It has been too long since our last post on this blog – sorry for the long gap between updates. It actually feels like a small lifetime since I completed my 40th hyperbaric oxygen treatment on October 1st, but it has been less than four weeks. Suffice it to say…life was full, and I am so amazed at the faithfulness of God.
I am grateful to God for each new day. After the strict schedule of HBOT five days a week, we all kind of let go a bit to “catch our breath”. And, I have to say, I didn’t feel 100% right after the HBOT sessions, but I am steadily improving.
At the beginning of October, I went twice to my naturopath, Dr. Pomroy, and he determined that the results of the HBOT were very good. My major organs were in good shape – I had come a long way from where I had been. My Lyme appears to be in remission (praise the Lord), as the numbers are way down. I did not miss the spiritual significance of having 40 days of treatments, and what that has meant to me both spiritually and physically – God is so good.
One aspect we need to work on next is babesia, a parasite that lives with the red blood cells. Babesia is a co-infection of Lyme, that is, it is borne and transmitted by the same deer tick that transmits the burgdorferi bacteria that is responsible for Lyme. Unlike burgdorferi, babesia is a protozoa that is not killed off by high oxygen levels (so the HBOT has no impact). We were somewhat surprised to see the after-HBOT numbers for babesia so high, but the HBOT literature clearly states that it has no effect on babesia. Although babesia is not nearly as insidious or potent as Lyme disease, it does produce similar symptoms: fatigue, malaise, myalgia, arthralgia, chills, and fever. Also, unlike Lyme, a body with a healthy immune system can fight off infections of babesia on its own, with no other treatment needed. People who have a more severe case of babesiosis are usually treated with two antibiotics, though the treatments are frequently ineffective or have side effects. Of course, we are praying that my improved immune system will overcome the babesia without drug intervention.
Right after the last HBOT, I was extremely fatigued most of the time, longing for one more nap each day. I was always so tired. It also took time for my vision to improve. I drove for the first time on October 21st. I am so grateful to have dear friends to drive David and me to school events. It brought tears to my eyes to be able to go to our school’s park day on October 2nd, the first time in many weeks that I could attend. I was overwhelmed by being in public, though. All the activity and commotion was hard to take in.
My right heel has had quite a bit of pain recently – it seems to be plantar fasciitis, something that started bothering me in May. I need exercise to build up my body after all of my illness, but this condition makes it hard to walk, setting off foot, calf, knee, and hip irritation. As a whole, though, everything is getting better and better, slowly but surely. Dr. Pomroy has recommended some supplements to aid in the boosting of my immune system and to allow my body to combat the babesia.
I have experienced some skin irritations, rashes, and flu-like symptoms – much like the Herx reactions I have had with Lyme. Indeed, these still may be Herx reactions as a result of the HBOT treatments (remember they may occur for up to a month after HBOT), or they may be the “cleansing” side effects of the supplements.
In His Providence, God has seen fit to keep Larry home – without a job or income – for this whole time. There is no way I can express the love and unconditional care and affection he has given to me, without ever complaining or giving up.
In fact, the love and care that our whole family has provided – pulling us together with all the household needs – has been a blessing. We have had prayer, support, and love from our family and friends from the west coast to the east coast of the US, and also from Europe, Japan, and the Philippines. The love and provision we have experienced over the past two years has overwhelmed us with gratitude, refreshing our spirits and encouraging us with each new day. We are humbled to have been given so many blessings.
We grew in confidence, knowing that God would provide and give us wisdom on a daily basis. As each batch of 10 HBOT treatments needed to be pre-paid, financial provision came our way. We are so thankful to all who supported us. We had some tax refund money and another unexpected repayment of a debt as seed money, and the rest of the funds needed for the 40 HBOT sessions were donated.
One special aspect of our Lyme journey was to have my dear friend Karol along the way. The Lord provided for both of us to start hyperbaric treatments at about the same time. There is something so special about having someone alongside of you on the journey. She has an amazing calm that she shares so freely. We could cry, rejoice, and compare our experiences along this new and uncharted path.
I also met amazing people who needed HBOT for treatment of everything from Lyme to Autism (I met some remarkable autistic children and their parents) – all on the journey to better health. We shared a common bond in our experience.
I have felt the presence of God throughout this whole experience. I felt Him walk with me with each new step of faith. Under the wings of an eagle – in the shelter of the Most High – secure in His peaceful embrace. I look forward, with renewed health and strength, to the future God has prepared for us. I also look forward to His provision for a job for Larry, and for all the loose ends to miraculously come together.
While I am at it, let me add that we rejoice with our daughter, Jen, and her husband Ryan, as they pursue their own journey for provision of job and home in Oregon. We will miss them terribly, but we are at peace knowing who directs their path.
Thank you all for your support and love, especially this past four months through my HBOT treatments. I appreciate the awesome team of dedicated, hard-working friends we made at Hyperbaric Centers of California.
With gratitude and love,
Peggy ~ 2008, a year of new beginnings!
I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.
- Rom 8:18 (NIV)
Sunday, October 26, 2008
Wednesday, October 1, 2008
Finished with HBOT!
Well, today Peg completed her 40th and final HBOT dive. When we started this process in July, it seemed like such a huge mountain to climb, but now we stand at the summit and rejoice!
We are very encouraged that this has been a beneficial and successful treatment for Peggy. All indications are that her Lyme disease was aggressively attacked (as evidenced by the Herx reactions that she experienced, and by the gradual diminishing of those reactions). Let me be very clear…we do not put our trust in HBOT; we put our trust in God. The HBOT is beneficial in killing off Lyme, but Peg’s total healing comes from God.
And I do mean ‘total’ healing. Peg has been very strong throughout this entire process, even in the face of adversity, and she has stayed strong through some difficult physical reactions, emotional ups and downs, and some spiritual trials. I believe she has gained strength from God to help sustain her through this journey. In fact, several people who Peg has talked to have commented how much Peg has changed for the better over the last few months. Not only is she feeling better mentally and physically, but she is calmer and more mature spiritually.
So, where do we go from here? Even though Peg has finished her HBOT, we expect a period of time where her body needs to ‘catch up’. Many Lyme patients experience some Herx reactions up to a month after the HBOT sessions have ended, so we are braced for that. Also, we expect it will take some time for Peg’s body to build up strength in the areas that Lyme has weakened. We know of no blood tests that will reliably confirm that Lyme has been eradicated, but Peg has an appointment on Friday with her naturopathic doctor to get a ‘post-HBOT’ assessment in order to gauge what immediate effect HBOT has had. After that, she will begin to build up her body with rest, vitamins, and exercise … and then we will watch and wait.
We will post periodic updates to keep you informed about Peg’s progress and to report her success. Thank you all for your prayers, encouragement, meals, and support (including the invaluable financial support), without which Peg would not have been able to accomplish this milestone.
God bless you,
Larry and Peggy Owens
…let all who take refuge in you be glad; let them ever sing for joy. Spread your protection over them, that those who love your name may rejoice in you. For surely, O LORD, you bless the righteous; you surround them with your favor as with a shield.
- Psalm 5:11-12 (NIV)
We are very encouraged that this has been a beneficial and successful treatment for Peggy. All indications are that her Lyme disease was aggressively attacked (as evidenced by the Herx reactions that she experienced, and by the gradual diminishing of those reactions). Let me be very clear…we do not put our trust in HBOT; we put our trust in God. The HBOT is beneficial in killing off Lyme, but Peg’s total healing comes from God.
And I do mean ‘total’ healing. Peg has been very strong throughout this entire process, even in the face of adversity, and she has stayed strong through some difficult physical reactions, emotional ups and downs, and some spiritual trials. I believe she has gained strength from God to help sustain her through this journey. In fact, several people who Peg has talked to have commented how much Peg has changed for the better over the last few months. Not only is she feeling better mentally and physically, but she is calmer and more mature spiritually.
So, where do we go from here? Even though Peg has finished her HBOT, we expect a period of time where her body needs to ‘catch up’. Many Lyme patients experience some Herx reactions up to a month after the HBOT sessions have ended, so we are braced for that. Also, we expect it will take some time for Peg’s body to build up strength in the areas that Lyme has weakened. We know of no blood tests that will reliably confirm that Lyme has been eradicated, but Peg has an appointment on Friday with her naturopathic doctor to get a ‘post-HBOT’ assessment in order to gauge what immediate effect HBOT has had. After that, she will begin to build up her body with rest, vitamins, and exercise … and then we will watch and wait.
We will post periodic updates to keep you informed about Peg’s progress and to report her success. Thank you all for your prayers, encouragement, meals, and support (including the invaluable financial support), without which Peg would not have been able to accomplish this milestone.
God bless you,
Larry and Peggy Owens
…let all who take refuge in you be glad; let them ever sing for joy. Spread your protection over them, that those who love your name may rejoice in you. For surely, O LORD, you bless the righteous; you surround them with your favor as with a shield.
