ft underwater. We tried to increase the pressure to 2.2 ATA the next time but Shawna experienced a small seizure approximately 1 minute in duration. We turned the pressure down to 1.75 ATA and she completed the session. That Thursday became a fact finding day and we had her tested for a UTI, and eliminated other stresses for the next session. We kept the TV off and Deb did not try to move Shawna's head at all in the tube for her to watch TV. By the 5th session it was determined that Shawna indeed did have a UTI which was promptly started to be treated. The next few sessions were successful at 2.0 ATA and we slowly introduced the TV again for Deb's entertainment while they were being treated for approx 1 1/2 hr duration in the hyperbaric tube. At the 9th treatment we tried to increase the pressure again to 2.2 ATA but Shawna showed some discomfort to which we reduced it to 2.0 ATA again. In the next session we went successfully to 2.1 ATA and the up to 2.2 and by the 12 and 13th were leveled off at 2.4 ATA. Why all the numbers? Well at 2.36 ATA the pure oxygen at pressure kills bacteria during the treatment. So at 2.4 ATA goodbye UTI! When we get above 2.5 ATA it kills fungus. We are hopeful that this will mean the end of the thrush that has plagued Shawna for 3 years. We've tried so many different treatments to get rid of it but it always comes back when Shawna needs antibiotics, and because she eats nothing orally. In the next few weeks we will attempt to bring Shawna(and Deb) to 2.88 ATA where Bone marrow absorbs the oxygen and produces/activates Stem cells. This is the max amount of pressure which has been used for healing. It is a plateau of sorts. Although the chambers are good to 3.0 ATA it is unnecessary to go deeper. These chambers are rigorously tested because at 2.0 ATA there is 10,000 lbs holding the chamber together. At 2.88 ATA the pressure to keep the chamber intact is 29,000 lbs. Wow! This is also the equivalent of being 62 feet underwater! While Shawna has experienced gains from this treatment, so has Deb. Whereas Deb before the treatment had hypertension (high blood pressure) at 135/85 she was randomly tested after scooting around town for supplies and finally getting to doctors office to get papers signed. She was very apprehensive about the outcome but pleasantly surprised that her blood pressure was normal at 122/80. She has not been that low for 5 years or so and hypertension runs in her family(and mine). The hyperbaric doctor explained that the blood under pressure has been "feeding" the organs and taking the load off the heart muscle. It's also supposed to be a tremendous help for Asthma although Deb has that under control and is not ready to test that part of the theory. Shawna meanwhile has experienced gains in movement and awareness. The gains experienced would have taken months or years to get from what we've experienced over the last few years. There is only a little spasticity left in her left side and she has more movements both purposeful and spontaneous. She can readily center her head now. The physio therapist came again for his regular work with her and was very excited about her capabilities. She was able to stand using her muscles whereas she was using the tone to assist before. I had warned him that the tone/spasticity was almost gone and she was very "floppy". She was able to walk assisted by him from the living room to the kitchen 4 times. She was able to extend the gait pattern further than neutral on her right foot. Amazingly she got stronger as the walks progressed and was not tired completely after the 4th walk. Usually she becomes progressively more tired after each walk. This was the opposite and she was so energized when finished. Smiling and laughing she was laid down for a rest till she had to leave for hyperbaric treatments. Shawna no longer shuts down in a crowd and is able to engage herself with people who talk to her and tries to answer with her blinks although I'm sure she thinks she's talking to them because her mouth and tongue move now a lot! Generally she is very happy most times and when she starts laughing has a hard time to stop! Our lives have become very busy with a lot of help from our brothers and sisters. Whereas I'm still able to work 700am to 300pm, Shawna, and Deb start about the same time and morning routine is finished at 1030am followed by a therapy session each day whether physio, occupational, SLP, or rehab therapy. Deb leaves at 230pm to pick me up in Hamilton and we drive together to the Hyperbaric facility in Mississauga for treatment. We manage to make it home by 700 pm . A full day and then some further activities during the nights. We certainly look forward to the Saturday and Sunday! All in all we are so thankfull for the blessings we've been given. We know that all is in God's hands and we look to him for his guidance. Ps 59.16 " But I will sing of your strength, in the morning I will sing of your love; for you are my fortress, my refuge in times of trouble" Thanking you for your prayers. Al, Deb, Shawna Bethlehem and family