Anyone had Hyperbaric Oxygen Treatment after radiation?
Anyone with feedback from having Hyperbaric Oxygen Treatments for post radiation? Starting in a few weeks and interested to know of the experience from anyone who has also had theses treatments.
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I understand the science behind it but have not seen any conclusive results from anything I have read. It wouldn’t be something I would “try” unless I was assured of the benefit.
Is this for salvage of bone from osteoradionecrosis?
@robholdenried, here's more information about hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) therapy.
– Hyperbaric oxygen therapy https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/hyperbaric-oxygen-therapy/about/pac-20394380
I'm tagging a few fellow head and neck cancer members like @wretired2000 @stephanie101 @dakotapat @mindyt @nmkblc1995, who may have HBO experiences to share.
How many treatments are being suggested?
5 days/week for 12 weeks. Each session being 2 hrs. Comments welcomed.
I had osteoradionecrosis of the left jaw after 35 weeks of radiation and 7 sessions of chemo for base of tongue cancer. It was very unusual to get this diagnosis so close to the end of treatment (only a few months). Usually you might see this years after treatment, but hopefully you won’t. I had 30 treatments at the Mayo’s multiplace chamber. I was scheduled for 40. There were usually four of us patients and one nurse. 90 minute sessions. Takes about 2 - 2.5 hours from start to finish. You get a thorough check before and after each treatment. It’s painless. In a multiplace chamber we each had our own oxygen hood. Comfortable chairs. Plenty of blankets. Worst part (being sarcastic), we had to decide what channel to watch on the tv. The treatments worked great for me, which is why I didn’t need the last 10 treatments. The staff was AMAZING!! It’s incredible what the body can do when it has the right treatments to heal the wounds that need a boost. Many doctors never think about HBOT for wound healing. Be sure you talk about it. It offered me such a better outlook on life and quality of life.
Thanks for taking the time to reply and share your experience. I am looking forward to the treatments and optimistic on the outcomes.
Did your insurance pay for these treatments?
Yes they did. I have BCBS PPO.
Note: 7 weeks of radiation treatments with a total of 35 treatments. Not 35 weeks.
Thank you!
Hyperbaric treatments are necessary before my husband has any dental work done. He finished treatment in July of 2021. He had mouth cancer and the flap surgery and treatments. His teeth are shifting and showing signs of decay. He can’t open his mouth enough for dental cleanings. We have been to an oral surgeon and now a dentist he recommended. Whenever he needs something done because of decay etc., he will need hyperbaric treatments first.