- Psalm 5:11-12 (NIV)
Saturday, September 27, 2008
Into the last week!
On Friday, Peg completed her 37th dive…just 3 more to go! She took a definite turn for the better last week, with more energy and a clearer head. She still has some aches and pains (especially her heel), though, and she still tires out easily. It will take time for her to regain her endurance.
There has been some question as to whether the initially-prescribed 40 HBOT treatments will be enough. The response to HBOT is unique to each individual Lyme patient, though studies have shown good results with 40 treatments. Based on Peg’s reaction (regular Herx reactions earlier on, and a lessening of reactions recently), we believe that 40 treatments is enough for now. Besides, that’s all that we have money for.
The goal, of course, is for Peg to be Lyme-free. We don’t really expect her to be “cured”, but we expect that the Lyme disease has been hit so hard from the HBOT that Peg’s Lyme will be in remission – indefinitely, by God’s grace. We know from other people’s experiences that after HBOT, it is not unreasonable to expect her Lyme to be in remission or fully controlled by her immune system for years. If, after some time, the Lyme symptoms come back, then it will be time to do some more HBOT.
Give ear to my words, O LORD, consider my sighing. Listen to my cry for help, my King and my God, for to you I pray. In the morning, O LORD, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait in expectation.
- Psalm 5:1-3 (NIV)
There has been some question as to whether the initially-prescribed 40 HBOT treatments will be enough. The response to HBOT is unique to each individual Lyme patient, though studies have shown good results with 40 treatments. Based on Peg’s reaction (regular Herx reactions earlier on, and a lessening of reactions recently), we believe that 40 treatments is enough for now. Besides, that’s all that we have money for.
The goal, of course, is for Peg to be Lyme-free. We don’t really expect her to be “cured”, but we expect that the Lyme disease has been hit so hard from the HBOT that Peg’s Lyme will be in remission – indefinitely, by God’s grace. We know from other people’s experiences that after HBOT, it is not unreasonable to expect her Lyme to be in remission or fully controlled by her immune system for years. If, after some time, the Lyme symptoms come back, then it will be time to do some more HBOT.
Give ear to my words, O LORD, consider my sighing. Listen to my cry for help, my King and my God, for to you I pray. In the morning, O LORD, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait in expectation.
- Psalm 5:1-3 (NIV)
Monday, September 22, 2008
Feeling better...
Today Peg had a good HBOT session, and she also felt pretty good after the treatment. In fact, this past weekend was Peg’s best weekend since she started HBOT. She had lots of energy, and she needed to hold back and do less than she thought she could do, just in case it turned out to be too much. In the end, she led the family project to make homemade enchiladas for Sunday dinner, and she never really got too exhausted.
Peg's hips were hurting earlier today, but with less intensity than they have hurt in the past, and she sometimes gets sleepy during the day. Overall, though, Peg has felt better more consistently the last few days, and she has been thinking clearly, as well.
We are encouraged that the HBOT is doing what it is supposed to do, which is to kill off the Lyme and to reduce it’s debilitating effects.
Peg's hips were hurting earlier today, but with less intensity than they have hurt in the past, and she sometimes gets sleepy during the day. Overall, though, Peg has felt better more consistently the last few days, and she has been thinking clearly, as well.
We are encouraged that the HBOT is doing what it is supposed to do, which is to kill off the Lyme and to reduce it’s debilitating effects.
Friday, September 19, 2008
One more week complete!
Peg wrapped up a successful HBOT week, completing her 32nd treatment today. During today’s session, Peg experienced pain in her hips and legs. She was very weak when she finished the dive, and she needed to rest a bit before the drive home. Over the last couple of days, she has had more pain in her hips, legs, and heels. She also was feeling emotional and weepy last night and this morning. We believe that all of these symptoms are just more of the Herx reactions, and generally the issues are moving down through her body. (You may recall that earlier, Peg had reactions that affected her head and moved down her arms.)
It appears that the HBOT is working, and more of the Lyme bacteria are getting killed off during each session. Also it appears that the earlier treatments killed off the more accessible or vulnerable Lyme, and now the treatments are killing off the Lyme that is more deeply embedded in Peg’s joint and deep muscle tissues.
Peg is staying strong, and her spirits are good. We still haven’t decided if 40 treatments will be enough, but that is still the plan. If so, then there are only 8 more HBOT sessions to go!
This is the day the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.
- Psalm 118:24 (NIV)
It appears that the HBOT is working, and more of the Lyme bacteria are getting killed off during each session. Also it appears that the earlier treatments killed off the more accessible or vulnerable Lyme, and now the treatments are killing off the Lyme that is more deeply embedded in Peg’s joint and deep muscle tissues.
Peg is staying strong, and her spirits are good. We still haven’t decided if 40 treatments will be enough, but that is still the plan. If so, then there are only 8 more HBOT sessions to go!
This is the day the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.
- Psalm 118:24 (NIV)
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
Number 30!
Today Peg completed her 30th HBOT session. That's three-quarters of the way thru the 40 treatments that were prescribed.
Peg has been particularly tired the last few days, but she is generally feeling pretty good, with some bursts of energy at times during the day. There are definitely some Herx reactions, but they are not too strong at this point. Peg also has noticed that her vision has improved somewhat.
The actual HBOT sessions have been going really well. Peg's blood pressure is consistently good during the day, and it is only slightly elevated when she is getting ready for the HBOT. She comes out of the treatments in good spirits, though a little tired.
We are looking forward to wrapping up the treatments in just two more weeks! (Caveat: as we mentioned in an earlier post, we will make an assessment in about a week to see if more than 40 treatments are needed in Peg's case.) It seemed like such a long journey at the start, but now we are on the home stretch.
As in the days of Nehemiah, we realize "that this work had been done with the help of our God." (Neh. 6:16b, NIV)
Peg has been particularly tired the last few days, but she is generally feeling pretty good, with some bursts of energy at times during the day. There are definitely some Herx reactions, but they are not too strong at this point. Peg also has noticed that her vision has improved somewhat.
The actual HBOT sessions have been going really well. Peg's blood pressure is consistently good during the day, and it is only slightly elevated when she is getting ready for the HBOT. She comes out of the treatments in good spirits, though a little tired.
We are looking forward to wrapping up the treatments in just two more weeks! (Caveat: as we mentioned in an earlier post, we will make an assessment in about a week to see if more than 40 treatments are needed in Peg's case.) It seemed like such a long journey at the start, but now we are on the home stretch.
As in the days of Nehemiah, we realize "that this work had been done with the help of our God." (Neh. 6:16b, NIV)
Monday, September 15, 2008
Wishful thinking...
Oops...I guess it was wishful thinking, but in my last post I should have said that Peg has completed 27 HBOT sessions. Sorry about that.
Sunday, September 14, 2008
Persevering...
Peg completed 37 (oops - make that 27) HBOT sessions on Friday. The actual sessions have been going fine, though later she is experiencing some of the usual Herx reactions with regularity. (She did feel a slight reaction partway through Friday’s treatment.) She is feeling a little sick, and she has been tired every day. Even so, Peg says she has been looking forward to going into the chamber, as she knows it will eventually bring healing from the Lyme disease.
Again, I can report that, even during this time of financial struggling, we have received gifts enough for nearly all 40 of the planned HBOT treatments. Thanks to all of you who have given generously to help us through this journey. As mentioned in an earlier post, we will soon be able to decide if 40 treatments are enough in Peg’s case (we hope 40 will be enough).
Please continue to pray with us that God will complete His healing in Peg.
We rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us.
- Rom. 5:2b-5 (NIV)
Again, I can report that, even during this time of financial struggling, we have received gifts enough for nearly all 40 of the planned HBOT treatments. Thanks to all of you who have given generously to help us through this journey. As mentioned in an earlier post, we will soon be able to decide if 40 treatments are enough in Peg’s case (we hope 40 will be enough).
Please continue to pray with us that God will complete His healing in Peg.
We rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us.
- Rom. 5:2b-5 (NIV)
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
This is the air I breathe...
Peg still wasn't able to go in the HBOT on Monday, but she did go in yesterday and today. Both sessions went well, and she has had limited reactions, though she is a bit tired this evening.
Peg reported that she felt refreshed during these recent treatments. So, we are rejoicing that she has completed 25 HBOT sessions!
Friday, September 5, 2008
...and bump, bump, bump
Today was another "no-go" for Peg's HBOT because her blood pressure was somewhat elevated again. Peg was in good spirits in spite of the disappointment of driving out and getting ready for the dive, just to have to turn around and go home.
At this point, we're not exactly sure what may be causing the elevated levels, as Peg's BP has been holding pretty steady for the last several weeks. We will be monitoring her BP over the weekend and try again on Monday.
