Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Testimonials
Tim Kewin - Wound Treatment
Tim Kewin first learned about hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) when he was a diver in the U.S. Navy. “Coming up too quickly in the water would cause nitrogen bubbles to form in the joints—a condition known as ‘the bends,’ he said. We had to go into a decompression chamber with a raised level of oxygen.” Tim never dreamed HBOT would save his foot many years later.
Tim came to the Allegiance Hyperbaric Center with a wound that wouldn’t heal. He was being treated at Allegiance Wound Care and was referred by orthopaedic surgeon Tudor Tien, MD. “Dr. Tien and the wound center were doing a terrific job, but it was slow going. Hyperbarics definitely speeds the process. Without it, Dr. Tien said I had only a 50 percent chance of healing.”
Unlike when he was in the Navy, Tim discovered he was claustrophobic. “The Allegiance Hyperbaric Center’s chamber is much bigger and more comfortable that the one I used in the Navy, but somehow my age made it harder for me this time.”
Despite this discomfort, Tim stuck it out for four months of HBOT treatment and was able to completely heal his foot. “I did get used to it, and seeing my foot improve helped. The comfortable airplane seats and the company of the other patients made the time go by faster,” he said.
Tim also praised the Allegiance Hyperbaric Center staff and its leader Bindesh Patel, MD. “I can’t say enough good things about their professionalism and compassion. Dr. Patel is very concerned and is always on top of what’s going on,” he said. “The whole team is really knowledgeable—and fun.”
Tim added that he is grateful to the Wound Care staff and Dr. Tien, as well. “Getting me where I am today was definitely a group effort,” he said. They all took very good care of me.”
Donna Cagney - Wound Treatment
Following surgery for breast cancer, Donna Cagney had a wound that wouldn’t heal. As a result, the 86-year-old Jackson resident was in constant discomfort and unable to have a prosthesis made for her.
When her surgeon Phillip Frantzis, MD, first told her about hyperbaric oxygen therapy—a painless high-oxygen-pressure treatment recognized by the American Medical Association for its success in improving chronic, non-healing wounds—Donna was a bit apprehensive. “But, I trusted Dr. Frantzis and was willing to try anything that might help me,” she said.
Donna was referred to Bindesh Patel, MD, of the Allegiance Hyperbaric Center, who explained how hyperbaric therapy works and what she could expect from her treatments. “He works hard and makes it very easy for patients to talk to him and ask questions,” Donna said of Dr. Patel. “During my four-month treatment, he took photos every week to measure my progress. The staff was great, too, and treated me very kindly. I have no complaints.”
With her wound now completely healed, Donna is able to wear her prosthesis and is “feeling 100 percent better.” She’s finally able to resume her favorite activities, wii bowling and playing bingo with her friends.
John Dalton - Wound Treatment
As a person with diabetes, John Dalton is susceptible to wounds that are slow to heal. While being treated at the Allegiance Wound Care Center for a large, particularly resistant area on the back of his calf, John was referred to the Allegiance Hyperbaric Center.
“The Allegiance Wound Care Center is fantastic, and the staff are truly like angels—very compassionate and professional,” John said. “They made a huge improvement with my leg, but there was a small area that just refused to heal.”
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) is a painless high-oxygen-pressure treatment recognized by the American Medical Association for its success in improving certain conditions, including chronic, non-healing wounds. The therapy involves breathing 100-percent oxygen in a pressurized chamber, which causes the oxygen to diffuse into the bloodstream. Among other benefits, HBOT nourishes tissue with poor circulation and boosts the body’s own natural healing process.
“Dr. Patel explained that hyperbaric oxygen therapy can make an amazing difference, but its success depends largely on the patient’s commitment,” John said. HBOT therapy typically consists of two-hour sessions, six days a week for six to eight weeks. “That requires determination the patient’s part,” John said, “but it gives people with diabetes an alternative; if amputation can be avoided, it’s not too much to ask.”
HBOT treatments take place in a comfortable, climate-controlled chamber that accommodates multiple patients. According to John, “the high-tech aircraft seats in the Allegiance Hyperbaric Center are amazingly comfortable. ”
John was actually the first patient at Allegiance Hyperbaric Center when it opened in 2009. After a few sessions, other patients joined him in the chamber. “The atmosphere and the people were just great and always encouraging,” he said.
As the chamber pressurizes most patients experience a sensation similar to an airplane taking off. “There was also a feeling of euphoria,” John said. During the treatment you can comfortably talk, read, nap, play cards or watch a movie. Dr. Patel and his staff are always nearby and very attentive.
“You can rest assured they know what they are doing,” John said. “If anyone has doubts, they can talk to me.” As each treatment session concludes, the air pressure decreases, similar to the feeling you get as a plane is landing.
Seventy hyperbaric oxygen treatments completely healed the abscess on John’s leg. “It took several months, but I almost never missed a treatment. None of the patients complain about having to be there, because we know it is working. The staff are nice, nice people, and they really took care of me.”