Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) for Peripheral Neuropathy

Hello @piatkowskisc, You will notice that we added to your discussion title to hopefully help members find it and share their experience. You might want to look through discussion and comments on hyperbaric treatments for neuropathy I found using the search on Connect - https://connect.mayoclinic.org/search/?search=hyperbaric+treatments+for+neuropathy.

Also, there is a 2021 research article that might provide more information for you.
--- Mechanistic Rationale and Clinical Efficacy of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy in Chronic Neuropathic Pain: An Evidence-Based Narrative Review
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8084668/
Have you done any research on the treatment?

Hi @piatkowskisc

My neuropathy story is over on a cancer board because my neuropathy was radiation induced, but part of my extensive treatment included 40 rounds of hBOT. For me, it was a game changer.

I was on heavy steroids, Trental plus Vitamin E, and a B vitamin, but still was loosing muscle mass and hand arm/functionality. PT and OT were also used in conjunction with the hBOT.

Nothing changed until after hyperbaric, now I am practicing well, just fuzziness and some loss of finger sensitivity.

Granted, I had a very rare, atypical neuropathy. Also, I should note that the slight chemo-induced neuropathy in my toes remains just as bad as it was, despite all the treatment for the other neuropathy.

Good luck! Hopefully lots of others will chime in.

I have had some good general results re HBOT. But I had it before I developed neuropathy.

So, I don't know specifically how that works.

(I had carbon monoxide poisoning in 2003)

There are some cautions re HBOT and it is worth looking into those. Some re ear problems from the therapy.

Personally, I would definitely NOT use HBOT therapy, on your own. I would go to some clinic and have it done there. And, also, do not do the therapy if there is only one staff person there.

I did the therapy in that kind of "blow up canvass bag" but also in the big "glass tube." The "glass tube" is much more powerful and effective.

Also note...it is kinda scary...maybe more scary than an MRI.

An option would be general oxygen therapy. That is what I do now.

I am on an oxygen concentrator.

This is so helpful to me. I don’t have a definitive diagnosis, but we suspect my neuropathy is radiation induced can I ask what kind of doctor prescribe this treatment for you?

I was still in active treatment so it bounced between my oncologist - ordering the brain/spine MRI, and then when that showed negative for a tumor and positive for nerve activity on the brachial plexus I went to a neurologist. Even though the nerve damage was confirmed she was very hesitant to actually diagnosis it as radiation -induced BPN.

My radiologist then took point and coordinated the treatment, all the medicine and the HBOT.

The farther you are from radiation, the harder it is, I think to get a diagnosis, since there are so many other possibilities.

I did radiation March-May of 2021, and then started the weakness/hand failure in December 2021. It was after my big reconstruction surgery in Sept so with the lifting restrictions I didn't notice the weakness right away. And at PT we were initially happy about the loss of volume on the cancer side because then no lymphoma.

Once we realized the problem my oncologist moved swiftly because I am still in the window of reoccurrence, and anything is seem right away because it might be a tumor. And then after that, probably another cancer related problem, at this point - I am 42 now and pretty healthy otherwise.

Because hyperbaric is considered experimental for radiation induced BP neuropathy my radiologist's first request was denied by insurance, so she had to resubmit with help from the hyperbaric team, but that worked.

This was all at UCLA, so our chamber was like two mini-subs hooked together and you took treatment with people.
I now live in a smaller city (about 250,000 people), but the chamber here is also a room.

Definitely go with a medical chamber with nurses on hand, not a "spa"-type set up.

Thank you again (over and over)! You are only the 2nd person we have found who even knows the term RIBP, but that is exactly what my husband and I think I have. It’s been 12 years now since I first felt numb/tingling in my fingertips (and 22 years since radiation) so I am doubtful it can be reversed for me, but how gratifying to know I’m not alone in this. I miss writing by hand the most. Even living with pain everyday, I tell myself there are worse things in life…and there are. I appreciate you sharing!

Hi Samcal, suffering with IDIOPATHIC SENSORY MOTOR NEUROPATHY, symptoms sensory m now gradual weakness in both legs. Appreciate your comment for OXY CONCENTRATIR.
Plz indicate at how much litres per minute n for how long everyday.
Regards n thanks.
Sunil Aggarwal

Well, you know, that all should be discussed with the doctor. I don't know that what I do will relate to your issues.

I am on 2.0 lpm

I use it all night long. And sometimes during the day...Oh, maybe 1 - 2 hours per daytime, max.

And then, at night, all sleeping hours.

I have heard more advanced discussion of oxygen therapy, generally.

That, for example, there are very professional masks that give you a much better edge with the oxygen.

And other things that I don't do. Those discussions go back over 10 years, I don't know that I remember them all that well. That was back with Yahoo Groups. All those closed down.

The Environmental Health Center in Dallas does very advanced work with patients that have chemical injury (I had carbon monoxide poisoning).

They might be able to answer a few questions? Not sure:
https://www.ehcd.com/
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Then there is the American Academy of Environmental Medicine:
https://www.aaemonline.org/
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And the Clymer Clinic:

through Dr. Neville
https://drandrewneville.com/
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Now all of those places include treatments that are somewhat controversial. But, you know, there might be people there who could answer some of your questions.

I mean, I am pretty sure all of them have MDs and RNs...

so perhaps they can answer some deeper questions for you.

What is an oxygen concentrator?

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oxygen_concentrator
https://www.mayoclinichealthsystem.org/hometown-health/patient-stories/oxygen-and-answers-for-marie-hammes
I have a basic unit and also the portable.