At this point, we're not exactly sure what may be causing the elevated levels, as Peg's BP has been holding pretty steady for the last several weeks. We will be monitoring her BP over the weekend and try again on Monday.
Thursday, September 4, 2008
A speedbump along the way...
Today, Peg was not able to go into the chamber because her blood pressure was elevated. We're not quite sure why this issue came up now, after 23 treatments, but we're hoping and praying that it is just a temporary glitch in the plan.
We also discussed with Mike, the Hyperbaric Center director, about how to know when Peg will be done with treatments. As every person is different, we will be watching closely for the next few weeks (watching if the Herx reactions diminish, how Peg is feeling, etc.), and we will also need to consult Peg's doctors to see if 40 treatments will suffice, or if any more are needed.
We also discussed with Mike, the Hyperbaric Center director, about how to know when Peg will be done with treatments. As every person is different, we will be watching closely for the next few weeks (watching if the Herx reactions diminish, how Peg is feeling, etc.), and we will also need to consult Peg's doctors to see if 40 treatments will suffice, or if any more are needed.
Wednesday, September 3, 2008
Follow the bouncing ball...
Since last Friday’s HBOT, Peg has experienced a lot of ups and downs. On Saturday, she felt well enough to do some gardening work in the back yard. Afterwards, she was tired, but generally felt good, even with the extra exertion. On Sunday, she felt up to putting together our Sunday dinner, and then we had a restful afternoon as several families from our Life Group came over to swim and bar-b-cue, and everyone pitched in to help with the details.
So far, this week’s treatments have been mixed experiences. On Monday and Tuesday, Peg gave it a try to drive herself. The driving part went fine, but she said that during Monday’s dive she experienced some Herx reactions and a lot of hot flashes (as that is another “benefit” of being at this place in life). She also felt some reactions later in the evening – pain in her hips and one heel, and the head pressure she sometimes gets. At one point, she said the back of her head went numb, which frightened her for a minute until it subsided.
Tuesday’s dive went a little better, but she had to work hard to keep from being overwhelmed by tears at her half-way break. She still had reactions in the evening (hips, heel, legs, and eyesight), but she felt she was “chugging along”. Peg woke up this morning feeling heavy and tired, though.
The folks at the hyperbaric center changed up the protocol a bit for today’s dive. They followed the training pattern for scuba divers: 20 minutes on, then 5 minutes off oxygen (with the hood off), then 20 minutes on, then 5 minutes off, then 20 minutes on, and they also increased the oxygen feed pressure a bit. The net result was a better dive for Peg – she didn’t feel sick at all in the chamber, and she felt like she was breathing fresh, mountain air. We’ll see how things proceed with this new protocol. In the mean time, this evening’s reactions seem to be pretty mild, as well.
We have some very good news to report. As you may be aware, with me being out of work, we have been struggling to come up with the funds for Peg’s HBOT treatments and the gasoline cost for the daily drive. Well, this week we received some gifts and pledges toward Peg’s treatments from some of our dear friends and our church, as well as a gift from a kind couple across the country that we have never even met! So, our financial situation may be unraveling at the seams, but at least we can just about see our way clear to finish Peg’s HBOT without incurring any more debt. PTL!
Why do you say, O Jacob, and complain, O Israel, "My way is hidden from the LORD; my cause is disregarded by my God"? Do you not know? Have you not heard? The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom.
He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.
- IS 40:27-31 (NIV)
So far, this week’s treatments have been mixed experiences. On Monday and Tuesday, Peg gave it a try to drive herself. The driving part went fine, but she said that during Monday’s dive she experienced some Herx reactions and a lot of hot flashes (as that is another “benefit” of being at this place in life). She also felt some reactions later in the evening – pain in her hips and one heel, and the head pressure she sometimes gets. At one point, she said the back of her head went numb, which frightened her for a minute until it subsided.
Tuesday’s dive went a little better, but she had to work hard to keep from being overwhelmed by tears at her half-way break. She still had reactions in the evening (hips, heel, legs, and eyesight), but she felt she was “chugging along”. Peg woke up this morning feeling heavy and tired, though.
The folks at the hyperbaric center changed up the protocol a bit for today’s dive. They followed the training pattern for scuba divers: 20 minutes on, then 5 minutes off oxygen (with the hood off), then 20 minutes on, then 5 minutes off, then 20 minutes on, and they also increased the oxygen feed pressure a bit. The net result was a better dive for Peg – she didn’t feel sick at all in the chamber, and she felt like she was breathing fresh, mountain air. We’ll see how things proceed with this new protocol. In the mean time, this evening’s reactions seem to be pretty mild, as well.
We have some very good news to report. As you may be aware, with me being out of work, we have been struggling to come up with the funds for Peg’s HBOT treatments and the gasoline cost for the daily drive. Well, this week we received some gifts and pledges toward Peg’s treatments from some of our dear friends and our church, as well as a gift from a kind couple across the country that we have never even met! So, our financial situation may be unraveling at the seams, but at least we can just about see our way clear to finish Peg’s HBOT without incurring any more debt. PTL!
Why do you say, O Jacob, and complain, O Israel, "My way is hidden from the LORD; my cause is disregarded by my God"? Do you not know? Have you not heard? The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom.
He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.
- IS 40:27-31 (NIV)
Friday, August 29, 2008
Halfway Done!
Today Peg reached the half-way point with her HBOT! Again she experienced some reaction while in the chamber – this time she felt “cloudy-headed” and the feeling that she was wearing a too-tight swim cap on top of her head. She also said that old injuries began to hurt, one at a time, all over her body. Everything seemed to clear up on the ride home, and she is resting in the back yard, as it is a beautiful day.
We will take the usual weekend break, and then Peg will resume her treatments on Monday (yes, the hyperbaric center is open on holidays).
We will take the usual weekend break, and then Peg will resume her treatments on Monday (yes, the hyperbaric center is open on holidays).
Thursday, August 28, 2008
A Different Dive
Today Peg finished HBOT dive #19. She described today’s dive as different from any other. As I noted earlier, she has been feeling better the last few days…still some aches and pains and some nausea, but generally the reactions are lighter than in the past, and she has been able to be a bit more active.
Last night and today, though, Peg was feeling more tired than usual, and while she was waiting for her treatment, she fell asleep for a few minutes. When she went into the chamber, she began to experience some of the Herxheimer reactions during the dive. A band of pressure across the top of her head, and muscle and joint pain. She said it was hard to stay focused and not cry or be overcome. If she were to cry during the dive, then she would need to stop the oxygen and remove her hood until she regained her composure. Yesterday and today were about the only times that Peg felt chilled in the chamber…usually it feels warm as the pressure increases. She made it through the dive OK, but after the dive, she felt sick and very exhausted. Even so, she was still smiling after it all.
I mentioned last time that Peg was having difficulty with her vision. I suggested that was due to Lyme, but Peg noted that she hasn’t had vision problems because of Lyme in the past (though many Lyme patients do). I found out today that the HBOT treatments often have a temporary effect on vision by changing the shape of the cornea a bit, and her vision is probably actually getting slightly better rather than getting worse. Of course, since she wears prescription glasses, improved vision means that things are not quite as well focused through her glasses – thus her difficulty focusing at distances. After the HBOT, her vision should return to normal.
A lot of other things have been conspiring to make life more difficult for our family, so the fact that Peg has made it nearly halfway through the HBOT is a bright spot for us. We still haven’t gathered the funds for the second half of her treatments, so please continue to pray for provision in that area.
Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.
- James 1:2-4 (NIV)
Last night and today, though, Peg was feeling more tired than usual, and while she was waiting for her treatment, she fell asleep for a few minutes. When she went into the chamber, she began to experience some of the Herxheimer reactions during the dive. A band of pressure across the top of her head, and muscle and joint pain. She said it was hard to stay focused and not cry or be overcome. If she were to cry during the dive, then she would need to stop the oxygen and remove her hood until she regained her composure. Yesterday and today were about the only times that Peg felt chilled in the chamber…usually it feels warm as the pressure increases. She made it through the dive OK, but after the dive, she felt sick and very exhausted. Even so, she was still smiling after it all.
I mentioned last time that Peg was having difficulty with her vision. I suggested that was due to Lyme, but Peg noted that she hasn’t had vision problems because of Lyme in the past (though many Lyme patients do). I found out today that the HBOT treatments often have a temporary effect on vision by changing the shape of the cornea a bit, and her vision is probably actually getting slightly better rather than getting worse. Of course, since she wears prescription glasses, improved vision means that things are not quite as well focused through her glasses – thus her difficulty focusing at distances. After the HBOT, her vision should return to normal.
A lot of other things have been conspiring to make life more difficult for our family, so the fact that Peg has made it nearly halfway through the HBOT is a bright spot for us. We still haven’t gathered the funds for the second half of her treatments, so please continue to pray for provision in that area.
Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.
- James 1:2-4 (NIV)
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
Better Days
Well, this week’s HBOT sessions have been the best that Peg has experienced so far. As she was in the chamber, she experienced some cloudy-headedness, as well as weakness and trembling, but those reactions were not too severe, and they dissipated fairly quickly. She had some of the usual reactions after the HBOT (achy muscles, especially hips, legs, and feet), but they were not as severe as she has had in the past, and later on she definitely felt better and had more energy. Peg did notice that her eyesight isn't quite as sharp as usual (Lyme disease often temporarily affects vision), so perhaps that is a new area of reaction. We have observed that the reaction aches and pains seem to move throughout her body, out toward her extremities. It’s a little scary, but we’re getting used to it by now.
It’s a bit too soon to tell, but maybe her Herx reactions have peaked, which would indicate that we are getting the upper hand against the Lyme. (Remember, the reactions are caused by the Lyme bacteria dying off more quickly than the body can deal with the “toxic refuse” of dead spirochetes, but if the HBOT is killing the Lyme, there eventually will be fewer bacteria to die off, and the reactions will subside.) Peg has been able to resume her exercise patterns (1-hour long walks near our house and 15-20 minutes “jogging” on the rebounder), so she definitely is feeling better.
We are encouraged that the treatments are working just as we had hoped, and that Peg is on her way to being Lyme-free. At the end of this week, she will have reached the half-way point in the HBOT (and we will also need to come up with the funds for the rest of the sessions). It has been quite a journey, indeed!
It’s a bit too soon to tell, but maybe her Herx reactions have peaked, which would indicate that we are getting the upper hand against the Lyme. (Remember, the reactions are caused by the Lyme bacteria dying off more quickly than the body can deal with the “toxic refuse” of dead spirochetes, but if the HBOT is killing the Lyme, there eventually will be fewer bacteria to die off, and the reactions will subside.) Peg has been able to resume her exercise patterns (1-hour long walks near our house and 15-20 minutes “jogging” on the rebounder), so she definitely is feeling better.
We are encouraged that the treatments are working just as we had hoped, and that Peg is on her way to being Lyme-free. At the end of this week, she will have reached the half-way point in the HBOT (and we will also need to come up with the funds for the rest of the sessions). It has been quite a journey, indeed!
Saturday, August 23, 2008
3 Weeks Down...5 More to Go
Yesterday Peg completed her 15th HBOT session! The process continues to be difficult for her, but we do believe that the treatments are working. Each time she goes into the HBOT, she experiences a feeling of dread that she has to fight to overcome. Then, during the treatment, it is difficult once the hood is in place over her head, and she usually feels like she just can’t go on any longer at about the half-way point. For the last few dives, she has taken a short break midway through the dive, where she turns off the oxygen, removes the hood, and just breathes the air in the chamber for a few minutes. She is still at 2.4 atmospheres pressure, but she can wipe her face and adjust her hair, etc., then she replaces the hood and turns on the oxygen again to resume her dive. She doesn’t go off oxygen long enough to reduce the saturation level in her body, and the break really helps her cope with the dive.
After each dive, Peg’s reaction is somewhat unpredictable. Sometimes she is immediately drained and has a hard time even walking to the car. Other times she has more energy and appears to have little negative reaction. She will usually feel nauseated and weak for a while, and then she will feel better later in the afternoon, and then be extremely tired in the evening. When weekends come, it is a good respite for her, as she can recover from the daily ups and downs somewhat. It is too soon to tell if the Herx reactions are peaking or if they are still increasing. We do expect them to peak at some point, and then begin to diminish somewhere midway through the HBOT sessions.
So far, Peg's blood pressure has been under control. They take her blood pressure before each HBOT session, and she still experiences "white coat" syndrome a bit, but she has been able to get her BP down enough to begin each session. Once she goes into the chamber, she does not appear to have any BP issues.
Please continue to pray for daily strength and endurance to complete her HBOT sessions to the end. This includes financial endurance, as we have paid only for the first 21 sessions, so we need to come up with more funds to finish the full treatment.
After each dive, Peg’s reaction is somewhat unpredictable. Sometimes she is immediately drained and has a hard time even walking to the car. Other times she has more energy and appears to have little negative reaction. She will usually feel nauseated and weak for a while, and then she will feel better later in the afternoon, and then be extremely tired in the evening. When weekends come, it is a good respite for her, as she can recover from the daily ups and downs somewhat. It is too soon to tell if the Herx reactions are peaking or if they are still increasing. We do expect them to peak at some point, and then begin to diminish somewhere midway through the HBOT sessions.
So far, Peg's blood pressure has been under control. They take her blood pressure before each HBOT session, and she still experiences "white coat" syndrome a bit, but she has been able to get her BP down enough to begin each session. Once she goes into the chamber, she does not appear to have any BP issues.
Please continue to pray for daily strength and endurance to complete her HBOT sessions to the end. This includes financial endurance, as we have paid only for the first 21 sessions, so we need to come up with more funds to finish the full treatment.
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
Steady On!
After a break over the weekend, Peg resumed her HBOT sessions on Monday. As you know, last week’s treatments were difficult, but her two treatments this week have been much easier. The Herx reactions have been quite a bit more manageable. Today, for example, Peg felt a little tired, but she reported no severe Herx reactions (so far), and she said she felt pretty good during and after the HBOT. She said that it was reassuring to know that she was making headway against her Lyme disease.
Just a quick review about the HBOT process (in layman’s terms)…under increased pressure (2.4 atmospheres, in Peg’s case), the blood absorbs much more of the gasses you breathe than at normal pressure. For divers breathing air, this can lead to problems when too much nitrogen is absorbed and then decompression comes too quickly (the “Bends”, or decompression sickness). This process and the reason why the gasses are absorbed is described in Wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Decompression_sickness . In the case of HBOT, however, the patient is breathing pure oxygen rather than air, so that it is oxygen that is getting absorbed into the blood and tissues. With oxygen, there is no danger of decompression sickness, as oxygen is beneficial and harmless to the body.
Oxygen is not harmless to Lyme disease, though. Studies suggest that the organisms responsible for Lyme are sensitive to high concentrations of oxygen at the cellular level. In other words, the Lyme bacteria don’t do well in the high-oxygen environment created in the body during HBOT. The result is that the bacteria die off, wherever they are in the body. The dead bacteria are toxic and need to be removed by the body’s normal clean-up process. Unfortunately, when more bacteria die off than the body’s normal process can deal with, there are some negative physical reactions (the Herxheimer reactions we have talked about). This is a mixed blessing…the Herx’s are sometimes difficult to deal with, but they are a sign that Lyme bacteria are dying off in large quantities.
So, in Peg’s case, we’re hoping that there are some Herx’s (to show that the HBOT is working), but that they are not too severe. She’s resting well, despite some mild flu-like symptoms.
Then they cried to the LORD in their trouble, and he saved them from their distress. He sent forth his word and healed them; he rescued them from the grave. Let them give thanks to the LORD for his unfailing love and his wonderful deeds for men.
- Ps 107: 19-21
Just a quick review about the HBOT process (in layman’s terms)…under increased pressure (2.4 atmospheres, in Peg’s case), the blood absorbs much more of the gasses you breathe than at normal pressure. For divers breathing air, this can lead to problems when too much nitrogen is absorbed and then decompression comes too quickly (the “Bends”, or decompression sickness). This process and the reason why the gasses are absorbed is described in Wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Decompression_sickness . In the case of HBOT, however, the patient is breathing pure oxygen rather than air, so that it is oxygen that is getting absorbed into the blood and tissues. With oxygen, there is no danger of decompression sickness, as oxygen is beneficial and harmless to the body.
Oxygen is not harmless to Lyme disease, though. Studies suggest that the organisms responsible for Lyme are sensitive to high concentrations of oxygen at the cellular level. In other words, the Lyme bacteria don’t do well in the high-oxygen environment created in the body during HBOT. The result is that the bacteria die off, wherever they are in the body. The dead bacteria are toxic and need to be removed by the body’s normal clean-up process. Unfortunately, when more bacteria die off than the body’s normal process can deal with, there are some negative physical reactions (the Herxheimer reactions we have talked about). This is a mixed blessing…the Herx’s are sometimes difficult to deal with, but they are a sign that Lyme bacteria are dying off in large quantities.
So, in Peg’s case, we’re hoping that there are some Herx’s (to show that the HBOT is working), but that they are not too severe. She’s resting well, despite some mild flu-like symptoms.
Then they cried to the LORD in their trouble, and he saved them from their distress. He sent forth his word and healed them; he rescued them from the grave. Let them give thanks to the LORD for his unfailing love and his wonderful deeds for men.
- Ps 107: 19-21
Friday, August 15, 2008
One quarter of the way through!
Well, today Peg completed her 10th dive in the HBOT. All this week she has been at 2.4 atmospheres. Monday thru Wednesday were pretty uneventful…just more of the same: some discomfort and pretty mild reactions that come and go in the afternoon and evening.
Thursday, however, was different from all of the other dives. Towards the end of her dive, Peg began to feel worse. She became warm inside the hood, and she seemed to “zone out”. When her hood fogged up, Molly, the technician monitoring the HBOT process, tried to get Peg’s attention to make sure she was OK. Peg felt slow in everything she did, and had trouble understanding Molly over the phone. She also felt a tingling in her arms. At Molly’s instructions, Peg turned off the oxygen and removed her hood, whereupon she did feel better. Peg “sat out” the rest of the dive, but she was not herself when she left the chamber.
Outside the chamber, Peg rested on the couch, but her head felt like nothing she has ever experienced. It wasn’t really pain, and it wasn’t pressure – it was more like writhing, stress, or being out of control, but it was focused in the top of her head. She was emotional and cried quite a bit, and then it passed. She described it as feeling like she was coming apart, and she began to feel more “connected” with the real world as I stroked her head.
Eventually we walked to the car and headed home. About half-way home, Peg began to feel more normal. She had a few more episodes in her head and neck, and then she had a long nap at home. Later, she had that same strange feeling in her shoulders (also accompanied with crying), and still later she had more of the feelings down her arms and wrists, and also down her legs.
When there are symptoms like this in the chamber, there is always a question of whether or not oxygen toxicity is a factor (each patient’s threshold is different), but since the symptoms continued after Peg exited the chamber, it seems like these are just more intense Herx reactions. My personal theory is that the Lyme bacteria are dying off because of the oxygen levels, but once dead, they are just toxic “dross” that the body must then deal with. Another possibility is that the spiral-shaped Lyme bacteria are “boring in” deeper to try to escape the hostile oxygen-laden environment. Either way, the Lyme’s days are numbered, as it can’t survive in the environment that the HBOT creates.
B. burgdorferi, a spiral bacteria that causes Lyme Disease, seen through a microscope
At the end of the evening, Peg felt much better. We stood in the backyard for about 45 minutes and watch the lightening storm as it worked its way across the sky. It was awesome, and it was awesome that Peg was feeling better.
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This morning (Friday), Peg felt exhausted and foggy-headed, and her eyes were swollen from crying. Overall, though, she has been feeling better…swelling is down, here moles and scars are smoother, and she feels more flexible. She decided to go into the HBOT again today. She arranged for a 10-minute break in the middle of the dive, and that seemed to help. Even so, Peg felt overcome and emotional, and had to really fight to cope with feeling sick. Afterwards, Peg had some of the same symptoms as yesterday, but they were less intense. She experiences random pains, and her legs and feet hurt more today, but the head “symptoms” were milder.
So, at this “one-quarter of the way” milestone, Peg can still use your prayers to be able to cope with the reactions and effects of the treatments as the Lyme disease is being defeated. In the mean time, I am proud of Peg’s hard work and her pressing on toward her goal.
All hard work brings a profit…
- Prov. 14:23a (NIV)
Thursday, however, was different from all of the other dives. Towards the end of her dive, Peg began to feel worse. She became warm inside the hood, and she seemed to “zone out”. When her hood fogged up, Molly, the technician monitoring the HBOT process, tried to get Peg’s attention to make sure she was OK. Peg felt slow in everything she did, and had trouble understanding Molly over the phone. She also felt a tingling in her arms. At Molly’s instructions, Peg turned off the oxygen and removed her hood, whereupon she did feel better. Peg “sat out” the rest of the dive, but she was not herself when she left the chamber.
Outside the chamber, Peg rested on the couch, but her head felt like nothing she has ever experienced. It wasn’t really pain, and it wasn’t pressure – it was more like writhing, stress, or being out of control, but it was focused in the top of her head. She was emotional and cried quite a bit, and then it passed. She described it as feeling like she was coming apart, and she began to feel more “connected” with the real world as I stroked her head.
Eventually we walked to the car and headed home. About half-way home, Peg began to feel more normal. She had a few more episodes in her head and neck, and then she had a long nap at home. Later, she had that same strange feeling in her shoulders (also accompanied with crying), and still later she had more of the feelings down her arms and wrists, and also down her legs.
When there are symptoms like this in the chamber, there is always a question of whether or not oxygen toxicity is a factor (each patient’s threshold is different), but since the symptoms continued after Peg exited the chamber, it seems like these are just more intense Herx reactions. My personal theory is that the Lyme bacteria are dying off because of the oxygen levels, but once dead, they are just toxic “dross” that the body must then deal with. Another possibility is that the spiral-shaped Lyme bacteria are “boring in” deeper to try to escape the hostile oxygen-laden environment. Either way, the Lyme’s days are numbered, as it can’t survive in the environment that the HBOT creates.
B. burgdorferi, a spiral bacteria that causes Lyme Disease, seen through a microscope
At the end of the evening, Peg felt much better. We stood in the backyard for about 45 minutes and watch the lightening storm as it worked its way across the sky. It was awesome, and it was awesome that Peg was feeling better.
----------------------------------------------
This morning (Friday), Peg felt exhausted and foggy-headed, and her eyes were swollen from crying. Overall, though, she has been feeling better…swelling is down, here moles and scars are smoother, and she feels more flexible. She decided to go into the HBOT again today. She arranged for a 10-minute break in the middle of the dive, and that seemed to help. Even so, Peg felt overcome and emotional, and had to really fight to cope with feeling sick. Afterwards, Peg had some of the same symptoms as yesterday, but they were less intense. She experiences random pains, and her legs and feet hurt more today, but the head “symptoms” were milder.
So, at this “one-quarter of the way” milestone, Peg can still use your prayers to be able to cope with the reactions and effects of the treatments as the Lyme disease is being defeated. In the mean time, I am proud of Peg’s hard work and her pressing on toward her goal.
All hard work brings a profit…
- Prov. 14:23a (NIV)
Monday, August 11, 2008
Now at 2.4 atmospheres
Today Peg began week 2 of HBOT! This dive was at the goal "depth" of 2.4 atmospheres, and we expect future dives to be at this pressure. Peg began feeling sick about mid-way through the dive, and she was very tired when the dive was complete.
So far, her Herx reactions have been consistent, but not overwhelming. Peg's symptoms have been exhaustion, nausea, headaches, emotional upset, soreness in her hips, legs and heels, and some brain fog. Fortunately, the symptoms come for a while and then go away, so she feels almost OK much of the time. She's being really strong, so sometimes it's hard to know that she's in pain or struggling.
We don't really know how long the reactions will continue, but we pray they won't get much worse. We that know soon, there will be a time for dancing:
There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven: a time to be born and a time to die, a time to plant and a time to uproot, a time to kill and a time to heal, a time to tear down and a time to build, a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance...
- Eccl. 3:1-4 (NIV)
So far, her Herx reactions have been consistent, but not overwhelming. Peg's symptoms have been exhaustion, nausea, headaches, emotional upset, soreness in her hips, legs and heels, and some brain fog. Fortunately, the symptoms come for a while and then go away, so she feels almost OK much of the time. She's being really strong, so sometimes it's hard to know that she's in pain or struggling.
We don't really know how long the reactions will continue, but we pray they won't get much worse. We that know soon, there will be a time for dancing:
There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven: a time to be born and a time to die, a time to plant and a time to uproot, a time to kill and a time to heal, a time to tear down and a time to build, a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance...
- Eccl. 3:1-4 (NIV)
Friday, August 8, 2008
Week One Complete!
Today Peg completed her 5th "dive"...one week down, about 7 more to go! In the middle of today's treatment, she began to feel some of the Herx reactions coming on. For about 20 minutes, it was an endurance test for her, and when she completed the dive, she was feeling very weak and drained.
I drove Peg into Ventura today, so it was good that she could just rest on the way home. By the time we got home, she was feeling a bit better. She just rested, and is feeling pretty good this evening. We expect the Herx reactions to come on fairly strong, reaching a peak in the next week or two, and then they should begin to subside. Peg was in good spirits today, recognizing that the Herx's are an indication that the Lyme bacteria is being killed off. It reminds us of a Marines T-shirt that says, "Pain is weakness leaving the body." In this case, that saying is literally true.
Today's dive was to 2.2 atmospheres...we should reach our goal of 2.4 atmospheres on the next dive, and then we will continue at that level. Peg will rest up this weekend and resume her HBOT sessions on Monday.
Thank you all for your continued prayers. If you have any questions that you would like me to address, you can add a comment to this blog.
But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
- 2 Cor 12:9,10 (NIV)
I drove Peg into Ventura today, so it was good that she could just rest on the way home. By the time we got home, she was feeling a bit better. She just rested, and is feeling pretty good this evening. We expect the Herx reactions to come on fairly strong, reaching a peak in the next week or two, and then they should begin to subside. Peg was in good spirits today, recognizing that the Herx's are an indication that the Lyme bacteria is being killed off. It reminds us of a Marines T-shirt that says, "Pain is weakness leaving the body." In this case, that saying is literally true.
Today's dive was to 2.2 atmospheres...we should reach our goal of 2.4 atmospheres on the next dive, and then we will continue at that level. Peg will rest up this weekend and resume her HBOT sessions on Monday.
Thank you all for your continued prayers. If you have any questions that you would like me to address, you can add a comment to this blog.
But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
- 2 Cor 12:9,10 (NIV)
Thursday, August 7, 2008
Day 4
Peg went in for her 4th HBOT treatment today (at 2.0 atmospheres), and she is feeling a little better than she has the past few days. She says she is happy and grateful… grateful and humbled that this is finally “her turn” and that loved ones are praying for her every day. Last night, Peg was kind of “weepy”, crying easily, but so far tonight, she is more peaceful.
It is still a mental struggle for Peg to go into the HBOT every day. When we first toured the facility, her initial reaction was, “there’s no way I’m going in there.” Over time, she has grown more accustomed to the idea of sitting in a sealed chamber with a hood over your face, but it still runs “cross grain” to her normal thinking. It is also disruptive to our family’s schedule for Peg to drive to Ventura every day…she isn’t used to commuting, just being a taxi service for the kids.
There have been some immediate results from the HBOT sessions. From the first treatment on Monday, Peg said she felt thinner and her body and joints felt more flexible. Even her wedding ring fit a little looser than it did before. She has noticed that there is less pain in her joints, and more “popping” when the joints move more freely. I have previously mentioned some of the negative effects – the Herxheimer reactions that Lyme patients experience with healing. She has had some headaches and muscle aches, and has felt irritated and panicky. Today, though, those symptoms have been a little less, for some reason. Yesterday evening, she was feeling overwhelmed and achy, but this evening she is feeling better physically, with just one bout of tears.
It is still a mental struggle for Peg to go into the HBOT every day. When we first toured the facility, her initial reaction was, “there’s no way I’m going in there.” Over time, she has grown more accustomed to the idea of sitting in a sealed chamber with a hood over your face, but it still runs “cross grain” to her normal thinking. It is also disruptive to our family’s schedule for Peg to drive to Ventura every day…she isn’t used to commuting, just being a taxi service for the kids.
There have been some immediate results from the HBOT sessions. From the first treatment on Monday, Peg said she felt thinner and her body and joints felt more flexible. Even her wedding ring fit a little looser than it did before. She has noticed that there is less pain in her joints, and more “popping” when the joints move more freely. I have previously mentioned some of the negative effects – the Herxheimer reactions that Lyme patients experience with healing. She has had some headaches and muscle aches, and has felt irritated and panicky. Today, though, those symptoms have been a little less, for some reason. Yesterday evening, she was feeling overwhelmed and achy, but this evening she is feeling better physically, with just one bout of tears.
Wednesday, August 6, 2008
Success...days 1, 2 and 3!
In our last post, we said we were just waiting for Peg's blood pressure to get down low enough for her to use the HBOT. Well, it turns out that just sitting back and waiting was what was needed. Peg went in for her first "dive" in the hyperbaric chamber on Monday, and went again on Tuesday and today.
Here's how it happened...over the weekend, Peg felt like she was ready, but there were no dives scheduled until Monday. In the mean time, David and I left on Sunday for a 3-day father-son
camping trip to Yosemite that we had been planning for a while. When Peg and I spoke on Monday, she told me the good news...she was able to get in for her first HBOT session! (Maybe it worked out better because I wasn't around. ;) Anyhow, Peg had gone early to the center in Ventura and spent time relaxing and getting ready, and then her BP was in range, so she was cleared for the treatment. Mike Bittner, the director of the center, accompanied Peg for her dive, and there was another person in for a treatment, as well.
Things went well for Peg's first dive, which was to 1.5 atmospheres. It was, of course, a new experience to be inside the chamber, especially for someone who tends to be claustrophobic, but she came through with flying colors. She repeated the process Tuesday, again without incident, though there was a leak in the new oxygen hood that Peg used (Mike repaired it with a sticky label from the oxygen valve). David and I were on our way home when we heard the news of the second successful HBOT dive.
Today, I drove Peg out to Ventura for her third dive. This time, she went down to 1.75 atmospheres...the goal is to take Lyme patients to 2.4 atmospheres for an hour at a time, but it is good to approach the goal at a good pace, in case there is any reaction. Again, things went smoothly, and Peg was glad to complete day 3.
You may be wondering about the dive experience. First, you get "suited up" in scrubs or other all-cotton clothes, and then you get fitted with a collar that the oxygen hood connects to. Then, you enter the chamber (along with any others who may also be taking or assisting with treatments). Once everyone is in, the hatch is closed the the pressurization process begins. It takes about 15 minutes to pressurize the chamber to the full "depth".
The hatch opens inward and is held shut by the pressure. (In an emergency, the chamber can be depressurized and then the hatch will open by itself.) The entire process is monitored by a technician who watches carefully that everything proceeds according to plan and records the progress in a "dive log".
When the pressure is at the right level, Peg connects the oxygen hood and and turns the valves for oxygen and and exhaust. With this type of multi-
place (multi-person) chamber, the entire chamber is pressurized with compressed air, and then each person has their own oxygen hood (sealed around the neck by the latex collar), which they breathe through once the pressure is achieved (usually for an hour). The goal is to dramatically raise the oxygen level in the body, in order for it to have its healing effects.
After the scheduled time "at depth", the oxygen is turned off and the chamber is slowly decompressed (again, it takes about 15 minutes). When the pressure drops to 1 atmosphere, the hatch is opened, and the dive is complete.
So, this is finally good news, but there are still the Herxheimer reactions to deal with (I describe Herx's in an earlier post). Peg has already experienced some Herx reactions, which are reminiscent of her days when Lyme was running rampant in her. So far, the Herx's are not too bad, but we expect them to get worse until they get better.
So, thank God that we made it this far, and please pray that God will walk with Peg as she experiences the Herx reactions, and that they won't be too much to bear.
Here's how it happened...over the weekend, Peg felt like she was ready, but there were no dives scheduled until Monday. In the mean time, David and I left on Sunday for a 3-day father-son
camping trip to Yosemite that we had been planning for a while. When Peg and I spoke on Monday, she told me the good news...she was able to get in for her first HBOT session! (Maybe it worked out better because I wasn't around. ;) Anyhow, Peg had gone early to the center in Ventura and spent time relaxing and getting ready, and then her BP was in range, so she was cleared for the treatment. Mike Bittner, the director of the center, accompanied Peg for her dive, and there was another person in for a treatment, as well.
Things went well for Peg's first dive, which was to 1.5 atmospheres. It was, of course, a new experience to be inside the chamber, especially for someone who tends to be claustrophobic, but she came through with flying colors. She repeated the process Tuesday, again without incident, though there was a leak in the new oxygen hood that Peg used (Mike repaired it with a sticky label from the oxygen valve). David and I were on our way home when we heard the news of the second successful HBOT dive.
Today, I drove Peg out to Ventura for her third dive. This time, she went down to 1.75 atmospheres...the goal is to take Lyme patients to 2.4 atmospheres for an hour at a time, but it is good to approach the goal at a good pace, in case there is any reaction. Again, things went smoothly, and Peg was glad to complete day 3.
You may be wondering about the dive experience. First, you get "suited up" in scrubs or other all-cotton clothes, and then you get fitted with a collar that the oxygen hood connects to. Then, you enter the chamber (along with any others who may also be taking or assisting with treatments). Once everyone is in, the hatch is closed the the pressurization process begins. It takes about 15 minutes to pressurize the chamber to the full "depth".
The hatch opens inward and is held shut by the pressure. (In an emergency, the chamber can be depressurized and then the hatch will open by itself.) The entire process is monitored by a technician who watches carefully that everything proceeds according to plan and records the progress in a "dive log".When the pressure is at the right level, Peg connects the oxygen hood and and turns the valves for oxygen and and exhaust. With this type of multi-
place (multi-person) chamber, the entire chamber is pressurized with compressed air, and then each person has their own oxygen hood (sealed around the neck by the latex collar), which they breathe through once the pressure is achieved (usually for an hour). The goal is to dramatically raise the oxygen level in the body, in order for it to have its healing effects.After the scheduled time "at depth", the oxygen is turned off and the chamber is slowly decompressed (again, it takes about 15 minutes). When the pressure drops to 1 atmosphere, the hatch is opened, and the dive is complete.
So, this is finally good news, but there are still the Herxheimer reactions to deal with (I describe Herx's in an earlier post). Peg has already experienced some Herx reactions, which are reminiscent of her days when Lyme was running rampant in her. So far, the Herx's are not too bad, but we expect them to get worse until they get better.
So, thank God that we made it this far, and please pray that God will walk with Peg as she experiences the Herx reactions, and that they won't be too much to bear.
Saturday, August 2, 2008
Soon...
We are still in "stand-by" mode, but we expect that soon Peg will be able to try the HBOT again...maybe early next week. We have been monitoring Peg's blood pressure at home, and the results so far have been pretty good.
I will be unable to add another post until at least Wednesday, 8/6, so check back then to see what good news we have to report.
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
Time keeps on spinnin'...into the future
We are still in a holding pattern, waiting for Peg's blood pressure medication to take effect. Her BP numbers have been down, but not enough (at least consistently enough) to start the HBOT, so we will probably wait out this week.
In the mean time, Peg visited her naturopathic doctor, Dr. Pomroy, again on Monday. He is based in Calabasas (New Horizon Naturopathic Clinic), and he has been instrumental in Peg's health improvement over the last two years.
Peg has recently undergone IV treatments, including chelation (to help the body rid itself of toxins) and vitamin and mineral boosts. These IV treatments have had a pretty dramatic effect in rebuilding Peg's weakened immune system and have been helpful in preparing her for the HBOT treatments. Under Dr. Pomroy's care, Peg experienced a steady improvement in her BP, without the use of prescription medication.
Please do pray for us during this time of watching and waiting. It has been discouraging to be at the point where Peg is "ready" for HBOT, and yet we have been unable to proceed because her BP is not consistently down. And, in fact, Peg has long suffered from a case of "white coat hypertension", where her BP rises in clinical settings, even in the relatively comfortable and non-threatening setting of the Hyperbaric Center we are using.
In the mean time, Peg visited her naturopathic doctor, Dr. Pomroy, again on Monday. He is based in Calabasas (New Horizon Naturopathic Clinic), and he has been instrumental in Peg's health improvement over the last two years.
Peg has recently undergone IV treatments, including chelation (to help the body rid itself of toxins) and vitamin and mineral boosts. These IV treatments have had a pretty dramatic effect in rebuilding Peg's weakened immune system and have been helpful in preparing her for the HBOT treatments. Under Dr. Pomroy's care, Peg experienced a steady improvement in her BP, without the use of prescription medication.Please do pray for us during this time of watching and waiting. It has been discouraging to be at the point where Peg is "ready" for HBOT, and yet we have been unable to proceed because her BP is not consistently down. And, in fact, Peg has long suffered from a case of "white coat hypertension", where her BP rises in clinical settings, even in the relatively comfortable and non-threatening setting of the Hyperbaric Center we are using.
Thursday, July 24, 2008
Starting with 'Plan B'
We are waiting for a while before trying to begin the HBOT again...today Peg was checked out by a doctor and received a prescription for Benicar, which she will start taking right away. We don't really know how long it will take for the Benicar to have a positive effect on Peg's blood pressure. Of course, we are hoping and praying that Peg will have a quick response to the medication and that her BP will fall into a good range soon, but everyone's experience with BP medication is a little bit different.
Peg does have HBOT appointments for next week, so if the Benicar works fast, maybe she can keep those appointments.
Peg is in good spirits, and she is tired, but generally feeling well.
Peg does have HBOT appointments for next week, so if the Benicar works fast, maybe she can keep those appointments.
Peg is in good spirits, and she is tired, but generally feeling well.
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
Still Waiting...
Well, today we tried again to start the HBOT. In the morning when we checked, Peg's blood pressure was absolutely normal, so we thought that this one would go through. We took our time, got there early, and Peg relaxed and chatted with some young girls that were waiting for their mom to finish her HBOT.
But, when it came time to take Peg's BP, it was well above normal and even higher than Monday! It doesn't seem like stress was a factor today, just some fluctuation brought about by her condition.
There was an opening in the "mono chamber" (Peg calls it the "Sleeping Beauty" chamber, because it is a horizontal chamber with an acrylic cover, a lot like the casket the 7 dwarfs put Sleeping Beauty into), so we decided to take a walk along the beach to see if Peg's BP would drop. We enjoyed the beautiful day and the crashing surf, and Peg's BP did drop a bit, but not low enough for the HBOT.
So, we will continue with 'plan B' - we have a doctor's appointment tomorrow with the goal of getting some blood pressure medication that will be effective and have few side effects.
If you ignore the failed attempt at the HBOT, we actually had a pretty nice day. The weather was beautiful, the drive was pleasant, the beach was refreshing, and the company was great (Peg and I always like to spend our time together). Even though she couldn't play Sleeping Beauty, Peg still got her kiss from her prince charming ;)
PS - many thanks to Matt S. at FeedBurner...he repaired the problem with email subscriptions, so everything should be working fine now.
But, when it came time to take Peg's BP, it was well above normal and even higher than Monday! It doesn't seem like stress was a factor today, just some fluctuation brought about by her condition.
There was an opening in the "mono chamber" (Peg calls it the "Sleeping Beauty" chamber, because it is a horizontal chamber with an acrylic cover, a lot like the casket the 7 dwarfs put Sleeping Beauty into), so we decided to take a walk along the beach to see if Peg's BP would drop. We enjoyed the beautiful day and the crashing surf, and Peg's BP did drop a bit, but not low enough for the HBOT.
So, we will continue with 'plan B' - we have a doctor's appointment tomorrow with the goal of getting some blood pressure medication that will be effective and have few side effects.
If you ignore the failed attempt at the HBOT, we actually had a pretty nice day. The weather was beautiful, the drive was pleasant, the beach was refreshing, and the company was great (Peg and I always like to spend our time together). Even though she couldn't play Sleeping Beauty, Peg still got her kiss from her prince charming ;)
PS - many thanks to Matt S. at FeedBurner...he repaired the problem with email subscriptions, so everything should be working fine now.
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
BTW...Having trouble subscribing?
By the way...if you are having trouble subcribing to the email messages, there currently seems to be a problem with FeedBurner, the tool we are using to send those messages. We hope to hear back from tech support about the issue. If we don't, and the problem doesn't go away, then we will try removing the feature and then adding it back in again.
We'll keep you informed if there is anything we need subscribers to do.
We'll keep you informed if there is anything we need subscribers to do.
Regrouping...
Yesterday was a difficult day...Peg was pretty discouraged that the most promising thing to help her was "out of reach" because of her blood pressure. And today, when she checked her blood pressure, it was down 20 points...go figure.
Our plan is this: we will try again tomorrow to do the HBOT. We will try to eliminate sources of stress, and we will pray that Peg's BP will not peak again. If her BP is within range, she can proceed with the HBOT treatment tomorrow. Even so, we are anticipating that there is a good chance she will not be within range, so we are prepared for that disappointment.
In the mean time, Peg has a doctor's appointment on Thursday to check into getting some medication for high blood pressure. She has resisted using prescription medications in the past (opting for alternative, natural solutions), but her naturopath said that limited and temporary use of a prescription medication may be the best thing in order to help her get into the HBOT. Several Lyme patients have had good results with Benicar, and it has relatively minor side effects compared to other BP medications.
Either way (if Peg's BP drops naturally, or if she needs to use a BP medication for a while), we hope to resume regular HBOT visits next week. Again, we appreciate your prayers regarding these steps of our journey.
Our plan is this: we will try again tomorrow to do the HBOT. We will try to eliminate sources of stress, and we will pray that Peg's BP will not peak again. If her BP is within range, she can proceed with the HBOT treatment tomorrow. Even so, we are anticipating that there is a good chance she will not be within range, so we are prepared for that disappointment.
In the mean time, Peg has a doctor's appointment on Thursday to check into getting some medication for high blood pressure. She has resisted using prescription medications in the past (opting for alternative, natural solutions), but her naturopath said that limited and temporary use of a prescription medication may be the best thing in order to help her get into the HBOT. Several Lyme patients have had good results with Benicar, and it has relatively minor side effects compared to other BP medications.
Either way (if Peg's BP drops naturally, or if she needs to use a BP medication for a while), we hope to resume regular HBOT visits next week. Again, we appreciate your prayers regarding these steps of our journey.
Monday, July 21, 2008
On your mark, get set, whoa - wait a minute!
So today was to be Peg's first HBOT treatment. We got ready and made the trek to Ventura, and she began the preliminaries. Unfortunately, since HBOT tends to raise your blood pressure, you can't go into the chamber when your blood pressure is too high. Peg's was too high today, so it was a no-go for the HBOT today.
Fluctuating high blood pressure is one of the symptoms of Lyme disease, so we are disappointed, but not too surprised. Peg will be seeing her Naturopath doctor today to see what the best recommendation is. She could try prescription blood pressure medication (and deal with the side effects), or she could try something homeopathic, which tends to work better for her than prescription medication.
Once we figure out how to best deal with her high blood pressure, we'll try the HBOT again.
Fluctuating high blood pressure is one of the symptoms of Lyme disease, so we are disappointed, but not too surprised. Peg will be seeing her Naturopath doctor today to see what the best recommendation is. She could try prescription blood pressure medication (and deal with the side effects), or she could try something homeopathic, which tends to work better for her than prescription medication.
Once we figure out how to best deal with her high blood pressure, we'll try the HBOT again.
Sunday, July 20, 2008
Pre-HBOT Checkup
Today, we visited the Hyperbaric Centers of California (HCOC) in Ventura to meet with Dr. Hirani. Dr. Hirani is the Medical Director at HCOC, and she performed the pre-HBOT physical which is needed to confirm that Peg is a candidate for the treatments.
We also met with Mike Bittner, a co-founder HCOC, and, as always, he was willing and able to answer all of our questions.Peg "passed", so she will begin her HBOT therapy tomorrow, with three treatments scheduled for the coming week. We don't expect much of the Herx reaction at first, so we expect her to do pretty well for now. It will be a challenge for Peg just to go into the chamber and to wear the oxygen hood, as she tends to be a bit claustrophobic. We'll see how well she does tomorrow.
Saturday, July 19, 2008
Hyperbaric Oxygen Treatments (HBOT)
We recently toured the Ventura facility of the Hyperbaric Centers of California (http://www.hcocinc.com/index.html). This is the chamber that Peggy will go into:
Welcome to our journey
Dear family and friends,
We want to thank you for your prayer and encouragement for our family. The Lord has allowed us to face so many trials in the past months, but we are trusting Him to bring us through. Life is hard, but God is so good.
I want to share with you about Peg’s treatments for Lyme disease and ask for you to pray as we seek God’s wisdom and provision for her next step in her “Lyme journey”. Last year we met Crystal, a lady who had experienced a dramatic healing of her Lyme disease symptoms through Hyperbaric Oxygen Treatment (HBOT). Crystal’s testimony about her experience can be found on-line at http://www.hboinfo.com/crystal . Crystal is not necessarily “cured” of Lyme – she may just be in remission – but you can read about her amazing experience in the testimony. Peg recently met Crystal for lunch to talk about her experience, because we believe that HBOT could be beneficial for Peg. We have been praying for provision and wisdom to be able to start Peg with HBOT, as HBOT has been effective in helping many Lyme patients (but there are no guarantees). I have attached pictures of Peg and Crystal, and also of the hyperbaric chamber in Ventura.
The thing that I like about the HBOT therapy is that it makes sense to me how it works. Lyme disease comes from spiral-shaped bacteria (called spirochetes) which are transmitted from a tick bite (or sometimes from a mosquito bite). I think of the spirochetes as weeds that spread throughout the body via the bloodstream like weeds spread in your yard. They are damaged by antibiotics, but the antibiotics do damage to your body as well. With HBOT, the oxygen level in the body’s tissues is raised to a level where the Lyme spirochetes cannot survive, so it kills off the spirochetes without damaging the body.
For the past two years, Peg has had a steady improvement with her various treatments with Dr. Pomroy, a naturopath. She has come a long way in rebuilding her depleted immune system (after several years of antibiotics). Even so, she has good days and bad days. Life is a bit unpredictable when you don’t know if you’ll wake up feeling fine or feeling lousy. Of course, at the same time this has been going on, we have been reeling in our finances. We have been hoping for me to have a steady job so we could get back on our feet financially, so that, in turn, we could start the HBOT during the summer before school starts up again. I feel that this treatment is very important for Peg to start as soon as possible. With the chelation therapy IV’s Peg has had for the past 4 months, along with the protocol she has been following to clear out toxins, Dr. Pomroy feels that she is now strong enough to undergo the HBOT. It been a long, hard journey for Peg – she’s been battling Lyme disease for almost 20 years, and it took 12 frustrating years before she was accurately diagnosed. I am so very proud of her to just keep pressing on.
Now, with the “economic stimulus” money and some money from one of my sons, we have decided to step out in faith and begin the HBOT for Peg. We don’t have enough money to complete the treatments, but I believe God will provide for this as well as our household needs. For the treatments, we will have to drive to Ventura four or five days a week…it will be taxing on our schedule and expensive. We need miracles on several fronts, so please pray.
The HBOT treatment is an aggressive treatment. After the treatments begin, Peg will get a lot sicker again (this is called a Herxheimer reaction), and it may be some time before she will begin to feel better. As hard as it is to go through, the Herx is really a good thing, as it is an indication that the bacteria is being killed off.
We are praying for victory over Lyme disease in our household, and yet we realize that by now, it may have spread beyond just Peg. Lyme disease is difficult to diagnose, and it often lies dormant for years, but indications are that David and I both have been exposed to Lyme disease. We are doing what we can to keep our bodies healthy and our immune systems strong, so that Lyme cannot get a foothold. If Lyme symptoms persist, though, then we will need to follow Peggy in the various treatments.
You can understand how my heart aches for Peg and how I am hopeful that HBOT will turn things around for her. Again, please pray for God’s grace in this situation. We appreciate your words of encouragement and any other help you are able to give.
Moving forward in faith,
Larry
We want to thank you for your prayer and encouragement for our family. The Lord has allowed us to face so many trials in the past months, but we are trusting Him to bring us through. Life is hard, but God is so good.
I want to share with you about Peg’s treatments for Lyme disease and ask for you to pray as we seek God’s wisdom and provision for her next step in her “Lyme journey”. Last year we met Crystal, a lady who had experienced a dramatic healing of her Lyme disease symptoms through Hyperbaric Oxygen Treatment (HBOT). Crystal’s testimony about her experience can be found on-line at http://www.hboinfo.com/crystal . Crystal is not necessarily “cured” of Lyme – she may just be in remission – but you can read about her amazing experience in the testimony. Peg recently met Crystal for lunch to talk about her experience, because we believe that HBOT could be beneficial for Peg. We have been praying for provision and wisdom to be able to start Peg with HBOT, as HBOT has been effective in helping many Lyme patients (but there are no guarantees). I have attached pictures of Peg and Crystal, and also of the hyperbaric chamber in Ventura.
The thing that I like about the HBOT therapy is that it makes sense to me how it works. Lyme disease comes from spiral-shaped bacteria (called spirochetes) which are transmitted from a tick bite (or sometimes from a mosquito bite). I think of the spirochetes as weeds that spread throughout the body via the bloodstream like weeds spread in your yard. They are damaged by antibiotics, but the antibiotics do damage to your body as well. With HBOT, the oxygen level in the body’s tissues is raised to a level where the Lyme spirochetes cannot survive, so it kills off the spirochetes without damaging the body.
For the past two years, Peg has had a steady improvement with her various treatments with Dr. Pomroy, a naturopath. She has come a long way in rebuilding her depleted immune system (after several years of antibiotics). Even so, she has good days and bad days. Life is a bit unpredictable when you don’t know if you’ll wake up feeling fine or feeling lousy. Of course, at the same time this has been going on, we have been reeling in our finances. We have been hoping for me to have a steady job so we could get back on our feet financially, so that, in turn, we could start the HBOT during the summer before school starts up again. I feel that this treatment is very important for Peg to start as soon as possible. With the chelation therapy IV’s Peg has had for the past 4 months, along with the protocol she has been following to clear out toxins, Dr. Pomroy feels that she is now strong enough to undergo the HBOT. It been a long, hard journey for Peg – she’s been battling Lyme disease for almost 20 years, and it took 12 frustrating years before she was accurately diagnosed. I am so very proud of her to just keep pressing on.
Now, with the “economic stimulus” money and some money from one of my sons, we have decided to step out in faith and begin the HBOT for Peg. We don’t have enough money to complete the treatments, but I believe God will provide for this as well as our household needs. For the treatments, we will have to drive to Ventura four or five days a week…it will be taxing on our schedule and expensive. We need miracles on several fronts, so please pray.
The HBOT treatment is an aggressive treatment. After the treatments begin, Peg will get a lot sicker again (this is called a Herxheimer reaction), and it may be some time before she will begin to feel better. As hard as it is to go through, the Herx is really a good thing, as it is an indication that the bacteria is being killed off.
We are praying for victory over Lyme disease in our household, and yet we realize that by now, it may have spread beyond just Peg. Lyme disease is difficult to diagnose, and it often lies dormant for years, but indications are that David and I both have been exposed to Lyme disease. We are doing what we can to keep our bodies healthy and our immune systems strong, so that Lyme cannot get a foothold. If Lyme symptoms persist, though, then we will need to follow Peggy in the various treatments.
You can understand how my heart aches for Peg and how I am hopeful that HBOT will turn things around for her. Again, please pray for God’s grace in this situation. We appreciate your words of encouragement and any other help you are able to give.
Moving forward in faith,
Larry
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